one company 2d dragoons, was close upon the trail. The Indians travelled night and day, anticipating pursuit. A command moved at once from Fort Watkahoota upon the return of the detachment, and after burying the mangled remains of the two soldiers, took up the trail leading towards the Withlacoochee river. Lieutenant F. Britton, with a detachment of twenty-eight men, 7th infantry, from Fort Wacassassa, encountered the marauders near Clay's Landing, on the Suwannee river. They received the spirited discharge of the soldiers with a volley of rifles, whooping and yelling, in hopes of intimidating them, giving various intonations of the voice, so as to magnify their numbers. Two of the command were badly wounded. One Indian was wounded and carried from the ground by his comrades. The party, having been so closely pursued, they abandoned, from day to day, heavy articles, to facilitate their movements. These men, finding themselves besieged west of the Suwannee, disencumbered themselves of women and children, to unite at once with Octiarche, in the Wacassassa hammock, and with his warriors make an effectual stand for the protection of their planted fields. Much to their surprise, Octiarche was found to be strongly inclined to peace. This caused dissatisfaction, particularly when reproached for intruding upon the settlements, and committing acts which, the chief said, would renew the war. A council convened, when the necessity of refraining from hostilities was understood, as the same destruction of crops was now in progress, which had impoverished and distressed them the year previous. The talk of Halleck-Tustenuggee, received from the five messengers, had been acquiesced in, and the determination prevailed to refrain from hostile measures. The depredations of this small party of Indians, in so thickly settled a part of the territory, alarmed the most resolute. The prospect of peace had induced many to return to abandoned plantations, and invited the emigrant to seek locations offering reward for slave labor and industry. Such bold and bloody acts deterred settlers, and caused households to be broken up, and safety sought for at the nearest military camp. To the commander, and to the army generally, these events were disheartening. If this number of Indians could thus cause such wide-spread confusion and apprehension, the Florida war might with propriety be considered interminable. Wading through

swamps and hammocks in search of six, eight, or ten Indians, was like hunting a wolf, who at night would look into your camp, and follow your footsteps at noonday. The time was approaching when active operations would be accompanied by scenes enervating to the heart of a soldier, more especially to those who had already encountered them. Being again subjected to the summer

season, to lingering disease and privations unparalleled, without finding or punishing the enemy, was enough to unnerve the stoutest heart. Discouraging as it was, the course heretofore steadily pursued, resulting in success in one quarter, and defeat in another, was continued. Peace and war went hand in hand. Every day's experience showed to the most idle observer, how futile the efforts of troops must be in subduing such a foe. Instead of effecting the object it exasperated them, instigating attacks in small parties to wreak their vengeance. To quiet malignant passions, which had been cherished for five successive years, in the belief that the Great Spirit would support and prosper the cause, was not the work of a moment; nor could it be accomplished but through the advice and example of those who once had been a party in the conflict. Halleck-Tustenuggee had become highly useful in this respect. He and his sub-chiefs were sent to Octiarche, who received them kindly, and consented to come in to Cedar Key, the head-quarters, and talk with Colonel Worth. The state of the moon announcing their approach would be about the 4th of June. In the intervening time, the Indians were to assemble on the Wacassassa river, and there, unmolested, were to counsel upon the terms of peace as communicated by HalleckTustenuggee. These were, "that all hostile acts towards the whites should cease; that those who wished to join their friends and relatives in Arkansas would be received with kindness; and that others who wished to remain, must go at once below a line south of Pease Creek, sixty miles from Fort Brooke, where they would be permitted, for the present, to hunt and plant, and that the chiefs would be held responsible for any violation of these terms, and that friendship and good feeling must now be cultivated between the whites and red men." It was further understood, that if these terms were disregarded, pursuit would instantly follow, under the guidance of Indians; when men, women, and children, would be indiscriminately slaughtered. The character of Halleck-Tustenuggee was well known. What he stated was believed, and they all felt that should he become, united with the whites in measures against them, no section of the country would insure a safe retreat.

The Creek Indians on the Ocklockonnee river, under the chief Pascoffer, finding themselves intruded upon, sought an interview with Colonel Vose, through two citizens who had been suspected of holding with them constant communication. The influence of these men, when properly directed, was of great importance. The terms of peace were accepted, and the two white men were brought to participate with the military in restoring quiet to the settlers. Communication was constantly had with Pascoffer, who

gave repeated assurances that no hostile demonstrations should be made, and that in due time he would assemble his band for emigration.

The second regiment of infantry, commanded by LieutenantColonel B. Riley, embarked at Palatka for Savannah on the 27th of May, thence to proceed north to the Niagara frontier. This regiment had served in Florida since June, 1837, participating with fortitude in the toils incident to the service. Two commissioned officers and one hundred and thirty-one N. C. officers and privates, fell victims to the climate, and to the rifle of the enemy. Captain Samuel Russell was shot by a party of Indians secreted on the margin of the Miami, near Key Biscayne, when landing from his boat, on the 28th of February, 1839.

