Squatter sovereign., 1855-05-08
Rumors Of War with Spain Concentra-
ton of Troops in Florida.

gence which, we confess, Startled us lit
tie at first, but, upon reflection, we are hope
full that We attach much more importance TO
it than it deserved. 1t comes from source
which is entitled to every consideration,
and we deem it proper to submit it to our
readers as it comes to u.s.
We are assured that prominent mer-
chant in Louisville KY, an intimate friend
OF the Secretary of the Treasury, has ad-
vised his correspondents of the receipt of
letters from high source at Washington,
assuring him that there will be war be-
tween the United States and Spain within
sixty or ninety days; that the cabinet was
divided, but that the war party would pre-
vail, and advising him to arrange his bust
ness, which is very extensive, as soon as
possible.
The gentleman from whom we derive the
information also communicated the follow
ing intelligence, derived from an officer Of
the United States Army who professed to
have been advised with, upon the matter to
which it relates. and which gives plausi-
bility, if not probability, to the rumor above
referred to. He says:
awhile the difficulties with spain were.
most promising of trouble, under the Soule
regime, our government quietly concentra-
ted several thousand troops in Florida, con-
yenient for embarkation, aid actually load
ed one or two sailing vessels with heavy
guns and ammunitions, and had them
ready near at hand. The port in Cuba
was selected at which they were to land.
"The plan was, with the regulars, to run
across TO this fort, which could be done in a
few hours, surprise and sieze it, throw up
earthworks with all speed to defend the
position by land, with fleet sufficient to
keep the port open. Thus situated they
We're to call for volunteers, and ten to fif-
teen thousand would arrive in week, sell
armed, and of the fiercest quality. They
were then to move with all dispatch upon
the principal points of the Island. Quit
man and some others are in the secret
! This was the programme.
: ''Such was the position of affairs wher
that singular rumor come up that the Cabi
= net had changed its policy, and kencefortl
!, was to be pacific. Whether this last posi-
: ton was further ruse, mere blind, tn,
result must show. One thing seems Ger
tain-the government does not show til,
expected activity in respect to the Siou,
campaign. They are tardy about it. Onl,
some 1900 OF 400 troops are yet assem-
to bled at Jefferson Barracks, and it may b
s. that the new regiment will have anothe
D. destination yet.
e "The fre-eaters are doubtless quicken
IS ed by the proposition to improve the con
l. dition of the slave population on the Island
e My opinion is, that the Cabinet is conyin
N ced that nothing Lut republican cou
d'etat can save them from the fate Of Ty
lerites. Pierce is good natured. and wi
go over, sure, with a good strong sout
wind"
- How much Importance deserves to b
] attached to this report we cannot say.
:. is understood by our correspondent that til
- "high authority in Washington is NJ
Guthrie. There is no doubt that NOR
than one or two Of Presidents Pierce's az
re visers desire war with Spain, and al
n willing that the nation should disgrace i
IN self, if necessary, in seeking pretext ft
It. it. But we have supposed that a wise
a, and more cautious spirit controlled tie 70
ut eign policy of the government, and TIL
BY the President had come at last to the col
the prosecution Of war which everybot
70 would see had its origin in no delibera
j., wrong, but simply in desire for conque:
&c.