The pilot and transcript. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1840-1841, 1840-11-04


ceased their visits, and for three four days not
one was to be seen. Governor Duvall began 10
apprehend that some mischief was brewing On
the evening of the fourth day, a chief, named
Yellow Hair, a resolute, intelligent fellow, who
had always evinced an attachment for the gov
ernor, entered his cabin about twelve O'Clock at
night, and informed him, that between four and
five hundred warriors, painted and decorated,
were assembled to hold secret war-talk at
Neamathla's town. lie bad slipped Otto give
intelligence, at the risk Of his life and fastened
back lest his absence should be discovered.
Governor Duval passed an anxious night af-
ter this intelligence. He knew the talent and
daring character Of Neamathla; he recollccted
the threats he had thrown OUT he reflected that
about eighty white families were scattered wide
ly apart, over great extent of country, and
might be swept away at'once, should the Indians,
as he feared, determine to clear the country
That he did not exaggerate the dangers of the
case, las been proved by the horrid scenes of In
dian warfare that have since desolated that de-
voted region After night of sleep ess cogita-
ton, Duval determined on measure suited TO
his prompt and resolute character Knowing the
admiration OF the savages for personal courage,
he determined, by sudden surprise, to endeavor
to overawe and check them. It was hazarding
much; but where so many lives were in copar-
dy, he felt bound to incuy the hazard.
Accordingly, on the next morning, he set off
on horseback, attended merely by a white man,
who had been reared among the Semineles, and
understood their Language and manners, and
who acted as interpreter. They struck into an
Indian 'Etrail' leading to Ncamathla's village
Alter proceeding about halfa mile, Governor Du-
val informed the interpreter of the object Of his
expedition. The Indians among whom they
were going, were among the most desperate and
discontinued of the nation. Many of them were
veteran warriors, impoverished and exasperated
by defeat, and ready to set their lives at any haz
ard He said, that if they were holding war
council, it must be with desperate intent, and it
would be certain death to intrud2 among them.
Duval made light OF his apprehensions; he said
he was perfectly well acquainted with the In
dian character, and should certainly proceed
So saying, he rode on. When within half
mile Of the village, the interpreter addressed
him again, in such tremuleus tone, that Du-
val turned and looked him in the face He was
deadly pale, and once more urged the Governor
to return, they would certainly be massacred
if they proceeded.
Duval repeated his determination to go on,
but advised the other to return, lest his pale
face should betray fear for the Indians and they
might take advantage Of it, The interpreter re-
Piled that he would rather die thousand deaths,
than have it said he had deserted his leader
when in peril
Duval then told him he must translate faith
fully all he should say to the Indians, without
softening a word The interpreter promised
faithfully TO do so, adding that he well knew,
when they were once in the town, nothing but
boldness could save them.
They now rode into the village, and advanced
to the council-house. This was rather group
OF four houses, forr ing square, in the centre of
which was a great council fire. The houses
wereaopen III ront, toward the fire, and closed
in the rear. AT each corner of the square there
was an interval between the houses for ingress
and egress. In these houses sat the old men
and the chiefs; the young men were gathered
around the fire. Neamathla presided at the
council, elevated a higher seat than the rest
Governor Duval entered by one of the corner
intervals, and rode boldly into the centre of the
square The young men made way for him; an
old raan, who was speaking, paused in the midst
of his harangue. In an instant thirty or forty
rifles were cooked and levelled. Never had Du-
val heard so loud click of triggers; it seemed
to strike on his heart. He gave one glance at
the Indians, and turned off with an air of con-
tempt. He did not dare, he says, to look again,
lest it might affect his nerves: and on the firm
ness of his nerves every thing depended
The chief threw up his arm. The rifles were
lowered. Duval breathed more freely--he felt
disposed to leap from his horse, but restrained
himself ana dismounted leisurly. He then
walked deliberately up to Neamathla, and de-
manded, in an authoritative tone, what were his
motives for holding that council. The moment
he made this demand the orator sat down. The
chief made no reply, but hung his head in APP
parent confusion. After moments pause, Du
val proceeded:
'sI am well aware OF the meaning of this war
council and deem it my duty to warn you against
prosecuting the schemes you have been devising.
If single hair of white man In this country
falls to the ground, will hang you and your
chiefs on the trees around your council heuse.-
You cannot pretend to stand the power of the
white men. You are in the palm of the hand of
your Great Father at Washington, who can
crush you like an egg shell You may kill me
Il am but one man; but recollect, white men
are numerous as the leaves on the trees. Remem-
Der the fate of your warriors whose bones are
whitening in the battle-felds. Remember your
wives and children who persisted in swamps.-
Do you want to provoke more hostIlities? Ano-
Their war with the white men, and there will not
be Seminole left to tell the story of his race"
Seeing the effect of his words, he concluded by
appointing day for the Indians to meet him at
st. Marks, and give an account of their conduct.
He then rode off, without giving them time to
recover from their surprise. That night he rode
forty miles to Apaachicola river, to the tribe of
the same name, who were in feud with the Sc
minoles. They promptly put two hundred and
fifty warriors at his disposal, whom he ordered to
be at st. Marks at the appointed day. He sent
out runners, also, and mustered one hundred OF
the militia to repair to tie same place, together
with number of regulars from the army. All
his arrangements wer successful.
Having taken these measures, he returned to
Tallahassee, to the neighborhood of the conspi-
raters, to show them that he was not afraid
Here he ascertained, through Yellow-Hair, that
nine towns Were disaffected, and had been con-
cerned in the conspiracy. He was careful to in
form himself, from the source of the names
of the warriors in each of those towns who were
most popular, though poor, and destitute ofranlz
ard command. -