Manuscript document, one page, 7.75 x 10, May 10, 1854. A retained secretarial copy of an important letter written by Secretary of War Jefferson Davis to Army Captain John C. Casey in Tampa, Florida. In part: “Believing that the time for negotiating with the Florida Indians is past, and that coercive measures only will induce them to emigrate, I have to direct that you will hold no more ‘talks’ with them, but give your attention to putting a stop to their trade and preventing them from obtaining supplies of any kind from the whites…. The gradual contraction of their limits by the advance of the white settlements may possibly induce some of the Indians to accept the terms heretofore offered, but in any event will place the Department in a better position to apply force whenever the season and other circumstances will permit of its so doing in order to effect their removal.” In fine condition, with mild wrinkling and folds. R&R COA.
