3335

Seminole Document /Discusses Wars & Treaties, 1823-1835 [188060]

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Seminole Document /Discusses Wars & Treaties, 1823-1835 [188060]
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Authentic handwritten document listing events that occurred circa 1823-35, concerning the Seminole people and Black Seminoles in the decade preceding the Second Seminole War (1835-1842)

This document sheds light on a difficult period in American history, where the American government ran roughshod over the Seminole people in Florida, c 1823-1835. It is handwritten, with no author apparent, nor source. It was found within an original very large group of papers from Ohio, dated approximately 1808-1855. It has no apparent tie to any of the documents we saw.
The document was written in cursive handwriting on both sides about the year 1835 with black ink on paper measuring 4.5 x 11.25 inches. It is incomplete and appears to have been cut from a full size sheet of paper that was written on in two columns. Three heavy horizontal creases from folds and one vertical crease down the middle. Small tears on edge of paper are present at 3-4 of the crease marks, and 3/4 inch scissor cut about 1/4" from short edge on one end of the paper. Writing is legible and neat with some edits and inserts that are fairly clear. Discoloration as expected for age of document.
This rare historical document discusses the Sept. 18, 1823 treaty (Treaty of Moultry Creek), mentioning General (Andrew) Jackson and Col.Chief John Blount ( son of Indian Agent William Blount and a Seminole Chief's sister). Chief John Blount was a guide to Jackson and for his service in the Creek War and First Seminole War he was made a Colonel. He played a significant role in the Second Seminole War and the westward move of his people into Texas. The document also mentions General John Eaton, whose prominent role in the First Sentinel War led to his appointment as Governor of Florida by Jackson in 1832 , General (Duncan) Clinch, commander in the first (1817) and second (1835) Seminole wars, and Colonel James Gadsden, who negotiated the 1832 Treaty for the removal of the Sentinel people out of Florida and to the west.
Several key historical events from the Seminole conflict in Florida are noted involving the Treaties the government made with the Sentinel Nation, the councils of Sentinels that met, and certain acts of aggression that fueled the conflict between the whites and the Indians. One specific example mentions the Black Seminole Leader, Abraham, a former slave famous for his important role in the Second Sentinel War, and his involvement as an interpreter in the Treaty of Payne’s Landing, whereby he was cheated out of payment by the Indian Agent who negotiated the deal. This well-documented story illustrates the blatantly devious, dishonest, unfair, and underhanded behavior of the government and it's agents towards the Native Americans and mention of the even in this document not only corroborates the historical account, but also serves to help authenticate this handwritten note.
The document also mentions that ten Seminole “towns” made complaint that (the whites) “began to steal, killed three more, the Indians took satisfaction.” The Feds had proposed to sell the Seminole Negro slaves, and Jackson consented;
In April, 1835, the difficulties between the Seminoles and whites intensified. More Seminole villages were told to leave, and they were not “willing to go.”
“You must go and you will go.” “The tract will be resurveyed and occupied.”
“all that were willing to go, eight chiefs, eight sub chiefs, the head chief five struck off. Economy in the administration of our government is the order of the day and thus the sacred rights of the Indian have been bartered away in the endeavors of the government to preserve the vain boasting of retrenchment and reform.”
Further attacks are mentioned, as well as burning a barn and most, if not all of these events, are known and documented in the existing historical record . Truly a historical treasure that authentically captures a critical time in American History as a tangible fragment of our past, kept to remind us never to repeat the same mistakes. [ Seminole 1823-1835