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ICON U £ O ft O 1 4 TELE Oft A P ft
tms
Tlie a j ; e»idU jU*«» iSciA^c.
(CoutioJtl.)
■van If oir pj-.ver- Wvfj L-j* doubtful i:i this re
ap "t, is ■ Ciii^t>uiUJ!i tui v stands. there arc cotiriii*
ervioiu aJordsd by reseut exparienee, which would
ae *>ri to -iioxe it our duty to avoid a rosor. to such a
system.
All will admit that tlie simplicity and economy of the
.State Governments, mainly depend uu tbe tact that
money has to be supplied to support them by tbe same
men, or their axems, who rote it away in appropria
tions. Hence, when tlierc arc extravagant and waste
ful appropriations, there must be'a corresponding in
crease of taws, and tiie people, becoming uwu.teued.
Will necessarily scrutinize the character of measures
wh ch thus inercase their burdens. By tnc watchful
eva of self interest the ajeuts ef the people in t!ie T„-*te
Govuriuoduts are repressed, ai d kepi witbiu lie 1 limits
of a J tst cco-o ny. 11 at if the necessity of levying t!ie
taxes be taken from those who make the appropriation*,
anj thrown upon a more distant and ic.ss responsible
■Cl of public agents, who have power to approach tbe
people by au indirect uuj stealthy taxation, there is
jeisna to fear that prodigality will suonftupercede thos«
characteristics which have thus far made us look with
to much pride and confidence to the State Govern- ;—-j. . .t , _ , , „ „a
Such was the origin of a national hank currency, t those of the deposite banks for an equal period of
and such the beginning of those diriicuiti.-s which now tune; and if a comparison be instituted between the
npiK-ar in the excessive issues of the banks incorpora- amounts oi service rendered by these institutions on
t.-d by tie various Stati s. ' the broader basis which has been used by the advo-
Altboagh it may not bo possible, by cr.y legislative : cates of the United States Hank in estimating what
State Legislatures, instead of studying to restrict their
State expenditure to the smallest possible sum, will
claim credit for their profusion, and harrass the Gencr-
|i3 Govern inen: for increased supplies. Practically,
there would soon be bui one tSXimr power, and tli.it
Vested in a body of then far removed from the people,
in which the farming and mechanic interests would
scarcely be represented. The Statr.s would gradually
Jo*s their purity as well as their independence; they
Would not dare to inar nirnt the proceedings of the
G moral Government, le.it they she..Id lose their sup
plies : ill would b j merged in a practical run validation,
cemented by wide-upread corruption, which could on
ly be eradicated by one of those bloody revolutions
Which n -fa-ioiially overthrow life despotic system of
the old worl j.
In all the other asperts in which I h ive been able to
lpn't at the efl’.-ct of such a pr|i(Cipje of distribution
USJii td>* beat interests of tiie country, I can sept .mill
ing to compensate for tile disadvantage* to which I
have adverted. If we consider the protective duties,
which arc, in a greet degree, he source of the surplus
TOVorije, henciieial to one section of the Union, and
prc'ildli'ial to another, there i- no corrective for the e-
vil for such a plan of distribution. On the contrary,
there is reason to f.-ar that all the complaints which
have sprung f-om this cart would l» ■ Aggravated. : v-
«sry one must hr setisihi • that a disiribytion of the sur
plus must beget a disposition to cherish the menu*
which create it; add any system, therefore, into which
it enters, mu-4 have n powerful tendency to increase,
rather than dimiiiis 1 ! tin* tariff. If it were even admit-
tsi! tliat the advantages of a system could be made «•-
anal to nJI the sections of the Union, the reasons alrea
dy so Urgently c filing for a reduction of the revenue,
would, nevertheless, lose none of their force; for it
will always he improbable tint an intelligent and virtu
ous community can consent to raise ft surplus for the
mere purpose of dividing it, diminished, as it irin.-t ev
idently be, by the expenses of th- various machinery
necessary to”the process.
The safest and simplest tnod ‘ of obviating all the
difficult':;* which have been inenioued, is to collect on
ly revenue enough to nice? the wonts of the Govern
ment. and Jet the people keep tiie balance of tit? pro
perty in their own hands, to h - used for their own pro-
itt. . adi .State will than support its own Government,
and contribute its due share toward* tbe support oi'
tlie General Government. There would be i o sur
plus to cramp and lessen the resources of individual
wealth and enterprise, and the hulks would he left to
their ordinary menus. Whatever agitations and fluc
tuation* might arise from our unfortunate paper sys
tem, they could never he attributed, ju*:iyor unjustly,
to the action of the Federal ' Government. Thare
would be somo guaranty that th» spirit of wild specu
lation. which seeks to convert the surplus revenue in
to b i lking C-ip.’t-', would ii.* effectually cheeked, and
that the scenes of d unc.-ilmnon. which are now so
prevalent tb. ough the land, would disappear.
j!desiring ffi conceal that the experience and
ob-.vvarion of the iu*t two year*, huvooperated a par
tial change in my views upon this interesting subject,
at is never.'.,clr«.i regretted that the suggestions mode
by m* in my anuitnl menaces of ]889 and 1830, have
been grciuly misui,woir»ond. At tliat time, the gre at
struggle was begun against that latitude, ariau con-true-
tion of tbe constitution, which authorizes tin unlimited
appropriation of the revenues of the Union to internal
improvements within the States, tending to invest in
th a hands, and place uudor the control tif the General
Government, all the principal roads and canals of the
country, in violation of State rights, and in derogation
of State authority. At the same Mine, tiie condition of
tht manufacturing interest was such as to create at* ap
prehension that the duties on imports could not, with- j
out extensive mischief, be reduced in season to prevent |
the nc-umtilotion of s considerable surplus after the |
payment of the nail on a! deb;. In view of the dangers
of such a s irp'.u*, and i.i prcforenoe to its appiicaliun
ta internal improvements, in delegation of the rights
and p.xvirs of the States. the suggestion of an amend-
tnc :t of thu constitution to authorise its distribution
r-.Mi I: v/iuini: Iternative for wiiat were deem
ed ji r — a temporary lesort to relieve au over-
b j:■ t ■. T.-e is.trv nn ii he Government could, vvith-
i.* s-. idea a. 1 destructive revulsion in the business
cl" III'.- ei>i .try. cra.In illy return to the jitel principle of |
taisiiig no Mine revetme limn .ho people, in t.cv?s,
that is i'-e.es:;,\ry tv«r its economical rapport. liven
to-it.liter.i.uivi: w.v* not spoken of but in r.ai.u n-.tioa
with .hi iiinendment of the constitution. No tampon-
rv in.tonveni iice can justify the exarcis • cf a prohib
ited power, or a power not granted by thatinstruinent:
an i it vais fiO'ii a einivi.
but • even a t miporary
character, that it .vas suggested only in connection i *'
with a i appeal t > tho source of all legal power in the
General Government, t ;« States which have establish
ed it. flu .'i 'h uu appeal lias been taken, ami in my
opinion a •i>triaucio;i of the surplus revenue !>y Coa*
gr •to iiu Suites or the people, is to he con
tiden-! ,s a Dn|ig the prohibitions of the constitution.
