The origin, progress, and conclusion of the Florida war : to which is appended a record of officers, non-commissioned offices, musicians, and privates of the U. S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, who were killed in battle, or died of disease : as also the names of officers who were distinguished by brevets, and the names of others recommended : together with the orders for collecting the remains of the dead in Florida, and the ceremony of interment at St. Augustine, East Florida, on the fourteenth day of August, 1842

Front matter

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Preface

In presenting this volume to my comrades, and to the public, I am aware that I have much to answer for, but I have the satisfaction of feeling that my sins are those of omission, rather than commission.

Frequent interruptions in the preparation of the work have compelled me to pass over incidents and events in too cursory a manner, involving much that is due to a faithful history of the Florida War, as well as to individual reputation and character.

The voluminous correspondence illustrative of the origin of the war, appears at first sight to be a defence of the Seminole Agent, Colonel Gad Humphreys. This is not designed, nor is it necessary. The letters to and from the various parties connected with the General and Territorial Government, as well as the Talks of the Indian chiefs, speak for themselves. They are official papers, records of the times, a part of a nation's history, and if they exhibit a state of affairs discreditable and pernicious', it is but right the facts should be known, that the remedy may be applied to the borders of our country, where the evil is liable to exist, thereby obviating bloodshed, sorrov/ and poverty. The causes of the difficulties in Florida must be apparent to the minds of careful and intelligent readers ; causes not springing up in a day, but nourished for years, aggravated as opportunities offered to enrich adventurers, who had the temerity to hazard the scalping-knife and rifle, and were regardless of individual rights or of law. It must be remembered that Florida, at the period referred to, was an Indian border, the resort of a large number of persons, more properly temporary inhabitants of the Territory than citizens, who sought the outskirts of civilization to perpetrate deeds which would have been promptly and severely punished if committed within the limits of a well regulated community. This is the case on all frontiers. It is unavoidable until well disposed citizens become so numerous as to exert the supremacy of law, when the innocent but too often suffer with the guilty. These temporary inhabitants of Florida, rather than its citizens, have had an active participation in the events that have transpired within her limits for twenty years past. They provoked the Indians to aggressions, and upon the breaking out of the war ignominiously fled, or sought employment in the service of .the General Government, and clandestinely contributed to its continuance. The Federal Government, without a regular force to intimidate the savage, and meet with vigor the

6 PREFACE.

emergency, was compelled to see her citizens basely plundered at noonday, and cruelly murdered upon their very thresholds.

Official reports and other papers illustrating the progress of the war are given. The incidents connected therewith, have been obtained from chiefs and sub-chiefs, who were among the principal actors. In the reports of different commanders, some officers have been favorably noticed. These do not comprise all, deserving the meed of praise. Those who diligently and intelligently performed their duty, merit as high encomiums as others who were more fortunate in encountering the enemy. Courage was a secondary consideration, as illustrated by the maxim of Napoleon : — " That the first quality of a soldier is constancy in enduring fatigue and hardship : courage is the second. Poverty, privation and want, are the teachers and school of the good soldier."

To examine the details of this seven years' war, and to weigh justly the merits and successes of various commanders, as well as the numerous plans proposed and executed, would require a critical examination into records not within my reach, and a maturity of judgment surpassing my own, in order to discuss questions involving the characters of men long in their country's service, and well tried " in many a hard fought field."

On the concluding scenes of the contest, I have been more minute. Inquiry, participation, and access to private and public papers, have enabled me to attach some interest to the incidents that occurred between the officers, the soldiers, and the Indians, not otherwise to be obtained. I am well aware that the names of officers deserving well of their country, are not mentioned. So many having claims, it was impossible to do justice to all. It is enough for both officers and privates to say — " I served and did my duty in Florida."

Of those who have fallen, regulars, volunteers, and militia, their memories remain, and are cherished by their countrymen. They are beyond censure or praise. They fell in the excitement of battle, leaving a brilliant example. Others wasted away by lingering disease, without a voice to soothe and recall the wanderings of the feverish mind, or a gentle hand to smooth the rugged pillow of a soldier's couch. " Sleep on ! Never shall the polluted breath of slander blow upon your ashes ; we will watch with pious care the laurels that shall shade your urn, and wear your names engraven upon our hearts."

