Georgia Historic Newspapers

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A C O N G E O R fi 1 4 T E L E G R A
3>©£2 1 st , 2<U.&E la
Letter from Mr Va.11 Ilurcu.
Washington, March G, 1836.
Gentlemen—I have the honor to acknowledge
tbo receipt of your loiter apprising me of the deep
anxiety which is fell hv a portion of your follow-
citizens. as to my views upon » topic vitally af-
fcctiug their immediate welfare and happiness,
and of the importance of their beiug possessed
of u thorough knowledge of them, aud asking me
to say whether I do or do not believo that Con
gress has the constitutional power to interfere
with, or abolish slavery in the District of Colum
bia.
t atn uot only williug, but desirous, gentlemen,
that you should havo the most thorough knowl
edge of my views and feelings upou the delicate
aud interesting subject with which your question
is connected; and 1 shall endeavor to acquaint
(M with tin m m the fullest manner inniy power.
Not hnvrng, heretofore, had the houorof being
iu political communication with you, lam not ad
vised that the sentiments relating to it, which have
been avowed by myself and by my authority,
withiu the last two years, havo come to your
knowledge. I deem it therefore, proper to fur-
uish you with the subitauco of them, before I re
ply to your more specific inquiry. The avowals
to which I refer were—
1st. An opiuion that Congress has uo right to
interfere in auy manner, or to any txtent, with
tho subject of slavery iu the States:
2d. Against tho propriety of their doing so in
the District of Columbia ; and
3d. Tho statement of «ny full coneuirence iu
tbo sentiments expressed by the citizens of Alba
ny, iu public mcctiug, tho most important of which
ure ns follows, viz : “That the Constitution of
tha United States carries with it an adjustment of
all questions involved in the deliberations which
led to its adoption, aud that the compromise of
interest iu width it was founded is biudiug in ho-
i:or aud good faith, independent of the force of a-
gretmt nt, on all who live under its protection and
participate in the bcuefits of which it is the
tnougst others, on tho foilowiug considerations,
viz:
1st. I believe that if it had been foreseen, at tho
time of tho ndoptiou of the Constitution, that the
scat of tho Federal Government would be. fixed
in a slavchulding region, and that the subject of
slavery would be there agitated to the prejudice
of those holding this species of property, the right
to do so, would with the assent ot tbo nou-slnve-
holding States have been made an exception to
tho unrestricted legislative power given to Con-
gross over the District to be ceded.
2dly. I cannot but regard the agitation of this
subject in the District of Columbia, as a surprise
upou the pooploof Marylaud aud Virginia, being
very confident that if the state of things which
now exists, had been m all apprelieuded by those
Sta'es, tbe cession of the District would not have
beeu made except upon the express condition that
Congress should exercise no such power; and
that with such a condition the cession would, iu
the then state of public opiuiou, have beeu readily
accepted.
3dly. I do therefore believe that tbe abolition
of slavery in tho District of Columbia, against
the wishes of the slaveholding States (assuming
that Cougress has the power to effect it) would
violate tho spirit of that compromise of interests
which lies at the basis of our social compact; and
1 am thoroughly convinced, that it could not he so
dene,-without uuuiiuent peril, if not certain des
truction to the Uuiou of tho States. Viewing the
matter in this light, it is my clear aud settled o-
pinion. that the Federal Government ought toab-
siaiu from doing so, aud that it is the sacred.duty
of those whom the people of the United States
entrust with the control of its action, so louse tho
couslituiioua! power with which they are invest
ed, as to prevent it.
1 think it duo to the occasion, and ouly a simple
act of justice to my fellow-cilizeus of the North,
of all political parties, to add the expression of
iny full belief, that tho opinions above expressed
accord iu substance, w ith those entertained by a
larger majority of the people of the non slave-
holdiug States than has ever before existed in
principles of fidelity to their most solemn engage
ments , that if they were to attempt tho accom
plishment of what is tTesired of them by those
who regard slavery as inconsistent with the equal
rights on w hich our institutions are founded, thev
will involve themselves in the odium, either of
seeking 10 evade a compact which wa» the means
and the pledge of our national existence, or of a-
vailing themselves of their present power aud un
exampled prosperity, to dissolve a connection
with their Southern brethren, formed at a period
of mutual adversity, for a cause which was theu
not only known to exist, hut the continuance of
which was expressly recoguized iu the bond of
their Uuiou.
I have thus, gentlemen, been compelled to ex-
tend my remarks considerably further than I in
tended, when 1 commenced to answer jour irr
qniry. As, however, the subject was delicate and
important, I feel that 1 have not trespassed fur
titer on your time in iu examination than was
proper to euaklc you to comprehend the views 1
entertain of it, or than was respectful to the con
siderations which justified your call for those
views. And 1 ! feel assured, whatever may be the
difference of opiuion, if any, which exists be
tween myself mid any other-portions of my fel
low-citizens. that the issue of tins matter ns ot
all preceding questions which have agitated the
public tniud, and have been thought to be preg
nant with danger, will, in 'heir hands, be such as
to strengthen the bonds of their Union, and to in
crease those fraternal and patriotic affections,
which our past National history has eo often and
su honorably illustrated.
1 nut, very rcspec'.fullv, vour obedient serv’t,
' 'M. VAN BUltEN.
Messrs. Juuins Amis, Isaac Hall. John Wall, C.
Yellow by, Samuel B. Spirrill, and James \V,
Fuizian,
Jackson, C.
MASSACHUSETTS.
