J. Monroe, Jr., Fort Atkinson, Tallahassee, Florida, to his aunt Eliza Douglas Monroe, New York, 1839 June 4

Fort Atkinson M. Fa. June 4. 1839.
My Dear Aunt
I write you a few lines at this time to inform you that there is a tolerably fair prospect that my Regiment will leave Florida before long & that it will be (probably) for a time stationed at Trenton N Jersey. This prospect I hail with high pleasure, first because it will, afford me an opportunity of seeing you all again, & because it will relieve us from toiling through another dreadful summer in this wretched county.
I confess myself, for one, heartily sick of the "Land of flowers."—
A Treaty, as you may have heard, has been made with the Seminoles, & Mickasukies;—but, (entre nous soit dit,) the war is not ended. That is a mere flourish of the Commander-in-Chief's. Murders are still committed; & two soldiers were shot by the Indians, the other day, about twenty miles from here.
The Hostile Creeks (not included in the Treaty) are committing depredations constantly in middle & west Florida. But nevertheless some of the troops will be withdrawn in one month, & the 6th Regmt is entitled to go, having been longest in the Country.
I believe I told you that not long since, with another officer—of the Sixth, I commanded the advanced guard, when we surprised an Indian Camp, Exchanged fires with the enemy, & captured all their plunder. I am happy that I have heard one hostile rifle since I have been in this delightful region.
At present we are doing nothing, & dreary enough is the occupation, I assure you. I'd rather be marching every day in the week.—much rather.
I am perfectly well in health, and have no fears about the climate, having had sickness enough already to satisfy any reasonable person.
If we are kept here this summer I shall enter a section of land, on the Suwannee River, resign, build a log hut, & run for the legislative Council.
I hope all of you are well, & infinitely happier than your humble correspondent.
Please present my kind regards to Uncle James & my Cousins, and believe me truly & affectionately
Yours
Js Monroe Jr.
James Monroe (1799-1870) Family Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, William & Mary(ALS). Addressed: "Mrs. E. M. Monroe (care Jas Monroe Esqr New York." Postmarked Tallahassee, 6 June 1839.