Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1849-11-16
From the Washington Republic.

HE SEIlNOLE INDIANS.
The late CounciI- Surrender of the Murderers-T Talk
about Emigration
We have been permitted to read, and make extracts
from private letters received in this city from oente-
who was present at the late council between the
Seminoles and the Commanding General in Florida,
and whose knowledge OF the language OF the Indians,
and long residence amongst them, impart weight and
authority to his statements The replies of Assunwha
and Billy Bowlegs the talk about emigration do
indicate the willingness of the Indians to go west, which
was inferred from other advices received from Tampa
Bay, and which were relied upon almost Official The
Commanding General and party reached Tampa on the
18th ut The Indians, some fifty or sixty IN number,
had been there nine days with three of the murderers
and the hand Of the fourth, who killed in the at
tempt to capture him. Every chief and sub-chief of
note in the nation was there. They looked haggard and
depressed and spoke ofthe having gone through much
trouble and many trials in capturing the young who
committed the murders Indian river After the u.
States COMMUNICATIVE chief addressed the council As
sunwha, the chief speaker of the nation, replied fol-
lows to that part of it which related their removal
from Florida
We did not expect this talk. When you began this
new removal matter felt as it 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 authorized to make peace
and leave US quiet III 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 to give ample sastac
ton and from that day we have not rested We have
killed OF people, and have brought three others
to be killed by you and we will bring the fifth There
has been much trouble and grief but we have done JUS
ce and came here confident that you would be sat
lstied. Now, when you ask to remove, | feel as
though you had killed me, too, will not go, will
our people. want no time to think talk about it,
Tor my mind is made up Astor the delegation [aludng
oa delegation proposed to be composed OF members
OF the tribe heretofore emigated to Arkansas and
brought to Florida to induce their friends to follow
them did not invite them to and see me. Some
Semnoles went to Arkansas many wears ago We
were then sorry to lose them but we have got over
that sorrow long since, and they nothing to u.s.
and we do not desire to them did not expect this
talk, and had done 50, would have helped to de-
liver up these men to you"
Billy Bowlegs, who is fine looking fellow of forty
followed with great earnest and dignity of manner
Alter talking somewhat to the effect Assunwha,
though with more wildness of phrase, but not of man
ner, he added:
I'VE have now made more stringent laws than we
have ever had before, and have brought here many
young men and boys to the terrible consequences of
breaking our peace-laws drought them here that they
might see their comrades delivered up to be killed This
business has caused many tears, but have done JUS
tice.
81 now pledge you my word that, if you will cease
this talk OF leaving the country no other outrage shall
ever be committed by my people; or, if ever hereafter
the worst among people shall cross the boundary and
do any mischief toyour people, you ueed not look for
runners or appoint councils to talk. will make up
my pack and shoulder it, and my people will do the
same We will all walk down to the sea-shoe, and we
will ask but question: "Where the boat to carry
us TO Arkansas?'
day appointed Tor another council but they did
not promise attend There was informal promise
that some runner would come in TO see the whites but
they often observed that they stunned and con-
fused by the talk, and could not promise anything
When Billy Bowlegs asked after the council if the
delegation from Arkansas should be sent out to him as
soon as they arrived, he became agitaed and held his
breath Tor He then said with great deIibera-
ton wild Cat is my great friend Tell him not to
come into our country until send for him."
A subsequent letter from the same source intimates
that portion OF the Indians may be induced to emf
CRATE