A siugular 9ceue has been exhibited in the
Legislature of Massachusett. Tho Executive
communications from several of the Southern
States touching Abolition, submitted by Gover
nor Everett, were referred to a Joint Comma ee
of both Houses. Tho Committe met on the mil,
•• when a delegation from the New England Antt-
Slavery Society was in attendance. 1 he Kev.
Mr. May, aud a Mr. Bewail, were permitted to
hold forth'in their dull way, in defence or the
abolttiou doctrines, aud iu opposition to the sen
timents of the Southern statesmen. Aud they
contended that their Society had always addres
sed itself solely and entirely to the muter—whom
tbev piously denominated TYRANTS—and uot
to their slaves. Aud this notwithstanding their
tracts, their writings, their no wspapei s, their Pic
torial ornaments, brand the assertion with tnlse-
h °A Dt.Follen from Germany next addressed the
committee, lleaid that—disguise it as we may,
emancipation must inevitably come, aud that it,
depended entirely onourselves whether it should
from Mosquito. Wo learn that thero are num- I their reception at Ncv Orleaus. Htesam j
bers of Indians iu that neighborhood, and then- patch also enclosed a copy of the order
they which placed General Scott in comma.,! ,4
Florida, and of so m ,„.i. ° f >
fires are seen iu every direction; and that
fequently s how themselves, but at ti respecttul
distance. On Friday night last one of them came
within the hail of a sentiuel, who shot at him, hut
without effect, when bo uttered a yell aud disap
1 C \Vc have heard uothing from Volusia, where
Capt. Elmorn’s Company are slalionucd, since
our last. , , , .
The Dolphin sails to morrow, at 8 o clock tor
Mosquito, with provisions. Gen. Eustis goes a
passenger.
p. S. We have just heard that a party of In
dians have visited the plantation of Mr. Anion,
a few miles South of Picoluta, and shot his hogs,
which were laying about the yard, and tore up
the floors of his house. No other damage was
committed. A negro of Mr. Aruan s visited the
place, ana brought the above*
source”—“That the rclariou of Musternnd Slave , t!lo , e -;, all80U a public question of equal mngui-
is a matter exclusively belougiug to the people ot, lu j c> j t j s a | so tluc lo t | ic „, t „ si.y.tbat their seu-
cach State withiu its own boundary, and that any I ( ; U)C||(S ol , t jjj s su |,j ee t spriug out of cousidera-
La, il>n fLioiiriinion* nr itottltll* flI <1IIV r - e _ l .....I ln«l/ •,> onttcp.
attempt by the Government or people of any
Stnto, or by tho Geueral Government, to inter
fere with or disturb it, would violate the spirit of
that compromise which lies at the basis of the
federal compact”—“That we cau ouly hope to
iuaintaiu the Uuion of the States by abstaining
from nil interference with the laws domestic pol
icy and peculiar iutcrcst of every other State”
“That all such interference, which tends to nlieu-
nteobc portion of our countrymen front the rest,
deserves to ho frowned upou with indignation by
alt who cherish tha principles of our revolutiona
ry fathers, and who desire to preserve the Consti
tution by tbe exercise of that spirit of amity winch
animated iu framers”—“That they depieeated
the conduct of those who were attempting to co
erce their bretbeni in other States iuto tho aboli-
liou of slavery, by appeals to the feats of the mas
ter and to tho passions of the slave; aud that they
could uot but consider thorn as disturbers of the
public peace, and would, by all constitutional
means, exert their influence to arrest the progress
of such measures”—“That whilst they would
luaiulaiu inviolate the liberty of speech and the
freedom of tho press, they considered discussions,
which, from their uatnre. tend to iiiflueoco the
public mind and put iii jeopardy the lives and
property «f their fellow-citizens, at war with cv_
cry rule of moral duty, and every suggestion of
humanity, and would he coustraiued. moreover,
to regard those, who. with a full knowledge ot
their pernicious tendency, persist in carrying them
on, as disloyal to the Union”—‘‘I hat the people
of the South would do great injustice if they al
low themselves to believe, that the few who tu-
toifering with the question of slavery, are acting
iu accordauco with tho seuliments of the North
upon the subject; aud finally, “thpt they made
these declarations to their Southern brethera in
tho same spirit of amity which bound together
their fathers and ours, duriug a long and eventful
struaglo for iudependcuce; aud that they did, in
full rememberanro *f that common association,
plight to them their faith to maintain in pracUee,
as tar ns lies in their power, what they had thus
solemnly declared.” . ,
Then* views, thus expressed and sanctioned by
myself, appear to me to cover the whole ground,
save tbe abstract question to which you nave been
pleasod to call my attention, and I cheerfully em
brace tbe opportunity you have felt tt your duty
to affotd ntc, to explain myself fully on that also.
As anxious as you can posssihly be to arrest all
agitation-upon this disturbing subject, I have con
sidered the question you have propounded to me.