As already intimated, my views have undergone a
change,. > fur att to he c mvineed that no alteration of
the c.vfts-i iipn.i, in tliia respect, is wise r.r expedient.
T.V in liKure of ta anumul iting surpiu* upon the
means witliio our power, to change at once tiie system
which ha* thus been introduced, and has received the
ac.|Uiesonac of nil jioriions of the country, it is certain
ly our duty to do tul that is consistent with our consti
tutional obligations in preventing tho mischiefs which
nro threatened by its undue extension. That the ef
forts of the fathers of our Government to guard a-
gainst it bv a constitutional provision were found
ed on aij'intimate knowledge of the subject, has
been frequently attested by the bitter experience of the
country The same causes which led them to refuse
their sanction to a power authoricing the establishment
of incorporations for banking pur noses, now exist in a
much stronger degree to urge a* to exert the utmost
vigilance in calling into action the means necessary to
correct the evils resulting from the unfortuate exercise
of the power, and it is to be hoped that the opportuni
ty for effecting this great goed, will be improved before
the country witnesses new scenes of embarrassment
and distress.
Variableness must ever be the characteristic of a cur
rency, of which the prer ious metals arc not the cbict
ingredient, or which can be expanded or contract 'd
without regard to die principles that regulate the value
of those metal* as a standard in the general trade of the
world. With us bank issues constitute .such a curren
cy, nnd must ever do So until they are made dependent
on those just proportions of gold and silver, as a circu
lating medtnm, which experience has proved to be ne
cessity, not onlv in this, but in all other commercial
countries. Whore those proportions are not infused
into tin- circulation, and do not control it, it is manifest
that prices must vary according to the tide ot batik is
sues, and tho value and stability of property must stand
exposed to all the uncertainty which attends the admin
istration of institutions that are constantly liabla to the
temptation of an interest distinct from tliat of the com
munity in which they ere established.
The prngri-si of an expansion, or rather a deprecia
tion of the currency, by excessive bank issues, is rd-
wavs attended by a*loss to the laboring classes.—This
port : on of the community have neither time nor op
portunity to watch tiie ebbs and flows of the money
market. Engaged from day today in their Usual toils,
they do not pereieve that although their wages are no
minally th'* same, or even somewhat higher, they are
greatly reduced in fact by the rapid increase of a spu
rious currency, which, os it appears to make money
abound, they arc at first inclined to consider u blessing.
I- is not with he speculator, by whom this uppow
iion is better understood, and is made to contribute to
his advantage It Is not until the prices of the : ec ;s-
snries of life become so dear that the laboring classes
ear,not supply their wants out of their wages, that the
wages rise,' and gradually reach a justly proportioned
mte to tliat of th® products of their labor. When thus
by the depreciation in consequence of the quantity ot
paper in circulation, wages as well as prices became
exorbitant, it is soon found that the whole cflect of
rhe adulteration is a tariff on our home industry for the
benefit of the countries where geld and silver circulate,
and maintain uniformity and moderation m prices. It
is then perceived that the enhancement of tli® price of
land and labor produces a coresponding increase in the
price ol products, until these products do not sustain a
competition with similar ones in oilier countries; and
thus noth manufactured and agricultural productions
I cease to bear exportation from the country of the spit-
j rious currency, because they cannot be sold for cost.
| This is the process by which specie is banished by the
! paper of the batiks. Their vaults are toon exhausted
to pay for foreign commodities; the next step is a stop-
page of specie payment; a total degradation of paper
as a currency; unusual depression of prices; the run
of d' btorj, ami the accumulation of property in the
hands ot cre^tuts and cautious capitalists.
it was in view of these evils, together with the dan
gerous power wielded by the Hank of the U. States,
and its repugnance to our constitution, that I was indu
ced to exert the power conferred upon rne by the A-
inericau people, to prevent the continuance of that in
stitution. itut akhuugh various dangers to our repub
lican institutions have been obviated by the failure of
that hank to extort from the government a renewal of
its .charter, it is obvious that little has been accomplish
ed, except a salutary chitiye of public opinion, towards
restoring to the country tie sound currency provided
for iti tie constitution. In the acts of several of tiie
3talcs ptohibiling the circulation of small notes, and
the auxiliary enactments of Congress at the last ses
sion forbidding their reception or payment on public
account, the true policy of the country lias been ad-
v.ui.-oJ. a:,d a larger portion of the precious mttals in
fused into our circulating medium. These measures
will probably be followed up, in flue lime, by tka e-
ilnctinent ot State laws banishing from circulation
bank notes of still higher denominations; ami the ob
ject may be materially promoted by further acts ot" Con
gress, forbidding tire employment, as fiscal agents, of
such banks as continue to i&>uc notes of low denomin
ations, and throw impediments iu the way of the circu
lation of gold and silver.
The effects of an extension of bank credits and over
of bank paper, have Been strikingly illustrated in
they consider the domestic exchanges transacted by it,
tiie result will be stUl mote favorable to the deposite
banks.
The whole amount of public money transferred by
the Hank of the Unit -d States in 183d, was $16,000,000.
The amount transferred and actu illy paid by the de-
positc banks in the year ending the 1st of October last,
was $£J.3iO,60J; the amount transferred and paid be
tween that period and tbe 6th of November, was $5,-
300,000; and the amount of transfer warrants outstand
ing on-that day was $14,450,000; making an aggre
gate of $59,168,804. These enormous suras of mon
ey first mentioned have been transferred with the great
est promptitude and regularity, and the rates at which
the exchanges have been negotiated previously to the
passage of the deposite act, were generally below those
charged by the bank of the Unite.. States. Indepen
dently of these services, which are far greater than
those rendered by the United States Hank and it*
twenty-five branenes, a number of the deposite banks
have, with a commendable zeal to aid in tne improve
ment of the currency, imported from abroad, at their
own expeuse, large sums of the precious metals, for
coinage and circulation.
In tne same manner have nearly all the predictions
turned out iu respect to the effect of the removal of the
depositee—a step unquestionably necessary to prevent
the evils which it was foreseen the bank itscli would
tudeavor to create, iu a final rtruggle to procure a re
newal of its charter. It may be thus too, in some de
gree, with the further step.- which may be taken to pre
vent the excessive issue of other Cauls paper; but it
is io be Moped tliat nothing will deter the - cdcrul and
State authorities from the firm and vigorous perform
ance of their duties to themselves and to the people
in this respect.
