The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-10-24

In connection with this subject, must say have
heard the chiefs here complain most bitterly of the
disappe of of their warriors within the
last few years, who, going singly hunting expe-
ditions nothing have ever been heard Of These
circumstances naturally excites the never-dying
spirit Of revenge, which is natural attribute Of
the Indian character and, therefore, pers ons, par
ticularly agents of the government, are not sur
prsed at the acts OF hostility sometimes committed
by this tribe They see no distinction in white
men. An injury received from one, makes him the
enemy Of the whole race, and in retaliatng they
never use discretion, the innocent too often suffers
at their hands.
The section of country they inhabit would be
useless to settlers, being swampy; the greater por
tlon covered with everglades, and exceedingly I'M
healthy II stretches from about "a deg. north to
the south OF the peninsula. 1t has nothing to recon-
mend 1t, while there millions of acres in Florida,
uncultiva.ed and unsettled, of far better land and
much more healthy. During the summer months
the weather is so excessively hot as to render ord
nary exertion almost impossi ble--the ponds which
supply water are nearly dried up, while the mos
aIitoes and sand flies becomes almost insolerabie.
The country abounds with game-turkey and deer
are plenty-and forms a consi derable portion Of
Indian support. The rivers yield fish and oysters
il large quantities. These circumstances, and the
comparatively large hunting grounds, is one of the
principal reasons why they wish to remain and
endeavor to live at peace-and the knowledge
if they emigrate to Arkansas that it would
TcquIIc udLu l0VOI, lTOn tuo ubtuIo VI tudL COuu-
try, to procure q sustenance. At present, war
with these people would be most acceptable to the
citizens Of the State it would afford them pretext
to leave their farms-which, in general, amount to
no more than an acre or two, devoted TO raising
putting themselves under the protection OF
the government, from whom, under such circum
stances, rations for the support Of their families
are expected Want of sufficient energy is a re.
markahle feature in the character Of these people,
to which may be attributed the backward ccndision
of the State, and desire at all times to fall back
on the general government for support. under the
influence of some imaginary Indian alarm. This
feeling is imbibed from the experience Of the last
war. when the settlers of the whole territory were
receiving support from the COmmissary Of the
army. Just now, the citizens ask to be allowed
to prosecute the tnemselves-the United States,
of course bearing the expense-and promise, in a
few months, to rid the peninsula of every Indian
in it. They say, to fight them effectually, you
must adopt their own mode of warfare, fighting
them as you would beasts of prey-giviDg no
quarter, as you receive hone--and that the effort
Of formulating them by the ordinary system of tactics,
is only throwing away life and money. Few white
men are able to do all this; bu. the settlers here, if
any can do it, are capable. The Indians adrOit-
ness in action, boldness and intrepidity in his
movements, travelling by night, his wandering
life and habits, put it In the power of even the few
here to do incalculable mischief on the scattered
settlements. long acquaintance with these facts,
and belief that regular troops are not so effective
against them volunteers, induces the Crackers to
offer themselves the most effective force that san be
brought to fight them. Their services are not, nor
are they likely to be accepted the government takes
the most polite means to remove them, trusting
more to the introduction of the laws and habits of
the white man among them, which will have more
effect than 5000 soldiers to do this, and that the
and the plough will be greater enemies than
any other they can bring against them.
The Seminole Indians remaining in this State are
CON posed of the remnant of various tribes, some of
whom have taken refuge here years age, being
obliged to leave the neighboring States of Alabama
and Georgia, from differences existing among the
several chiefs. The Mickasackies, who claim to be
the original owners of the SOIL at present the
least in number while there are several small bands
calling themselves Tallahassee and Creeks The
entire strength Of the tribe is supposed to be
hundred and ninety warriors but no correct account
can be had Of their number. They all acknowledge
one chief-Hollatter Niece, or Billy Bowlegs-who
is of royal blood and q nephew of Micanopy, who
distinguished himself SO much in the last war; this
fact gives him great weight in the nation, and,
being an Indian of considerable sagacjty, he has
ment Of his people, and the keeping in control the
restless spirits about him; they administered
fairly and strictly, speedy justice being the princi
pal feature in them. The other chiefs are Arpeika,
or Sam Jones, and Assauwar; the former is now ~
years old and his title to chief consists in his great
age and his past services; he is entirely help
less and in bis second childhood; the other is intel
liGent and farseeing-he gives considerable support
to Bewlegs, in carrying out his laws, and he is ge-
Mt rally selected as orator in their talks with the
government agents. Though they are apparently
unanimous in rejecting the idea Of emigrating, still
there appears some difference among them on this
subject. A few of the warriors wish to leave, who
have relatives in Arkansas but afraid to express
their wishes, while the great majority are entirely
opposed to it, particularly the Mickasukies, who
appear to be the most reSoute add vindctve of the
tribe, and most anxious that 30 ylegs should
sort to hostiities. They come in here daily, for
the purpose Of trading; they bring deer and bear
skins, and take in exchange calicoes, beads, and
whiskey Notwithstanding the stringent laws enact
ed by Congress to prevent the sale Of liquor to In
dians, those that remain here are afforded every
facility of INDUCING in it, Nothing so brutazes
the Indian as intern perance; it always brings him
to misfortune and death, and their worst crimes
committed while drunk IL is to be lamentei they
are SO addicted to this vice; il Is universal among
them, and the chiefs are no exceptions. While
SOBER they conduct themselves ia the best manner.
They are most friendly, and endeavor never to give
offence and, from their picturesque dress and fine
appearance, they are really interesting. Their foe
form is set off to advantage, BY close fitting frock.
of many colors; scarlet sash, beautifully worked
with beads, tightens 1t round the waist their log
gins and moccasins, made from doeskin and nicely
ornsmented, gives them an agreeable air, while n
large feather hangs gracefully from their SNOWY
turban. Add to this, q profusion Of silver orna-
ments, which covers their breast, and you can i'm
CINE the dress of the Semnoles, they visit
every day. T. b.