with a nincero desire to arrive at the conclusion,
that thssubject in respect to the District ol o-
lumkia, can lie safely placed on the same groun I
on which it stands ui regard to the States, viz:
•Vo waat of constitutional power ».n Congress to
jterfere iu the matter. I owe it, however to can
dor to say to you, that I have not been able to s,
tisfy myself that the grant to Congress, unite con
stitution of the power of “exclusive lrgi»/owe«
all cases whatsoever” over the Federal distriiL
does not confer on that body the same authority
over the subject teat would otherwise have been
possessed by the States of Maryland and Virgin
ia; or that Congress might mot, to v.rtue thereof
take such steps upon the subject in > h,s ‘ s, . r ct .’ a -“
those States might themselves take wtlhim the.r
own limits, aud consistently with their rt 0 hts ot
^Thufvicwingthe matter. I wouldloot, from the
lights now before me. feel myself safe m pronoun-
dag that Congress does not posses, the power of
interfering with or nbolishtog slavery in the Dj*
trictof Columbia. But, whilst such aro my P 7 *
sent inapt essions upon tho abstract question of the
lo-al power of Congress-impressions which I
shall at all times be not only rcody. bnu 'sposed
»pon =o».»..on £ allJ
tjSSSS «»> *4 *"tf “S-
to the exercise of this power, against the wishes
of the slave holding States, cs imperative in their
nature and obligations in regulating the conduct of
pulriic rnen, the most palpable want of consti-
* U You havtTalluded in yonr letter to the conspic
uous situation in which 1 hove been placed before
ho pubhc; and l take it for granted ihaMtujM
that circumstance, rather than to any other, that
I am to ascribo the solicitude felt by yourselves
flm i . vour fellow-citizens in respect to my views
a .*• .kiwi l recoenisc. to tho fullestexient,
on tins iUbject. iwggj ^ your p#rt . an d nl
the proprioV j- j„ y 0 „ r letter making the
though there is notmng^^ not onIy voll . bul
avowal necessary, I . j states snail now un-
all the people of the f (hal port j on oftliem
tJcrstand. tnat if the desire P .P the Chief
which is favorable to my elevntiv t _ 0 j nl0
Mn-istrarv should be gratified, I
tko°I , r csidcntial Chair tho tnfloxihle and ancon*
promising opponent of any attempt on tho part
of Congress to abolish slavery in the Dit.rtctof
Columbia, ngainsu the wtshos of tho slaveltoldiug
States; and also with tho determination, equally
decided, to resist the sligh’est interference with
the subject iu tho States whero it exists, au say-
IIWIIW IHIVU v m j •• '
he brought about by such a catastrophe as toot*
place some years ago s.t St. Doiniugo, or by
peaceable .aud Christian like nteaus . He then
From the Apalachicola Gazette.
The following letter from our distinguished
fellow citizen, giving au account of a skirmish in
which the Florida Volunteers had been engrged,
with other authentic information, will bo read
with interest.
Extract of a letter dated Camp Allison, near
Fort Brooke, March 12th, 1820
On the eve of the 9th instant, our spies came
in and reported an assemblage of Indians of a-
wcul into an argument in favor of free discus
siou—spoke of the mobs w here Lynch law pre
sided—when lie was called to order by the Chair
man, on the grouud that all and every allusion
to mobs in this dtscusion was improper aud out
of plnco. Considerable conversation then look
place between the parties, hut in so low a voice ^ diately up - . .
ns to ho cutirelv inaudible iu the gallery. He j ordered cut a detachment from his
was however permitted to proceed; b t after u consisting «l tbe Franklin. Gadsden aud oue com
short time, alluding once more to the same sub- pa ny Capt. Scarcey, of tho Leon V oluulcers, for
ject was called agiiitt to order and took Ins seat. \ the pu pose of scourto
I bout 100, ten miles S. £. of this place. Inline-
j cliatcly upon which our indefatigable Mnjor 'Cmm
i mi n f!pinrhmeut from his commutid,
the hammocks aud sur-
this, 1 tender neither to them or to you, any
Dredges, but declaro only settled opinions, aud
»nvictious of duty* Those «yho doubt that they
rilt be carried unto full and lair effect, nro under
.^obligations to trust mol An opportunity is
{Forded thorn to cxcrciso their free choice in the
miter, nod they may bp assured that tliero is no
' te less likely to complain of its exercise than
‘Tbo peculiar importance of tho subject, nnd a
desire (which you will allow me to feel) that my
views of it tkouM (re correctly understood, make
it proper that I should oxpluiii tho grounds of the
•pinion, abort expressed. They aro founded «-|
lions of two high a character, and look to conse
quences of loo sob inu an import, to be shaken by
slight causes. W ilb ouly a gcuerous coufideuce
on the part of tho South iu their brethern of the
North, aud a firm determination oil the part of
each, to visit with their severest displeasure any
attempt to coiiuect ’.hesubject w ith party politics,
those seutimeuts cannot be nvcrihroivu. All fu
lure attempts ou the part of the aholitiouistslo do
so, will then only serve to accumulate and con
centrate public odium on themselves. That there
are persons at the North who are far from cou
curiieg iu the prevailing sentiment I have des
cribed, is certainly true; but their ubiubers, when
compared with the res* of tbe community, are ve
ry inconsiderable; and if the condtumt ol tiling**
be uot greatly aggravated by imprudence, niauy
of them, I have uo doubt will ultimately adopt
sounder views of the subject; aud the efforts of
those who may persist iu the work of agitation,
may be overcome by reasons, ot rendered inoper
ative by constitutional remedies.