J. T. S.

September, 1846.

CHAPTER I.— From July 17, 1821, to March 21, 1830

Cession of the Floridas to the United States. — Relation towards the Indians. — The country occupied by them. — The Seminole nation. — Emigration of the Seminoles from Georgia to Florida, in 1750, under the chief Secoffee. — His character and last words to his sons, Payne and Bowlegs. — A second emigration of Seminoles, in 1808, under Micco Hadjo. — The Mickasukie tribe. — The appointment of Colonel Gad Humphreys as agent of the Seminole Indians. — Governor William P. Duval, superintendent. — The number of Indians occupymg the country in 1821 : number of negroes. — The villages and location. — Treaty of Fort Moultrie. — Colonel James Gadsden, William P. Duval, and Bernardo Segui, commissioners. — Opposition of the Indians to a treaty. — Difficulties in accomplishing the object. — The policy of the federal government towards the Indians. — Embarrassments in carrying out the designs and securing justice. — The superintendent and agent enter into the execution of the treaty. — The Indians remove within the limits assigned. — Apprehended distress for the want of food. — Serious difficulties in keeping the whites and Indians within their hmits. — The first blood shed between the whites and Indians : its effect and consequences — Letter of the agent to the Hon. J. L. Smith, judge U. S. District Court, upon the subject. — Agent's letter to the Acting Governor Walton in regard to the intrusion of the whites, and sale of liquor. — Claims of whites upon the Indians for slaves. — Letter of Governor William P.

Duval in reference to the adjustment of claims. — Letter of the agent to the commissioner of Indian affairs respecting the acts of the territorial legislature in regard to Indians found without the boundary. — Agent's letter to Governor Duval, detailing the state of Indian affairs. — The apphcation of the territorial legislature to remove the Indians from the country. — Instructions of the commissioner of Indian affairs in relation to the disposition of negroes in possession of Indians and claimed by whites. — Letter of William P. Duval upon the same subject. — Critical state of affairs. — Agent's letter to the U. S. district attorney. — Acting-Governor McCarty informs the agent that the whites had killed an Indian near Tallahassee. — The agent's letter to the commissioner of Indian affairs. — The Indians complain of the non-payment of their annuity granted under the treaty of Fort Moultrie. — The assistance of the military force asked to arrest negroes in possession of the Indians, and refused by the war-department. — The Indians murder a white man ; steps taken by the chiefs to arrest the offenders. — The talk of Micanopy and Jumper in regard to the demands made by the war department for negroes in their possession. — Letters from Colonel G. M. Brooke, U. S. army, commanding at Tampa Bay, and from the Hon. J. L. Smith. — Instructions from the commissioner of Indian affairs. — The talk of the chief John Hicks in reference to the demand for slaves. — Letters from Governor Duval and Colonel Gad Humphreys. — Hostihties seem inevitable. — The Indians consent to send a deputation to Arkansas to examine the country. — -The talk of the Seminole nation through the chiefs to the president of the United States. — Embarrassing relations between the whites and Indians. — Colonel Gad Humphreys informed by the commissioner of Indian affairs, that his services as agent to the Seminoles would be dispensed with. — Colonel Humphreys, the manner in which he discharged his duties. — Strong prejudices of the whites against him, and friendship of the Indians. 17

CHAPTER XL— From March 21, 1830, to December 31, 1835.

