Sir.
I have received and laid before the Sec- retary of War, your communications
of the 23d and 26th ult. on the subject of the recent attack on Lieut.
Hartsuff's exploring party, and the probable renewal of hostilities by
the several Indian bands remaining in Florida.
To meet this contingency, it being impracticable to send re-inforcements
of regular troops, the Department has authorized the Calling out of three
independent Companies, to be disposed of in the manner sugested in your
letter, or in any other way that in your judg ment will best insure the
objects contemplated, and two other Companies to serve as hunters and
trailers and to be associated with the regular troops in their operations.
In respect to the com- position of these last two Companies, it is enjoined
on you not to allow any man to be received who is not a good woodsman
and familiar with the habits of Indians, and who could
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be thus usefully employed in discovering and following their trails. The
several Companies will have the same organization as regular troops and
will be mustered for the period of six mo nths unless sooner discharged
as each company will act seperately, no field or staff officers will be
received with them.
The great differnce of expense between maintaining horse
and foot troops renders it desire able to retrict the number of the former
to the lowest limit. The Department is not indeed aware of any special
necessity for employing mounted volunteers at all, nevertheless should
you be of opinion that their services are essential to the success of
your operations, it is left to your dis cretion to decide what portion
of the three in dependent Companies for which you are au- thorized to
call shall be mounted.
Blank rolls for mustering these volunteers will be forwarded
by to-day's mail. You will Confer with the Governor - who has been apprised
of the authority given you - on the subject of receiving them, and send
an officer of the Army to muster
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them in at such points as may be indicated. Instruct this officer to be
very careful to embrace on the rolls all the information that may be necessary
to secure at the same time the rights of the volunteer and to protect
the interests of the Government.
I am Sir. very repectfully.
/signed/ S. Cooper
Adjutant General
Brvt Colonel JMunroe U.S.
Army Commanding in Florida
Tampa Florida
Head Quarters Troops in Florida
Jany 20 1856
Official
F.M. Vincent
1st Lieut. 2d Artillery
A.A. Agt Genl
Official
John Munroe
Major 2d Regt Arty Bt Col
Commdg Troops in Dist [?] of Florida