In reducing the revenue to the wants of the Govern
ment. your particular attention is invited to those arti
cles which constitute die necessaries of life. The du-
from taxation would be felt so generally and so benefi
cially. To this may be added all kinds of fuel and
provisions. Justice and benevolence unite ill favor of
releasing tbe poor of oiir cities from burdens which
arc not accessary to the support of our Government,
and tend only to increase tjje wants of the destitute.
It will be seen by the report of the Secretary of the
Treasury, am! die accompanying documents, that the
Hank ot the United States Inis made uo payment in
account of the stock keid by the Governn cut in that
institution, although urged to pay any portion which
■iihfiusuu its convenience, and that it has given no in
formation when payment may be expected. Nor, al
though repeatedly requested, has it furnished the infor
mation in relation to its condition, which Congress au
thorized die Secretary to collect at their last session;
such measures as ate within die power of tne Execu
tive have been taken to ascertain the value of the stock
and procure tile payment us ea ly as possible.
The conduct and present condition of that Hank,
and the great amount of capital vested in it by die
Unted States, requre your careful attention. Its char
ier expired on die 3d day ofMarch last, and it has now
uo power but thatgiven'in the 81st section “to use the
corporate name, style, and capacity for suits for the
final settlement and liquidation of die atVairs and ac
counts of the corporation, and for the sale and dispo
sition cf their estate, real, personal, and mixed, but
net lor any other purpose, or in any odicr manner
whatsover, nor for a period exceeding two years after diat the various matters
the exniraliouof the said term incorporation.” Hefore nving documents, in respect to those relations, will re-
the sales of tho public lauds. From die returns made
by the various Jlegislers and Receivers in die early
part of last summer, it was perceived that the receipts
arising from the sales of lint public lands were increas
ing to an unprecedented amount. In effect, however,
these receipts amounted to nothing moia than credits
i:i bank. The banks lent out their notes to speculators;
I they were paid to tiie Receiver.-, and immediately re-
I turned to tut banks, to be It: -t out amain and again, be
ing more instruments to transfer to speculators the most
valuable public land, and pay the Government by a
I credit oa the books oi" the bunks. Those credits on
I the books of some of the western banks, usually call -d
s, were already greatly beyond their immodi-
•i m i t r* h -f 1 depunites, were already greatly beyond their nunicdi
surplus ‘of revenue is' of 'that! ««* f 1 ' W'^nt. and were rapidly increasing
Iudci:u each speculation iuinisln-d means ior another ;
for no sooner had one individual cr company paid in
the notes, than they were immediately lent to another
for a like purpose, and the buuks were extending their
business and their issues so largely, as to alarm consid
erate men, and render it douhtmi whether these batik
credits, if permitted to accumulate, would ultimately
be of the lens; value to the Government. The spirit of
expansion and speculation was not confined to the de
posit banks, throughout the Union, and was giving riso
;o new institutions to aggravate the evil.
The safety of the public l ands, and the interest of the
people generally, required that these operations should
do ckecked; and it became the duty of every branch of
the General and State Governments to adopt all legiti-
taate and proper means to produce that salutary cflect.
Under this view of my duty, I directed the issuing ol
the order which will be laid before you by the Secre
tary <•! the Treasury, requiring payment for the public
l ii.’ds sold to be made in specie, with an exception, un-
.’•jjishfi.m of theG’-:: n! Government, and the 8lit _.
ii.-* eff-ct- upon the credit system of the roc.::try, pro
ducing ifi«t*piw ui: tis o.is audrtiusi scontractions,
3 i-.tir tii.t- i i th * pn tu of property, r.i-h speculations,
jdleiMs, i and a deterioration of morals,
have txu riit us the imnnpxnt lear.jv, that *my transient
nr'i'inn wi.r.'t mav attend the re laitimi ot our reve
nue to the av.nrs of ..'ir Government, it is hi be borne
in prefiroai'i ri a.i o.vi-flowing Treasury.
tghon. as well #< the history of the tnuss which gave
birfii to it. f.'-lt :t was th:* purpose of the convention to
< aabh-u a currency consisting of the precious me tali.
These, If out their per li ar properties, which rendered
them tin* standard of value m all other countries, were
Adopted in this, is ivoii tocslalilidi its commercial »t»n-
c ird i:i rrferr uco t» foreign countries, by a permanent
rile, as to cxef'iflic use of a mutable medium ofex-
•hangs, sarii i* of certain a-rrir.nlturnl commodities,
reragoigi ri bv P:» rlAfUtes of" r.ncie States a* a tender
. for <t -fat*. O: 'u< rt'll more pernicious expedient of a
pajiev currency- Tit* ii-t. from ihe experience of the
evils «f ihe to*cf r <J ;::ng ill ’ revolution, had
(m.-.oiim so just!/ i.‘;ioxion*. as ncir only to suggest the
clausa »n lie constitution forbidding the emission of
bills of credit by the States, bur also in produce that
vats in.the convention which negatived the prop.i-.iUon
to grant power to Cfr.cr s to chartsr ce-poratoms—
q propostl au well ffndrrstood a' th • time, c* intended
to authorial the «<ibli-S"n!U of a natlenal bank,
vr.'iii'h was ta ir»ne a eurrcTV-. v 0f ban t *:oS: . on a cap
ita! ta be eroih' t :n sour extent on: of riovnrnmeni
a Pick.v Although this proposition w as refund ?»;• adi-
»er: vino of wa ouncerdi in, the ohy-e: ww afterw irds
i.i cST.-ct .ilgEiiocil, by its ioganionw advocates, tfiror.gli
. Xt sUaiuiiJsso.istnKtioa «> :ua cunstitn'.kin. T.it d’lis
<u the devolution wire fktvlcd, a; prices which fa.-:ni*u
na c jtit-compand wi.h the iiorciuaJ amount of
iV *t3tt*:. a^I under cireumtttneM which exposed the*
npouA'eoi'yrn: of tiitk>e who participated iu t&u pas*
jaje.df tlid p.".l to distrust.
Tiu fact* thg: the value nf lire stork was rr afiy cn
2mneed by the aov.Jcn of the bin*, tiiat it was well
aajer.'OM flout * mb -•hui I be tiv* ca*c, a:;.l that ,-nrne
Of eb: livocak.* iff us jdi:>..im largjly I^nefib
uJ>y it, fypo tg ta t>*r In :fory of tie ti nes, :n3lare.
o*ell cAleV) .IgOimA tbe respcci winch height to-.
tVrr wi*e be JO dot to Am act on of tbe Cpogrcse*
wtu.b crutitdJ tbe vxsfifbuen.
