The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-11-09
Z H E R E ? u BLIC.
w ASHIN GTON:
FRIDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 9, lS4s.
The Seminole Indians.

The Seminole Indians.
The late CounciI-Swrender of the Muir
derrs-Tak about Emigration.
We have been permitted to read, and
make extracts from, private letters re-
ceived in this city from gentleman who
was present at the late council between
the SeminoIes and the Commanding Gen
eral in Florida, and whose knowledge OF
the language of the Indians, and long resi-
dence amongst them, impart weight and
authority TO his statements. The replies
of Assunwha and Billy Bowlegs to the
talk about emigration DO not indicate
the willingness of the Indians to go
west. which was inferred from other adj
vices received from Tampa Bay, and
which were relied upon as almost Official.
The Commanding General and party
reached Tampa on the 18th ult. The In
dams, some fifty or sixty in number, had
been there nine days with three Of the
murderers, and the hand of the fourth,
who was killed in the attempt to capture
him. Every chief and sub-chief OF note
in the nation was there. They looked
haggard and depressed; and spoke OF their
having gone through much trouble and
many trials in capturing the young men
who committed the murders on Indian
river. After the United States Comman-
der-in-chief addressed the council, As
sunwha, the chief speaker of the nation,
replied as follows to that part OF it which
related to their removal from Florida
1--WE did not expect this talk. When you began
this new remoyall matter felt as If you had shot
me- | would rather be shot. am old, and Will NOT
leave my country. General Worth said he spoke
for your President, too-that he was authorized to
make peace and leave quiet IN our country; and
that so long as our people preserved the treaty yours
would. For many years you have had no cause to
complain; and lately, when few bad young men
broke the law thing that cannot be prevented
among any people, did we not hasten to make
atonement? We met you as soon as We could, and
promised 10 give ample satisfaction; ana from That
day we have not rested. We have killed one OF our
people and have brought three others 10 be killed
by you and we will bring the fifth. There
has been much trouble and grief; but we have
done Justice, and we came here confident that
YOU would be satisfied. Now, when you ask us
to remove ! feel though you had killed me,
too. | will not go, nor Will our people want
no time to think or talk about 1t, Tor my mind Is
made up. As for the delegation, lalludlng to
delegation proposed 10 be composed OF members
of the tribe heretofore emigrated 10 Arkansas, and
= A. H. fr.a 15tg fol L.
them,l did not invite them to, come and see me-
Some Seminolcs went to Arkansas many years ago
We we're then sorry to lose them; but we have got
over that sorrow long since, and now they are no
thing to US and we do not desire to them. did
not expect this talk and had done so, would not
have helped to deliver up these men to you"
Billy Bowlegs, who is fine-looking fel
low of forty, followed with great earnest
and dignity Of manner After talking
somewhat to the same effect as Assunwha,
though with more wildness Of phrase, but
not of manner, he added
eve have now made more stringent laws than
we have ever had before, and have brought here
many young men and boys to see the terrible con-
sequences Of breaking our peace-laws. brought
them here that they might see their comrades dely-
cred up to be- killed. This business has caused
many tears, but We have done justice.
Il now pledge you my word that, if you will
cease this talk Of leaving the country other out
rage shall ever be committed by my people; or, if
ever, hereafter the worst among my people shall
cross the boundary and do any mischief to your
people you need not look for runners, appoint
councils 10 talk ] will make up my pack and
shoulder H. and my people will do the same. We
will all walk down to the shore, and will ask
but one question: Z" Where is the boat to carry us
20 Arkansas -
A day was appointed for another coun-
Gil, but they did not promise to attend.
There was an informal promise that some
runner would come in to see the whites,
but they often observed that they were
stunned and confused by the talk, and
could moi promise any thing. When Billy
Bowlegs was asked, after the council, if
the delegation from Arkansas should be
sent out TO him as soon as they arrived, he
became agitated and held his breath for a
moment He then said with great delibe-
ration: "Wild Cat is my great friend
Tell him not to come into our country I'M
til send for him."
A subsequent letter from the same
source intlmates that portion Of the In
iians may be induced to emigrate.
Policy Of the Administration.
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