The Diplomat

Abraham entered the general's tent. There is no record of what transpired inside. Did Jesup threaten him? Did he guarantee freedom for the black warrior and his family in exchange for cooperation? There is no way to know, though subsequent events would fuel speculation. Whatever took place, the two men came to terms. Abraham agreed to round up chiefs for negotiations. Jesup won a measure of the warrior's confidence. Perhaps Jesup succeeded precisely because of the importance that he ascribed to the Black Seminoles. He now viewed their security as the key to peace.

"The negroes rule the Indians, and it is important that they should feel themselves secure; if they should become alarmed and hold out, the war will be renewed." -- Jesup to Secretary of War Poinsett