On tbe e.>pblUi.rr{jtt of a Mti tnl bans, it became
interjn of jo cri }i:0rs, that gw3 should be super- -
»ddJ by tbe jMta-r ot the .bank, as a geoerol currency.
A eol»t mos dm aaac.wt>ta the gold coins, which
-•adn their ei|*i)scaaaa (0jgreign etHXWre*, *s n t*rr-
eantib) emnduliig, mere getiwli than ibek retention
oijNii V»ae Mimuar. It feNarwe, bso matter of
40Jtirse, iff tut JssAfneJ My those who «*aUisk$d
jiri.-i.urc wh cli ha> rincc pervaded our eastern as well
a: tae European coininegci.il citieo. Hy preventing
the extension of thu credit system, U measurably cutofl'
tiie means of speculation, and retarded i'.s progress in
monopolizing tiio must valuable of the public lands. It
h:is tcini-d to save the new States irom a non-resident
proprietorship, one of tne greatest obstacles to the ad
vancement ot a new country :uad tiie prosperity of an
old one. It has tended io keep open the public lands
lor the entry bv emigrants at Government prices, in
stead of their being compelled to purchase of specula
tors at double or treble prices. AuU it is conveying in
to the interior iarge sums in silver and gold, there to en
ter permanently into the currency of the country and
place it on a firmer foundation. Jt is confidently be
lieved that the country will find in flic motives which
induced that, and the happy consequences w hich will
have eu.-in.-d, much to commend and-nothing to con
demn.
It remains for Congress, if they approve the policy
winch dictated this order, to lollow it up in its various
bearings. Much good, in my judgment, would be pro
duced by prohibiting sales of the punbe lands, except
ti actual settlers, at a reasonable reduction of prices,
and to limit tlic quantity which siiali be sold to titem.
Although ills believed tbe General Government never
ought to receive any thing hut the constitutional cur
rency in eevhaugc for .ko public lands, that point
isoiffJ be of less importance it tiie lands were sold for
iimmediate settlement and cultivation.—Jude-d there is
scarcely a mischiiff arising out o* our present laud sys :
tern, melodic g the aecutouiaUug surplus of revenue,
isbscit wookl not »i once fie remedial! by a restriction
on i.iiid oaks, to actual settlers; and it promises other-
advantages to the country in general, and to new States
w pbrticufcr, which canuoVfaii to receive the most pro-
fouixl consul oration of Congaess.
experience cootiuues io realize thchixpcetations cn-
tertuued as to the capability of the .State Hanks to per
form the ditties of fiscal agents for live Gqvonupenuat
tbe time of u*e removal of thu deposites. li was alleg
ed by the advocates of tbe Hank of the United states,
that the State U*nks, whatever might be the regulations
of tiie Treasury JJeparuncnt, could not make the trans.-
fen reqOired by ahe Government, or negoe.iate the do-
xpiraliouof the said term incorporation,
file expiration of tiie charter, the stockholders of the
bank ch ained an act of incorporation from the legis
lature of Pennsylvania, excluding only the United
Hints*. Instead of proceedings to w ind up their con
corns, and pay over to the United States the amount
due on account of the stock held by them, the president
aud directors of tho old buuk appear to have transfer
red the books, papers notes, obligations, and most or
ad of its property to this new corporafion, which en
tered upon business as a continuation of the old con
cern. Amongst other acts of questionable validity,
the notes of the expired corporation are known to have
been used as its own, and again put iu circulation.—
That tho cld book had no right to issue or re-issue its
notes after me expiration oi its charter, cannot be de
nied and tliat it could not corner any such right on its
substitute, any more than exercise it itself, is equally
plain. Iu taw ami honesty, the notes of tbe bank iu
circulation, at the expiration of its charter, should have
been called in by public advertisement, paid up as pre
sented, and together with those on band, cancelled and
destroy, d. Their rc-sssue is sanctioned by no law,
and warranted by no necessity. It the United States
be respens ble in their stock for the payment of those
notes, their own benefit, is a fraud on the government,
it’the United States is not responsible, then there is
no legal resposibility in any quarter, and it is a fraud
Oa file country. They arc tile redeemed notes of a
dissolved partnership, but, contrary to the wishes of
the retiring partner, and without his consent, are again
re-issued and circulated.
It is the high and peculiar duty ot Congress to decide
whether any iurilier legislation be necessary for the
security of die. large amount of public property now
held and in use by file new bank, und for vindicating
the right* of the government, and compelling a speedy
and honest settlement with all the creditors of file old
bank, public aud private, or whether the subject shall
be left to the power now possessed by the executive
and J udiciary. It remains to be seen whether file per
sons, who as managers of the old buuk, undertook to
control tiie Government, retained ilie public dividends,
shut tlic ir doors upon a committee offiieHou.se of
Representatives, and fiiled tbe country with panic to
ucco nplish their own sinister objects, may now, as
managers of a new bank, conhnuo with impunity to
flood ihe countiy with a spurious currency, use file
sevenmillions of Government stock lor their own pro
fit, aud refuse to the United States all information as to
present c< ndition of their own property, and the pros
pect of recovering it into their own possession.
The lesson taught by the Hank of the United States
cannot well be lost upon the American people. They
will take care never again to place so tremendous a
p-jvver iu irresponsible hands, mid it will bo fortunate
if they seriously consider the consequences which are
likely to result on a smaller scale irom the facility with
which corporate powers are grunted by their Htatc Gov
ernments.
I; is believed that the law of the last session regula
ting the deposite banks, operates ontrouffyaud unjust
ly upon them in many respects; and it ns hoped that
Congress, on proper representation, will adopt the
modifications which are necessary to prevent this con
sequence. ...
The report of file Secretary of War ad interim, and
the accompanying documents, all which are herewith
laid bclore you, will give a lull view of file diversified
aud important operations cl that .Department during
the past year.
The luilitaiy movements rendered necessary by tne
aggressions of the hostile portions ot tlic Heuimoie and
CreeK uibes oi Indians, aud by other circumstances,
res which it is since ascertained have been taken by
Governor Call, there is reason to nope that they will
soon be enabled to reduce the enemy to subjection.—
In the meantime, as you will perceive Iw the report of
Secretary, there is urgent necessity for further appro
priations to suppress these hostilities.
Hapily for the interest oflhumanity, the hostilities with
the Creeks were brought to a close soon after your
adjournment, without the effusion of blood which at
one time was apprehended as ineviti ble The uncon
ditional submission of the hostile party was followed
by their speedy removal to the country assigned them
west of the Mississippi. The inquiry as to alleged
frauds in the purchase of the reservations of these In
dians, and the cause of their hostilities, requested, by
tiie resolution of the House of Representatives on the
1st ol'July last, to be made be the President, is now
going on, through the agency of commissioners ap
pointed fur that purpose. Their report may be expec
ted during your present session.'
