Spencer, J. C.; et al. Depredations by Indians and United States Troops in Georgia (Doc. No. 200) April 22, 1842, Referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, with instructions. Washington DC: Government Printing Office, 1842. [11668]
Removed, 8 3/4 x 5 5/8 inches, 74 clean pp. Good. Pamphlet.
27th Congress, Second Session, House of Representatives, Doc. No. 200.
The Second Seminole War on the border between Florida and Georgia was the occasion for marauding by both the Florida Indians and the US Troops into Georgia. The military activities pushed the Indians north into Georgia, where they sought revenge, and there were also thefts and insults by the US Troops against the white residents of Georgia.
The governor of Georgia had asked for the removal of US Army soldiers, asserting that the state militia was enough of a force to protect the area of Georgia near the Florida line and the Okefenokee swamp, where the depredations were occurring.
This Report includes copies of letters describing the actions and positions of the Indians, the fact that "two companies of U. S. dragoons arrived...that no paymaster will be here to pay off the troops...some three or six months hence..." and that these troops will take out their frustrations on those they were sent to protect.
Scouts in the Indian territory report on their findings and recoveries, including "two very fine rifles, almost new; a very splendid silver mounted 'Bowie knife,' supposed to have belonged to some officer killed by them; several pounds of balls, and two horns of the finest rifle powder, containing two pounds each, and lastly, not least, their scalps, being by far the best prize, I think." There are many such letters.
There are also letters describing the actions against Georgians by US troops: "The train of wagons is constantly on the road that leads from Trader's Hill to Fort Moniac, and from thence to Fort Gilmer. The train is mostly escorted by companies C and F. This escort, together with the wagons, is constantly killing our hogs and cattle, and spreading ruin and devastation wherever they go; and, not satisfied with destroying our property in this manner, they occasionally threaten our citizens in the most outrageous manner. Not long since, a party of dragoons stopped one of our citizens on the road, and took a barrel of liquor from his cart, and carried it into their camp, and did beat and abuse the owner most unmercifully."
