Beschreibung:

FLORIDA SEMINOLE WARS]. [MORGAN, Edwin W., 2nd U.S. Artillery ]. 36 letters to Morgan while serving in Florida during the Second Seminole War, 1835-1842. Together 82 pages, folio and 4to, one in pencil , in fine condition. REPORTING THE SEMINOLE WAR: "YOU KNOW THE INDIANS ARE GREAT IN DIPLOMACY WHEN COMPARED WITH SOME OF OUR GENERALS" A highly unusual collection of first-hand letters to Morgan from fellow officers in the bloody Second Seminole War in Florida (several letters from family members are included). In 1835, the U.S. Army began a prolonged and difficult campaign in Florida against the Seminole Indians. The Indians proved a most resourceful foe and moved easily within the vast and largely unmapped Florida wilderness and swamps, striking sharply then dispersing rapidly. Casualties mounted and service in Florida became a dreaded prospect for young officers just leaving West Point. Morgan attended the Academy (1833-1837) and upon graduation was posted to the 2nd United States Artillery at Fort Dade in Florida; in 1838 he was transferred to Cherokee territory where he likely partcipated in the famous "Trail of Tears." Morgan received a remarkable series of letters from former classmates involved in the Seminole War, which deserve more detailed study. On March 25th, 1837, Marcus Hammond (4th Infantry) writes of the current military situation: "Every chief has expressed his intention to meet at Tampa...& sign (those who have not) the treaty & imigrate forthwith. Sam Jones, head of the Mickasuckies & Powel subchief sent word yesterday - Philip the day before...We have now here the Geo Volunteers...Nearly all the Creeks have gone to Tampa...Jesup is liked as an officer, thought an excellent general." On May 3rd, Hammond writes from Fort Dade: "I am disgusted with politics...a govt. once degenerated never returns itself but by revolution...Revolutions are the new leaves turned over in the history of a people, and one every century or so is essential to their existence." On December 24, J.M. Morgan, from Fort Brook, complains that "the Seminoles have not come in as you anticipated - it is apprehended that they are playing the same game...We have not received any intelligence from Col. [Zachary] Taylor since his movement." Lewis Golding Arnold (1817-1871, a future Union general) writes Morgan on Jan. 12, 1838, describing a dangerous three-day ride on horseback from Fort Dade to Fort King and on to Black Creek. One segment he rode at night though "the scalping knife stared me in the face...I would rather go through hell on the burning end of a bit [of] brimstone then be compelled to stop one night in a volunteer camp." After arrival, he reports getting "devilish merry on hot scotch whiskey punch" on New Year's Eve, but in serious vein reports that Rowland has gone to Charleston with "30 Indian Prisoners." On 28 April, Arnold again writes: "The time is fast approaching when we shall leave this portion of our (as you anti Van Buren men say) distracted country where moschitoes [ sic ], fleas and all sorts of varmints reign triumphant." On 21 February, J.B.S. Todd writes from Fort Jupiter detailing the aftermath to the Battle of Jupiter's Inlet: "The mountain has labored and brought forth a mouse, otherwise Gen'l Jesup has played the devil - he at the head of 1500 men marched south...and ascertained that the Indians were five miles in advance of him ready to give battle, instead of 'discharging his rifles & rushing upon them with Bowie knives,' called a halt and sent out an old negro with a white flag asking a consultation. It was accepted of course, for you know the Indians are great in diplomacy when compared with some of our generals." Todd also gives details on Taylor's battle at the Okeechobee. A unique archive relating to this neglected military campaign. Letters of participants in the Second Seminole War are rare. (36)