Major John Phagan appointed agent to the Seminoles. — He accompanies the delegation of Seminoles to Arkansas. — Charges preferred against him. — Treaty of Payne's Landing. — The Indians sent to Arkansas to explore the country. — Commissioner appointed to meet them there : they sign the additional treaty putting in force the treaty of Payne's Landing. — Dissatisfaction of the tribe on their return to Florida. — Conduct and language of the chiefs and Indians in reference to a fulfillment. — First appearance of Oseola or Powell. — The Indians positively refuse to emigrate. — General Wiley Thompson, of Georgia, appointed agent in the place of Phagan. — The general feeling and state of affairs within the nation. — Correspondence of J. H. Eaton, governor of Florida. — Lewis Cass secretary of war. — B. F. Butler attorneygeneral. — General Clinch. — Colonel Gadsden. — General Thompson agent. — Lieutenant Harris, Captains Graham, and Russell, U. S. A. — The Indians assemble in council at Fort King. — The conduct of Micanopy, Jumper, Alligator, and Oseola. — The commanding influence of the negroes over the Indians. — The duplicity and cunning of Oseola. — He placed in irons and under guard in the fort. — Murder of the chief Charley -E-Mathla for favoring emigration. — The Indians prepared for the conflict. — The massacre of General Thompson and Lieutenant Smith by Oseola and party. — Massacre of Major Dade's command: Alligator's account of it. — General Clinch attacked on the Withlacoochee by Oseola. — A fight : he retreats.- — Florida War commenced. — The character of the contest. ... 72

CHAPTER TIL— From January 1, 1836, to December 31, 1840.

The number of Indian warriors in Florida, and tribes to which they belonged. — Number of negro warriors. — Names of the various Indian chiefs, and their importance and characters, viz., Micanopy, Jumper, Little Cloud, Alligator, Holartooche, Kmg Philip, Coacoochee, Sam Jones, Tiger-Tail, Nethlockemathlar, Chekika, Hospetarke, Octiarehe. — The negro Abraham, his importance. — Oseola or Powell, his birth, rank, character, and age. — Measures taken to subdue the Indians. — Cost of the Florida war. — Relative cost of troops between regulars, volunteers, and militia. — General Towson's letter on the subject. — The regular troops, and militia serving in Florida in 1836, 37, 38, 39, 40, and 41.— Generals Clinch, Scott, Call, Jesup, Taylor, Armistead, and Colonel Worth, commanding. — Depredations of the Indians.— General Clinch authorized to call for militia. — General Eustis ordered to Florida. — The movements of General Gaines. — The burial of the dead of Major Dade's command. — Arrival at Fort King of General Gaines. — Returns to Fort Brooke via the Withlacoochee river. — His arrival, and encounter with the enemy. — Death of Lieutenant Izard. — The troops in a pen. — General Gaines's designs. — The attack upon the pen. — The arrival of a messenger from the Indians. — Interview of Adjutant Barrow of the Louisiana volunteers, and Captain Hitchcock, U. S. A., with Oseola and others. — The conduct of Caesar disapproved of by the Indians. — The day when the troops in the pen were to be attacked. — The number of warriors on the ground. — Final result. — General Gaines rehnquishes the command to General Clinch. — General Scott ordered to take command in Florida. — His steps taken to prosecute the war. — General Scott takes the field. — Success of his campaign. — Ordered to conduct the war against the Creeks in Georgia. — Complaints of General Scott's conduct in prosecuting the Florida war. — Difficulties in effecting his object. — General Scott's defence before the court of inquiiy, convened at Frederick, Maryland.— His acquittal. — General C.

K. Call takes command of the Florida army. — Attack upon Micanopy by Oseola or Powell. — Major Hieleman's official report. — Colonel Pierce's expedition to Fort Drane. — His official report of the affair. — General Call's campaigns. — The Tennessee brigade and General Armstrong. — The U. S. marine corps under Colonel Henderson. — Officers of the Creek volunteer regiment. — General Call's second campaign. — Tennesseans attack the Indians. — The result. — Colonel Pierce with the regulars joins General Call. — Battle of the Wahoo Swamp. — Official report of Colonel Pierce of the affair. — The object gained. — Genera] Jesup's operations 12th January, 1837. — Battle of Fort Mellon. — Official report of Colonel Fanning. — Battle of Hatch-Luste Creek. — General Jesup's report. — Colonel Henderson's report. — Disposition of the Indians. — They ask for peace. — The capitulation at Fort Dade. — The Indians agree to emigrate. — Large numbers assemble at Tampa Bay. — Vessels in readiness to take them to New- Orleans. — The ■ surrender of Oseola with his family at Fort Mellon. — He desires peace. — The Florida war supposed to be ended. — Volunteers and militia discharged. — The marines under Colonel Henderson sent north. — Letter of Mr. Poinsett on the subject.— Citizens return to their homes. — The Indians break up their camp near Fort Brooke, and take to the woods under the direction of Oseola and Coacoochee. — The country alarmed. — General Jesup desires to be relieved from the command of the army of Florida. — His letter to the adjutant-general on the subject, July SSth^ 1837. — Another campaign in preparation. — Creek regiment of Indians discharged. — The feeling of citizens towards the Indians. — Volunteers called for fi'om Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. — The address of General Jesup to the army, October 24th, 1837, at the commencement of the campaign.— General Jesup's report of his campaign, July 6th, 1838. — General Jesup's proposition to effect an arrangement with the enemy. — Mr.

