TAYLOR, ZACHARY, President . Letter signed ("Z.Taylor") as General, to Colonel William Davenport, "Head Qrs. Army of the South," [Tampa Bay], 8 April 1839. 3 pages, 4to, 250 x 200mm. (10 x 8 in.), with integral address leaf, seal hole (affecting two words). TAYLOR'S MILITARY OBJECTIVES IN FLORIDA: "PROTECTION OF THE INHABITANTS AND TO DRIVE THE INDIANS FROM THE COUNTRY" A fine, lengthy letter written at the height of the Second Seminole War (1837-1840) during which Taylor was commander of the Army South of the Withlacoochee. Here, he discusses military strategy: "Your communications...with a report from Capt[ain] W. Hoffman in relation to the murder of Mr. Gray's family were received while I was at Black Creek awaiting the arrival of Major Gen[era]l Macomb...I arrived here a few hours since, and have learned unofficially with regret of more murders committed about four miles from the residence of Colonel Gadsen...I have yet learned the results as usual have... amounted comparatively to nothing...General Macomb arrived...with fighting and pacific powers. I understand from him that it was left optional with him whether or not he would assume the immediate direction of Military operations, although urged by me he refused to do so. He will devote his attention entirely to negociation, in which every one ought to hope he will succeed in. The hostiles' will be invited to meet him at Fort King...He...is ordered to prosecute the War in Middle Florida with energy..." He goes on to give directions for the surveying of lands and the establishment of garrisons and forts: "L[ieutenan]t Blake...will aid in laying off the districts...Fifteen posts will cover Middle Florida according to my plan, in each of which I wish a company to be located...You must be aware that there are two objects in...prosecuting this war...the protection of the inhabitants and to drive the Indians from the country. The establishment of the posts according to my plan will allow the people to be protected under our guns, while they can cultivate their fields, and the daily Scouts will protect those who will picket in their houses and serve to clear the country of Indians in a more effectual manner than our present mode of proceeding..." Taylor was breveted Brigadier General for his services in this frontier war, especially for the victory over the Seminoles at the Battle of Okeechobee on 25 December 1837. He was made commander of all U.S. forces in Florida after this victory, and established 53 new posts, 848 miles of new roads and constructed 3,643 feet of bridges and causeways.
TAYLOR, ZACHARY, President . Letter signed ("Z.Taylor") as General, to Colonel William Davenport, "Head Qrs. Army of the South," [Tampa Bay], 8 April 1839. 3 pages, 4to, 250 x 200mm. (10 x 8 in.), with integral address leaf, seal hole (affecting two words). TAYLOR'S MILITARY OBJECTIVES IN FLORIDA: "PROTECTION OF THE INHABITANTS AND TO DRIVE THE INDIANS FROM THE COUNTRY" A fine, lengthy letter written at the height of the Second Seminole War (1837-1840) during which Taylor was commander of the Army South of the Withlacoochee. Here, he discusses military strategy: "Your communications...with a report from Capt[ain] W. Hoffman in relation to the murder of Mr. Gray's family were received while I was at Black Creek awaiting the arrival of Major Gen[era]l Macomb...I arrived here a few hours since, and have learned unofficially with regret of more murders committed about four miles from the residence of Colonel Gadsen...I have yet learned the results as usual have... amounted comparatively to nothing...General Macomb arrived...with fighting and pacific powers. I understand from him that it was left optional with him whether or not he would assume the immediate direction of Military operations, although urged by me he refused to do so. He will devote his attention entirely to negociation, in which every one ought to hope he will succeed in. The hostiles' will be invited to meet him at Fort King...He...is ordered to prosecute the War in Middle Florida with energy..." He goes on to give directions for the surveying of lands and the establishment of garrisons and forts: "L[ieutenan]t Blake...will aid in laying off the districts...Fifteen posts will cover Middle Florida according to my plan, in each of which I wish a company to be located...You must be aware that there are two objects in...prosecuting this war...the protection of the inhabitants and to drive the Indians from the country. The establishment of the posts according to my plan will allow the people to be protected under our guns, while they can cultivate their fields, and the daily Scouts will protect those who will picket in their houses and serve to clear the country of Indians in a more effectual manner than our present mode of proceeding..." Taylor was breveted Brigadier General for his services in this frontier war, especially for the victory over the Seminoles at the Battle of Okeechobee on 25 December 1837. He was made commander of all U.S. forces in Florida after this victory, and established 53 new posts, 848 miles of new roads and constructed 3,643 feet of bridges and causeways.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
