The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1857-12-21

We are happy 70 learn that the Florida war Is
near lie termination. We had forgotten that there
wss q var In Florida TIL we noticed . few weeks
$40 paragraph stating that the Florida war Is al
most end3 The Florida war 10 sort Of chronic
local iuaammaticn, which only requires the appli-
caticn Of enioiient contract ponltees to keep To
satisfactory and promising condition TO all parties
We mover knew war that was carried on IN
more pleasant, polite, facetious and mutually ias
cinatinE manner, with 30 little loss to anybody
and Apparently % little bad feeling among the nos
tile parties Recent advices announce one anfor-
snnsse occurrence, the death Of sick Indian, by
she u4.ps Of .Tommy," who had been inadvertent.
" captured BY some Of our generous soldiers, and
Who shufned OF this mortal coil on the sth inst
Another unlusky red gentleman was actually kill
"a 10 late encounter with our troops, distress
LOG casualty, almoet unprecedented 10 the history
Of the Florida campaigns. There 10 said to be one
more Indian left, whom the troops are now pursu-
ing, With the most humane intentions, we have no
doubt, and not for the purpose Of staying him, a.
some bioodthirsty newspaper hesrtlessly suggests
il fs confidently anticipated by some that when
this Indian shall be caught the Florida war VIII be
ended. though others think not. Who the Indian
In, we have not ascertained, probably Billy Bow
legs - we have not heard of his DEATH and be has
not yet been arrested. II Billy Bowlegs be the
msn. he win not 10 all probability dodge his pur-
susrs, and escape the General Government for the
nett twenty-five years. He IL an individual Of
great shrewdness, immense powers Of endurance,
and altogether too much benevolence OF character
10 permit himself by falling into the hands of his
pursuers, to be the means of taking away the voca
ton of many gallant and patriotic citizens, whose
lives have always been devoted to the pursuit of
~ krN hat
10 do If taken of the trail of the savages.
The Florida war il an ancient a7d well preserved
war, and we hope will not be terminated in an alb
rupt and undignifed manner. 1t has lasted al
ready almost as long ss a suit in chancery. Gene
rails Of the army have been apprenticed to their no
bic art In Florida thousands of Colonies, Captains
and Ensigns have aeshed their maiden swords in
that venerable military institution. 1t has come
10 be recognized as an auxiliary establishment TO
West Point, holding the same relation to that fa-
nous academy that the sloop-ofwar Preble does to
the naval academy at Annapolis being the school of
practice for the graduating class of Cadets. As
soon as o young man learns the theory of war at
West Point he Is sent to Florida to learn the prsc
tics. At one time the game was very plenty in
Florida, but we have already seen, time and the
multitude of hunters have made the birds scarce.
We suggest that the Legislature of Florida pass a
law for the preservation of Indians, not allowing
any more to be shot until they propagate in sufh-
cient numbers TO give the West Pointers a chance.
Some of our most ilustrious military men are
associated with the history of the Florida war. The
tough old soldier Gaines had his teeth knocked out
10 that contest, and forced to gnaw horse flesh
with his gums; Rough and Ready for while com.
mandsd the forces, but the I'D man was SO iestruc
tive In bis habits and killed so many Indians at a
tims that the government had to send him OFF, for
iear the territory would be depopulated of its
tive Inhabitants. Gen. Scott had his headquarters
for time in the swsmps, and Col. Harvey, at one
period, was put At the head of operations but with
the same savage simplicity of character which dis
tinguished Old lack, he took the whole thing In
earnest, and would have spoiled the whole war, Il
he had not been packed off to post where be
could do no harm. Long may the Florida war
flourish; furnishing pleasant excitement to the
people Of that stste, and provender to our gal
liant soldiers, and 10 no way hurting nor inten d
% to hurt the hair of red mans bead.