Poinsett's answer. — Report of the fight on Jupiter river. — General Jesup's letters. — General Taylor's report of the battle of Okechobee. — Indians commanding in the battle. — Their arrangements for the battle. — Death of Colonel Thompson, Colonel Gentry, Captain Van Suerengen, Lieutenants Center and Brooke. — Capture and death of Oseola. — The manner of capture, and his conduct, &c. — General Jesup relinquishes the command of the Florida army to General Z. Taylor. — General Taylor's report of operations. — He districts the country. — Not carried, out. — General Macomb arrives in the territory. — His arrangement for peace. — His orders to citizens, and report to the secretary of war. — Citizens again return to their plantations. — Confidence partially restored. — The Indians murder express-men, and attack the settlements. — General consternation throughout ' the interior. — Lieutenant-Colonel Harney's command massacred on the Carloosahatchee rivei*. — The report of the assistant adjutant-general. — Lieutenant Hanson captures at Fort Mellon a band of Indians. — Preparations for another campaign. — Extract from the report of Mr. Poinsett in regard to the war. — Governor Reid's message to the territorial legislature. — Blood-hounds sent for to pursue the Indians. — Thirty-two obtained. — Their arrival, and cost. — Manner of tracking the Indians. — The result. — Complaints of memorialists to congress.— Correspondence of the Hon. H. A. Wise, secretary of war, and General Taylor upon the subject.— Troops withdrawn from the field. — General Taylor relieved from the command of the Florida army, by his own request. — Brevet Brigadier-General Armistead succeeds him. — The Spanish Indians participate in the war. — Indian Key attacked by a band of Indians under the Spanish Indian chief, Chekika. — The murder of Dr. Perrine, and the particulars of the escape of his family , 96

CHAPTER IV.— From June 1840, to May 1841.

State of affairs in Florida. — General Z. Taylor rehnquishes the command of the army to General Armistead. — Strength of the army, regulars and militia. — Appropriations. — Attack of the Indians upon a detachment of the 7th infantry between Fort Micanopy and Watkahoota. — Murder of Mrs. Montgomery. — Death of Lieutenant W. M- Sherwood, commanding the party, and Sergeant-Major Carroll. — Affair with Halleck-Tustenuggee and band at Orange Creek. — Resolute conduct of Lieutenant Alburtis, 2d infantry, and his men. — Troops take the field. — Colonel Worth's interview with Coacoochee or Wild Cat, at Camp Cummings. — Consents to assemble his band, and cease hostilities. — His appearance and that of his followers, in coming into camp. — His talk. — He goes out again and returns. — Proceeds to Fort Brooke to see General Armistead. — Entire failure of negotiations through friendly Indians. — Coacoochee promises to assemble his band at Fort Pierce. — His supposed infidelity there. — Orders transmitted for his seizure. — General Armistead, in compUance with orders from Washington, reUnquishes the command of the army to Colonel W. J. Worth, 8th regiment infantry. 247

CHAPTER v.— June, 1841.

