Endangered Alliance

Homesteading on the Deep Fork of the Canadian, John Horse was relatively secure. Written statements from Zachary Taylor and Colonel Worth confirmed his freedom. At Micanopy's suggestion, the tribe also had recognized his free status in 1843 by validating his Seminole master's will. The Territory was tense, but John Horse had options. He could have pursued the private interests of his family. He could have smoothed over relations with the pro-slavery chiefs. Instead, he chose a wider course of action.