Taylor, Zachary, 1784-1850 to Thomas S. Jesup
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05284 Author/Creator: Taylor, Zachary, 1784-1850 Place Written: Fort Basinger, Florida Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1838/03/25 Pagination: 4 p. : address ; 25 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
In a private letter, General Taylor writes to his superior, General Jesup, about plans for suppressing the Seminole Indians in the second Seminole War. Commends Jesup's plan to "forward the Indians & Negroes in question to Tampa" and then on to Fort Pike, especially because it will halt "any improper interference on the part of whites." Mentions recent murders near Fort Lauderdale and agrees that the Seminoles were the perpetrators and suggests that "they ought to be put to death in some way as a terror to others of their nation." Notes learning that Jesup had ascertained "the exact position of Sam Jones [Arpeika], Alligator [Halpatter Tustenuggee] & Coacoochee [Wild Cat]" and hopes he will yet succeed in sending them to the west before it is necessary to put the troops into summer quarters." Believes that the Seminoles must be persuaded to leave the everglades, because by staying, they will be able to elongate out the war for years. If they stay, he recommends a small American force should remain, "sufficient to prevent those people from cultivating the soil, & cutting off their supplies of clothing & amunition." Explains orders for readiness he has given and plans for action he has made. Recommends Col. Foster be given command of the 4th Infantry. Adds some personal commentary. Taylor later replaced Jesup as commander of the army in Florida but failed to pacify the Seminoles and remove them from the everglades.
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