The difficulties apprehended in the Cherokee coun
try have been prevented, and the space and safety of
that region and its vicinity effectually secured, by the
timely ineasmrea taken by the War Department, and
still continued.
The discretiouary authority given to General Gaines
to cross the Sabine and occupy a position as far west
ns Nacogdoches, in case he should deem such a step
aecsasary U/thc protection of the frontier, and to the
fidflbtteiit off tbe ■tioulatioiis contained in our treaty
wifll Mexico, and the movement subsequently made
by that officer, have been alluded to in a former part
oi" this message. At the date of the latest intelligence
from Nacogdoches, our troops were yet at that station;
but the officer who has succeeded Gen. Gaines has re
cently been advised that, from the facts know n at the
seat of Government, there would seem to be no ade
quate Cause for any longer maintaining that position;
and ho was accordingly instructed, incase the troops
Were hot already withdrawn under the discretionary
powers hefore possessed by him, to give the requisite
orders for that purpose on the receipt of the insruc-
tions, unless he then shall have in his possessions such
information as shall satisfy him that the maintenance
of the post is essential to the protection of our frontiers
and to the due execution of our treaty stipulations pre
viously explained to him.
The national policy, founded alike in interest and
humanity, so long and so steadily pursued by thjsGov-
erniuent, for the removal of file Indian tribes original
ly settled on this side of the Mississippi, to file west of
that river, may he said to have been consummated by
the conclusion of the late treaty with the Cherokees.
The measures taken in the execution of that treaty,
and in relation to our Indian affairs generally, will lul-
Iv appear by referring to the accompanying paper—
Without dwelling on the numerous and important to
pics embraced in them, I again invite vour attention
to tiie importance of providing a well digested and
comprehensive system lor file protection, supervision,
and improvement of the various tribes now planted in
the Indian country. The suggestions submitted by
file Commissioners of Indian Allairs, and enforced
by the Secretary, on thissubjict, and also in regard to
file establishment of additional military posts in the In
dian country, are entitled to your profound consider
ation. Hath measures are necessary lor the double
purpose ol protecting the Indians irom intestine war,
and in other respects complying with our engagement
to them, and of securing our western, frontiers against
incursions whichsOtherwise will assuredly be made ou
it. The best hopes of humanity, in regard to the ab
original race the welfare of our rapidly increasing set
tlements, and the honor of the United States are deep
ly involved in the relations existing between this Gov-
rninent and the emigrating tribes. I trust, therefore,
submitted m the uceompa-
>wir, itot ii»i bank
Jp« lakttaff-fitf Itaftsdl
of large bodies of militia and volunteers. Vv'iui all
these events, so far us they were known at die scat of
Government before the termination of your last ses
sion, you are already acquainted, and it is therefore
onlv needful in this place to lay hefore you a brief sum
mary flifwhat has since oceured.
The war with file Seminole*, during the sunnier,
was, on our part chiefly confined to the protection of
cur frontier settlements, lrem the incursions ot file
enemy; and as a necessary and important u.vau. lor
the accomplishment of that end, to tin: maintenance of
the post previously established. It* the course cl this
duty, several actions took place, iu which file bravery
and discipline of both officers und men were conspi
cuously displayed, and which 1 have deemed it proper,
to notice, in respect to file lormcr, by the granting of
brevet rankfor gallant services in the field. Hut as tiie
force of the Indians was not so far weakened by .these
partial successes, as to lead them to submit,aud as their
savage inroads were so frequently repeated, early mcar
reive vour early and mature deliberation; aud that
it mav issue in file adoption oflegislative measures a-
dapted to the circumstances, and duties of the present
crisis.
You are referred to the report ot the Secretary ot_
the Navy <or a satisfactory view of the operations ol
the department under his charge, during the present
year. In the construction of vessels at the different
navy yards, and in the employment of our ships ami
squadrons at sea, that branch of file service has been
actively and usefully employed- While the situation
of our commercial interest in the West Indict required
; creator number than usual of armed vessels to be
kept on that station, it is gratifying to perceive that the
protection due to our commerce in other quarters ol
the world lias not proved insufficient. Every efl’ort
has been made to facilitate the equipment of the ex
ploring expedition authorized by tlic act oithe last ses
sion, but all file preparation necessary to enable it
to sail has not yet been completed. No means will be
spared by the Government to fit out the expedition ou
a scale corresponding with file liberal appropriation
for tiie purpose, and with the elevated character of
die objects which are to be etlected by it.
I beg leave to renew the rcoinmendation made in
my last annual message, respecting the enlistment of
boys in our naval service, and to urge upon your at
tention the necessity of further appropriations to in
crease the number of ships afloat, and to enlarge gen-
• rally the capacity and force of the navy. The in
crease of our commerce, and our position in regard to
the other powers of the world, will always make it our
policy and interest to cherish the great’ uaval resour
ces of our country.
The report of the Postmaster General presents a
gratifving picture of the condition of tl e Post Office
Department. Its revenues for the year ending the :>0th
of June last, were $3,396,455 19, showing an increase
of revenue over that of the proceeding year of $404,-
878 53, or more than 13 per cent. The expenditures
for the same year were $8,755,682 76, exhibiting a
surplus of $618,831 43. The Department has been
redeemed from embarrassmant and debt, has accumu
lated a surplus exceeding half a million of dollar*, has
greatly extended, and is preparing still further to ex
tend the mail service, and recommends a reduction of
postage equal to about 80 per cent. It is practising
upon the great principle, which should control every
braueh of our Government, of rendering to the public
the greatest good possible, with the least possible taxa
tion to the people.
The scale of postage suggested by the Postmaster
General reco emends itself, not only by the reduction
it proposes, but by the simplicity of its arrangements,
its conformity with tiie Federal currency, and the im
provement it will introduce into the accounts of the
Department and its agents.
Your uarticular attention is invited to the subject of
mail contracts with rail road companies. The present
laws, providing for making of contracts, are based up
on the presumption that competition among bidders
will secure the service at a fair price. Hut on most ol
the rail road lines, there is no competition in that kind
of transportation, and advertising is therefore useless.
