Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1879-10-02
5HisfelIaneuns &eading.
THE LAST OF THE sEMINOLEs.

The Department OF the Interior recently
dispatched an emissary to Florida to inquire
into the condition of the Seminole Indians in
that State, with view to the initiation of
measures looking to their civilization. Lieut..
Pratt, the agent referred to, has made an in
teresting report to the department. He was
accompanied from Washington by the Chey-
enne Indian, Tich.ke-mat-se, Of the Smithso-
nian Institution, as taxidermist. From St.
Augustine he proceeded to Fort Meade, Polk
county, and thence to the nearest settlement
of the Seminoles, about thirty miles off. The
report shows a bare remnant Of the great
Seminole nation, which, in the fastnesses Of
the everglades of Florida, kept the whole
power of the United States at bay from 1886
to 1542, and again renewed the struggle in
1857, and after desperate series Of encoun'
ters finally succumbed. The total population
of the Seminoles who still remain in Florida,
Lieut. Pratt says, is less than three hundred,
the last vestige of the most powerful and war
like of the aboriginal nations of this CONT
nent. Their desperate exploits, under the
leadership of the Seminole chieftain, Billy
Bowlegs-their strategy and deeds of hero
ism-for years were more than match tor
such Generals as jackson and Scott, backed
by all the resources and power Of the United
States.
The Indians in Florida are divided into
four villages. One, governed by Chipco, a
very old man, claiming to be one hundred
years Of age, is situated along the lake about
Fort Clinch. The second village, under Chief
Tuscunugga, lies on the western border OF
Lake Okechobee. The third village, gov
erned by old Tigertail, is scattered along the
borders of the Big Cypress Swamp. The
fourth, ruled by young Tigertail, is called
Miami, and is situated on the Atlantic coast.
Lieut.. Pratt spent some days at Chipco's vii
lage, which stood in fine forest in the vicini.
ty of clear lakes, in which black bass and
other food fish abounded.
The buildings were substantial, showed skill
in construction, and were fully as comfortable
as those of the whites. The Indians possessed
orange. trees, fields of corn, sugarcane and
rice, and were situated in the midst of dense
hammock, reached by crooked pathway,
and practically inaccessible except to those
familiar to forest paths. The lands were cul-
tivated by men and women, who used hoes in
stead of plows in the rich alluvial soil.
Chipco himself assisted his squaw in planting
sweet potatoes and melons. The Indians also
possessed chickens, hogs, ponies and cattle in
small numbers. The men wore breech-clout,
calico shirt and a shawl Of bright colors,
wrapped around their heads like turbans, and
on state occasions wore moccasins and leggins.
The women wore short jackets and skirts OF
calico, with bead ornaments
Lieutenant Pratt told Chipco that he had
come to see what they wanted. . But the old
chief was skeptical, and replied that he did
not want to hear any "Washington talk"
He declared that he wanted no education for
his people, and no plows. In short, be EN-
phatically desired to be let alone. He re-
fused to attend the proposed conference at
Fort Myers, which, in fact, turned out COM
plete failure. Some Of the Big Cypress Swamp
Indians were present, but they preserved a
naughty and distant attitude; declined to
shake hands, and were also positive in their
objection to any "Washington talk" They
refused the presents of food and tobacco
which Lieutenant Pratt rendered them, saying
proudly, that they could buy what they want.
ed. The progress made by these Indians in
five years, was very marked. They live in
comfortable houses and raise cattle; their
revenues from sales of buckskin, pelts, hogs,
cattle and produce, amounting to $4,000 a
year. Whisky is their most formidable enc
my. The women are said to be most notably
correct in their morals. The Constitution Of
Florida provides for the representation Of the