The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-05-14
OFFICIAL.
WAR DEPARTMENT, May 10, 1912.

WAR DEPARTMENT, Nay TO- l642.
The communication of Col Worth of the l4lh
February last and the suggestions of the Major Cen
eral commanding the army, contained in his letter of
the 27tl uno, in relation to the state of affairs in
Florida and the continuance of hostlites there have
been malurely considered and have now to commu-
ncate TO the Major General commanding the army
the viewso of the President upon the subject.
The very reduced number ofthe hostile Indians now
in Florida, believed not to exceed two hundred and
forty including probably eighty warriors, would seem
to indicate that all has been accomplished which can
be effected by the employment of large military force
in offensive operations. Unless such operations are
to be continued until the last Indian the Peninsula
shall be destroyed captured there must be some Pc
| Rod when they should cease. That PERIOD it is be-
lieved, has now arrived. And the protection of the
inhabitants must be secured by other MEANS which it
| is believed can be effectually employed for that
purpose.
The season is approaching which forbds the active
and energetic movements which have distinguished
the army Florida particularly during the last year,
and the course Of measures intended to be pursued
must now be determined.
The communications of the Governor of Flola,
Of many of its intelligent citizens and of various dis
tingushed officers of the army corroborae the views
expressed by Col Worth, of the propriety of teImi
mating the present system of hostilities with the few
Indians remaining in that Territory
Anxious to curtail the extraordinary expenses in
ciden to the warfare and sincerely DESTROYS of promo
ting peace, the President directs that COL Worth be
authorized as soon as he shall deem it expedien to
declare that hostilties against the Indians in Florida
have ceased and that they will be renewed unless
provoked by new aggressons on their part. And
they will accordingly cease until their renewal be
horzed by the proper authority But this is not to be
understood orbiddng any acts fsefdefence eth
by the troops by citizens against any attempts of
Indians to modest them.
Such reduction of the military force in Florida as
may be made consistently with the protection Of the
inhabitants, will therefore Immediately be made, and
the troops ordered out of the Territory, will be sta
toned the exigency of the public service may re-
quire But it is deemed advisable that force
equal to at least two regiments, be retained to
form Gordon line of protection for the frontier
settlements The action of Congress will be invited
to aid in the defence of the Territory, by the settle
ment of citizens there, and offering to them in
ducements for such settlements by gratuties of land
by allowing them rations rsubsisence by the loan
of arms. Until the decision of Congress is had on
the subject it is desirable that the settlements to be
made should be within such line Of protection as
shall be established by Colonel Worth, who will take
the necessary measures to effect this arrangement.
He will also use the means he possesses of CON-
municating with the Indians yet remaining, and in
ducng them to consult their true interest by joining
their brethren at the West
Shipments of forage and subsistence to Florida will
be suspended until expressly called for by the officer
in command there.
The Quartermaster General will instruct the SEMI
officer of his Department in Florida to the man.
of dsposng of the public property that may not
be required for under the arrangements now d.
rected such as mules, horses wagons, &c. subject
to the orders of the officer commanding the rmy in
Florida.
Col. Worth will be informed that the Naval free
tie coast has been directed by the Secretary of the
Navy, to withdraw, whenever the commanding Off
in Florida shall declare the cessation of hostites
and shall deem their services no longer necessary.
The Major General commanding the army will
please communicate these directions to Col Worth,
and give such further and other orders may be ne
cessary proper carry into effect the views of the
President.
(Signed) J. C. SPENCER.