DADE COUNTY. 215 



career we are not much acquainted, but we are able to state 

 that in 1814, he received the appointment of Second Lieutenant 

 in the 12th regiment of infantry, — was made Captain in 

 the 4th regiment of infantry, to rank as such on the 24th 

 of February, 1818 ; and tiie rank of Major, by brevet, was con- 

 ferred upon him February 24, 1828. With the exception of 

 the time that he spent under Colonel, now Major General 

 Scott, on the frontiers of Canada, two years in Louisiana, 

 where he commanded a military post below New Orleans, one 

 year in Virginia on the recruiting service, and one year on the 

 same business in New- York, the last 20 years of his life were 

 spent in Florida. In most of the difficulties and skirmishes in 

 Florida he was engaged, and acquitted himself to the entire 

 satisfaction of his commanders. His knowledge of the country, 

 of Indian character and habits, was acknowledged to be 

 superior to that of any officer in the army ; and hence it was 

 that he was constantly engaged in active service. He was 

 with Gen. Jackson at the change of flags in Pensacola, and 

 officer of the day when Col. Calava, formerly Governor of Flo- 

 rida, was put in prison for refusing to deliver up certain docu- 

 ments, particularly of judicial records relating to the titles of 

 individual property. In his prudence and firmness Gen. Clinch 

 had the greatest reliance, and charged him with the protection 

 of the inhabitants who resided between Tallahassee and the 

 Suwanee. In this responsible duty he distinguished himself for 

 promptness, energy, and decision. On one occasion, he learned 

 that the savages were on their way to burn Mr. Bellamy's 

 house, and scalp and murder the inmates. Without a mo- 

 ment's delay, with only a few men, he rapidly pushed on, over- 

 took and captured the Indians. Two lovely young ladies were 

 at Mr. Bellamy's house at this time ; one a daughter of Mr. 

 Bellamy, the other Miss Duval, a daughter of the Governor. 

 Major Dade arrived at the house the next day, covered with 

 dirt from head to foot, and with a beard which had not been 

 shaven for several days, and made his respects to the ladies, 

 who met him as their deliverer, and overwhelmed him with 

 their thanks. In compliance with orders received from Gen. 

 Clinch, dated October 17, 1835, directed to Brevet Major F. 

 L. Dade, commanding, Key West, he proceeded with liis com- 



