Revolution

In addition to recruiting blacks, the English also formed alliances with the Seminoles and other border Indians during the Revolution. The Declaration of Independence enshrined this notorious act, vividly accusing King George III of inciting violence among the frontier Indians:

"HE has excited domestic Insurrections amongst us, and has endeavored to bring on the Inhabitants of our Frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known Rule of Warfare, is an undistinguished Destruction, of all Ages, Sexes and Conditions."

The Seminoles, just one of the tribes alluded to, concentrated their "undistinguished Destruction" on the frontier plantations of Georgia and Alabama. During the fighting they solidified ties to the British, but even more importantly, they deepened ties to black fugitives. In some cases, blacks and Indians fought side-by-side against the Americans. In the East Florida Rangers, for example, southeastern Indians, fugitive slaves, and British Loyalists jointly raided and pillaged American plantations.