To one class of those who have hitherto peti
tioned Congress for the abolition of slavery in
the District of Columbia, 1 cannot forbear to re
fer. I allude to the society of Friends, or the
people usually duuoiuiunted Quakers. The uni
formity of their course upou this subject, the tem
perate manner in w liicli it has been manifested,
and the marked excellence of their conduct and
character, appear to have conciliated rosaect for
their motives, even from those who differ with
them iu opiuiou. As far as my observation has
etubled me to judge, it is due to them to say. that
as there has beeu uo indication of any change ol
opinion upon their part during tbo present excile-
metit. so has there been uo evidence of a dispo
sition to lend themselves to the undue agitations
of the public mind attempted by others. There
is certamly uo class of people in this country w ho
have a deeper interest iu tho preservation of the
Union and of tho happy system of Government
which it upholds, than they; and it has now be
come vciy apparent to all reflecting and observing
minds, that the question of slavery iu the District
of Columbia cannot be pressed to the insult they
desire, with safety to those paramount objects. -
Do not these considerations justify the hope, that
from them at least, wo may reasonably expect,
for the future, a mode of dealing with the subject,
which, whilst it does no injustice to their princi
ples, sltnll repress instead of increasing agitation,
and uot endanger the great interests to which I
have referred ? To doubt it, would be to distrust
the influenco which industry, morality, inrelli
genco and republican habits—qualities which all
admit them to possess in a high degree—are cal
culated in great emergencies, to exert upon tho
conduct of their possessors. And. fo~ the like
reasons it may certainly be expected, that well-
disposed persons of other religious denomina
tions, who, without a full consideration of the
difficulties w hich surround this subject, and of tbe
dangerous consequences to which tho efforts of
tbo Abolitionist* so evidently tend, have lent to
those efforts tho influence of their names and
character, will bo careful hereafter to avoid the re
petition of an error so unfortunate aud mischie
vous. . , , . ,
In every view of the subject, therefore, it does
appear to me. that, although there certainly is. iu
in lito preseut condition ot iho comitry in relation
to it, sufficient to excite tho most serious attention,
there is nothing in iho state of public opinion in
the United States, to justify that panic in the pub
lic tniud which invariably disqualifies those who
partake of it, from dealing wisely or successfully
with the circumstances by which it is produced.
From abroad wo Itave, I tltiuk, some right to cx-
r ect less interference Ilian heretofore. We shall,
am confident, for some time at least, have no
more loroign agents to enlighteu us on the sub
ject. lleccut results here, and tho discussions
with which limy have been attended, cannot fail
lo attract the alleution of the rcadiug and reflect
ing portion of the Foreign public. By these
means they will be made to understand our real
condition in this respect, aud they will know that
the unchangeable law of that condition is, that
the slave question must bo left to tho control of
the slavcboidiug States themselves, without mo
lestation or interference from any quarter; that
foreign interference of every description, can ou
ly be injurious to the slave, without benefit to a-
ny interest, and will uot be endured by any sec
tion of our country; and that any interference,
coming from evon the non-slaveholding portions
of our own territory, is calculated to eudniigerihc
perpetuity, and if sanctioned by the General Go
vernment, would inevitably occasion tho dissolu
tion of. our happy Union. Seeing the subject in
this, its true aspect, and conscious as they must
be, that the downfall of this Republic would be
tho severest blow that the cause of liberty and self-
govci'braeut could receive, and from which its re
covery wouiu'be hopeless, tbo wise and the good
From the Standard of Union•
COL. IIOWELL COBB.
Wo have just read a letter addressed to tho ed
itors of the Georgia Messenger, by the gentleman
whoso name stands at the head of this article,
which appeared iu that print on the 84th iust.
The ostensible object of Col. Cobb s iettei is,
to lay before the public, a history of the circum
stances under which the Houston Troop of Cav
alry commanded by Capt Allen, left Ficolata a
few weeks ago. With that subject, we, at prc-
seut, have nothing to do, aud shall therefore ex
press no opinion upon it—our remarks beiug in
tended |o apply exclusively to that porticu of the
letter which censures Governor Schley, aud seeks
to throw the whole blame upou his shoulders.
After going iuto a labored argument to shew
the difference belwceu “f oluntccr" aud "fifjii-
lur Soldiers” he arrives at the foilowiug conclu
sion :
•There is much aud heavy blame to lodge
somewhere, from the return ol tbe Voluntters. I
think it quite plant, that the blame lies at the
doer of the Governor of Georgia. A few facts I
think will settle this—a requisition is made by the
President upon the Governor to furnish for a cer
tain service a certaiu uamber of troops—readily
organized volunteer companies tender their servi
ces and are accepted; they tender themselves as
volunteers, and as such are accepted ; uo order or
communication to them gives tbe slightest notice
that they are to adopt the character of regulars,
w hich ought to bo done, if auy such thing w as in
tended—if nothing of this kind is doue, aud their
offer is accepted its condition is, that uothiug of
the sort will be required.”
And wiudsup by remarking, “It must be obvi
ous to every one, that if these terms had been
mentioned wheu their services were accepted,
these companies would not have gone 300 miles
te let General iscott know that they would refuse
then.”
Those are the remarks of CoJ. Cobb in relation
to the conduct of the Governor, and are manifest
ly luiemlcd to couvey the idea, that he has been
wanting iu his duty, and that all that has happen
ed should be laid at his door.
Let us examine this matter, and try it by tbe
law aud the facts!
The first cvidenco which we offer, is an extract
from the Governor’s Address to Maj. Cooper’s
Battalion, delivered at Macon on tho 5lh ol 1'eb-
ruary last, which is of itself sufficient to satisfy
every unprejudiced mind. In that address
Governor said:
“Let me exhort you then, by ail tho tics which
hind you to your families, your friends and your
country; by" ail tho respect which you feci for
yourown characters as men and goutlemcn ; by
all the pride of a soldier aud a patriot, to con
form to the laws of your country, tdtey your offi
cers, and in all things observe the rules and arti
clcs of tear."
Tins address was jnildicly made to a battalion
of Volunteer Georgians, nnd in prescnce of a large
number of citizens, has been published in all, or
nearly all of the public gazetts of the State, and
joad by thousands and tens of thousands of the
people.
