New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1866-01-30
THE SITUATION IN FLORIDA.

The following letter was written to gentle
man in this city By an officer Of the United
States Army, now stationed in Florida. IL was
strictly private, it never, probably, occurring TO
the writer that it would find its way into print,
inasmuch as it was written to one who year
and half ago exerted himself for the election
of Gen. Mcclellan to the Presidency. 1t may
be accepted, therefore, as perfectly unbiased
opinion, and on that account the more valuable.
How it got into our hands is nobody's business
but We came by it honestly:
TALLAHASSEE. Jan. 9, 1866.
MY DEAR FRIEND: am going to give you my views
concerning the condition of things In tins state
which, doubt not may apply to some extent TO the
othe, States once in Instruction. From all we can
gather here parties will split at the North upon the
question whether admit them back at once INTO tue
bosom Of the family or to compel them to endure a
probation for sons time yet. The Administration
seems committed to the ienient policy.
Military officers generally who are stationed here DO
not believe in the fitness Of Florida to he renstated
The inhabitants bitter and about getting back
only for the advantages accruDg from it for the present.
They do not care conceal their real feelings as many
of our officers have felt to their disgust They are art
ful however, and have tried to derdo the officers into
two classesone of which they endeayor to caole and
make instruments Of and the other who cannot be 80
used are excluded from social amenities. They are
particularly down upon the officers OF negro regiments
They are bitter against Union men from their State
who took sides against them and there is reason to fear
for the status in the future Of SUCH unless the United
States takes care Of its own.
The negro think will stand poor chance, unless
the military occupation be continued.
1t being necessary then tor the sake Of friends
the South viz the Union refugees and the black men,
70 continue to occupy the land of what useexceIt to
make trouble and implicaton-would be the readmis-
sion at the present moment Of the State Of Florida
her Senators and representatives. These people do
nand afurther probation until such time as they realize
the crime committed against Government By the Re
beon Of which they entirely unconscious. regard
ing then selves as unfortunates who did not succeed 10
their nefarious plans.
| You know more than do Of these matters. A most
unfortunate thing the omission to pledge the Pro
yisona Governors not 10 accept any office in the gin
II the State TO which they appointed. Who car
give credence TO the statements Of individuals who
commissioned by the Government 10 represent itself
were nevertheless canvassng for election to the unieC
States Senator do not wish to be uncharitaole' Dol
to represent all Provisional Governors as unfathful il
a high sense; but when human nature finds itself de
pendent upon the SURFACES Of men, experience ha
shown its tendency to preVaricate and to fail In
square line Of duty.
Hence, as a rule, Provisional Governors have repre-
scented matters in light which sayors too much OF tn
- Colour de rose"
do not desire to commit myself on this subject b
doing myself harm. without effecting any real good
but am one who doubts sincerely the policy Of push
ing eniency too far in favor OF nsoent and migrate
full heap of rebellious and denaonazed sentiments.
We should II appears to me, and it is our bounden
duty, to SECURE what We have gained first before We
become absurdy magnanmons and generous to persons
who will lose respect exactly in proportion as we yield
unduly to their clamors and exactions The Southern
people have not had proper lesson yet OF our stand
up.a.tweeners and they think We merely oVercame
them through vast numbers and have really no mora
Government We need not be severe, but compel them
to see that we are not willing to lose by an easy good
nature resulting from moral weakness the fruits Of the
great trial through which the nation passed with such
travail and wo