Daily National Intelligencer

HEAD QUARTERS, HARTFORD, GA.
January 30, 1818.

Sir: I had the honor to receive, yesterday, your letters of the 26th December and 16th of the present month; the first having followed me from Amelia Island.

I have for some months past endeavored to inform myself of the topography of the country between the Appalachicola and St. Johns, but have received only the apparently imperfect accounts of some half-blooded blacks and Indians, as to the western part of that tract of country. The eastern part is well known to many of the inhabitants of this state with whom I have conversed. From Amelia Island to the Lochway, the country is for the most part what is here called pine barren, nearly level, intersected with creeks and ponds, bordered in many places with rich hammock land, which increases in quantity and quality as you approach the Lochway towns. From thence to St. Marks and Appalachicola, the hammock land is found in very considerable bodies; much the largest portion of the country, however, is poor, sandy pine barren. The hammock lands afford great quantities of live oak, some cedar, and other valuable timber. There are several large swamps on the route between the Lochway and St. Marks, which, during a season of rainy weather, are impracticable without the aid of boats; but the country being generally open, will admit of good roads when the weather is moderately dry. I have not a doubt but the army may march with considerable facility from the Appalachicola to St. Johns or Amelia Island, with the aid of a few vessels to send provisions, &c. from Fort Scott down the river, and thence coastwise to the mouth of Suwanny river, 130 miles east of the Appalachicola, and about 140 miles west-south-west from Amelia Island. The last mentioned distance may be marched in eight days, without wagons or baggage, the troops carrying their own provisions in their haversacks. A movement from Amelia Island, by the way of St. Johns and Lochway, as you have suggested, would, I think, produce the desired effect, in co-operation with the troops from Fort Scott. Upon this subject I shall confer with the commander in chief of the division.

By a letter from Major Bankhead, dated the 17th of this month, I learn that 2000 Spanish troops are reported to have arrived at St. Augustine. Although little reliance can be placed in the report received by Major Bankhead, yet, whether it be true or not, I am satisfied his command, (220 men) is quite too small to admit of any detachment, other than that at Traders Hill. There should indeed be not less than this number stationed at and in the immediate vicinity of the hill, and a much greater number upon the frontier between that point and this. (By a letter from W. Harris, Esq. of Telfair, I am informed that a party of Indians killed a Mr. Daniel Dikes and his family, a few days past, on the St. Tilla, 40 miles from the town of Jackson, Telfair court house. I immediately detached a troop of cavalry in pursuit of the Indians, and at the same time sent out a detachment of infantry, to reconnoitre the country, and secure the intermediate frontier from a similar outrage.)

Accompanying this I enclose a monthly return of the detachment of Georgia militia, under Brigadier General Glascock, which was received not until this day. I had confidently believed, that the proper returns of this detachment had been duly forwarded by Major Nicks, who mustered and inspected the same, to the adjutant and inspector general's office.

With extreme regret I have to state, that the expected co-operation on the part of that detachment has entirely failed. An attempt to obtain volunteers, to continue in service until the arrival of the detachment from Major General Floyd's division, produced but 40 men. The enclosed report of Major Wright, assistant adjutant general, contains a discouraging picture of that detachment. It cannot be expected at this place before the 10th of next month, nor is it probable that more than 250 or 300, out of the 500 called for, can be got into service.

The enclosed papers, No. 1 to 4, contain copies of my last correspondence with the contractor's agent. The acting quarter master, Lt. Keiser, has purchased the greater part of the provision issued during the present month, and is now engaged in the purchase of 30,000 rations, the greater part of which is now on the way to Fort Scott, by the way of Flint river. To pay for these supplies, I have been under the necessity of borrowing ten thousand dollars from the governor of Georgia, upon a promise to replace the amount in three months from the 23d inst. I had taken the liberty to send to Augusta a draft upon the Department of War, for 15,000 dollars, but could not obtain money on the draft without suffering a discount of 2 per cent. which was totally inadmissible. The 15,000 dollars forwarded by your order being required to pay the expense of transportation, for which this sum will be insufficient, I have to request that you will be pleased to order the sum of ten thousand dollars, on account of the supply of rations, to be forwarded to his excellency Governor Rabun, to replace that sum advanced by him.

