Betrayal

The militants were enraged when they learned of Coa Hadjo's deal. Osceola said that as long as he was in the nation, such treachery would never be allowed. John Horse must have seen it as the confirmation of his worst fears about the March treaty. John Horse's own status was not in jeopardy, since he was known to be "the bona fide property" of the Seminole Indian Charles Cavallo. Other members of the community were not so fortunate. The status of recent runaways, and even some established "Seminole Negroes," was suddenly in serious doubt. Coa Hadjo had already rounded up almost two hundred blacks and surrendered them to the Army. More were sure to follow. The betrayal cried out for response.