Weekly Chillicothe crisis. (Chillicothe, Livingston Co., Mo.) 1878-19??, 1879-08-28
THE FLORIDA INDIANS.
The Last Remains of Defuuct People.

Inc Ihbt VI = NNf'N'
From the Savannah News.
But little is known of the remnant oil
Indians who still inhabit the southern
extremity of Florida. They lead seclu-
ded existence, avoiding general inter
course with the white settlers, and immur-
ing themselves within the dark and almost
impenetrable recesses Of the gloomy Ever
glades. That unknown and mysterious
region is to them paradise, and they find
within its woods and waters what is
requisite to satisfy their simple wants.
It's forests supply game in profuslon, its
lakes and seacoast an unlimited supply
of fish, oysters and turtle. ArrowrOot,
comtil, cassava and other farinaceous
roots grow wild in abundance, while the
weather is so mild that these children Of
nature require neither elaborate dwellings
nor many changes Of clothing. They are
fully aware OF their weakness and will
never again dig up the hatchet unless
provoked by repeated and gross outrages.
rebels. they desire to be let
severely alone, and permitted to
conduct their own affairs in their own man
ner. The lands they occupy are not desir-
able, contain neither gold nor silver mines,
and could only be fitted for cultivation by
an extensive and costly system Of drain
age.
For many years they have lived in
peace with their pale-faced neighbors,
and seldom commit any trespass upon
their property. Occasionally few OF the
older braves visit the stores, bringing with
them peltries and dressed deer skins,
which they exchange for ammunition and
calico. 1t is believed that many Of them
understand English although they gener.
ally disavOw any knowledge of our Ian
guage, and usually converse through the
aid of an interpreter. Their number is
estimated at from three to four hundred
souls, and physically they are said to be
a tall, erect and athletic race. There are
few negroes among them, and it is
stated that one ambitious darkey aspires
to the chief tianship when vacancy oc-
ours.
The term Seminole signifies "outcast,"
and was conferred upon these Indians
from the fact that the tribe was largely
composed Of refugees from the Creeks,
Cherokees, Choctaws, Yemassees and 9TH
er aboriginal races that formerly inhabit-
ed the States OF Georgia, South Carolina
and Alabama, who sought sanctuary
among them in consequence of offences
against their laws. Here they were Sc
cure from sheritfs and laughed at requis.
itions, being adopted as citizens and con-
forming to the customs and usages of
their protectors. As civilization advances
southwark upon the peninsula hunt |
ing grounds Of these savages will neCes-
sarily become more circumscribed, and
they will be forced to emigrate or to
merge with the whites. They shrink
from the idea of a removal west Of the
Mississippi, where large body of their
people are now located, and refuse to con-
verse upon the subject. An attempt to
oust them forcibly would only result in
protracted war, costing much money and
blood and interfering greatly with the
settlement Of that section. AT present
they are no expense to the Government
and lead an absolutely Independent ex
istence, less being known OF them, per-
haps, than any other tribe within the lin
its OF the country. 1t is somewhat strange
that no missionary has yentured into
their Businesses, and as to political honors,
not one among them has been nominated
and elected to the Legislature, in the
lower branch of which they are entitled to
member under the Constitution. A
brave arrayed IN his war toggery, feathers
and paint, would create quite sensation
should he make his appearance among
the State Solons. They are not well post
ed in history, and it is rumorcd that one
of the chiefs, in a recent interview with |
a white acquaintance, gravely expressed
the desire to purchase a couple of negro
boys in exchange for ponies. Schools |
are evidently sadly needed. Here is |
fine opening for enterprising and patriotic |
teachers.
An expedition has recently been sent
down among the Indians from the De- |
partment of the Interior, under command
of Captain Pratt, of the army. That off |
Ger reached camp of the Creeks and had
a talk with the head men of the Seminoles. |
He found them extremely reticsnt and un-
willing to converse about their affairs. !
They were cOntented and happy, and APP
parently in need of no assistance. They |
have no faith IN "Washington talk, and
are anxious to be permitted to work out
their own destiny without let or hinder
ance. They gave the cold shoulder to one
Of the Indians formerly confined at st.
Augustine, who accompanied the party
for the purpose of procuring specimens for
the Smithsonian Institute, because he
spoke English and was dressed in white
mans apparel. Some few of these inter
esting people cultivate the fertile islands
within the Everglades, and raise corn,
pumpkins and sugar cane. Captain Pratt
states that one had invented rude sugar
mill. As a general thing, however, they
subsist, as did their fathers, upon the
products of the chase, and are as primi-
tive as they were century ago.