No contract can now be made with them except such
as shall be negotiated before the time of offering, oral"
terwards, and the power of the Postmaster General to
pay them high prices is practically without limitation. |
It would be a relief to him, and no doubt would con
duce to the public interest to prescribe by law, some
equitable basis upon which contracts shall rest, and
restrict him by a fixed rule of allowance. Under a
liberal act of that sert he would undoubtedly be able
ed as to the whole, the number and compensation of
persons now employed in tli duties, and the p
gross expected to be made during the ensuing year,
with a copy of the various correspondence decmca ne
cessary to throw light on the subjects which seem to
require additional legislation. Claim* have been made
for retrospective allowances in behalf of the superin
tendent and some of his assistants, which I did not feel
justified in granting; other claims have been made for
large increases in compensation, which, under all file
circumstances of the several cases, I declined making
without the express sanction of Congress. In order
to obtain that sanction, the subject was, at the last ses
sion, on my suggestion, and by request of the immedi
ate superintendent, submitted by the Treasury Depart
ment to the Committee of Commerce of the House of
Representatives. "But no legislative action having ta
ken place, the early attention ff Congress is now in
vited to the enactment of some express and detailed
provisions in relation to the various claims made for
ffie past, and to the compensation and allowances
deemed proper for me future.
It is further respectfully recommended mat such be
ing me inconvenience of attention to these duties by
the Chief Magistrate, and such the great pressure of
business oo the Treasury Department, the general su
pervision of me coast survey, and the completion of
the weights aud measures, if the works are kept uni
ted, should be devolved on a board of officers, organ
ized especially for that purpose, or on the Navy Board
attached to the Navy Department.
All my experience and reflection confirms the con
viction I have so often expressed to Congress, in favor
of an amendment of me constitution, which will pre
vent, in any event, the election of the President and
Vice President of the United States devolving on me
House of Representatives and me Senate ; and I mere
fore beg leave again to solicit your attention to me sub
ject. There were various other suggestions in iny last
annual message, not acted upon, particularly that re
lating to the want of uniformity in the laws of the Dis
trict of Columbia, that are deemed worthy of your fa
vorable consideration.
Before concluding this paper, I think it due to the
various Executive Departments to bear testimony to
their prosperous condition, and to file ability and in
tegrity with which they have been conducted. It has
been my aim to enforce in all these a vigilant and faith
ful discharge of the public business, and it is gratifying
to me to believe that there is no just cause of com
plaint from any quarter, at the manner in which they
have fulfilled the objects of their creation.
Having now finished the observations deemod pro
per on mis, the last occasion I shall have of communi
cating with the two Houses of Congress, at their meet
ing, I cannot omit an expression of the gratitude
tvhi- h Is due to the great body of my fellow-cit;zcns,
in whose partiality and indulgence I hive found en
couragement and support in the many different aud
trying scenes through which it has been my lot to pass
during my public career. Though deeply sensible that
my exertions have not been crowned with a success
corresponding to file degree of favor bestowed upon
me, I am sure that they will be considered as having
been directed by an earnest desire to promote the good
of my country; and I am consoled by the persuasion
that whatever errors have been committed will find a
corrective in the intelligence and patriotism of those
who will succeed us. All that has occurred during
my administration is calculated to inspire me with in
creased confidence in the stability of our institutions;
and should I be spared to enter upon that retirement
which is so suitable to my age and infirm health, and
so much desired by me in other respects, I shall not
cease to invoke that beneficent Being to whose provi
dence wc are already so signally indebted for the cou-
tiiuiencc of Ids blessings ou our beloved country.
ANDffi W JACKSON.
Washington. December 6, IR!.'.
'itOiumAs
From the Jacksonville Courier Dec. 8
THE WAR.
By the arrival last Friday ot Cols. Warren an»
Fleming, the latter of whom volunteered to join this
expedition, we have been furnished with a detailed ac
count of the last excursion of the army into the Indian
country. The 11th ult. they left Fort Drane. under the
command of Gov. Call. The Tennessee Brigade, in
number about 1000, commanded by Gen. Armstrong;
the Regulars, 250 friendly Creeks, commanded by Col
Prieree; and the i.ast Florida Volunteers, all that
could be spared from the Posts, between 100 and
800 in number, commanded by Col. Warren.
The 13th, the Regulars, the E. F. Volunteers and
the Creeks, crossed the Withlacoochee by fording and
swimming, to scour the country to the source of that
river aud seek the strong hold of the enemy. In cross
ing the river, so great was the difficulty, three ol the
Regulars were drowned. In the famous cove, they
found no pleasing variety for marching, being mud and
water, dotted with islands for encamping, with occa
sionally small bodies of hammock. On most of the
islands they found Indian wigwams.
After marching through the mud and water, dec. and
seeing no immediate prospect ot a change, Paddy Carr,
who prided himself on speaking English, exetaimed,
“tunph! This is a natural forlUud: for these devilish
horse thieving, rascally Seminole?.”
Gov. Call, with the Tennessee Brigade, marched
up on the east side of the river. Accounts of the two
skirmishes which this division of the army had with the
enemy on the 17th and 18th, have been already pub
lished' in the Courier.
By the kindness of Col- Mills, we are luruish
-d with the following particlars of their ur-rch,
whi> h, a* it illustrates the incidents and uifScu!
tic* of a march iu that utiktiowti home of the Sem
inole, h e gladly publish-
“On the J4th. we removed our cucansptuaui to
tun ther small island, on which rve remttinee Hie
I5th. Tli s day we were to have marched out
of this cove. But early in tbe day. some of ihe
friendly Indians, who were on the east'aid*- of the ! a .„j greater .-’ostaele* to be surmoun-
river, discovered free hosiile Indians, one of '.v hich ! ifJ transporting pruvi-ioi-.s to the points, at
a half. They showed their pleasure at the a p .
preach of our forces by w hooping, leaping, ru n .
niug. ami other similar antics.
The diimouuud Regiment of Tennessee Vol.
untoers on the right, tho Creeks ou the left, aod
the Regulars iu the center, advanced to the
charge. When within about 80 yard*, they r «.
reived the cuetny ,s fire, aud advanced to about
HI) yards, when they returned it, with such eff CC[
a* to drive the enemy back to the hammock.-.
The Indians maintained their ground so obstiaate-
ly, ehari.svhcn they ato*e Irons the gra-s and scrub
to fire, the muzzles of dieir rifles were but a few
feet before the then at whom they made the dead
U aim. The hostile chiefs were heard several
limes to say “carry off the wounded- never tniad
the dnul ; here we uiu«t fight,”
Alter deufeuiug ronr of ursis for a l*aif ^
hour, onr force* succeeded in dislodging thee,
from their strong hold, aud they pursued them
hotly, fig thing every step, for about two tni| ei>
iu hammock, swamp, and marsh, through tvbich
thev were frequently compelled to wade in 3 0 r
4 feet water &i mud". Here the enemy hadgreat-
lv the advantage by knowing the fordable paste*.
While to pursuit, they passed through twocoru-
fields, the largest of which embraced about 150
acres. .. .
