Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-08-11

FLORIDA INDIANS. We have read with
feelings somewhat awakened by the subject,
the address Of Colonel White, TO the Seminole
Indians, al conference had with them, on the
subject of their removal TO the regions West of
the Mississippi. In his address, Colonel White
urged to them the cxpediency, and the benc-
ii;s they would derive from an acceptance of
the advice of the President of the United
States, TO remove to the Western wilderness,
where the government will protect them for
one year, besides giving to each, rifle, a
blanket and kettle, and an equivalent in
public lands. He urged, that by accepting of
| the proposals made to them, their condition
| would be meliorated, and rendered far more
happy it then was; and further, that if they did
not accept, the President, would send soldiers
among them, to destroy their towns, and drive
them from their lands. The head men Of the
nation, listened attcntively to the address, and
when it was concluded, the head chief made
the following reply:
"Whcn we were in Washington we refused TO
20 over the Mississippi, and thought was to
stay here in peace. My Indians have done
mischief, they will be punished by the white
mems laws. have done all could to keep
them within the country given us by the treaty.
The agent knows it. The Secretary of War
told me to mind what was said to me, which
have done, we have suffered a good deal in
moving-wc are now getting fixed IN our hOus-
cs, and have plenty Of deer, shall raise corn
we arc unwilling to move-we told the great
Father that we had land and water, anG wan
ted tho Big Swamp--hc granted it and we
are contented, and when my head turns with
my face behind my back, then i may talk
another talk. If had wanted to sell our
lands, we would have got our agent to write
to the President. have two men who have
been over the Mississippi, and they say it is a
bad country, where shells cut out the mocca-
sins, and bad Indians live there who would
destroy us. The lands there belong to them.
The Secretary of War asked us if VIC were un-
willing to let any Of our men to go if they were
willing. told him no. But none are willing
to 90. have moved once and suffered much,
and do not wish to 90 again--you tell me we
will all die herc--I think we shall all die there
too. The White and Red men are all made
BY one being, the Great Spirit, and all have to
die. look upon you as my brother. and if ]
were to give yol talk you did not like, you
would not be peased-we have just been max
ing some new laws, to govern our people and
punish those who do wrong, and if they do not
keep peace and live on their lands we shall
punish them want you 10 tell the President
they are learning more sense. Some OF the
officers and white men are here, l want to
know if they ever heard Of my having two
talks. The white man who told the President
we wanted to GO, told lie, and he ought to be
whipped-I wonder if he has no name Our
country here is not as good as that we left. -
But if man has bad looking woman for his
wife, he loves to keep hcr--so il is with us, i
VIC have bad country VIC love 10 keep it. lr
dry seasons We make bad crops. IN wet gooc
ones-onr young men are law, but those who
do not fear TO hurt their hands too much, cal
make plenty to eat.
was toldi in Washington we were not Il
have any moro provisions, and we do not cx
pcct IT, I understand that if our horses o
cattle 90 across the line we must not TO ant
get them. This is not the way TO make u
| friendly If the cattle Of the whites come int,
our lines, they come and get them. If W,
can't 20 out to get ours, they ought not e
come in to get theirs. This will create ba'
feelings"
There is much justice and truth in th'
unsophistcated language and reply Of the un
tutorcd Indian Chief; and il is little better thai
mere mockery ofgood faith and justice. TO just
fy the course of conduct pursued by the Peopl
Of the United State, towards the aborginals
the prosecuted lords Of the forest. In ou
. treaties with them, VIC negotiate FOR thci