The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-07-03

sufferer" But this annoyance is Of late greatly obvi
ated by clearing away the shrubbery &C., adjacent to
the garrison it being characteristic ofths tribe to ga
at the approach Of civilization in the same man
ner as is looked for by the government with respect
to another resident here but as to the actual num-
Der that will vamoss before the lamentabe slow pro-
gress Of improvement which has attended the State
since its acquisition is easily conectured, and is to
be regretted.
The speedy possession and settlement of this the
southern portion of the peninsula cannot be other
wise than desirable, and pregnant with importance
to the State and country at large. The vast tract OF
country its diversified soil and surface of pine, barren
hammock, prairie and swamp, its peculiar climate
and position, all unite in holding forth unequaled in
ducements to the southern planter and capitalism
fact all who may feel disposed to try their pow and
fortunes in this titled Garden of the Union"
Within its embrace are found the various uxuriant
tropical fruits, in their natural state of vegetation,
(he only portion of the Union so favored) combined
with the culture Of oil the staple products of the
south, which flourish to the highest degree, and but
partially develope the immense resources of the
State, which, when practically tested will vie with
any of her sisters, in value, quality and aggregate
produce.
Her stately pine and sturdy live oak, which cover
an immense area OF surface, have become (aside from
domestic consumption) valuable article Of export,
used in maritime structures, floating in every sea,
purposes in the world.
Let, then, the axe be applied with vigor.
which is to level the material for those 'masts
and spars". upon which the flags and eau
"Speed the plough" and upturn the soil which
is fraught with such valuable qualities; in short,
allow Florida to contribute, according to her
means, to the already unprecedented rate Of ad.
yancement and prosperity experienced by our cou-
try at large; allow her to develope talents she is
known to possess; let such be fostered and encou.
ragged by the parent government; and last, though
not least extirpate from her soil the great obstacle
to her advancement and annoyance to her people,
which, alas, has too long been allowed to stand in
the way, despite OF all treaties, promises, threats,
&c, to the contrary.
/ Then and not till then can she occupy her Just
and proper position in that proud galaxy of stars,
having inscribed upon her banner Excelsior" and
bear the proud title Of the empire State of the
South
word or two concerning the aborgines who by
the way are at present remarkably friendly and
peaceaby disposed although rather reserved in their
intercourse with US.
Many warriors, women and children of all parties,
come in and trade viewing everything with an
air of naughty pride and self satisfaction, the ma
tural result Of late negotiations
King Bowlegs still remains in obscurity, though
constantly promising (through second person) to
soon emerge thereirOm and come in; but how far
his assertions may bereed on has been satisfactorily
tested heretofore. The last message received from
him stated his intention to visit the post immedi-
Dance This is annual Indian festival in which
the whole nation parti; occupying the space
OF three or four days, commencing near the 10th of
the present month Billy is certainly very wary,
and is determined to keep aloof from all possible
danger and influence.
Major French (the Post Commandant) was few
days since honored with a message from the cee-
brated Mickasukie chief, Arpeika, better known as
invitation extended to the Major to hold 'talk at
some stated time and place. but not within ten miles
of the Post. The Major replied, through the mes
sengers, Owo athletic warriors0 that The had no
thing to talk about nor he empowered to do so,
but would be happy to see the old warrior at any
time and place to assure him Of the kind intentions
Of his great father toward him, well as to satisfy
personal desire, long entertained, OF beholding a
parsonage occupying so prominent position in the
history of his race" This, accompanied by guam
tity of ''wy-o.mee" or whiskey, was despatched to
the famous recipient and doubt was well received,
particularly the above named accompanying present.
The garrison last evening, the scene OF thrill.
ling incident, practical illustration OF "Uncle
Tom Stoves Cabin both in theory and principle
particulars are as follows
At sunset on the day in question, signal fire was
deserted the opposite bank Of the river
and half miles, and as is usual in such cases boat
and crew were Immediately despatched to ascertain
the cause OF said fire and convey over any personsl
who might be there in waiting. All supposed the
fire to be built by Indians having desire to cross
over to trade, as is often the case but on approach
ing the shore the party was discovered to consist OF
llree powerful negroes, armed Win rifles ana n
double shot gun, dressed in the German plantation
style, and maniiestng considerable uneasness at the
sight OF the crew.
A glance and few interrogatories convinced all
Of their situation and intentions c.. that they
Enthusiastically fugitive slaves on their way to join
the Indians; but no remarks were passed which
could possibly arouse their suspic ons and they
accordingly given passage to the Post Cat their
own re9uesD to purchase powder. and provi
sions. They were accordingly taken before Major
French, to whom they asserted "that they be-
longed to Billy Bowlegs, and had been out on
a hunt for two months more that their
ammunition and provision were exhausted, and
they wished to obtain as much as would subsst them
until they could reach the Indian village" Not a
very plausible story, certainly, and the Major, inter-
pretng their true characters and Designs questioned
them very closely, and was answered, in part, by
miserable attempt at the Seminole vocabulary, their
words familiar to every soldier and citizen residing
in the vicinity.
This, with other connecting circumstances, con-
frmed the suspicious OF the Major, who Immediately
them in charge of the sergeant Of the guard and
on their arrival at the guard house, discovering the
trap laid, the three gave yell and leap, and dis
appeared in the thicket leaving behind them their
entire stock of provisions and cooking utensils, COM
posed Of oat sack half filled with beef bones,
iron tea kettle, also an axe and one shoe. Thus are
they left in state Of utter restitution and no means
OF alternating their pitable situation.
Vigilant search has been made to discover their
retreat, but without 1t is supposed-f they
reach the Indian village or come in contact with
hunting party-they will be Immediately captured
and brought in. The fugtives supposed to be
from Man-a.tee, settlement near Tampa Bay. The
circumstance has created considerable excitement,
and many conflicting opinions exist, involving the
question Of slavery, its rights wrongs, &C., &C. oh!
"Uncle Tom" where art thoul
BILLY BowLEGs, JR.
letter from a Shaker Elder.