I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDMUND P. GAINES.

The Hon. John C. Calhoun,
Secretary of War.

ENCLOSED IN THE ABOVE.

No. 1.

Head Quarters, Hartford, Ga.
January 12, 1818.

Sir: I have received your report, in which you state that you have some rations on the way; but you do not state where, or in what quantities they are to be found. Let me be informed on this subject without delay.

Having been informed by Brigadier General Glasscock, that he has not been regularly supplied with rations by you; that he had advanced you 2000 dollars to purchase pork for the detachment of Georgia militia under his command; (which I directed you to forward to this place for that detachment); I learn that you have not complied with my requisition or order. Should this apparent neglect remain longer unexplained, your continuance as contractor's agent, or as sutler within the limits of my command, will be no longer tolerated.

Your most obedient servant,

E.P. GAINES,
Major General commanding.

Capt. O. W. Callis, Contractor's Agent,
Fort Hawkins.

No.2.

Hartford, January 23, 1818.

Sir: Your communication of the 12th is received; to the several subjects therein referred, and to others, I have the honor to reply, as viz. The rations reported to have been en hand, were at Fort Hawkins, Creek Agency, Fort Mitchell, and Fort Gaines; estimated, at Fort Hawkins, say 10 or 15,000 rations of pork and beef, and of flour 4 or 5 thousand rations: at the agency, 9,000 rations of flour, with a considerable quantity of the smaller parts: at Fort Mitchell 10,000 rations of flour, with a very small quantity of vinegar; and at Fort Gaines, say 6 or 7,000 rations of flour.

The 2,000 dollars received of Gen. Glasscock, I did not understand was to be applied exclusively to the purchase of pork. My disbursements in the purchase of provision has considerably exceeded that sum since the receipt of it, which was on the 10th of December last. Of this fact I shall be able to convince the general, by a reference to my book and other vouchers, on that subject. It is true, that the balance of pork left at fort Hawkins was not forwarded to this place, in compliance with your orders: This non-compliance proceeded from no disposition to evade, or treat with indifference the orders of the general; but for want of immediate means of transporting it. In short, allow me to assure you, sir, that if I have, or if I may disobey your orders, it is alone ascribable to the want of means for compliance. With regard to the flour refused at Fort Hawkins, afterwards transported to, and sold at this place, to the troops, by Mr. Lavake, I report that it was never the property of the contractor; that it was inspected and refused as his; that it was transported and sold by him without the knowledge or consent of the contractor or his agent.

I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. W. CALLIS,
Contractor's Agent.

Major General E. P. Gaines,
Commanding, &c.

No. 3.

Head Quarters, Hartford, Ga.
January 19, 1818.

The army contractor is hereby required to provide for the daily issue of 200 complete rations, to United States troops and militia, at the new fort now building on Flint river, rear the Chehaw village;—and to have in store, at that fort, by the 10th day of next month, February, 60,000 complete rations; the great part of which to consist of good pickled pork or bacon.

E.P. GAINES,
Major General Commanding.

Benjamin C. Ortiz, Esq. Army Contractor,
of his agency. Fort Hawkins.

No. 4.

Hartford, January 24, 1818.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your requisition, under date of the 19th, and to report that the contractor cannot comply with it in full; but that there is engaged to the contract to have been delivered at Fort Hawkins, on the 20th of this month, 70,000 rations of pork, which, together with the provisions the money I have, or may have, will procure, shall be furnished the troops.

I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. W. CALLIS,
Contractor's Agent.

Major General Gaines.

No.5.

Fort Scott, 12th January, 1818.

