Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1841-04-14

some practical demonstrations on these
subjects; and, sir, believe they are yet
carving out that determination.
Thus. you see, Mr.. Chairman, that the
efforts of our honorable Secretary OF War,
and of other officers OF Government, Jailed
to bring those negroes back TO State of
slavery. and the agents of Watson We're
compelled to retura without the negroes.
But, in the meantime, Mr.. Walson's
money uas gone, and the negroes aoas
gone also. He had bought the negroes.
as he says, upon the assurance of title held
on, to him by the officers of Government.
These officers had exerted their utmost
skill to get the negroes tor him, but all
bad failed; and Mr.. Watson then applied
10 Congress for compensation for his loss.
| The Commissioner OF Indian Affairs and
the honorable Secretary of War both re-
commend the claim to The favorable con-
slderalon of Congress, and u,ged Us to
make the appropriation. Of the proprie-
" of doing so, shall say nothing at this
time hope to do my duty on that sub
iect when it comes before US. MY object
now is 10 show themanner in which the
officers of this Government have attempt
ed, not only to make US in our national
character, Shareholders, but to make the
freemen OF the North pay This purchaser
! for slaves which he could not catch. /
will beg leave to give the opinion of the
| Commissioner of Iodian Aflirs, 10 his
own words. In letter to the honorable
Secretary of War, dated July |, 1910,
speaking of these negrots, he says, Any
attempt at enforcing claim to them un-
der the Greek warriors, would, perhaps,
have resulted ia conflict; and, as the
hazard of such an issue prevented the use
I of more than persuasive means, | think
Gen. Watson has a ust claim on the Unit
ed States foI the money he paid, and in
teresi." This, sir, is the logic Of the
/ Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and that
same opinion is endorsed by the honora-
| bic Secretary OF War. | have stated, and
think have shown from authentic docu-
ments, that the War in Florida originated
in attempts by our Executive officers TO
support and maintain slavery; that ii has
been renewed and carried on for that pur-
pose; that the money of our nation has
been paid for the purchase OF fugitive
| slaves and of Indian slaves. To these |
now add the fat that those officers deem 1t
just that we should pay for slaves which
! the owners can mol obtain.
When obtained the floor. intended
TO have called the attention of the commit
tee 10 the manner in which this war was
renewed after Gen. Macomb's treaty Of
peace in 1889 But have already de-
tained the committee 100 long, and will
only say that, if the public phpers are to
be accredited, the people of Florida held
meetings for the purpose OF protesting
agains that treaty, for the reason that 1t
permitted the Indians 10 remain in Eiorl-
ia i; and they urged that the territory oc
copied by them would afford harbor for
runaway stares OF course the war con-
tinues sand, like mighty maels'rom draws
within its vortex and swallows up the
q immense resources ofthe nation. For a
period almost equal to that of our ReVo
Iulionary war, the people ofthe Northern
States have been taxed for the purpose oil
carrying on this contest, directed prlncl-
paliy against the fugitive slaves in Florl-
da. To this war, the feelings, the prin
cipes, the Interests, the honor of the free
States are opposed j; vet, sir, they have
been, and still are, compelled to furnish
means for its prosecution. Revolving as
the trading in slaves is 10 the feelings OF
; our Northern people, they have been con-
+ strained to supply the means of purchas-
J ing their fellow beings. Holding, as the
, people OF the North do, "these truths to
be sell stideat. that man IS born free, and
is endured By his Greater aolM the IN.
atienabte right Of liberty" they have been
r obliged TO furnish money to pay for the re
5 capture and re-enslaving of those who
E fleeing from the power that oppressed
. them, had sought in the wilds Of Florida
! those ri hts to which. by the laws of ma
S ture and of natures God, they were EMU
. tied. ::"@.
e Sir. | am anxious to see period put Il
: those abuses Of Northern rights, | de
sire to see this war terminated at the ear
e Hest possible moment; but fear it viii
i not be accomplished by the method pro
e posed by The gentleman from South Caro-
: DINA. NV opinion is that all attempts II
r remove the Indians and leave the negroe
! will prove abortive. We are told that the
! negroes control the Indians. With thos,
f negroes, an unconditional surrender wouit
j be voluntary separation from their rela
i iives and families, and slavery for life
!. They will probably prefer death 10 suct
!. an alternative. OF course the war vii
!; continue unil-the murder of those people
{ bv our army shall proclaim peace to F or
d ida, who refuses peace upon oher terms
J. For one. am prepared 10 send all wht
i will surrender themselves as prisoners O
5 war, to the western country, under tn
r pledged faith Of this nation to protect then
. II L =. L.. L