The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-04-12
SOME NOTED FLORIDA
 INDIAN CHEFS.
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[acksonville rimee- yJnlon.

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 Jacksonville Timss- Union.
 H is without fear Of successful con- tradIction that the claim ts made for conspicuous virtues and patriotism for the race of chiefs who ruled the east coast of Florida from Fernandina to Miami un- til the arms and arts of tho white man proved too strong for their people. In the beginning of our knowiedse of them Satouriona was most Kind and courteous, liberal and dignihed. 90 that spanish don his praises if nothing else. To Menendez and to Ribault he was alike generous and helpful and both repaid him with ingrat- itude-Menendex in person. and Ribault through his lieutenant, Laudonniere. When the Spaniards slaughtered the Frenchmen the Indian showed good pol icy as well as conspicuous bravery m setting the two at each others throats without Oioctoraca De Gourgues would have failed in his attempt at revenge. Through all the years that followed there was open war or armofed truce be- tween the Indians of the east coast and St. Augustine was threatened with ruin from their desperate assaults.
 So when the wrongs of another race of white men. again called for vengeance, his ancient enemy. the Seminole. with a, view to common action, the responsibility of his race devolved on E-mat-la, called King Philip. because of the unfitness In
 
 to the descendant of vitachuco was the lord of the east coast. who claimed "a straight line" from Satouriona, and all of the leaders who knew the character of Micanopy looked to Ematla for inspire ton. But he was old and he and his knew what 1t was to go out against su- perior weapons and unequal, resources. Therefore, when the summons to the great council came Ematla sent for his coun- sellors to gather about his sick bed
 To them and to his son, Coacoochee, he gave strict charge to stand for peace at any cost-to fight was but to hasten the ruin of his people. In good faith they promised to obey, and Caocoochee was to repeat his words in the ears of the old men who guided his people. But when Osceola enumerated the wrongs they had suffered. and the insults unavensed, then rior" and asked if they must wait to be slaves before they dared fight, there was silence. He had captured their reason unless they meant to accept the worst they must fight before the land passed from their possession. and they could not expect to grow in strength or resources. Then Caocoochee arose. He was yet al- most a boy and was allowed to speak only because he was the representative of his father. Clearly and distinctly he gaN the message from the old man at home, but in low tones and with downcast eye. Then his hand touched his tomahawk and his form expanded: But" said he,
 
 may keep his people-I stand for life or death with the Son of the Wind, who strikes a blow for my iand." Then he walked over to that corner where Osce- ola stood with Halar-toochec and Cloud.
 The effect was electrical. Ematla's counsellors again gave the message wtrh which he had charged them and then went across and stood with their young cogee in the pledge to light to the death. When they returned and Caocoochee told his father, he rose from his sick bed and began to prepare. Through the long that Caocoochee led wherever Osceola directed him-the people of the east coast fell wherever there was bloodshed. Finally General Hernandez was given to snf E., the .o wss # sS n sna ans the link in the chain he must break the Muscogees did not belong to the land and could not keep the warriors together except as Caocoochee gave him support Georgia, Captain Sprague of the Amer lean stan, says: 'On the sth of Sep tember. 1887. he, with small detachment. sns shss of of as ns teiiigence and great influence, and took him. with eleven of his tribe, prisoners. This led to the surrender of Cao- received a message from his father earn estly desiring to see and confer with him. Coming in thus voluntarily and at the solicitation of his father caocoocheee was satisfied he would not be detained a prisoner. He there fore, did not hesitate to comply with the invitation. It proved, also, that he had a further object in coming, being charged with an important negotiation which was attended with interesting re- sults." He was an ambassador. author lzed to treat for the surrender of his friend, Osceola. He came showing a white plume, waving a peace pipe. and entered the American line under nag of truce-but he was made a prisoner. Sub sequently, he escaped and fought on, telling the men they could expect as lit- tie faith ab mercy from the whites. His father died in prison shortly after Catlin drew his portrait.
 There came a time when Caccoochee de- spaired of successful resistance. when his women snd children were starving-then he offered to go West. But when told | that he must go without the negroes who would be sold to the planters, hc