That intrepidity and resolution which cost him his life, and which had distinguished him in the service of his country, was sustained by an undisguised and undeviating adherence to the principles of the Christian religion, making him the soldier and the man. His home was made happy by the most tender ties of affection, and by children nurtured under the influences of his precept and example. The five remaining companies of the 2d dragoons were ordered, on the 29th of May, to rendezvous at Mount Vernon Arsenal, and proceed to Baton Rouge. The regiment had served in Florida since its organization, June, 1836. Its duties were laborious and incessant, accomplishing all that could be expected, to reward the officers and men for their zeal and enterprise. The peculiarity of the service required them to act in detachments, giving their duties a partisan character, which were performed at all times in such a manner as to merit from commanders the highest commendation.

Two officers were killed in action; First-Lieutenant James F. Izard was killed at Camp Izard, Feb. 28th, 1836; SecondLieutenant J. W. S. McNeil, at Musquito, September 11th, 1837. Both fell gallantly in the presence of the enemy. Five commissioned officers died from the effects of the climate, twenty noncommissioned officers, musicians, and privates, were killed in action, and one hundred and ninety-two died from disease incident to the service.

This reduction of force diminished materially the monthly sick reports. The season of the year, by far the most healthy in Florida, was calculated to make disease mild in character, and to give vigor and spirits to those who, from time to time, were prostrated by over-exertion and indulgence. During the month. of March 880 men were taken sick, 21 died; in April 560, 11 died; in May 420, 29 died.

The prospect of relief from a summer's campaign was indeed

flattering. The general health of the army was good, and the posts occupied guarantied its continuance. Cheerfulness, good feeling, discipline and sobriety prevailed; and the approaching month of June was looked to with interest, when the Florida war, signalized as it was by prodigal expenditures, by defeat, mortification and disgust, poverty, sorrow, and burdensome unrequited toil, seemed about to be brought to a close.

CHAPTER XIII.

JUNE, JULY, AND TO THE 17TH AUGUST, 1842.

Instructions received by Colonel Worth to bring the war to a close.-Message of the President of the United States to congress upon the subject.-Letter of instructions from the secretary of war to Major-General Scott. His views upon the subject.-The measures for a time postponed.-Treachery of Halleck-Tustenuggee and dissatisfaction of Octiarche.-Their designs.-Holartooche proceeds to Octiarche's camp with twenty armed Indians.-Their meeting, and the promises of the chief to surrender.-HalleckTustenuggee, finding his plans unsuccessful, prepares for emigration.-Wounded Indians brought in.-Runners dispatched to bring in the plunder of the band.-A messenger sent to the southern Indians.-Holatter-Micco or Billy Bowlegs made chief, who sends an emis ary to the whites to obtain peace. The embarkation of Halleck-Tustenuggee and band for Arkansas.-Their appearance and feeling, and the anger of the chief.-Departure of Holartooche and the Arkansas delegation for their homes.-Halleck-Tustennggee; his age, character, and qualities.-His first appearance in council.The 7th infantry relieved from duty in Florida.-Its service and loss.-Death of Lieutenant Sanderson.-Lieutenant Sherwood's death.-His gallantry, and the conduct of Private L. Burlington, in protecting the remains of Mrs. Montgomery.-Arrival of Bowlegs and others at Fort Brooke, to make peace.-The influence and authority of Sam Jones and the Prophet disregarded.-They accompany the commander of the army to Cedar Key, and proceed to the camp of Octiarche.Octiarche and Tiger-Tail return with them.-Peace determined upon.-The appearance of TigerTail.-Orders promulgated announcing that hostilities with the Indians in Florida had ceased.Troops remaining in Florida concentrated.-Retrenchment and reduction in all departments.Stations and strength of the 3d infantry, of the 8th infantry, and six companies of the 4th.-The loss and service of these regiments in officers and men.-Death of Lieutenant J. H. Harvie, and Lieutenant J. A. Reill, 8th infantry.-Colonel Worth ordered to proceed to Washington City.-He relinquishes the command of the ninth military department to Colonel Vose, 4th infantry.-Correspondence between Colonel Worth and Lieutenant J. T. McLaughlin, in closing up the contest.Lieutenaut McLaughlin's instructions to Lieutenant Henry, who succeeded in command of the Florida squadron.

ONE year having elapsed since the change of commanders in Florida, and the adoption of military operations at all seasons, the month of June was looked to with confidence for the termination of the war, and consequent withdrawal of the troops, or the assignment of those remaining to permanent healthy stations for the summer. Past events justified these anticipations.

The future, though bidding fair for a realization of hopes so often illusive, could not be looked forward to without some apprehensions, dependent, as all results were, upon the dilatory and treacherous action of a few roaming Indians, against whom military exertions were of no avail, other than to aggravate and prolong the war.

The authorities at Washington, justly appreciating the state of affairs, and having found that the measures proposed by the colonel commanding, in his communication of the 14th of February, were salutary, now resolved to terminate the contest effectually; accordingly, on the 11th of May, the president of the United States transmitted to congress his views, in the following special message.

"TO THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

"The season for active hostilities in Florida having nearly terminated, my attention has necessarily been directed to the