LS signed “Z. Taylor, Bt. B. General, U.S.A. Comd,” one lightly lined page both sides, 8 x 10, March 24, 1840. Taylor, serving as commanding general of all U. S. forces in Florida, writes to Brigadier General Jones on recent encounters with Indians in Florida. In part: “Operations of the Battalion of the 2nd Infantry…. East of the Suwannee river…. The duty performed by the troops has been done very faithfully…. The result has been to drive the enemy still further from the Suwannee river…. A quantity of Indian property was destroyed and an old man of the Tallahassee tribe taken prisoner, who it is hoped will be found of service in guiding our troops at some further time to the hiding places of the enemy. Since my last report a Wagon was attacked near Fort No. 2. The teamster and a soldier of the 7th Infy. was killed, and a train of wagons was attacked in the night near Fort Barker, the Sergeant of the guard being wounded, four of the wagons with the supplies were burnt…the escort was sufficiently strong but the men fled as soon as the Sergeant was shot. Until more Officers are required to do duty with the Troops, I much fear that such occurrences will occasionally take place. On the 21 Inst. An express man of Capt. Alexander’s Compy 6th Infantry was severely wounded by a party of Indians on the road from Fort Griffin to this place. Tho’ shot thru’ the body he succeeded in reaching this Post.” It was in Florida that Taylor earned the nickname “Old Rough and Ready” for his rumpled clothes and wide-brimmed straw hat. In fine condition, with light toning along folds, some show-through on reverse from Taylor’s signature, and a small ink blot above beginning of signature. JSA/John Reznikoff Auction LOA and RRAuction COA.