Instructions to Colonel Worth on taking command of the army of Florida. — Embarrassments in prosecuting the war. — Strength of the army. — Sick Report. — Monthly expenses of the army. — Civil employes. — Character of guides, interpreters, and Spaniards. — Number and location of the enemy. — Their desperate character. — The Creeks west of the Suwannee river. — A summer campaign determined upon. — Night attack upon the camp of Halleck-Tustenuggee, and disappointment of the troops. — Seizure of Coacoochee or Wild Cat, with fifteen warriors and three negroes.— Sent to New-Orleans. — L. G. Capers, Esq., Indian agent, dispatched with orders from Colonel Worth to intercept and bring them back to Florida. — Importance of the step. — Much dissatisfaction expressed by the public. — Coacoochee and warriors in irons. — Combined movements of the army to root out the enemy. — Their dispersed condition. — General devastation of crops, camps, and wigwams. — Character of the country through which operations were conducted. — Number of fields, &c., destroyed. — Sick report, and sufferings of the troops from disease. — Duties -of officers. — Governor Call urges the necessity of a militia force to co-operate with the army. — Major P. L. Wilcox, U. S. A., engaged in inducing settlers to return to their homes, as authorized by the president of the United States. 266

CHAPTER VL— July and August, 1841.

Coacoochee and warriors arrived at Tampa Bay in irons. — Interview between the commander of the army and these warriors, on the 4th of July, on board the transport in the harbor. — Coacoochee's talk. — He directed to bring in his band or suffer death. — Five messengers appointed to proceed to the interior of the country, to communicate with his band. — His last words to his followers. ^Anxiety of Coacoochee for the return of the messengers. — Forty days, allowed them. — Arrival of the band, with old Micco. — Irons taken off Coacoochee, and he permitted to go on shore to receive his warriors. — His reception. — His dress and conduct. — His speech to them. — A messenger sent to Holatter Micco and Sam Jones. — Coacooche's last words to his brother Otulka. — Departure of the messenger at midnight from the prison-ship. — General operations of the army. — Embarkation of the 1st infantry for New-Orleans. — The service of the regiment, its loss from disease, &c. — Death of Second-Lieutenant Lancaster, 1st infantry. — Arrival of Otulka. — Coacoochee proceeds to Pease Creek. — Colonel Worth at Camp Ogden. — Coacoochee proceeds to Hospetarke's camp. — Returns with him and eighteen warriors — Capture of Hospetarke and warriors — Taken to Fort Brooke, and confined to the prison-ship. —Their designs when visiting the camp. — Coacoochee's tact and sagacity. — The warriors of Coacoochee in irons. — Liberated and put on shore. — Reports of scouts made by officers of the army, during the months of July and August. — Sent to Washington. — Strength of the army. — Sick, &c. — Retrenchment, &c., &c. — Negroes permitted to accompany Indians to Arkansas. — The policy. — Florida, its position and importance. 286

CHAPTER VII.— September and October, 1841.

The state of affairs. — The contest drawing to a close. — The arrival at Fort Brooke of an emissary from Tiger-Tail and Nethlockemathlar, desiring peace and friendship. — Capture of Indians belonging to the band of Halleck-Tustenuggee. — The murder of his sister who desired to surrender.. — He crosses the river St. John's. — Negotiations opened with Pascoffer, a Creek chief, on the Ocklockonne river, through two white men. — Lieutenant Anderson, 2d infantry, surprises an Indian camp and captures the women and children. — Communication had with Arpeika or Sam Jones in the Big Cypress Swamp. — Efforts made to obtain an interview with Halleck-Tustenuggee through fiiendly Indians. — Partial suspension of military operations. — Negotiations in progress through Coacoochce and the old chief from Arkansas, Holartooche. — Coacoochec with six warriors, proceeds to the AnnuttiUga Hammock. — Interview on the margin of the hammock between Tiger-Tail with his band and Coacoochee, at night. — Promise of Tiger-Tail to assemble his band. — Wishes to see Alligator before sm-rendering. — Arrival of the remainder of Hospetarke's band, and release from the prison-ship. — Escape of Sampson, a negro interpreter, from the Big Cypress Swamp. — His narrative. — Harney's massacre on the Carlosahatchee. — The government and councils of the Indians within the swamp. — Authority of the Prophet, Sam Jones, and Billy Bowlegs. — Murder of Messrs. Daniels, HarroU, and Jennings, by the Indians at Martin's Point. — Indians in camp at Fort Brooke alarmed. — Critical state of affairs. — Coacoochee, with nine warriors, proceeds again to obtain an interview with Tiger-Tail. — Friendly Indians dispatched to all quarters, giving notice that negotiations would end in a few days. — The chiefs attribute the murders to young warriors. — The return of Coacooche. — Brings favorable reports from Tiger-Tail. — Coacoochee expresses his anxiety that his band should embark for Arkansas. — Hospetarke concurs. — Preparations at Fort Brooke to prevent the escape of Indians — The day of embarkation determined upon. — Captain W.

