Virginia Free Press

FLORIDA WAR.

Despatches from Major General Scott, dated the 12th of April, at Tampa Bay, have been received at the Adjutant General's Office, Washington.

The despatches state that although no general battle has been fought, many combats and sharp affairs have taken place. The small parties of Indians which have been met with, almost everywhere have fiercely resisted until put in danger of the bayonet.

During recent movements of the several columns, and the various operations of the troops, 13 were killed and 26 wounded.

The number of Indians killed, supposed to be 24. "The horse, draft, pack, and saddle, were much reduced—many broke down on the march, owing to the bad state of roads, hot weather, great loads, and indifferent grazing. Sickness (measles and mumps) has considerably reduced the effective force." The face of the country, interspersed with hammocks, cypress swamps and marshes, almost impenetrable to the white man, presents serious obstacles in the prosecution of a campaign in Florida; and while these fastnesses constitute the natural defence of the wily Indians, they present difficulties almost insurmountable to their indefatigable pursuers.

The latest accounts from Tampa Bay are to the 20th ult. The prevalent opinion now is, that the Indians have broken up and dispersed into small parties. Little more, it is stated, can be done this season.

The health of the volunteers suffers, and the climate is a dreadful one. There are 400 sick at Tampa Bay, and out of Col. Brisbane's regiment that has...
...been in service but a short time, 140 are on the sick list. The General has determined, and is now executing the plan, of discharging the volunteers, and selecting the most healthy points compatible with the service, establish posts of regulars, of whom there are about 1,300, to keep the Indians in check until the season enables the army to resume operations.

These accounts are confirmed by a letter received a few days ago, by a gentleman of this town, from his friend in Tallahassee. The writer (formerly a resident of this town) had just returned from the seat of war. His letter is under date of the 20th ult., and the following is an extract:

"I am happy to learn that you are all enjoying peace and quietness. With us, there is nothing but excitement, and that of a very disagreeable nature. You have heard, no doubt, of our difficulties with the Indians, and I am sorry to believe that our troubles are far from being at an end. The Indians have out-generalled all of our superior United States' officers, and a great many inferior ones, and have set them at defiance. They have left the Withlacoochee, and have no doubt gone down on the Peninsula, amongst the Everglades, where it is impossible for the troops to follow them at this season of the year; and consequently the war must be brought to a close until next winter. All the volunteers now in the field will in a few days be discharged. The Regulars will be placed on the coast and frontier, for their protection. I was in service more than two months, and had to undergo many privations and hardships, such as no one can imagine, only those who have been engaged in an Indian warfare. I was Lieutenant of the Tallahassee Guards, a volunteer company raised for the protection of this place; but when we were convinced our services were needed in the field, we immediately left for the seat of war. One of our company was shot through the body, though he is yet alive. I am fearful that the failure of bringing the war to a close this Spring, will so much encourage the Indians, that it will cost many a good man's life before it is finally brought to a close."