- Collection:
- Southeastern Native American Documents, 1730-1842
- Title:
- Letter, 1836 Feb. 8, Fort Gaines, [Georgia to] William Schley, [Governor of Georgia], Mille[d]g[e]ville, Georgia / John Dill
- Creator:
- Dill, John, fl. 1836
- Date of Original:
- 1836-02-08
- Subject:
- Draft
Seminole War, 2nd, 1835-1842
Georgia. Militia--Recruiting, enlistment, etc. - Location:
- United States, Florida, 28.75054, -82.5001
United States, Georgia, 32.75042, -83.50018 - Medium:
- letters (correspondence)
military records - Type:
- Text
- Format:
- text/html
image/jpeg - Description:
- John Dill at Fort Gaines writes to Georgia Governor William Schley (1835-1837) on February 8, 1836, cautioning the governor against a military draft that is expected to take place in Clay and other nearby counties. The purpose of the draft is to muster troops for an expedition against the Seminoles in Florida (Second Seminole War, 1835-1842). Dill explains to Schley that the draft would significantly deplete the local male population, making the settlers vulnerable to Indian hostilities and possibly inciting slaves to revolt.
Digital image and encoded transcription of an original manuscript, scanned, transcribed and encoded by the Digital Library of Georgia in 2001, as part of GALILEO, funded in part by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. - Local Identifier:
- tcc561
- External Identifiers:
- Metadata URL:
- https://dlg.usg.edu/record/dlg_zlna_tcc561
- Digital Object URL:
- https://dlg.usg.edu/record/dlg_zlna_tcc561#item
- IIIF manifest:
- https://dlg.usg.edu/record/dlg_zlna_tcc561/presentation/manifest.json
- Language:
- eng
- Bibliographic Citation (Cite As):
- Cite as: [title of item], Telamon Cuyler, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries, presented in the Digital Library of Georgia
- Extent:
- 4 pages/leaves
- Original Collection:
- Manuscript held by the Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries, Telamon Cuyler, box 50, folder 05, document 02.
- Holding Institution:
- Hargrett Library
- Rights:
-
Page: [1]
Fort Gaines,
February 8th 1836
His Excellency Governor Schley
Sir
Learning from the Col. of this county that a draft will shortly take place, I take the liberty of addressing you upon the subject -- From the exposed situation of this County, and its sparse population, I would respectfully suggest the impolicy of the measure, particularly at this time -- It is no doubt Known to your excellency that depredations have been committed in this county by the hostile Indians, and from the serious apprehension now entertained, they will be still committed. From the contiguity, of this county, (in common with others) to the Indian frontier, our apprehensions, are well founded, that until the Indians are removed or peace perminant [permanent], concluded with them, that [unclear text: serious ] difficulties may be expected -- In consequence, of our exposed situation, the citizens of this place, have formed themselves into a Volunteer Company and are reguarly [regularly] drilled, as a defence [defense], and in some small measure, to quiet, the feellings [feelings] and, alay [allay] the alarm, of the women and children -- In conncexion [connection], with this subject, their [there] is another
Page: [2]
source from which danger, may be expected -- The negro population, is considerable, and from the restlessness manifested, in that portion of our population, apprehension of a serious nature naturally arise -- Now Sir, to draw form [from] our already sparse population, even the number contemplated would necessarily weaken our strength and render us more readily a [unclear text: prize ] to our enemies -- This excitement is not confined, to this place, only, but pervades the whole community -- and judging from those feellings [feelings], I doubt very much whether any would be willing to leave their family and homes, to go, to the assistance of the Floridians --
These suggestions are made Sir, with respectful deference to apprised [apprise] your Excellency of the state, of the public sentiment on this subject --
I am Sir, your Obt. [Obedient] & Humb Sert [Humble Servant]
[Signed] John Dill
Page: [3]
Letter
Col. John Dill
8 Febry [February] 1836
Draft
Florida Expedition
Page: [4]
Ft Gaines G [Georgia]
9th Feby [February]
Frm [From] John Dill [unclear text: P.M. ]
His Excellency William Schly Millegville Georgia
Mail}
Col Jno [John] Dill