While Mr. Clay and others severely condemned the technical invasion of Florida, as an act of hostility toward the King of Spain, they omitted all reference to this wanton massacre of the Exiles: nor have we been able to learn that any member even intimated that the bloody Seminole war of 1816-17 and 18, arose from efforts of our Government to sustain the interests of Slavery; or that our troops were employed to murder women and children because their ancestors had once been held in bondage, and to seize and carry back to toil and suffering those who escaped death in that barbarous massacre. The officers of Government, and historians of that day, appear to have avoided all reference to the fact, that the people thus murdered had been far longer in the wilderness than were the children of Israel; that they were contending for that Liberty which is the rightful inheritance of every human being. Indeed, more than twenty years elapsed after this massacre, before a distinguished Philanthropist gave to the public the first intimation that such a people as the Exiles had existed.[43] CHAPTER IV. GENERAL HOSTILITIES. The Troops along the Florida frontier become active--The Exiles on Suwanee and Withlacoochee prepare for War--General Gaines's representation of their numbers--Depredations committed during the Spring and Summer of 1817--Massacre of Lieutenant Scott and his party--Its Effect upon the Country--Congress not consulted as to this War--General Gaines authorized to Invade Florida--General Jackson ordered to the Field--Mr. Monroe assumes the Duties of President--His Cabinet--Character of Congress--Public Sentiment in regard to discussion of Subjects connected with Slavery--General Jackson concentrates his Army at Fort Scott--Proceeds to Mickasukie--Battle--Destruction of the Town--Marches to St. Marks--Indian Chiefs decoyed on board a Vessel--Hanged by order of General Jackson--The Army moves upon Suwanee--Its Situation--Exiles prepare for a decisive Battle--Severe Conflict--General Jackson takes the Town--Captures Indian Women and Children--Burns the Villages of that region--Returns to Pensacola--Capture and Trial of Arbuthnot and Ambrister--Their Execution--Invasion of Florida condemned by some of our Statesmen, and vindicated by others. The nation having been precipitated into war (1816), the Officers of Government, and the army, at once became active in carrying it on. Orders were sent to General Gaines, exhorting him to vigilance, caution and promptitude. He was on the southern frontier of Georgia, where it was naturally supposed the first blow, in retaliation for the massacre of Blount's Fort, would fall. His scouts were constantly on the alert, his outposts strengthened, and his troops kept in readiness for action.