The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-08-30
Our Vlorida Correspondence.
ST.. JoHN's RIVER, August "a, 1919.
The Indian Aggvessioms-Prospects Of War-SMp-
fliea of the Enemy.

d. JOHNS hIVkk, August zas Aoso'
The INDIAN Agsvsssions-P Prospects Of War-Smp-
plies Of the Enemy.
Notwithstanding the many reports IN the papers
respecting the Semnoles, they appear to have done
nothing to the whites since the murders at Indian
River and Charlotte's Harbor, now nearly six
weeks ago. How they have employed theirleisure,
is a matter Of conjecture; SOME suppose, In the
green corn dance and the compliments Of the sea-
son others Judge, in making ready, this side of
the Father of Waters, for last exhibition of In
dian constancy and prowess Beyond this and
what is mere speculation all the stories you read
90 for nothing. The appearance of the braves in
war.paint, their trails and fires, of Bowlegs hav-
ing dlsavowed all participation" appear TO have
had no foundation but the wish, probably, to make
letters interesting.
Under whatever circumstances the first acts
were committed,. matters nothing now, excusa-
BILE or inexcusable: whether the deeds OF a part
or of the whole, OF lawlessness or OF delibera-
ton, the peace Of the entire Peninsula of Florida
requires that war to the full extent should be
forced upon the savages. The government and
the inhabitants know equally well what to expect.
1t NAV prove fortunate circumstance that the re-
moval or death of the Semnoles is to be attempted
under the administration of General Taylor, inti-
mately acquainted, as he is, with every aspect of
the undertaking. The very first expedition that
goes 10 the South, having for its immediate object
their capture and destruction, will drive up parties
TO the northern acknowledgements they will,
through all the lines and posts which the skill or
even the numbers of the whites may be able to
draw for their detention. The burning of planta-
tons and the loss of life follow, of course. The
movement may not take place until the hot months
have passed. but the consequences will be the same
The Seminole has made no retracnon he bounced
upon his prey, and Withdrew, like wolf, to its
enjoyment. He looks not back but to return. He
holds no parley; he burns a bridge as he retires,
and gives every token that his mind is made up for
a war that will be amply satisfactory to the pale
face, in duration, and the extent of district over
which he will carry It. The Indians have had
years In which TO reflect upon an outbreak; and
public fame has long time SAID, that. from the
trading stores of the agency, they have laid In
abundant supplies of all the materials of war
Ii is a grave question the people of Florida are
considering-the best method of dislodglng the
enemy The spirit OF the age Will not listen to
ment bounty in these days for scaps; aod, unlike
the usage OF our colonial ancestry of Georgia aud
Carolina, there is no inducement for enterprise In
the way OF taking, shipping, and selling the natives
to the gold washer of Hispanlola Doubtless, a
rewaIdo Of one or two hundred dollars head would
bring bold hunters into the country with their rifles,
thread the recesses of the hammocks, aud reach
every iset Of the Paha-okee This, too, of course,
will never for moment be entertained. But, be-
yond question, the method most practical, and
promising the greatest success, and which has
heretofore, perhaps, done the most, is the purchase
with money. The Spartan virtue Of the Wildcats,
the Tigers and the Aligators, has soitened before
the puissant light of the dollar; for they well un
derstand its medicine, much so as VI they had
at some time made trail through Wall street.
Some people have striven to show that the Indian
and the Jew are one. BE this it may, IT Is GER
tain that the difference is not wide between the
morality of the American savage and pure civiiza-
ton, after all. Ii one sometimes sinks, the other
rises, and their eXtremlties meet. 1t will be some
| thing, however, for William Bowlegs to learn in
| the race of Illumination, that, when he is great
| port collector, he can put in his pouch the money
| that is.given hun to repair lighthouse, and with
perfect ,proprlety he may speculate with 1t IN
| stranded ships.
The money the United States spends for the Florl-
da war in three months time, will be enough to buy
out the freehold Of every Istenuggee in the forest.
This me thod recommends itself on the score OF its
humanity, Justice, and economy OF money and life;
but for all these, as the measure may somehow
put in question the military honor of the country
and the army, it Will not be adopted until the ex-
pense prosecuting the war has become very great,
or the government is driven TO 1t by the force OF
some political necessity. In the meantime, the
matters growing out OF an Indian Wharf.-The failures
of payment, or to carry on hosttles to the public
taste, difficulties with the government officers, and
misunderstanding with military ones, the COM
pensaiion for losses, the enlistment OF volunteers
and all their at odtera-have been and will be in
East Florida the elements for political orostatio on
| He will find life In it, who whistles up and fans
every breeze by which he may rise to or sustain
! himself in Importance, position and wealth G..