Alter having gone al.otil two nm*'s, the cneit^
were arrayed on 'he opposite ride of a uar.ow
creek or I'ngoou. which extended each way fur
ther tinn the eye could icr.rh. Our forces made
several u<-*urcessf«l attempts tn cross the lag«* 0(
T hose, who made the attempt, were one 111011,61,1
on a bog and the next up to the arms in mau
,nd water, aud constantly exposed to the
most deadly fire of the enemy In at the opposite
side. The chivalric Majot Motliuc, one of fi, 0
Creeks, was shot through tlic heart, iu boldly at-
tempting, at the head of a party of the Creeks, to
cross. On receiving the shot, his last words to
Capt Watson; oil falling were—“Save my bo-
dv. "’ Unfortunate a* he was brave, he had «d-
viinc-d too tar to enable auy ens to do so, and he
was scalped. ...
Finding it impracticable at tr.at late uour, (4
o’clock iu the evening) t<» pursue ihe enemy b e
vond this natural barrier, (though fordable in
>,.me places by the iudians) iu the face of the
enemy ou the opposite side they returned to the
camp'. During the engagement in<*re wer* ten
of Col. Fierce’s division killed and twelve or
fo irteeo wounded, several of whom have sun0
dud. (Jf the enemy, from 14 to IU were found
dead. .. .
'Flic death of the brave Mouter was much rs-
„r e tted by a!E He bad he* n educated at West
Point, aud. on leavtug. was given a cornrn;,rim;
the army. But he preferred returning to the.
home aud independent file of his I 1 avli-. ri. Like
many other brave and chivalric rjiirsls, bis w*i>
tbe .iiUfoisuue to take its flight from tfte swamp
,„i.i hammocks of FionJi.. ‘nglonous death!—
He met it with a simple request, to save hiiu from
disgrace nd to give his weary spirit rest in the
other world. , , „ _ , . .
The Tennessee Brigade* fully sttnamed ihn:
s;ate reputation. All 'he oflio rs end men en
gaged in rile battle are represented to have fought
vi ,1 a* any General could wish.
\i! who wore preseuc represent this as a fcani
fought batite. Thu-e who were with “thi hem
of the Great Bend,” say, that ouring the Creek
and Scniit'ole campaigns, there vt us no such
eoutc-tiug inch bv inch, the ground for such a
ieugili of limo. This is attributed to their *U|.e:
nor knowledge of tbe use of ure arms, their lof-
rtier success, aod ihe despair by which they aid
urged to any sacrifice.
• he iu fluent s ot 1 his l,.st coostticratn u was
pa ticuiarly exemplified *u two circumstances.—
Oue ol the enemy, after shooting away bt* an:-
inunmen, with tbs iastload m his rifle, ascended
a tree to have a more deadly aim. Alter firing,
h* which otic of the Tennessee volunteers t*as
w‘ou.»<lcd. he was brought to the ground by tbs
f tUi rifles of the wounded man’s companions.
Uv *v»cms not to have regarded hft, :f he couid
..vi&te it b\ the death of an enemy- The eve-
:.i- * before the battle nf the Fl>'. they took irom
i.ui c .am several, of tho best horses, aud. cutting
th ir throats, led them by the trni ou which our
forces must pass apparently, to show tln-tr iu»o-
Iqucc and hardihood.
Oue of the friendly (’reeks, «ho was capiu.-ac
iiv some of the hostile Indian* uear For* Draue,
Mini, after being with them several days, made
that 'he hostile Indians said
-.pc, sav*,
••thev r.ould never cross bauds with white men
ajta-o in friendship.”
The dav after the battle, the army marched for
Volusia. wiii«b place, passing through I’ikihh-s*
ha atii! the Okehumpkee hammock, they readi
ed t-Vid.iv. the 25th. On their way thry saw
vecal trails of from .50 to 500 of the enemy lea-
ilinu south T heir horse# w» rc so jaded as to
forbid pursuit.
From the present prospect the war is not like-
1» soon to terminate- The enemy is-apparently
:i«. f,.r from being subdued and 1 emoted, as they
vn-re a tear stacc. By driving them south the
w at is protracted. More time is necessary ”
have required the active employment of nearly our to secure the services of most of the rail road compa-
—L-i- -—»— *■ — :—1......... ,,.n Mu! nies, and the interest of the department would be thus
or Call, who, a* Comuiander-ui-Eluol ot Uie 't errito
rial uiihtia, had been temporally invested with the com
mand, an atopic force, tor die purpose of resuming of
fensive operations, in the most clHcient *ianii*r, as
BOOB as the season should permit. Major General
Jesup was also directed ou conclusion of his duhea in
file Creek country, to repair to Florida and assume the
confinand.
The result of tbe first movement made by forces un
der she direction 01 Governor Call, in October lust, as
detailed in file accompanying papers, excited much
surprise and disappointment. A lull cxpiana'Eon Ilau
been required of the causes which led to the failure of
.thadbiuvement, but ha* not yet been received. Iu the
'me an true, as it was feared iliac the health of Governor
Cali, whe was understood to have suffered much from
sickness, might not to be adequate 10 the crri.s, and as
Major General Jesup was known to have reached added to the others hv a toint resolution.
Florida, that officer was directed to assume ’tae cow* The care and correspondence as to all
mand, and to prosecute all needful operations with the
utmost promptitude and vigor. From the force at Us
moitic exchanges »>f the country. It if now well as-
the I cetuincd that toe r eal domestic, exchanges performed, . .
i through discounts, by the I'Uited Slates Bank aud its disposal, and the dispositions he has made and is in-
r— ~ ^ ~ j —■—“
twemy-five-brahekrth wtrtrst feast one third kgs than j strutted tomaltCijand fro tactile very efficient cwyia-
advanced.
The correspondence between the people of the U-
nited States and the European Rations, and particular
ly with the British Islands, lias become very extensive,
and requires the interposition of Congress to give it
security. No obstacle is perceived to an interchange
of mail* between New York and Liverpool, or other
foreign ports, as propo.-ed by the Postmaster General;
on the contrary, it promises, by the security it will af
ford, to facilitate commercial transactions, andgive rise
to au enlarged intercourse among the people of the dif
ferent nations, which cannot bat have a happy effect.
Through the city of New York most of the corres
pondence between the Canadas and Europe is now
carriedon, and urgent representations have been re
ceived from the head of the provincial post office, ask
ing file interposition of the United States to guard it
from *he accident* and ios*cs to which it is now sub
jected. Some legislation appears xo be called for, as
well as our own interest, as by comity to the adjoining
urcs'were taken for placing at tlic disposal of Govern- British Provinces.
or Call. who. as Commai;der-ii:-Ul:iei of file Territo- The expediency of providing a fire-proof building
for the important books and papers of the Post Office
Department, is xvorthv of consideration. In the pre
sent condition of our Treasury, i is neither necessary
nor wise to leave essential public interest exposed to
so much danger, when they can so readily be tnadu
secure. There are weighty considerations in the lo
cation of a new building for thi Department in favor
of placing it near the other Executive buildings.
