The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-11-10
The Florida Indians.

The Republic Of yesterday contains account Of the
meeting between Gen. Twiggs and Billy Bowlegs al
Tampa Bay, on the 18th OF October This account is
gathered rom private letters received in this city from
gentleman who present at the late council between
the Seminoles and the commanding general in Florida
The account states that Gen Twggs and his party arrived
at Tampa Bay on the 18th utmo, and met the Indians
(some fifty or sixty in number who had been there nine
days. with three OF the muders Of Indian river and the
hand Of the fourth who had been killed in the attempt
to capture him. Every chief and subchef in the nation
was present. and the Indians looked haggard and de-
pressed
After the commander chief addressed the council
Assunwha the chief speaker Of the nation, replied That
portion Of his reply relative the removal Of the
nant Of the Seminoles to the West is as follows:
We did not expect this talk When you began this new
lremovall matter, felt as II you had shot me would
rather be shot am old, and will leave my country
General Worth said he spoke for your President ooha'
he was peace and leave us quiet In our
country and that long people preserved the tea
y, yours would For many years you have had no cause
TO complain; and lately, when few bad young men
broke the law thing that be prevented among any
people, did we not hasten to make aonementl We met
you as soon could. and promised to give ample
satisfaction; and from that day we have not rested
We have killed one of people, and have brought
three others to be killed by you, and win bring
the fifth. There has been much trouble and grief; but
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, will
not CO. nor will people. want time think talk
about it. my mind is made up. As Tor the delegation
auding delegation proposed TO be composed of menu
bers OF the tribe heretofore emgrated TO Arkansas and
brought to Florida induce their friends follow hem,l
I did not invite them and Some Sem
mole. went to Arkansas many years ago. We were
then sorry to but have got that sorrow
long snce and they nothing TO us and we do not
desire them. did not expect this talk. and had
done So would helped deliver up these men
to you.
Billy Bowlegs or Hoattmcco, held the following Ian
guage:
We have now made more stringent laws than we have
ever had BEFORE and brought here many young
and boys the terrible consequences OF breaking
peace laws brought them here that they might the
comrades delivered up to be killed This business ha'
caused many tears, but we have done justice.
now pledge you my word that II you viii thi'
talk Of leaving the country other outrage shall ever be
committed by my peoples or, ever hereafter, the wors
among my people shall the boundary and do any mis-
chief 10 your people, you need not look Tor APP
point councils to talk win make up my pack and
shoulder il, and my people will do the We will
all walk down the shore, and will ask but one
questions "Where is the boat carry TO Arkansasf
Another council was proposed and day named for
holding III but the Indians did not promise to attend
When Billy Bowlegs asked after the council was
over, whether the delegation from Arkansas should be
sent to him as soon as il arrived, the account says che
became agitated and held his breath for moment He
then said with great elaboration: wild Cat is my grea,
friend tell him not to into country until send
for him."
subsequent letter from the same source those from
which the Republics account was taken intmates (says
that journa that portion Of the Indians may be induced
TO egrats Wedonot profess to have any special knowl
edge Of the Indian character generally, Of SEMINOLE
character particular, but profess to know something
Of human nature and we repeat what we said when the