Sir: On the 16th inst. I had the honor to inform you of the arrival of the vessels in charge of Brevet Major Muhlenberg, and to enclose to you the resignation of 1st Lt. Sharp, of the corps of artillery; the acceptance of which I recommended, on account of his intemperate habits. Since that period, Lt. Johnson, of the same corps, has tendered his resignation, which is herewith enclosed. I would also recommend that his wish to leave the service should be gratified, as his conduct in a skirmish with the Indians some time since was not such as to evidence his being well qualified for the profession of arms.

I have permitted him and Lt. Sharp to be absent until the acceptance of their resignations may be published, unless otherwise ordered, and herewith enclosed is a copy of Lt. Sharp's letter of resignation.

On the 4th inst. I crossed the Flint river, about 14 miles above this post, and proceeded to Fowl Town, which had been deserted: I burnt it, and on the next day arrived at Allapulgas, a small town about 14 miles south east of this post. It had also been abandoned, and the cattle and stock of every kind removed, as had been the case at Fowl Town. I am informed they have gone to or beyond the Oaklocny river, there to place their women and property in greater security, and better prepare themselves for war. They continue to have considerable intercourse with the Indians at Chattahoochie, many of whom were with them, and assisted in the destruction of Lt. Scott and his party, and in the attack on our vessels ascending the river, under the command of Brevet Major Muhlenberg. You have herewith a copy of a letter from Mr. Irvin, commanding at Fort Gaines. I cannot believe the information it contains, yet I have been informed a few days since, that the Indians on the Chattahoochie, below Fort Gaines, have received information from the agent for the Creek nation, that they are to use their pleasure in joining us, as we are the aggressors. But few of them require great inducement to act in the war but most if on our side; and should the war with the lower Creeks terminate on the terms represented by Mr. Irvin, it will be risking but little to say, the peace will be of short duration. The force of this place is much too small to advance against the enemy, and I have not received the least information of the Georgia militia, or McIntosh's Indians, except what is contained in Mr. Irvin's letter, or a line from Gen. Gaines since his departure.

I have but about two days rations of meat, and something upwards of thirty days rations of flour on hand, and without advice of additional supplies being on the way; and should Capt. Burch, who is now at Fort Gaines, (with a command of 120 men) for the purpose of obtaining beef, not succeed, and the contractor's agents persist in neglecting their duty much longer, the consequences must be greatly disastrous to the troops, and the inhabitants of the Chattahoochie.

I have sent captain Cummins to the bay, for the purpose of obtaining information should any vessel arrive there with provision; and will do all in my power to maintain my position; yet I do greatly fear, my best exertions to do so will fail. I detached a servant and four mounted men on express to Fort Hawkins on the 21st ult. and have not since heard of them. I shall write to the Creek Agent by the present opportunity, and enclose to him a copy of Mr. Irvin's letter.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. ARBUCKLE,
Lt. Colonel 7th Infantry, commanding.

Major General Andrew Jackson,
Commanding Southern Division,
Nashville, Tenn.

N. B. Since writing the above, I have received a letter from Gen. Gaines, dated on the 20th ultimo, at Hartford. The contractor's agent in that quarter, I am informed, has failed, and the militia are now about ninety miles above this, badly supplied with provisions. Capt. Burch has informed me that he will be able to obtain 30 or 40 head of beef cattle at Fort Gaines. He will be compelled to take them, as the people refuse to sell.

M. A.

No. 6.

Sir: I received your letter of the 20th ultimo, yesterday, after writing to Major General Jackson. A copy of my letter to him is enclosed, which will exhibit to you the state of things in this quarter.

I have heard nothing more of Col. Brearley, or the militia, except that they were within 25 miles of the Flint river on the 4th inst. Brockman wrote me on that date, and informed me that he was engaged procuring provisions for the militia, the contractor having failed to supply. This, with the information you gave on that subject, has induced me to contract with Mr. McCulloch to deliver 15,000 rations of meat at this post, in 20 days from this time, at 12 cents per ration. Should he fulfil his agreement, and Capt. Birch succeed in procuring 30 or 40 head of beef cattle, I think that supply will last the troops until provisions are received from New Orleans. Our horses have a distemper among them, which I fear will destroy a great number of them.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. ARBUCKLE,
Lieutenant Colonel Commanding.

