The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-10-24
Florida.

FORT MYERS, EAST FLORIDA, Oct, 1851
Interesting Account Of the Iniians-Ihe Operations
Of Billy Boteiegs anithe Gor,rnneu Troops.
This portion Of Florida was but little known till
within the last few years. it being comprised Id the
territory temporarily assigned to the Seminoes by
General Worth, in 1872; and, therefore, could not
be intruded upon. But since the late disturbance
here, the government have thought proper to estab
sh military post the river and it Is at present
the most important in the country. 1t has but
little to recommend 1t ms a residence for the white
mao, but likely from the fact that II is set aside
for the exclusive Of the Indians, that 1t is so
much coveted. For two or three months of the
year-thc rainy seasan-the country is entirely in
undated, which renders the making of large
trenches necessary to carry of the water, while the
close proximity of the everglades, and the large
swamps by which it is surrounded, makes it most
unhealthy-so much so, that out Of force of
about 100 TO 100 men stationed here, twenty to
thirty are almost always on the sick list. The in
termttent fever-the scourge of nearly all thu
Southern States-spares no one. Livery person here,
almost with out an exception, has had attack of
il and the haggsrd countenanco, sunken eye, and
cmaciated appearance Of the men, show clearly the
havoc il makes on their constitutions. Being
fortunate enough TO suffer once from il, is only
warning that you doomed TO have periodical
return as long as you remain in the country, aud
il ultimately requires the bracing air OF the North
to cradles its ban,fu influence from the system.
The effect Of the climate on tho Indian Is quite diff.
ferent- him IL is congenial and delicious, con.
tinual summer; and the large quantity Of game,
and the prolific nature OF the country, puts him,
by little exertion, beyond all chance OF waat.
And in other state of the Union are the Indians
80 naturally well provided for as here This ac-
counts for the tenacity with which they cling to the
soil. They are we'll aware Of the advantages they
possess, and entertain but an Indifferent opinion of
the West, from the accounts they have received
from those Of their brethren that have returnei
after emigrating. They believe II q locality far
from being suited to their wants and habits aud
in o country like this, where every hammock serves
ground they set at nought the threats Of the govern
ment, which are always worse than useless, serving
rather TO exasperate than intimidate them. Per.
suasive measures are always more effective, their
feelings and wishes being more easily guided by
fattery end promises. And II would be necessary
for a person to be intimately acquainted with the
nature of the country, and the manners and habits
of the people, to see the difficulty Of removing them
BY any other than pacific means.
OF those Of the tribe who have emigrated, some
have gone to Join friends and relatives, others know
ing the strong arm Of the government, have seen
the fruisles:ness OF remaining In opposition to II,
present here, with Bowlegs Mt their head, appear
determined never 10 leave, and have disccrnmcnt
enough to see that the United states have declined
using force TO compel them. There can be no doubt
that the best course for the government, would be
TO allow them TO remain in their present territory
II confidence enough could be restored among the
settlers to induce them TO return and cultivate their
land. The Indian Is harmless IS long ~ he is not
imposed on, and the cause Of all their wars might be
traced to crueties or injuries inflicted on them by
the settlers of this state. They certainly peace
ably disposed, many proofs Of which they have given
during the last two years; but, unfortunately,
there Il to be found ut oil times, particularly
'front.' class OF men destitute Of any means Of
making sn honest living, and who for gain would
provoke the Indians TO hostties, and afterwards,
mot emily escape, but make profit from the misfortune,