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Taylor, Zachary (1784-1850) to William Davenport

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04933 Author/Creator: Taylor, Zachary (1784-1850) Place Written: Fort White, Florida Type: Letter signed Date: 8 April 1839 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Discusses efforts to remove the Seminole Indians from Florida during the second Seminole War. Mentions General Macomb's plan to negotiate. Comments on his own plan to canvas central Florida to flush the Seminoles out of the everglades. Asserts "that there are two objects in view of prosecuting this war - to wit: the protection of the [American] inhabitants and to drive the Indians from the country."

Head. Qrs. Army of the South
Fort White 8th April 1839

Colonel
Your communications of the 11th and 17th and 23rd together with a report from Capt. W. Hoffman in relation to the murder of Mr. Gray's family were received while I was at Black Creek awaiting the arrival of Major Genl. Macomb, and were not then answered, because I was daily expecting to leave there for Midd. Flor. I arrived here a few hours since, and have learned unofficially with regret of more murders committed about four miles from the residence of Colonel Gadsen.
Your letter of the 23rd concludes as follows "The work I am now at, I consider paramount to any other at this time -"
I cannot comprehend the meaning of this sentence - unless it is to postpone carrying my instructions of March 12th into effect, which instructions as stated in my letter of the 21st of March, I hoped would have been carried out with energy -
[2] Notwithstanding the apparent activity of your command - so far as I have yet learned the results as usual have (as with every other command) amounted comparitavely to nothing, except to worry and break down men and horses - General Macomb arrived at Gareys Ferry on the morning of the 5th clothed with fighting and pacific powers - I understand from him that it was left optional with him whether or not he would assume the immediate direction of Military operations, Although urged by me he refused to do so. He will devote his attention entirely to negociation, in which every one ought to hope he will succeed in. The hostiles will be invited to meet me at Fort King on the 11th [illegible]. As I was only one day with him I did not fully learn the extent of his power. He however is ordered to prosecute the War in Middle Florida with energy. I have submitted my plan to his examination and it meet his entire approbation. I therefore send Lt. Blake to you, who will aid in laying off the districts, which you will have done, and the posts garrisoned without delay - I can however but hope after what I have written that the work has been commenced and is actively progressing -
[3] Lt. Blake is fully informed regarding that portion of Middle Florida I wish surveyed, any portion of which you may not deem necessary to garrison will of course be excluded. Fifteen posts will cover Middle Florida according to my plan, in each of which I wish a company to be located - If you have not enough men, you will call on the Governor for a sufficient force.
You must be aware that there are two objects in view in prosecuting this war - to wit: the protection of the inhabitants and to drive the Indians from the country - the establishment of the posts according to my plan will allow the people to be protected under our guns, while they can cultivate their fields, and the daily Scouts will protect those who will picket in their houses and serve to clear the country of Indians in a more effectual manner than our present mode of proceeding. If the people will not do this we cannot protect them by placing troops before every isolated dwelling in the country.

I am Coln. very Respt.
Your obt Servt
Z. Taylor

Taylor, Zachary, 1784-1850
Davenport, William, -1858

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