Seawell, 7th infantry, ordered to conduct the Indians to Arkansas.— The feeling manifested by the women on their departure from Florida. — The Mickasukie tribe, character, and feelings. — Coacoochee's farewell to Colonel Worth and his staff — His conduct and appearance on the occasion, and his last talk to the officers present and to his band. — The birth, life, and character of Coacooche, and the vicissitudes he had encountered. — His peculiarities, and participation in the attack upon Fort Mellon, and in the battle of Okechobee. — His capture, imprisonment at St. Augustine, Florida, and escape. — His dreams and religious opinions. — The origin of the white men ; the first ever seen in Florida. — The prevalent feeling in Arkansas among the Indians, demanding precaution and vigilance on the part of the federal government. — Arrival of Alligator from Arkansas. — He proceeds to the camp of Tiger-Tail and Nethlockemathlar, and returns with the latter chief — Arrival of Tiger-Tail and his band at Fort Brooke. — Arrival of six companies of the 4th infantry, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel J. Garland, U. S. A. — Lieutenant-Colonel Garland dispatched on special duty to subdue the Creeks west of the Suwannee river. — Five companies 2d dragoons ordered out of Florida. — 3d artillery retained. — Contemplated movements in the Big Cypress Swamp and Everglades. — Depots established at Panta Rossa. — Violent gale on the coast and its disastrous effects. — It alarms the Indians and deters them from surrendering.— Troops in readiness to take the field — Report of Lieutenant J. T. McLaughlin, U. S. N., commanding the Florida squadron, and the report of Captain Burke, 3d artillery, of their expeditions in the Everglades. — General character and results of the operations during the months of September and October. — Sick report of the army. . . . . . . . ., . .311

CHAPTER VIIL

Extracts translated from the Manuscript of the Commandant of St. Augustine, East Florida, Manuel de Montiano, deposited in the public archives of St. Augustine, describing the bombardment of the fort in 1740, by General Oglethorpe, . 337

CHAPTER IX.— November and December, 1841.

Lieutenant-Colonel Garland, 4th infantry, on special duty to expel the enemy east of Tallahassee, to the Suwannee river. — Preparations for a combined movement in the Big Cypress Swamp. — Major Belknap, 3d infantry, proceeds to the Carlosahatchee river to take command. — Death of Midshipman Niles, U. S. N.- — Yellow fever in camp. — Depot and Camps established. — Instructions to the different commanders: plan of co-operation — Troops take the field under Major Belknap. — Major Childs and Lieutenant McLaughhn in canoes. — Colonel Worth meets the different commanders at Waxe Hadjo's. — Landing on the edge of the Everglades. — Operations of the troops in the Big Cypress Swamp and Everglades. — Major Belknap's report. — Lieutenant McLaughlin's report. — Extracts from the journal of an officer of the army, kept from day to day in the swamp. — Lieutenant McLaughlin reports, his passage up the Carlosahatchee river through Fish-eating Creek to Lake Okechobee. — Captain M. Burke's, 3d artillery, expedition in the Everglades. — Letters from Captain McClellan, topographical engineer, in reference to the Carlosahatchee river, and its head- waters. — Lieutenant Marchand's report of an expedition in the Everglades. — Head-quarters re-established at Fort Brooke. — Success of Major Wade, 3d artillery. — Capture of sixty-three Indians. — His report. — The Florida squadron commanded by Lieutenant McLaughlin. — Its depot. — Strength and efficiency of officers and men. — Murder of two friendly messengers by the Creeks near Fort Fanning. — Cowardly spirit of Tiger- Tail. — Declines acting himself, and deters others. — Lieutenant-Colonel Garland's correspondence. — Meeting of Nethlockemathlar and the Creek chief, Octiarche, at the mouth of the Witlilacoochee river. — The latter chief refuses to visit the steamboat. — He is unable to assemble his band: appoints the 12th of January for another meeting. — Embarrassing state of affairs. — Attack made upon the settlement of Mandarin, by Halleck- Tustenuggee. — His haunts found, — The breaking up of the confederacy in the Big Cypress Swamp. — Surrender of the sub-chief Waxe Hadjo. — Reports that Bowlegs, Sam Jones, and the Prophet, had fled for safety. — State of the army : number taken sick, died, and discharged, during the months of November and December. — ■ Successful establishment of settlers at exposed points. — Citzens armed and provisioned 347

CHAPTER X.