But further. Lest a dou!»t should remain upon
the mind of a single individual, lot us refer to our
own laws, by which it w ill appear that Col. Cobb
nns either forgotten, or greatly misconceived the
obligations of men called iuto service, and that
those who profess to bo lawyers or military men.
should have known their provisions better than ho
seems to have done
By the act of 1818, it is provided that “when
ever any militia shall he called forth into actual
service as aforesaid, they shall be governed by the
articles of war, which govern tho troops and the
militia which aro in the service of the United
States.”
This act relates particularly to such troops as
may be called out by tho Governor to suppress
“an invasion or insurrection ;” aud if troops of
that character are placed under tho rules ami ar
ticles of war, what lees could be expected of those
called iuto the service by the United States ? \\ e
leave it to Gol. Cobb, as a lawyer and a military
man tonnstver this question.
But this is not all. Wo have understood that
the Coloucl delivered tm address to the Hnustou
Troop, shortly before they marched to Florida,
and if such he tho fact, how did it hnppeu that he
overlooked matters so essential. 7 Uo bears a mi
litary title of a high grade, and enjoys the repu
tation of an able lawyer—aud how it was that so
much was overlooked by him, is wonderful iu-
d«*ed ; and after having bad such au opportunity
ol euliehtening his fellow-citizens upon a subject
of such vital importance, he should come forward
nt this lime of day, with his lame and foregone
conclusions to cost odium on tbe Governor, is.ut-
terly astonishing.
The orders of the .Governor to the troops which
have been called aut for Florida, are drafted in
the usual style, aud will bo found to correspond
substantially with those of his predecessors; and
we fearlessly challenge a comparison between
them, and tiio orders issued from tbe same De
aud
Bradford
Abolitioiiists
tho
South.
Several women were present at the meeting—
and our blood boils to see tbe language which
was used by tbe Ablitiouists. Among others,
.May declared that “Abolitionists consider slave-
holding a tretueudous sin; as okkat a sin as
HUMAN JJEINOS CAN be GUILTY of. They con
sider the mass of the population at the South,
ELAer AS well as white, alarmingly ignor
ant and AWFULLY licentious.
Ou tiie 11th. a memorial from the Fanatics
was presented to the Senate, “complaining that
they had uot been fuily heard before the Commit
tee and remonstrating against tho passage of any
vote of censure, or auy law for the suppression
of abolitions ocieties,” Much ilebato ensued—at
the eud of which, the Senate determined, in
concurence with the House, to refer the Memo
rial to the samo Committee, of which Mr. I.nut
is Chairman. In the House, a similar debate
took place; in the course of which.
“Mr. Emmons of Hiusdale, said, that this sub
ject was a fire-brand tbiown into tbe House, and
thrown there too by his Excellency the Gover
nor; and Sir, how much fuel has since beeu ad
ded to the fire! 1 havo witnessed all the procee
dings of that Committee, aud 1 say that the as
sertions contained iu the memorial are altogether
false! This memorial is calculated to produce
incalculable mischief, ami it ought to be rejected
at once, and its vile authors put iuto the bands
of Judge Lynch. Sir—said Mr. E.—search the
world through, and you will not fiu«! so mischieve-
otts a set of vagabonds as these same abolition
ists. Look at Dr. Foilen, as a specimen—a mere
adventurer from Germany, whom his “o’er clov
ed country has vomited forth” to create mischief
in this happy land. If wc suffer vagrants from
Europe to interfere with our domestic concerns,
as well astofill our ahns-houses, w hat will he the
cousequeuce ! Why, Mr. Speaker, every foreign
blockhead, wto has not the meaus of getting an
honest livelihood in his own country, w»l! rush to
our shores, aud try toiblacken tbe characters of
our best men, aud, if posible, to destroy the
Union of the States. In tho language of tho im
mortal Shakspeare, I could wish that Justice
would place iu every honest hand a whip, to lash
these foreign rascals naked through the world.
—[The remarks of Mr. Emmons were listened
to w ith deep attention, and appeared to make a
very salutary impresiou on tiie minds of members.
The quotation from Shakspeare wi,t partic.ubi.rly
admired.]"
The last account wo hear, is from tho Boston
Commercial Gazette of Moudny the I4th, which
states that on Saturday “ Mr. Lunt’ Chairman
of the Committee on Slavery, made a masterly
Report ou that subject, completely overthrowing
the argument made use of by the fanatics and
disorganizes, who arc laboring with all their
might to render this hitherto happy and piosper-
nus conutry a laud of confusion, discord, aud
bloodshed !’"’
Wc call upon the friend of tho Uuiou, iu the
Not tit, to put down these Fanatics, if possible,
by the force of public opinion—and if not, by the
arm of law. Aud we call upon Congress, to drive
theso petitioners from their doors.—Otherwise,
we may yet rue their impertimeut interference
w ith our domestic eoucerns. and their incendi ary
machiuatious, iu sackcloth aud in ashes.—Rich.