TTte important subjects of the survey of the coast,
and" the manufacture of a 'standard of weights and
uicisures of the different custom houses, have been in
progress for some year.*, under the general direction ol"
the E xeeutive, anil tho immediate superintendence of
a gentlemen possessing high ' cientihc attainments.—
At the last session of Congress, the making of a set of
weights aad measures foreach State in the Union was
these sub
jects has been devolved on the Treasury Department
during the last year. A special report from the Sec
retary of the Treasury will soon be communicated to
Congrem, which will sfejw what has been accomplish*
threw down his rifl- and said, that the He mmoles
desired to make peace aud fight uo longer. The
("reel* Indians were alarmed aud ran ofi. A par
ty under Capt. Watson pursued after ihcin the
whole day without being able to overtake then •
At first wc were much elated w i:b the idea of
having peace. Hut from subsequent occurrences
wo were convinced, that this offci of peace was
a mere ruse to delay the army a day, and g iin
time to make belter preparation .or our recep
lion.
*-Ou the I6th. our division marched, and. al
ter proceeding about five tnih *. caiuc 10 a neck
running through a swamp which v ; s found m be
a day’s work to cross. This was u.:;-• rtif F;c:i cc-’s
Creek. W e encamped on a fine h!,,b pine i>-r
cm
“The 17th, xve marched tbrott.k a fine open
pine barren, passed some Indian !i‘ui,es wludi
b id been recently occupied, xttd f.f otic. f.-:'tn*.l •*
cart and a 6 lb. ball, which'-had prntts.t>!y bet ;-
fired from Fort Cooper iu tlii* vicini;.. A' nr-on
we heard a heavy firing fp ihe e>.- , by wjiu'ii.
we knew that the Tennessee troops were: ee.gii
ged with th" enemy- Shortly alter, our spies
discovered five hostile Indians. Inti they ran iu
.0 a h mV nock on the borders ol a beautiful lake.
>iid eluded al! pursuit. Wc encamped near this
lake.
••Friday. IStli. xve left a camp guard, and mar
•• ied round the head of tlic lake and passed
1:1 'iiigil swamps, marshes, and chains of lakes.
1 1 diati village*. &c-—and suddently and unex-
-.vUiih -I'tev
requirci:. and all the difficulties
increased Until son**
„! the present campaign increased umu
different plau is pursued than the ooe of spending
one week in pursuit of the enemy ami ihe next
in returning fur provisions. Oseola will find 0"
difficulty in making good hi* five years, r or tba
credit of our government, he ha* been able te«
long to set at defiaure tho whole power o' the
United Siates.
Gov. Gail has received orders to turn the co:a-
nt.iud over to Gen. Jes«p. An expre s. wiih a
guard of 4ft
for Gen Jf-
li* "d of Wat vjm
ring bis cninipani
ficuriie* beside* *s
•mi gcneririlt tun
ic will di »:iatu' :
frurn s»no;i ami:'.*'
ja-Mi
l‘“vt and dr pot m
pec ted I y came to the bank of tho river once more,
where we found an Indian canoe. W wore or- -- ^^ hrought ag , ilM t them-
ilered to countermarch to the camp, as our mstuc " u " ■> ”
tions were to scour the west side of tiie river aod
not to cross it. While the Pioneers were in the
ae-t of cutting up tho canoe, a heavy fire x\ ;t* o
• ft IMack-Creck, Saturday
< ;.mp. ps nothing ha* been
:.;s arrival in Florida. Da-
: ; >v. < "all has had many dif-
;;c*». with which to contend.
Ii has been suggested that
Turin!’ inquiry. Wc learn
dial tho President bas given
instructions to establish a
; cove of the Wuhlscom hec,
till the war 1* terminated-
t‘v :: 11 nc.-lcr of •!,-.• President, a depot is to bec*-
irtbitsbed uu tile t as-i side of the St. Johns at Vo
lusia. Lc» three or {1 others be ostnl li*hcd at pro
per points, tiinr ihe etiemy’s strong hold, o->t
mile-, di-uant. a-d bring as many thousand tne"
to operate in different bodies, with sufliriect
mentis «.f traiisjiortatim;. and wi:h skiit’t- man
agcrncut, the war w ill soon be carted Then the
enemy- could soon be brought to terms wh ; -her
powder was scarce or not. Untii some so*.
course is adopted, the enemy, after fighting wx ,l#
they have the advaiige. will elude
body "f
penod ou us by the bostilcs on the opposite bank.
A'c in trehed back to catnp and resumed our
march up the river. At 2 o’clock wo heard a
heavy fire again to ihe cast.
“Saturday, 19th. xve inarched on from ouren
fMinpmpirt on the banks of the Withlacoochee,
aad crossed the river at the place where tho Tam
pa Bay road crosses it, aud encampe d in the forks
of the rivers.
“Sunday. 20th. marched, aud after crossing the
Littie Withlacoochee, met a detachment of the
Tennessee Brigade. We eucatnped on Dade’s
b title ground.
-.."-'loud ty. 2lst, we raarehed on and formed ;«
junction with tho Tennessee Brigade, aud west
10 Wahoo Swamp.”
The two division of the army uuited. reached
the place, where the Tennessee Brigade fought
the enemy three days before, ahout II o’clock in
the morning. Here they found a large body of
th* enemy ready to receive them. They were
raogod around in fpeut of a hummock shaped
like s cresent for a distance of at least a mile and
FROM THE ARMY.
By itn arrival from last week* we Icnro
that Gen. Jesup with a force of about 400 inco
composed of regular troops and Alabama Vo.un-
let-rs, hail arrived at Volusia direct from I :inl P.
Bay. Ou arriving at the Ocfciawaha he surpri
sed a gang nf uegrues 43 in number, and t ,0
the whole of them prtsouera These negroes"*
apart of those belonging to Col. O. ri. hr
and w ere captured by the ludians in Decembe^
last They are mosily women and children-—-
An.Indian was also taken hv his advauC’’ (ri* ar .
\Ve umierstaud that this Indian on finding lh“
could not elude pursuit, and must be takei*
(I avored tn puss himself off as a friendly
who bad strayed from the main body. e° .
lust; he was very glad to sec his
shook hand* with all around him- , e tr r ntu
was soon discovered ami he was secured, r*
these uegroes and the Indian much v ‘‘ 1 “ a . h '*
formation has been obtained as regards the p
tion, movements and future operations o ^
diaus. and alio their services as guides- .
negroes state that the day previous t0 «,
tafeoD* ao express bad been EBP* to T<*P