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I hope [[underlined]] Jim Jumper [[/underlined]] of [[underlined]] Wild Cat [[/underlined]] will come in charge. Tampa Bay, Fla. Mar. 26.1850 General. On reaching Ft. Myers on 18th I learned that no communication had been had with the Seminoles since Feby 26. when the delegate Halpatoochee visited the [[blank space]] of Bowlegs' town. The next day (19th) Halpatoochee and Jim Bowlegs (Sem. negro) were Sent out to seek an interview and on the 24th , they returned with information that 3 weeks previously that all the people of Bowlegs' had moved off toward the Big Cypress and apparently in haste, Some four men had subsequently about 18th or 19th returned to the town and [[strikethrough]] arrived [[/strikethrough]] drove a number of hogs towards the same place. The runner followed both trails for some distance, but meeting with no one returned to report. The good faith of Bowlegs and several of his principal sub chiefs can hardly be doubted and it is probable that they were forced away by the hostile party which some late and unfortunate events have strengthened. The chiefs will soon communicate and explain the mishap I hope but under the least favorable supposition. I believe the Seminoles will remain [[strikethrough]] will remain [[/strikethrough]] peaceably as long as we leave them alone. There is now a strong party in favour of emigration, and altho' unexpected delays may occur as now. Yet I still believe that we have their confidence they will all go except a small number. Very Respectfully Your Obt Servt. John. C. Casey Capt. & Specl. Agent Maj. Genl. Griggs } Comdg. } Hd. Quarters Tampa Bay } [[double line]] Tampa Bay March 31.1850 Sir. Herewith please receive my account for the 1st Quarter 1850. The amount of money on hand is amply sufficient for present wants, and I shall therefore not require the money or drafts called for in my letter to the Adjt. Genl. of Feby. 2 1850. The money received by me on Treasury Draft No. 748 was brought from N. Orleans by Major W. G. B. Brooks, A.D.C. to Genl. Griggs. He receipted to the Asst. Treasurer U.A. he (Maj. B.) is not accountable for it. $10.000). I have now on hand just received a considerable amount of Indian Goods ordered for presents for women and children coming in. The bill not yet received will be about ($3.000) and will be paid in 2nd. Quarter. I beg that my accounts may be examined and audited as early as possible as my health is very delicate. Very Respectfully Your Obd. Servt. John C. Casey Capt. & Specl. Agt. Col. O. Brown } Com. Ind. Affairs} Washington D.C. } [[double line]] Tampa Bay April 15th. 1850. General. I reached Ft. Myers (on Caloosa Hatchee) on the 2nd & the next day sent out the runners to communicate with the Indians and invite the chiefs to meet me at Ft. M. or at any other point accessible to me. The runners returned on 7th. with a talk from the Head chief, saying that neither he nor his people would immigrate, they having said so, he dare not trust himself to our power, but that he would return to his town, & meet the runners on the 10th to make arrangements with me through them & some sub chiefs to preserve the peace if possible. At the same time he sent me a piece of white wampaw with a small piece of red wampaw attached as a warning to me or to caution me not to go out into the Nation. On the 10th the runners again urged him to come and see me and declare himself the final determination of his people and Tim Bowlegs (negro) offered to remain as hostage for his safety. When he consented to come to Fort Myers some of his men objected, saying they should never again see him, the women of his family weeping. On the evening of the 11th, Bowlegs came into Ft. Myers with the runners, and the next morning 4 of his men came in. He was again assured of his safety.