Major General E. P. Gaines,
Commanding E. S. D.
St. Marys, Ga.

No.7.

Fort Scott, 18th January, 1818.

Sir: I have received information this evening, which I have no doubt may be relied on, that the whole or the greater portion of the hostile Indians, are to have a meeting somewhere near the mouth of Flint river, on the 21st inst. for the purpose of concerting measures for the destruction of the inhabitants on the Chattahoochie, and the reduction of this post. In the latter object they expect to succeed, owing to our want of supplies, and their calculations are not without a reasonable prospect of success, should not uncommon exertions be made to supply us from your quarter: as this command has been without meat at this time for 5 or 6 days, and have barely a hope of receiving a temporary supply by a command sent to Fort Gaines for the purpose of collecting a few beef cattle.

I have heard from the bay this evening; one vessel has arrived there with clothing and military stores, having on board very little, if any more provisions, than will be required by the command on board of her, and without certain information of other vessels being on the way.

I have to request you will let me hear from you without loss of time, and that you will inform me of the prospect of supplies from your quarter.

I am, sir, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. ARBUCKLE,
Lt. Colonel Commanding.

Brig. Gen. Glasscock,
Chehaw Town, Flint River.

Letters from the War Department to Major Gen. Gaines, to Major Gen. Jackson, and to the Governor of Alabama territory.

Extracts of a letter from George Graham, acting Secretary of War, to General Gaines, dated the 30th October, 1817.

"I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 1st inst. covering a copy of the reply which was made by ten of the Seminole towns, to the demand made by you, on them, for the surrender of the murderers of some of our citizens."

"The papers have been submitted to the President, and I am instructed by him to inform you, that he approves of the movement of the troops from Fort Montgomery to Fort Scott. The appearance of this additional force, he flatters himself, will, at least have the effect of restraining the Seminoles from committing further depredations, and, perhaps, of inducing them to make reparation for the murders which they have committed. Should they, however, persevere in their refusal to make such reparation, it is the wish of the President that you should not, on that account, pass the line, and make an attack upon them within the limits of Florida, until you shall have received further instructions from this department."

"You are authorized to remove the Indians still remaining on the lands ceded by the treaty made by General Jackson with the Creeks; and, in doing so, it may be proper to retain some of them as hostages, until reparation may have been made for the depredations which have been committed. On this subject, however, as well as the manner of removing them, you will exercise your discretion. McIntosh and the other chiefs of the Creek Nation, who were here some time since, expressed then, decidedly, the unwillingness to permit any of the hostile Indians to return to their nation."

"P. S. The authority to remove the Indians will, of course, not extend to those Indians, and their families, who have claims to reservations of land under the treaty."

Copy of a letter from George Graham, acting Secretary of War, to General Gaines, dated 2d of December, 1817.

Sir: Your letter of the 9th ult. advising of the call on the Governor of Georgia, to assemble the auxiliary force which had been previously required by you at fort Hawkins, on the 26th ultimo. has been received.

It is hoped that the letter addressed to you, from this Department on the 30th October, will have been received, and that you will confine your operations to the objects stated in that communication, and to such a disposition of the regular force under your command, as will deter the Seminole Indians from making further depredations on the frontiers of Georgia.

The state of our negotiation with Spain, and the temper manifested by the principal European powers, make it impolitic, in the opinion of the President, to move a force at this time into the Spanish possessions, for the mere purpose of chastising the Seminoles for depredations which have heretofore been committed by them.

I have, &c. &c.

Copy of a letter from J. C. Calhoun, Secretary of War, to General Gaines, dated 9th December, 1817.