£ "f —— -
ced an attack upon them in front ami rear, by
capt Shaw’s company (G. V.) charging the
hammock ou oue side, and rapt. S.and my ewn
on the other, as soon as the charge was ordered
the enemy fled in every direction, leaving all
their camp equipage, leggings. & T c. ill our P ,)S ‘
session, aud it was only by the utmost intrepidly
iu charging aud scouring the hummock's that
we were ei.auicd to overtake them, which wc sufficiency for nine days, had to itectde on hisf c .
did at the junction of a creek which we after t ure movements. To reiirtiin there vviilu-mpro
ward® gave the name of Head’s creek, with In- ’ ’ ■ -f -t... • ■
of considerable size and
operations in*-..«,uu ui so mU( .i,
instructions of the Secretary of War to it
cer, as required him to carry on the c
without regard to departmental boum| ar ?r ip * i 8 II <
As Geueral Gtuc.es, however, rrevin
leaving New Orleaus, had pledged bimseip t0
volunteers to continue w ith them, and a V®^
also written to Geueral Clinch, that besh 7,^
oprate w ith him, he held it his duty to nU “ t0 ’
anti so reported to the Adjutant Gener-i'™'** 11 '
It is under these circumstances that IioiKp
ral Scott and General Gaines are non in p? Dc '
da.—Globe m F| “n-
From the Tallahassee Flo ridieui, March in
GENERAL GAINES. U
As this veteran and gallant officer has be
percedcd in command, by the arrival of g!,” 80 ’
Scott, at Fort Drane, wc trust that the follo^
particulars of bis campaign in this TcrrTi '^
against the Semiuoles, in which he hasdijnl- 11
so much promptitude, aud made so tnanv u 'x*
ccs, will be acceptable to our readers.' ij
receipt of the intelligence at Netv Orleans ,
war, and the massacre of Major Dade’s del k
meat, he made a requisition on the Govern *
the patriotic State of Louisiana, for troops u
held in readiness, and proceeded at once top
saeoia lo secure the co operation oftheNav f! '
On the -Jth of February lie emhiukec!y
Orleans, in three steam boats for Tampa,
about eleven hundred men, consisting
companies of volunteers, aud the regular
stationed at Baton Rouge, ami the p^.s j„ ,|j!! 8
Vicinity under the immediate command of (' !
Twiggs, arrived at Tampa on the 9th, and on the
13th, took the field in the enemyes country, tr
march was first directed on the Alafn river. ia a *
Easterly direction, for the purpose of routing!
body of Indiaus recently seen in that quarter nor
falling in with them, he marched for I'ort Kine
Ou the 20th lie arrived ;u the sceue of the , ;i: t
sacie of Major Dade’s detachment, and had die
mehu holy satisfaction of interring the remains < ; f
those brave but unfortunate victims of tna-t
warfare. 6
On the 22d, Gen.Gaines arrived at Fort Kin*
and having obtained from Fort Drane such nm.'
plies ns were to be had, being uo more ihnn j
EVENTS IN FLORIDA.
FROM FLORIDA.
Tho foilowiug extract of a letter, received iu
this city, iu a great measure confirms the accounts
published yesterday, from the Jacksonville Cour
ier.—Savannah Gcorgiau.
Extract of a letler, dated
“ Picolata, March 15, 1830.
“ Au express from Fort Drane, last evening,
states that Geueral Scott is there ; that Geueral
Gaines had retired to Fort Drane. aud left the
command before Scott arrived—that whi st at
tho Witlilacoochec, l’otvell, Jumper, and Abel
were in camp suin,®- for peace—that they were
tired of fightiug. Whilst negotiating. General
Gliuch’s detachment canto up, aud kuowiug no
thing of what was going on, rushed upon tho In
dians who fled, aud Powell aud the rest heariug
the alarm, started like fury, but promised to re
turn the next day—that ou account of Clinch’s
men, they were afraid to conic into camp, but
stood ou tiio other side with a flag and stilted
that they had seut to the Governor, Mieanopj , to
know bis ideas, aud, as the old roan has always
beoti considered in reality favorable to reim-val,
we aro all in hopes that the war will soon he ter
minated. They have moved their women and (
children about for>y miles from the late battle j Government, aud as General Gaines’ services
ground. Gou. Scott lias had the offer of from were required elsewhere. General Scott was or-
dian River, a stream
strength of current with immensely wide and
thick hammoqks ou belli sides; when wo came
up with and killed three of the rascals, we knew
of none that were wounded, and as a very heavy
rain cante up just at the time w e ,saved all we
could find cf them, aud left forour encampment.
We retook a considerable quantity of articles,
such as camp equipage soldiers clothes, &se. which
has since beeu recoguized as belonging to Dade s
company that were butchered besides six fine
ponies, eight head of cattle, aud a good many
other things that I do not now tecollect.
We pushed them so close that they run aud
left their blankets, leggings. &c. and their pro
visions iu our possession, the latter of which was
very acceptable for tw o very special reasons fiist
as we bad lived upou salt meats for a length of
lime, aud secondly having made a very severe
forced march through the woods aud hammocks
to get at them, we felt very much in the humor
of earing.
I should do great injustice to my entire com
mand (both officers ami men.) were I not to
mention in terms of the highest approbation their
conduct iu tho affair. Most of them being as it
were strangers to the Indian character and mode ol
warfare, I feared some of them might uot under
the circumstances dike to charge into the ham
mocks, bnt to my very agreeable disappointment
; n that regard, 1 found them all ready and anx
ious to it which they did with a fiimcss that
would h ave done honor to the veteran soldier.
The ciienty being put to route and iheir en
campment broken up in ibis settlement by iis
on tbe day alluded to Col Lindsay, of the U.
S. A- with 1050 of his commaud, which is o-
ver 1500 at Ft. Brook a, has issued orders for
taking tip the line of inarch to-morrow for Ft.
IvingT with a view of forming a junction and
commimicaiiug with Gcnls tscott and Gaines,
w ho arc now operating with the main body of
the forces iu the north. In the order of march
Col. I,, has doue Maj. R. the honor to put his
command in what is considered the most dan
gerous position, the right of the army.
Lieut- Rowlett has been promoted Jo the com
mand of tho Spy Guard, which 1 look upon
as a high compliment both to him and my com
pany.
