Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1842-05-24
THE FLORIDA WAR.


bruary last and the suggestions of the Major General
commanding the army, contained in his letter of the
9th nit in relation the state of affairs in Florida,
and tie continuance Of hostlties there have been
turely considered, and have now TO communicate to
the Major. General commanding the army, the views
Of the President upon the subject.
The very reduced number of the hostile Indians now
in Florida believed not to exceed two hundred and
forty, including probably eight warriors, would seem
10 indicate that all has been accomplished which can
be effected by the employment OF large military force
in offensive operations Unless such operations to
b. continued until the last Indian in the Peninsula
shall be destroyed captured there must be pc
rod when they should cease. That period, it is be-
lieyed, has arrived. And the protection Of the nha-
biiants must be secured by other means which il is
believed can be efEectuay employed for that purpose.
The season is approaching which forblds the active
and energetic movements which have distinguished the
army in Florida particularly during the last year, and
the course of measures intended 10 be pursued must
now be determined
The communications of the Governor Of Florida, Of
many of its intelligent citizens and of various dstin
gushed officers of the army, corroborate the views ex
pressed by Col WORTH of the proprety Of terminating
the present system of hostteS with The few Indians
remaining in that Territory.
Anxious to curail the extraordinary expenses incl.
dent TO the warfare, and sincerely desrous OF promot-
ing peace, the President directs that Col Worth be au
thorized be shall deem it expedent, to de-
ceased and that they will not be renewed unless pro-
voked by new aggrcssions on their part. And they
will accordingly cease until their renewal by authority.
Blu, this is to be understood forbiddng any acts
of seli-defence either by the troops or by citizens,
against any attempts of Indians 10 modest them.
Such reduction of the military force in Florida as
may be made consistently with the protection Of the in
abtnnts, will therefore Immediately be made, and the
troops ordered Of the Territory will be stationed
the exigency of tile public service may require. But
is deemed advisable that force equal to al least two
regiments be retained 10 form Gordon line of pro-
lection for the frontier settlements The action of
Congress will be invited TO aid in the defence of the
territory, by the settlement of citizens there and
offering 10 them inducements for such settlements, by
grautes Of land, by allowing them rations for sub.
sistence, and by the loan of Until the decision
Of Congress is had the subject, it IS desirable that
the settlements to be made should be within such line
Of protection shall be established by COL WORTH who
will take the necessary measures to effect this arrange
ment.
He will also use the means he possesses of con,mu-
ncating with the Indians yet remaining, and inducing
them consult their interest by joining their bre
lhren at the West.
Shipments of forage and subsistence to Florida will
be suspended until expressy called for by the officer in
command there.
The Quartermaster. General will instruct the senior
officer of his Department in Florida to the manner of
dsposng of the public property TINT may not be re-
CURED for under the arrangements directed,
such mules, horses, wagons &c, subject to The or
ders Of the officer commanding the Army in Florida.
Col. Worth will be informed that the naval force on
the has been directed by the Secretary of the Ma
w, to withdraw whenever the commanding officer in
Florida shall declare the cessation of hostiltes and
shall deem their services no longer necessary.
The Ma or- General commanding the army will
please to communicate these directions to COL Worth,
and give such further and other orders may be
cessary proper carry into effect The views of the
President. (Signed,)
j. c. SPENCER.
Since the date Of these Instructions the number of ousand
Ing Indians according mor has been much reduced.