Sir: Your letter bearing date the 21st ultimo, and advising of the arrival of the 1st brigade at Fort Scott on the 19th ultimo, and of the subsequent attack on the Indians at Fowl-town, has been received. Although the necessity of this attack and the consequent effusion of blood is exceedingly to be regretted, yet, it is hoped, that the prompt measures which were taken by you on your arrival at Fort Scott, and the display of such an efficient force in that quarter, will induce the Indians to abstain from further depredations, and to sue for peace.

Referring to the letters addressed to you from this department on the 30th of October, and 2d of December, as manifesting the views of the President, I have to request that you conform to the instructions therein given. Should the Indians, however, assemble in force on the Spanish side of the line, and persevere in committing hostilities within the limits of the United States, you will, in that event, exercise a sound discretion, as to the propriety of crossing the line for the purpose of attacking them, and breaking up their towns.

I have, &c. &c.

Copy of a letter from J. C. Calhoun, Secretary of War, to General Gaines, dated 16th December, 1817.

Sir: On the receipt of this letter, should the Seminole Indians still refuse to make reparation for their outrages and depredations on the citizens of the United States, it is the wish of the President, that you consider yourself at liberty to march across the Florida Line, and to attack them within its limits, should it be found necessary, unless they should shelter themselves under a Spanish fort. In the last event, you will immediately notify this Department.

I have, &c.

DEPARTMENT OF WAR,
December 20th, 1817.

Sir—You will repair, with as little delay as practicable, to Fort Scott, and assume the immediate command of the forces in that section of the southern division.

The increasing display of hostile intentions by the Seminole indians, may render it necessary to concentrate all the contiguous and disposable force of your division, upon that quarter. The regular force now there is about eight hundred strong, and one thousand militia of the State of Georgia are called into service. General Gaines estimates the strength of the Indians at two thousand seven hundred. Should you be of opinion that our numbers are too small to beat the enemy, you will call on the executives of the adjacent states for such an additional militia force as you may deem requisite.

General Gaines had been ordered early in last month to repair to Amelia Island. It is presumed that he has, therefore, relinquished the command at Fort Scott. Subsequent orders have been given to General Gaines, (copies of which will be furnished you) advising him that you would be directed to take command, and directing him to re-assume, should he deem the public interest to require it, the command at Fort Scott, until you should arrive there. If, however, the General should have progressed to Florida, before the subsequent orders may have reached him, he was instructed to penetrate to the Seminole towns, through the Floridas, provided the strength of his command at Amelia would justify his engaging in offensive operations.

With this view, you may be prepared to concentrate your forces and to adopt the necessary measures, to terminate a conflict, which it has been the desire of the President, from considerations of humanity, to avoid, but which is now made necessary, by their settled hostility.

With great respect, I have the honor, &c.

J. C. CALHOUN.

Maj. Gen. ANDREW JACKSON,
Comdg. Southern Division.

DEPARTMENT OF WAR,
December 26th, 1817.

Sir: Your letters of November the 26th, and of the 2d and 3d inst. were received by this morning's mail. The fate of the detachment under Lieut. Scott, is much to be regretted; but, under all the circumstances, no blame can attach to yourself, or the officers immediately concerned. When the order of the 10th November was given, directing you to repair to Amelia Island, it was hoped that the Seminoles would have been brought to their reason, without an actual use of force, and that their hostility would not assume so serious an aspect. It is now a subject of much regret, that the service in that quarter has been deprived of your well known skill and vigilance.

Before this will reach you, it is hoped that the views of the President, in relation to the settlement on Amelia Island, will have been effected. Should that be the case, it is his wish that you should immediately repair to Fort Scott, and resume the command, till General Jackson's arrival, to whom orders have this day been sent to command there; or, if you should think the force under your command sufficient, and other circumstances will admit, to penetrate through Florida, and co-operate in the attack on the Seminoles. I am not sufficiently acquainted with the topography of the country between Amelia and their towns, to say whether it is practicable, or what would be the best route; but it is not improbable that some advantage might be taken of the St. John's river, to effect the object. Should it be practicable, it is probable efficient aid might be given to the attack on them, as the attention of their warriors must be wholly directed towards Fort Scott. Should you think it practicable and advisable to co-operate with the force under your command, you will leave a sufficient number at Amelia Island, to retain the possession of that place.

