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To
The Adjutant General
U.S.A.

Sir
    I have the honor to submit, for the consideration of the Hon. Secty. of War,the following outline of a plan for removing the Florida Indians. 
   There are now, in Florida, [[underline]] 101 [[/underline]] Indian men [[^& 3 negro men (with them),say 104 men^]] or about 90 active warriors, and of women and children about 300.
A small number would remove for liberal  pay. A majority would go, if satisfied that they will be well paid for going and that they cannot stay in peace.
   These Indians are not cowed, and they have ammunition enough for one or two years of hostilities. They have little confidence in any white men or in each other. 
The operations under Commissioner  Lea and Agent & Contractor L. Blake, have greatly increased their distrust, and the difficulties of treating with them. Threats and promises have been lavished and not performed. 
   Confidence in the Agents of the Government is essential to the success of any negociations [[sic]] with them. I believe that the Seminoles, in Florida and Arkansas have more confidence in me that in any one else, but still my influence with them is very limited.
   Nor can the chiefs control their people in this question. They are as democratic as they are patriotic.
   I am satisfied therefore that the money to affect their removal must be distributed to the tribe - not paid to chiefs or contractors, and that is the first essential feature of the plan now submitted.
   II. A law of Florida (approved Jany. 5th. 1853) prohibits all trade whatsoever with these Indians. It ought to be inforced [[sic]] and will favor the removal.
   III. The survey of their country may probably be carried on without hostile resistance from them, and in connection with "no trade", will exert a very decided influence. These measures may involve some risk, but some risk must be run, and these are as pacific as any efficient measures can be.
   IV.I propose to invite three or four Seminoles from Florida to visit the Western Seminoles during the warm weather to

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return in the Fall with 6 or 8 from Arkansas - the individuals to be selected by me and sent under charge of Lieuts. Walbridge or Gibbon.
   V. I propose to offer nearly the same terms as were offered in 1849-50 - or $500. to each warrior, $100 to each woman and child, with a bonus to the chiefs and head men proportionate to their exertions & influence in the cause.
    If it succeed the plan will be cheap.
    The late contract with Blake allowed him $800 for each warrior,and $450 for each woman and child. Had the payment of money to [[underline]] him [[/underline]] induced [[underline]] them [[/underline]] to remove, the cost to the government would have been about twice that of the plan now submitted. I transmit herewith a table showing the relative cost of the two plans as based on the estimated Indian force made by the traders in 1849, and on the numbers as since more accurately ascertained by me. 
   VI. It is not improbable that it may be necessary to make a demonstration of military force in Florida to aid the negotiations, and of that I shall be able to give the government timely notice. 
    Finally I believe that the loss of all trade except contraband, the survey of their country, the influence of a select delegation the temptation of a liberal payment and, above all, authority for me to assure them that hostilities will follow their refusal of our offers, these united influences, may induce them to leave Florida peaceably.
    On my part I can offer no assurances of success but the plan, in my opinion, promises better than any other.
    Any plan which involves the killing or catching these Indians will require so vast an expense of money and time, that I presume it could only be entertained as a last resort.
    I must add that my personal exertions in my state of health can not be so active as I should desire. I can not go south before October, but can instruct any assistants. Some one else must be detailed to make the disbursements and take charge of the property (as the A.[[?]] at Fort Myers) My health is too precarious for me to take any pecuniary responsibility.
With great respect.