Slaveholders
Relations with the Army were cordial, even friendly. A soldier returned a stolen pony that belonged to Abraham's son. Osceola came in peacefully to Fort Mellon, where he rekindled friendships with officers he had known before the war. The chief even shared a tent with Lt. Harney, the company commander. For the benefit of the soldiers, Osceola staged a traditional ball game.
Relieved American officers thought that the end was in sight.
"The War, I hope is over; at all events there is but little danger of a renewal of hostilities, if the Troops be held in readiness for immediate action, and the inhabitants of Florida act with ordinary prudence."
-- Jesup to Secretary of War Joel Poinsett, March 9, 1837
Sources:
Kieffer 166-168, Childs 3: 282, Williams 27, Wickman xxiv, Francke 24, ASPMA 7: 835, 867, 871. ©
Part 2, War: l |