I have the honor to be, &c.

J. C. CALHOUN.

Brevet Maj. Gen. E. P. GAINES.

An extract of a letter to Brevet Major General Edmund P. Gaines, dated "Department of War, January 10th, 1818."

The honor of the United States requires that the war with the Seminoles should be terminated speedily, and with exemplary punishment for hostilities so unprovoked. Orders were issued soon after my arrival here, directing the war to be carried on within the limits of Florida, should it be necessary to its speedy and effectual termination. The orders, I presume, have been received.

As soon as it was known that you had repaired to Amelia Island, in obedience to orders, and it being uncertain how long you might be detained there, the state of things at Fort Scott made it necessary to order General Jackson to take command there. From his known promptitude, it is presumable that his arrival may be soon expected; and, in the mean time, full confidence is placed in your well established military talents. I hope the junction of the militia will enable you to carry on offensive operations, and to restrain the enemy from depredations on the frontier.

J. C. CALHOUN.

Extract of a letter from J. C. Calhoun, Secretary of War, to Major General Andrew Jackson, dated 27th January, 1818.

"Your letters of the 12th and 13th inst, are received. The measures you have taken to bring an efficient force into the field, are approbated: and a confident hope is entertained, that a speedy and successful termination of the Indian war, will follow your exertions."

Extract of a letter from the Secretary of War, to Major General Andrew Jackson, dated

DEPARTMENT OF WAR,
February 6th, 1818.

"I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 20th ultimo, and to acquaint you with the entire approbation of the President of all the measures which you have adopted to terminate the rupture with the Indians. The honor of our arms, as well as the interest of our country, requires that it should be as speedily terminated as practicable; and the confidence reposed in your skill and promptitude assures us that peace will be restored on such conditions as will make it honorable and permanent."

DEPARTMENT OF WAR,
13th May, 1818.

Sir: Your letter of the 15th April, was a few days since received. Not anticipating your return to the territory, my last communication was directed to your former residence in Georgia; but, I presume it has been forwarded to you, and I will not, therefore, repeat its contents. I do hope that the war has, ere this, terminated in the submission of the Seminoles; but, if this should not be the fact, you will make such arrangements, and incur such expense, as, in your judgment, the defence of the territory may require. You are authorized to draw on the Department for funds to cover the disbursements you may order. Enclosed is a copy of the order authorizing General Gaines to carry the war into Florida, and you will consider it as furnishing authority to the troops of the territory to pass the Florida line, should it be necessary. I send also a copy of a message of the President, communicating information in relation to the Seminole war. General Jackson is vested with full powers to conduct the war in the manner which he may judge best.

I have the honor to be, &c.

J. C. CALHOUN.

His Excellency W. W. BIBB,
Governor of Alabama territory.

DEPARTMENT OF WAR,
19th Aug. 1818.

Sir: I send the enclosed extract from the letter of the Secretary of State to the Spanish Minister, in relation to St. Marks and Pensacola. My instructions to you of the 14th inst. contained the substance of this extract; and my object in communicating it now, is, that you may be in possession of the precise ideas communicated to the Spanish Minister, in case any difficulty should occur.

I have, &c.

J. C. CALHOUN.

Gen. E. P. GAINES.

DEPARTMENT OF WAR,
14th Aug. 1818.

Sir: I enclose for your information a copy of the orders to General Gaines, growing out of the late decision of the President, relative to St. Marks and Pensacola. I was directed by the President to wait the reply of the Spanish Minister to Mr. Adams's letter to him, which not being received until the day before yesterday, has caused so great a delay as to render it necessary to send the orders direct to Gen. Gaines, without passing them through you.

I have. &c.

J. C. CALHOUN.

Maj. Gen. ANDREW JACKSON, Nashville, Tenn.

[TO BE CONTINUED.]