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War Dept. A.G. off. Wash. Aug 23d. 1849. Adjs. Gen. to Capt Casey order to continue my reports. Gen Twiggs referred to me. Delegation to come. Will be much dependent on me in negotiations & recd. Sept 1. 1849 - (see letter from A.G. War Dept.).

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[[underlined]] Aug 22d 1849 [/underlined]] Maj. M. infemiously conclude that if the flag & were intended for me, as Felipe supposed, then it is only a private affair. How small these little squrmings of the worm who I do not desire to tread on. 

[[underlined]] Aug 24th [/underlined]] Gen. Twiggs Maj Mackall etc arrive from Norleans a long interview on the boat with Twigg by his request & he at once tells me that I shall go alone on all Indian business with no senior to interfere - of course I would not go otherwise - this duty being voluntary. Mail brings order apptg. me Chf. C.S. for Fla. & with Instructions on several points - authority to issue rations to citizens which I see no reason to use so keep it in abeyance. 

[[underlined]] Aug 26. [[/underlined]] A compy (Bainbridge 4th Arty) sent to Manatee. 

[[underlined]] Aug 27. Col & Mrs. Chai [[/underlined]] at my house.

[[underlined]] Aug 30 [[/underlined]] - Start to look for runners at Sarasota in Sloop Fox - turned down Bay by SE. Col. Clay Capt Maith. (DrBraden abourd Str.).

[[underlined]] Aug 31 [[/underlined]] Anchor off Felipe's Rancho - land post a flag up -

[[underlined]] Sept 3d [/underlined]] at 2½ P.M. the fast sailing sloop boat "Paddy Scott" comes from Tampa for [[underlined]] news [[/underlined]]! I report - nothing - & ask for a Steamer to come an to take me to Caloosa Hatchee if no one comes here - I land on the Keys to hunt & am summoned back to the Fox by the cries of Sampson & others hailing me. I return & find that some red republicans have been heard & dimly seen on the shore near Felipe's 

[[underlined]] Sampson [[/underlined]] declines landing with me - is afraid to might be and I go in the boat to the edge of the flatts then get out on William's back & am carried ashore. I send Wms back & advance alone towards 3 Indian men who stand in a line on the edge of the bluff. They are very cordial etc know who I am tho' they never saw me before - Call me [[underlined]] "Mistah Kay See" [[/underlined]] & expected to meet me. Bowlegs get my tokens left at Caloosa Hatchee & they are delighted to meet me - They now know we shall have peace. After some chat, they ask if Sampson (the negro Interpreter) is not aboard & I reply Yes, but he dare not land, lest you might prove hostile - all our people think you have begun a war. Now you must come on board with me that I may understand you better by aid off an interpreter. Here they all looked down & hesitated. "very well said I altho' I trust you - you don't trust me! If such is the case Good bye! I did not come for child's play." One then said "will it do if go & the other two remain"  Certainly I replied - I only want to understand clearly as I am poor interpreter myself & Sampson does not land. if it is now late & growing dark I will come for you in the morning and maybe Sampson may then land too.

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