The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1849-08-11
The Florida Indians-Report of
Further DepredatiOns.

An extra from the office of the Savannah
Georgian, dated August 1, says:
From passengers by the Florida boat,
we learn that another express arrived at
Palatka, Just as the boat was leaving, Civ
ing information of the murder, by the In
dians, of six or seven negroes, the proper
ty of some of the settlers on the Manetee,
between Tampa Bay and Charlott's Har-
Dor. 1t is stated that the Indians first at
tempted to carry off the negroes, but they
resisting, were killed upon the spot.
1t is further reported that the company
of troops from Tampa, with a few volun-
teers, came upon the trail of the Indians
and pursued it to the banks of a stream,
(the name of which we did not learn
where the bridge used for crossing had
been destroyed, and the Indians, to the
number of one hundred, appeared on the
opposite side, armed and painted, giving
the war whoop, daring the troops to cross.
Being so small a number in comparison
to the Indians, the troops felt obliged to
decline the invitation, and returned to
Tampa.
These reports, which are said to be well
authenticated, evince disposition to hos
tility we have heretofore suggested, and of
another regular outbreak.
An editorial in the Jacksonville News,
of the 28th July, written before the receipt
of the news by the last express, intimates
that these depredations are not the conse-
quence of general rising of the Seminole
nation, stating as reasons, that Billy Bow
Legs, one of the principal chiefs, had been
met by the United States troops from Tam
pa, who solemnly disclaimed all participa-
ton in the affair, and charged it upon
band ofoutlaws of the tribe.
All the plantations are deserted, and the
frontier towns along the st. Johns, Lake
Monroe, &C., are placed under military
discipline. Dwellings on plantations most
exposed are picketed in, as during the
last war.
For long time the Indians had every
opportunity Of providing themselves with
the means of defence. They have been
laying up provisions, and have secured
full supply of powder and lead. They
have increased in numbers and feel them
selves ready for another attempt to gain
full possession of the country.
1t is rumored, but we do not credit, that
reinforcements of other Indians have made
their way into Florida; from Alabama and
other quarters. There were few In
dams left in West Florida who might have
joined the Seminoles, but their numbers
were few, and unimportant.
Whether our details are strictly correct
or not, one thing is certain-they are be-
lieved in Florida, and the authorities ofthe
State are promptly acting in reference to
this belief
Gov Moseley has issued requisition
for large number of volunteers, and will
prosecute war of removal or extermina-
ton. We have heard of the requisitton
amounting to the number Of five hundred,
and that if necessary it will be further in
creased. One company has already left
Tallahassee. One hundred men will be
mustered into service at Jacksonville, by
Col. Pons, tomorrow, and double that
number, we learn, are in readiness. Re-
quisitions have likewise been made on the
other counties in East Florida. There
will be no lack of volunteers from the
State. And from the well known charac-
ter of Gov. Morseley, we are satisfied
that the Indians will be removed-if not
by the General Government, by the State,
authorities.