Taylor, Zachary (1784-1850) to William Davenport
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01829 Author/Creator: Taylor, Zachary (1784-1850) Place Written: Tampa Bay, Florida Type: Letter signed Date: 18 July 1839 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 24.8 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy
Brevet Brigadier General Taylor directs this letter to Colonel Davenport or the officer commanding at Fort Lawson, Florida. Replies to recent correspondence from Davenport related to "the Negro captured near Fort Andrews... The Negroes statement is undoubtedly somewhat exagerated- it is not probable that there are so many Indians in that quarter as he reports, it would nevertheless be well to take the Negro as a guide, and with a sufficient mounted force commanded by some discreet Regular Officer..." Reports that Indians have come in at the Southern posts, and "manifest every dispositions to adhere to the treaty." Mentions Sam Jones, the Seminole leader, noting that Jones and others will force the Tallahassee Indians to comply with the treaty. Cautions Davenport against disturbing the Indians, since they seem compliant at this time. Discusses military assignments and specifics.
Written during the end of the Second Seminole War. Zachary Taylor was in command of the Army forces in Florida beginning in May 1838. In May 1839, Commanding General of the Army, Alexander Macomb, concluded negotations with the Seminoles to end the war. The resulting treaty guaranteed the Seminoles a reservation in southern Florida in return for an end to the hostilities. Sam Jones, also called Ar-pi-uck-i (c. 1760-1860), was the Miccosukee Seminole leader who helped negotiate the treaty with Macomb. However, a few days after the present letter was written, on 23 July, a group of Indians attacked a trading post, reigniting hostilites; some blamed Sam Jones and his associates for the attack.
[excerpt]
The Negroes statement is undoubtedly somewhat exagerated [sic], - it is not probable that there are so many Indians in that quarter as he reports, it would nevertheless be well to take the Negro as a guide, and with a sufficient mounted force commanded by some discreet Regular Officer, ascertain precisely the situation of the Cornfields, patches &c. and if practicable the number and position of the Indians. A large number of Indians have come in at the Southern posts, and among others, Sam Jones, they manifest every disposition to adhere to the treaty, and have assured Col. Harney that, they will take measurers to induce or force the Tallahassee's to comply also. I do not think it would therefore be expedient at the [2] present season of the year to disturb them further than as above stated, - in the meantime every precaution will be taken to [strikeout] [inserted: prevent] any sudden attack on the settlements.
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