A report js in circulation here that Geueral
Gaines is shut up iu Wltblacoochee Swamp by
the Indians, but it is so vague that I place no
confidence in it.
All my command are in fine health and spii-
its, and "a Kentuckian would say are spoiling
for fght. My ow n health is good other than
a tiemendous cold contracted by wading and
swimming the river and swamp, oil the day of
tho battje.
Capt. A. Iv. ALLISON, F. V.
‘’ome misapprehension appearing to prevail
concerning tho relative situation of Gen. Scott
aud Gen. Gaines, in Florida, we have made in
quiries into the subject, and are euab’e to com
municate the following information to our lea
ders.
There are two Military Departments, the east
ern i.nd tiie western. These are divided by a
line driiwu from the southern point of Florida,
to tho northwest extremity of Lake Superior.—
By inspecting the map, it will be seen that this
lino passes through thc.thea.be of hostile opera
tions iu Florida, leaving, however, much the lar
ger portion, iu fact almost all of East Florida,
in tbe eastern depattiueut, commanded by Gen
eral Scott.
These departments arc constituted for the con
veuieiicc of tho service; but it is obvious that
their boundaries ougiit uot to interfere with op
eralious in the field, as otherwise our comman
ders and armies must be changed, whenever au
eneinv moves out of one department into another.
Campaigns must be carried ou without.reference
to artificial lilies.
General Scott was nt tho seat of of Govern
ment when information was received of the bat
tles with the Seininoles, aud as the crisis deman
ded immediate action, as tic was upon the spot,
and could receive immediately the orders of the
800 to 1000 Greek Indians, which he has accop
ted. They aro to be there in 20 days ”
aud acknowledge that thoy have uiisapptC
purtment duriug tho late war.
covery wouiu vv nopc-wa^, — j In conclusion, we ask, was moro required of the
amongst thorn—those »vJ>o ar<3 teally guided by Governor than he has done? He has issued his
the principles of justice aud humi»2* | Y-—w , ll pause j or( ] ers j U | bo f orU i lung established by his prede-
—j i i-j— .l„. .i—i.—- -c.beodcd } COlJSOMi Ho has told a large body of Volunteer
Troops in a public affi’rew, tha t they were “in all
things to observe the rules aud articles of war,
The laws of our owu State inculcate the samo
doctrine, and e v ery military officer should, at
least ho acquainted with these laws. But above
nil. Col. Cobb iu bis address to tho troop, should
have enlightened them upon the subject. If he
made them n speech, it niust have been one of en
couragement adviie and instruction ; aud being a
Colonel and a Lawyer, hr should havegiveu them
a clear understanding of their rights aud their du
ties—aud failing to do so, will reflect no great
credit upou bis reputation as a lawyer or military
qtan.
tho true bcariugof this question, lustead of ac
cusing our couutrymen who bold property in
slaves, with disregarding the geueral principles of
liberty and the distntes of a pure religion, they
will recoguise in this class of our citizens, as sin
cere friends to the happiness of mankittd ns any
others, and will become sensible that this species
of property, the result of causes over which they
iiad uo control, is au inhcritauco which they only
kuotv how to dispose of. Instead of charging the
people of tbe nou-slaveboldiug States, ns has of
ten been doue, with hypocrisy in professing an ar
dent love of freedom, they will find chat the free
citizens of tbo Noith arc only acting upon tho
dered to Florida to take tho direction of the
campaign. Circumstances about this time showed
the necessity of placing au additional force upon
our western frontier, as well with relation to
•possible duties growing out of tbo neutral posy
tiou of tho Govcrment as to stipulation in the treaty
with Mexico, which requires the United States to
restrain the Indians livtug withiu their territories,
from the commission of hostilities in Mexico.—
The sixth regiment was therefore ordered to the
frontier from Jeffersou barracks, and tho state of
things demanding tbe preseuce of au officer of
ratijv qnd discretion, Geueral Gaiues was direc
ted to take tho personal command in Louisiana,
with special iust-urlinus fir his government
Tito necessary pape s were sent to Geu..Gaines,
who, about this time, left his head quarters nt
Memphis, and repaired to New Orleans, where-
ascertaining the lamentable condition of things
in Florida, he nrderod a portion of the regular
troops to join tho militia which was collected
there: and taking the command, he proceeded ou
tho route to Florida. At Pensacola ho received
a despatch from the Adjutant General, commu
.St. Auhustink, March 13.
From the South.—An express arrived iu town
ou Friday Inst, with the melancholy intelligence
that threo of the Volunteers stationed at Camp
M’Rae,about 60 miles south of this, had beeu
shot by the Iudinns within 250 yards of tiio
Gamp. It appears that they were a part of a
police party, who were sent out to procure tho
tuel about sunrise in the morning, and while io
tho'performance of their d tity t thoy were fired upon
by the Iudinns, about 50 in number, it is supposed
aud two of them shot and scalped, and the third,
in running away, .vns killed with nine balls, hut
was uot scalped. Tho uatnc of one of the un-
fortuate victims, we understand, is Kennedy, a
member of tho Irish volunteers. The other two
belonged to the Edgefield Blues, whose names
we have not ascertained. The Iudinns were pur
sued, but could not be overtaken. Th< a y posses
the facility of concealing thomsclves almost ins
tantly in tho thickets aud swamps, so that it is
imposible to discover them. 0 ^ , utu , altlt IV1
Tho stoarn boat Dolphin arrived this afternoon were about to issue, and directing hint to await Western frontier.
visions was out of the question, aud lie itetenS
ed to return southtvn d by the Battle jrnum! of
Gen. Clinch. If the enemy were not talten in
with, this movement would tend tocoiiceuim*
the ruemy, and give security to the fruitier. On
the 27th he reached the right bank of the Wish
lacoocheo, where Gen. Clinch had encountered
the enemy on the 31st of December. 'I iicsome
order of march had been preserved through iiie
whole distance from Tampa, in three columns,
aud a strong advanced and rearguard.
