Dark Prospects
Defying national orders, the Army tacitly supported the blacks. Officers were told to disarm the
maroons and return them to Seminole owners. The officers stalled. Over the summer, they used procedural tactics to delay handing over the 286 blacks who claimed freedom under Jesup's proclamation. In November, the company commander even brought additional blacks under Army protection, including many not covered by the proclamation.
Sources: Foreman Five 257-60, Mulroy 46, Littlefield Seminoles 127.
© Part 3, Exile: l |