A Bit of History

Indian Hostilities

December 1835

Summary of letters to General Clinch
The Jacksonville Courier, December 24 and 31, 1835

At midnight on December 17th it was reported that about 30 Indians attacked the Simmons’ house on the Palatka road, about 8 miles from Micanopy but Simmons and J. Carr with others “barred up the house and defended themselves until day light” when the Indians left.  Two army companies were dispatched to pursue and destroy the Indians.

On December 19th Col. John Warren reported that while scouring out the Wacuhouta area they found that Benjamin Warren’s house was in flames and that fifty or sixty Indians had captured their baggage train (wagon) as they were crossing the prairie set it on fire. Of the seven men of the baggage train, six returned to Micanopy unhurt and one was mortally wounded. Warren reported they were, “in want of ammunition and camp equipage, having…, lost all in our wagons.”

Captain Priest’s plantation at Wachouta was devastated by the Indians who burned all buildings and wounded his son. 

On December 20th, while charging the Indians in a hammock, Captain Lancaster was wounded in the neck by a bullet. The Indian who fired on him was shot instantly dead. Captain Lancaster recovered from his wound.

Captain Sumerall with 60 men has been out since day before yesterday (December 24th) on a scourt, back via. Micanopy and the Paririe. Col. Parish with 130 men has gone round Orange Lake, and part towards Picolata. Caption Hutcherson, with his company and Lancaster’s, under Lieut. Brewer, have gone to Fort King.

For two days past I have not eat enough to keep a mouse alive, nor has any others in Camp, our horses also fare bad, there is something a plenty of corn and no mills to grind it. Potatoes we sometimes get if we can get time to dig them, and beef – but sometimes we are ordered one way and baggage another. If my wife is not gone off do stop her if possible. Your Friend, W. J. Mills