Ou arriving at tho river, a spirited (ireits,
opened on the left (lank from the *»}»j;osite side.
The fight continued about half on hour, (hr
troops lost oue killed and eight wounded—that cf
the enemy must have been severe, owing to the
better arms and greater precision of f.urmeu —
Oar troops encamped that night near the river.—
The next day they moved two miles dans i!,e
river, where the banks are less covered ttiih
thickets. Hero they were again attacked, aud
Lieutenant Izard, of the Uuiled StatesDraroonj,
mortally wounded : lie fell, hut partially recover
ing himself, commanded his memo “ keep tbcii
positions aud lie close;” aud though perfectly
aware of his condition, con timed lu dislay ;lie
utmost coolness aud presence of tniud. Tits
brave and valuable officer w=.s buried ou the
hanks of the \\ ithlapoorbec. The fight vasew;-
liuued ou the 28th with little or uo iiiteratiMsa,
from 9 o’clock till 1 I*. M. During this time the
Indians kept up a continuous yelk Tlte loss this
day, besides Lieut. Izard, was one killed, aid j
Captains Sanders and Armstrong wounded, la
the evening, au express was sent io Fort Drast,
advising an immediate movement to cross iberi
ver above, anti (jill on the enemy’s rcer, \vlti--bit
was hoped would terminate the war.
On the 29th, in the inorpiug, the etiftny ins
silent, which tiie General copsiJeied as iudiri-
ting an intended attack. Oue third of the con. i
maud was kept at the breastworks, :u d the others |
employed in making preparations to crojstfc
river. About 9 o’clock the working parly"
attacked, and simultaneously a fire was |H!iwl
ou three sides of the camp—that next the nTtr
beiug the only one uot assailed.
The fight continued more than two hours, tnr-
ing which time, one mail was killed, atj’lthieeof
ficers and thirty men wounded.
was wounded. Gen. Gaines ivaswomiikd.fi
ball through the lower lip, (yuuckinj; not
tooth—he appealed less affected, however,!*'* I
accident, than any one ill the army ; so ilcarwi
he rendered hiuiself to all by bis galiaat tiranat
aud devotion, sharing alike the fatiguesae;! ,,u
gers with them, marching on foot, carrying*
own knapsack through ihc whole caii'p* 1 ?"
Who could uot act the hero under i' |£ 7 ,
such a veteran ? The coemy, at length, a 11 ;-*
ill confusion, and contrary to their cu$iw»d' 3
one of their dead on the ground, Hlter I' 8 ®’ |
dragged him smne distnnre. The iiontbfT |
.estimated nt about fifteen hundred warier
The enemy having crossed the river. »i““
express was seut to Fort Drane. .with tatelltp* 1 *
of the fact, aud suggesting a corrcspuiidt |1 f ,B0 '^
moii* ; also requesting a supply of provide*-''
Ou tite 2<l, 3d, 4th and fifth of March, d ie e ** L ; j
k< pt firing at intervals, and our -hnqi dinPj^ I
were cut played in picking them off whcitev'L" |
showed themselves.
On the evening of the 5th. a parley " ,1!
quested by an Indian, stating that they wet* B
of fighting, and would make peace.
reefed to come iu the morning with a
’I'lte next day, about three hundred I« , ii* UiBi ,
their appearance, among them were Oscco J
Jumper. A talk ensued, ail** a desire tor F ,
expressed, stating that they had lust
their men, aud requesting a suspension ® L
ties, until Micauopy, the bead Chub t0 . L
consulted. The party was here broken >’• “j
the arrival of General Clinch with five >' j
men and supplies. Ilis advanced .fi 1
mounted men not knowing th® occast" 1 ’ j
Indians being there, promptly formed ® !^
charged upon them, aud they imineo ia '1
across the river. . . n .| I
The next day, General Games re-o
commaud to Geueral Cliucli. who. tiic‘ , | lj^ ^
with orders, inarched to Fort Ursue. ^ |
evening, a nigro who had been sent j t jje
enemy, returned am! fully confirmed
disposition, lie had found them |» os ' (t .
miles higher up the liver, scattered o' ^
tent of two milts. They stated
prohibited their young men from actl .
—that they had seen our men fishing 1
aud had not fired ou them. . yet
It must ho observed, that no Iernl th
been offered them, and is is kt-owu ” nit
negro, that they are averse to g‘>mg .
cerlaju, however, that their s F l . r ! () j-tbcir ** sr !
their means exhausted, and inatjy
w*
riors slain ; aud it is uot prohau e
attempt further resistance agatust t 1
iug force by which they are now sur , a „ id
Gcueial Gaiues is expected , ciii****’
will he greeted jviih enthusiasm A - tua tion **
who fully appreciate the dehca , nrel | 1 cni ul
whicii ho was placed at the c0,n .(.jjjtj of ^
the campaigu. He lookiho respo ^ jc
deeming his pledge to the brave *o; lf0 ^it
having effected a communication
at Camp King
sign his comma
the Government
it a contrauuo.a.i>,.. t . , llliv to “
g—he considered it ;
uaud t. the otneer (.laetd | i,.
tot. He goes, we Wjg rV 4
nicating to him information of the orders which | mediately to resume his station on