Letters of John Darling
Jackie Brown (jacbrow@nervm.nerdc.ufl.edu)
Fri, 3 Jun 1994 07:41:37 EDT
He all!
Yesterday I received a typed copy of letters written by John Darling to
W.D. Moseley, the governor of Florida, to catalog. They were written 1848-1852
and are in the National Archives in microcopy cited as Record Group 75, Roll
801, microcopy 234.
I felt compelled as always to show and tell them to any coworker or person
that would listen because so many people are unaware of the REAL history of
this country. When you can show them the facts it makes the point so much
better.
Darling was at the time of the first letter agent for the Seminole Trader.
He advises the governor as to what policy he thinks should be taken to
accomplish removal. The following are some quotes:
"I learn that some of the Indians are already engaged in planting and raise cor
n in considerable quantities. This course will of course confirm their attach-
ment to the soil, as they make improvements and find they can subsist without
the aid of the United States. A liberal distribution of flour will have a
tendency to stop cultivation and give them more leisure to talk and drink."
This quote is from a letter dates 1848. It reminded me of the speech I read
that Botha made to the parliament in South Africa about the Black "problem"
in 1986 (I think).
In another letter he says, "I think your plan of surveying the Indians
Reserve if it can be carried into effect, will materially aid the operation
of removing the Indians; and it is also a popular measure throughout the
country..... I have observed these Indians well, and my deliberate opinion
is that they are incorregible barbarians whom no kindness of the white race
can conciliate, they are the most savage portion of the Seminole nation
and incapable of civilization. Men who delight like beasts of prey in
the coverts of the dense jungle or in the recesses of impassible swamps
are incapable of appreciating or learning the arts of civilized life. I
would as soon take to my friendship a starved alligator from the feted
boggs of the Everglades."
Their is much more including plans for draining the Everglades (IN 1848)
building a canal and other means of destroying or altering the land. I'm
out of time and must go to work or I'll be out of a job. Hope some of
you might be able to use this reference.
Jackie