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from the frontier into the Indian country. The commanding Officer in Florida (Col: Munroe) fully approved of my views, and suggested as most urgent the following roads. From [[underlined]]Forts Mead [[/underlined]]and [[underlined]] Myers [[/underlined]] to the [[underlined]] Kissimmee [[/underlined]] waters, and roads connecting these, at their Eastern and ^[[at their]] Western [[strikethrough]] [[unreadable]] [[/strikethrough]] ends. Such roads, besides being necessary for military operations, in event of any outbreak, are recommended by the confidence which they give to the settler, and the restraint which they impose on the wandering Indians.

Most respectfully
Your obedt: Servt
(signed) John C. Casey
Capt U.S.A.

Hon Jeff Davis   }
Secretary of War }

Tampa Bay Florida
September 13, 1854

Sir

Since my last report to you (May 3.) nothing of moment has occurred in our Indian relations. You are then informed that although the few Seminoles remaining were perfectly peaceable, they had repeatedly declined to arrest and bring in two runaways (belonging to Mr. Scarborough of Georgia), who had been in their country nearly a year. Besides the plea that [[?]] stoppage of all trade suspended their obligations to us, it was too evident that the bad feeling and suspicious excited by the late attempt to remove them by contract had rendered it difficult, if not impossible, for the chiefs to enforce any unpopular law in our favor; nor have the chiefs once visited the Agency or been allowed by their people to venture into Fort Myaers, since that disuputable transaction.

Under these circumstances I decided on securing hostages for the delivery of the fugitive slaves on the first favorable opportunity after the defracture of the delegation.  This was done on June 30. and was followed by the prompt delivery of one and a promises of the other runaway.

Soon afterwards the hostages unfortunately escaped from the guard and got back to the Indians, and it is with nearly as much surprise as gratification that I am enabled to say that despite their advise went the Seminole fulfilled his promise and brought in the remaining fugitive without promise of reward. The Indians continue their attempt to open a trade with the citizens on or near the Miami river, but as yet,

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I believe without much success.  This matter has been reported to the War Department at Washington, and I hope that a military force near Key Biscayne Bay will soon prevent the visits of the Indians to the settlements near Miami, and to the [[underlined]] Koonee [[/underlined]] and hunting grounds in the Same neighborhood.

I have reason to believe that the supplies of foods and of ammunition among the Indians are rapidly disappearing, and [[?]] that the act of the State of Florida, of January 5, 1852, forbidding trade had not been seriously evaded.

One continued enforcement of that act, and the steady advance of our Indian frontier, now at least as safe as any in the Union, will, I believe, without the expenditure of money or bloodshed settle the long vexed question of Indiana removal in less time than would a war withany reasonable force

I have the honor to be
with great respect
Your obedt: Servant
(signed)[[signed]] John C. Casey [[/signed]]
Capt: U.S.A.

His Excellency}
James E. Broome}
Gov. of Florida}
Tallahassee     }

Tampa Bay Florida Sept. 17 1854

Sir, I have the honor to submit herewith for your perusal a copy of my report to the [[underlined]] Govr. of Florida [[/undelined]] on the condition of Indian affair in this state

With great respect
[[signed]] J C Casey [[/signed]]
Capt. U/A.

Hon. Jeffn: Davis}
    Secy. of War }

Tampa Oct. 13 1854

(Confidental)
Lt. T. K. Walbridge - The [[underlined]] Emma [[/underlined]] arrived this morning and your letter of the 10th. with enclosures was recd: & she will be send back immediately - to start tomorrow morning, as soon as the comd favors. I have now to uniform you that instructions have been given by the Sec. war for operation if an efficient character during the coming season.

Roads are to be open from here (or Ft Meade) to the Okee Chobee & from Ft Myers to the same.  The point on the lake to be F.E. Creek or some other point on W. or SW. edge. The present garrison of Ft Meade will be posted there - at least till next summer, if all is peaceably [[?]] Another road will be made from Ft. Thompson or other point on