Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1852-11-26
What BOvlegs thinks of New York.

writer in the New Orleans Delta thus gives us
Billy Bowlegs' (the Seminole 1ndians) impressions
OF Washington and New York, as derived from his
late Northern visit. Barring its profanity it is rath
rich.
was in Tampa Bay when Billy arrived from his
northern tour, and, being DESTROYS of knowing how
he was pleased, invited him to call the next
morning. At the appointed time, Billy arrived at
my Office, and after giving him something to drink
which if you should happen to omit, you will be We
~ sure to incur the displeasure of Billy asked
him to describe his trip to me and he commenced.
'sWell, said Billy, in trip from Fort Myers to
Savannah, saw nothing but what had been ac-
customed to see every day. and began to doubt if
all the tales had heard about the great cities
true, but when arrived in Savannah thought to
myself that the white people were not such great
liars, after ALL and when got to Charleston and the
other cities, as proceeded, found out I had not
been told half
81 like the steamboats," said Billy, sswhen they
go on smooth water; but when they go ON the big
water, they make me feel bad. And the railroads,
how fast they go-you can't see the trees hardly !;
but think my pony could beat them. When got
to Washington saw the Great Father | had al
ways understood that he was old man, and was
surprised to see him look so young. The great Fa-
Their has white hair but his cheeks are round like
mine think he is about the same age as myself |
told the Great Father that had for justice,
and didn't want him to suppose that came there
to beg. | told him that ho great man and !
was great warrior. Oh yes! | the Great
Father, in the White House, told him that no one
could scare me from Florida if | wanted to 60,
would: if did not, would not"
Il saw plenty of squaws. They all looked very
pretty, but they all looked alike. | went to New
York. My God! what big place! So many peo-
pie and Wagons" ANY children, Billy?" asked l.
my God don't talk-there is nothing but chill
dren. like Washington better than New York. for
in Washington you have plenty of room to walk In
New York the road is full of people just like grass
The Great Father and every body gave me presents
| but could not bring half"
After he had finished about the journey, he said
4" told the Great Father would see my people, aDc
try and leave next spring. | told him wanted tt
stay in Florida this winter.
He disikes any one to question him about thu
number of warriors in his tribe. Some one asked
Billy how many have you in your tribe q H
Immediately answered." Myself, five more, and oil,
Abraham" (the negro interpreter) -meaning tn
delegation.
When it was time for him to leave he shook hands
and said" you must give another drink A
Billy never lets an occasion to imbbe pass, we wer
obliged to pour out''-After visiting some more c
his friends, Billy became so unmanageable, tina
Cen Blake thought it best to send him down to Fol
!, Meyers. Just as he was embarking a crowd gath
cred around to see him Some one said" The Cow
boys will be after you Billy if you don't move soon
, sc On the Cowboys said Billy; one of nv me
can whip dozen of them"
, Billy is very abusive when intoxicated and curse
t every one who happened to come in his way. f
was sitting down when the boat left, and some OF
= asked him to give the war whoop be jumped up ar
5 gave of the loudest yells, ever heard from
Indian. Billy Bowegs is about five feet eight incl
= es high, rather stout, has round face, and an e.
preston one never forgets He is said to be posses
that ever lived. General Twigs tried several tim
to entrap him, but always failed. 1t is my opini
f he will never leave Florida until driven out BY Q
. army. am certain he will not go next spring.