State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1831-1836, 1836-04-05

Mississippi. Some say that Oseola object
ed to this mode of removing, and wished
TO 90 by land. Others that lie would not
promise to 20 at all, but wished 10 live the
other side of the Withucoochee, and TO
have that for the boundary line between
them and the whites. Their discussion was
interrupted by the arrival of Gen. Clnch.
During the course of it, Oseola inquired
how they were off for provisions. They
told them they had plenty. lie said he
knew they had not, and if they would
come over the river, he would give them
two beeves and bottle of brandy.
As General Clinch approached, the
friendly Indians, discovering the hostile
Indians about three hundred yards from
the camp of Gen. Gaines, raised war
whoop which was Immediately followed
by one from the hostile Indians. The men
Immediately formed, and fired platoon.
The Indians fled and were closely pursued.
A runner then came from Gen. Gaines or
dering them to stop, and informed them
that Oseola was treating with them. At
first those in pursuit could not be restrain
cd hut the cry of "Trealy," "Treaty,"
soon checked them. Gen.Clnch then for
med and proceeded TO camp.
/ The following extract of letter, written
after their arrival contains some interesting
particulars:
! Head Quarters, Camp Izdrd, Flo. !
! On tie HihLdcoochee, March &.
/ awe arrived ut this post on the evening
of the 9th, and found General Gaines ar
my in state of starvation, eating horses,
dogs less than gill of corn was issued for
days rations. We brought but small
quantity Of provisions with us, and be-
lieve there are but few men in camp who
are not hungry at this time. We found
plenty of fresh Indian signs two miles a.
bove this OH the river, and some OF us
wanted to pursue it, but the General dl-
rected otherwise. They lave thus had
General Gaines completely surrounded for
several days previous to our arrival; they
had fought him all the day before without
much execution on either side.
Hearing the attack of General Cllnch,
the officers in conversation with Osoela
advised him 10 retire into the hammock,
while they went to tile camp.
On reaching the camp General Clinch
found its inmates in great distress. They
were literally in state Of starvation. They
had killed and eaten several horses and
dogs. One soldier having stolen dog and
Killed it, sold one of the quarters for five
dollars. For this act of stealing, killing or
selling, or altogether, he received II severe
: hogging. One man gave six dollars for a
piece of horses's cntrailS about a foot long
Five dollars were given for biscuit, and
the same for quart of corn. We fOrbear
to mention many other facts, showing what
hunger will compel one to do, which are
related of those patriotic men, thus sur
rounded and suffering in savage wilder
ness. Yet there was perfect subordinaton
and every man was prompt in the discharge
of his duty The Alachua volunteers
cheerfully distributed their biscuits anC
corn, reserving none for themselves. |
was affecting TO witness the greediness ant
s thanklulness with which they received ;
e whole or half biscuit from their deliver
D ers
The evening OF the day on which thei
interview was interrupted by the arriva
i of Gen. Clinch, Oseola sent word to Gen
n Gaines, that if he would send away tn
It horseman (Alachua militia)they would com
Il and surrender their arms. We know no
whether from suspicion or otherwise, tn
u horsemen were not sent away. Ate
|, waiting three days to hear more of Oseola
II and not having provisions to remain Longer
u Gen. Gaines returned to Fort Drane, n
s which place Oscoa was TO meet hin
II Monday or Tuesday last. After reachin
this folt, he transferred the comnSpd I
t Gen. Cinch, and left for New Orleans, vi
J. Tallahassee. During some of the engage
!, men;s, received wound; the ball, passln
i through his lip; knocked out two of hi
s, teeth, bu, its force being nearly spent,
l. did him no farther injury.
This movement of Oseola, in requestin
an interview, when Gen. Gaines had bee
E entirely surrounded by his followers &c
several days, is inexplicable, and seen
,c to have taken all by surprise. Whether
j. was an artifice devised on hearing of til
IS approach of reinforcement, 10 give tim
ii to make n safe retreat; or stratagem h
j. which, after introducing five hundre
re Indians within the breaswork under III
Of pretencc of surrenderng their arms, Il
r. Intended 10 make an attack with his mai
n. force, and, taking advantage Of the conf
is sion, 10 massacre the whole before Gel
5. Clinch could render them any assistance
n or, as he says, he is really tired of murde
ing white men, Gen. Clinch's nrrv
sooner than it was anticipated, preven
y, us from determining, and time alone ca
l. now decide.
Though Oseola had courage and cunnir
es to plan and execute almost any blood
In movement, we sincerely hope he has see
h, the hopelessness and folly of farther resi-
n. lance, and that the Indians will now su
he render their arms, and prepare to abide
the stpulalons of the treaty for the
ce removal. Should this be the case, CT
Gaines will receive nations thanks and
of valiant Generals fame.
of To the manner in which he has condu
IA ted his part of the campaign, much cree
ia is due His alacrity in bringing to Il