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consent to allow them to remain undisturbed. I would respectfully advise a continuance of our present policy and plans, at least until we shall have thoroughly explored all their haunts. The suspension of all trade has now been enforced for two years, but the armed explorations to their retreats have been carried on but a few months. The restraints consequent upon these measures are continually increasing, and this position is yet as safe as any other frontier in the U. States. Every month must strengthen the motives in favor of emigration,and, unless our measures provoke hostilities, these Indians will consent to go sooner than we could catch or kill, them with #5000 men I have the honor to be with much respect Your Obedt. Servant (Signed) John C. Casey Capt US Hon. Jefferson Davis Secty of War Tampa Bay Florida August 1, 1855 Sir I have the honor to transmit herewith the accounts of Lieut T.K. Walbridge on Indian Duty for the 2nd Quarter 1855. I request your sanction of Vouchers No. 2 and 5 AS Contingencies-, being payments of personal expenses to myself. Since the removal of the Garrison from here fuel is no more supplied by the troops and I have charged the Indian Department with each amount as I actually require-always within my allowance-and of course have not called on the Q.M. Dept. for any Very respectfully Your Obedt. Servant (signs) John C. Casey Capt.USA Hon. Jefferson Davis Secty War [[page end]] [[page begin]] Tampa Bay Florida August 19 1855 Dear Sir, I propose to submit to you some remarks on Indian affairs in Florida, in addition to my official report of July 29, 1855 and, if I should touch on any matter beyond my special duties you will excuse if in an unofficial communication. When I was in Washington, in '1853, you desired me to express my views freely and, when I thought proper privately [or unofficially]. During the past winter and spring the Indians have undoubtedly suffered much by the suspension of all trade, and from the disturbance caused by the movement of our troops. A continue of these measures will continue to increase their uneasiness, and, in my opinion, must soon dishearten them. We may increase these annoyances to a considerable extent during the approaching season with our present forces and means, and with some hope of overcoming their resistance by next spring; but you cannot add to the persuasive forces which have been, and still are, held out. Their most influential chiefs (except one [[underlined]] Wild Cat [[/underlined]]) have repeatedly returned from Arkansas to visit them and liberal pecuniary rewards have been guaranteed to them, thus exhausting friendly means. There is no question that the head men remaining in Florida, have faith in every promise that I have made to them. Besides the evidence of the Chiefs who came from Arkansas, several of those heretofore removed by now have been brought back and allowed to visit their friends and relations. All these people state that the Seminole Chiefs here are satisfied that every pledge was fulfilled. The most hostile chiefs here have declared, openly in Council, that they know these facts, but that they will not go because this is their country and they prefer to any other land with any sum of money. The only hope of peaceable removal then is in a system which shall render their residences here more and more irksome. Any change in this policy, unless to hostilities, would be objectionable. Our want of a controlling influence over these people now arises, in a measure,from the frequent changes in our relations -- each of which has been introduced as permanent. Several proposals have been made at different times to remove them by [[underline]] contract [[/underline]] - some by white men, some by Creek Indians - I beg leave to say of these schemes that if honestly made they are made in a total ignorance of the case.