Correspondence between the executive of the territory of Florida, and of the state of Georgia, with the federal government, and with Colonel W. J. Worth, commanding the army of Florida, in regard to the mustering of militia to co-operate with the army for the protection of the frontier. — Character of the applications made by citizens for employment. — Remarks upon the expediency of calling out militia to expel the Indians, or to prevent incursions. — Letters from officers of the army, showing the state of the frontiers of Florida and Georgia ; the necessity of troops, and the disposition among the border-settlers. — -The firmness of the Hon. J. C. Spencer and Major-General Scott added much to the successful progress of the war, and to its termination. ........ 403

CHAPTER XL— January and February, 1842.

The hiding-place of Halleck-Tustenuggee found ; strength and character of his band ; his own character. — Precautionary measures taken to prevent his surprising the settlements. — Major Plympton ordered to take the field with three companies of the 2d infantry. — Fight with Halleck-Tustenuggee. — Band retreats. — Two Indians taken prisoners. — Pursuit of Halleck by Captain Casey, 2d infantry, with one hundred men. — Lieutenant Wessels ascends the Ocklawaha river to intercept him. — He eludes them successfully. — Capture of Powis Fixico or Short-Grass. — Nethlockemathlar repairs to the mouth of the Withlacoochee to meet the Creeks. — The Creeks plotting to take his life, and rescue the Indians encamped at Fort Brooke. — Indignation of the chief — He organizes an armed party ; takes the field to punish the Creeks. — Thirty Indians, armed completely, proceed to Fort Clinch. — Conduct ■ of Tiger-Tail or Thlocklo-Tustenuggee in council. — Escape of Tiger- Tail from Fort Brooke. — His schemes frustrated. — His wife and child recaptured. — His repeated interviews with Octiarche to concert means of releasing the Indians in camp. — The Indian war-party supposed to be privy to his escape. — Orders sent to Fort Clinch to disarm the party at once. — They sent to Cedar Key, thence to Fort Brooke. — Indignation of the chief Nethlockemathlar. — Active measures of the army. — Troops recalled from the south. — Campaign in the Big Cypress ended, resulted as anticipated. — Major Belknap secures a sub-chief and sixty-seven followers.— Supposed hiding-place of Bowlegs, the Prophet, and Sam Jones. — Much praise due the troops, if the service was understood. — Ponce de Leon landing in 1522 on the margin of the Everglades. — Memorandum of reports of officers. — Scouts. — Explorations sent to the adjutant-general. — Orders issued for the relief of the 3d artiUery. — Movements of the regiment, and their service in Florida. — Disposition of the troops from tlie south. — 2d dragoons ; 4th, 6th, and 8th infantry. — Embarkation of two hmidred and thirty Indians. — Creeks, Seminoles, Uches, and Mickasukies, their character and feelings vicious and abandoned. — Detachment 8th infantry fired upon in the Wahoo Swamp. — Movement of troops to find the Creeks. — Indians under Octiarche attack the settlement with arrows, killing women and children. — They pursued. — Night attack upon their camp in the Swamp. — Capture of the women. — Men escape. — Humanity of officers and soldiers, — Embarrassments in closing the contest. — Colonel Worth's letter of February 14th, urging upon the government certain measures to finish it. — Major Cooper, assistant adjutant-general, dispatched to Washington. — The contents submitted by the secretary of war to a council of officers. — Not acceded to. — General Jesup dissents from the opinion expressed. — The measures prosecuted, though uninstructed by the commander in Florida. — Orders issued for retrenchment. — 6th infantry relieved, and ordered to