treaty which they made with its agents at Moultrie Creek, in Florida, on the 18 September of that year. In an additional article of said treaty, we read-"Whereas Nea Mathla, John Blount, Tuski Hajo, Mullato King, Emathlochee, and Econchatimico, six of the principal chiers of the Florida Indians, and parties to the treaty to which this article has been annexed, have warmly appealed to the commissioners for permission to remain in the district of country now inhabited by them, and in consideration of their friendly disposition, and past services to the U. States," it was agreed that Neamathla and his followers should have four square miles, embracing Tuphulga village, on Rocky Comfort Creek ; Blount and Hajo a tract on Apalachicola River; Mullato King and Emathlochee upon the same river; and Econchatimico on the Chatahoochie. With Neamathla there settled 30 men; with Blount, 43; Mullato King, 30; with Emathlochee, 28; with Econchatimico, 38: the other Florida Indians, by the same treaty, were to remove to the Amazura, or Ouithlacooche river, upon the peninsula of Florida. But whether "the other Florida Indians" had any hand in making this treaty, does not appear, though from after circumstances, there is no probability that they had. Hence two facts are duly to be considered concerning this transaction, as they have led to fatal mistakes: one is, as it concerns the number of the Seminoles; and it will be asked, Were their numbers greatly underrated, that it might seem that those who made the treaty were the most important part of the nation? If this problem come out affirmative, then, I say, this mistake, or imposition upon the inhabitants of the United States, has been a fatal one. The other fact or circumstance resolves itself into another problem, but not more difficult of solution than the other. It may be thus stated: Had these few chiefs any authority to stipulate for, or bind any others but themselves? If not, where is the obligation for them to leave their country and habitations? But I forbear to pursue this subject further in this place, and will return to Neamathla. The United States agreed by the same treaty to award 500 dollars to Neamathla, as a compensation for the improvements abandoned by him, as well as to meet the expenses of his removal. A word more of the countrymen of Neamathla, who emigrated to the western coast of the peninsula, before we proceed to other subjects. "The land," says Mr. Williams, to which they are "legally banished, consists of dry sand ridges and interminable swamps, almost wholly unfit for cultivation; where it has cost the U. States more than their land was worth to support them. They are now in a starving condition; they have killed the stock of the American settlers, in every part of the territory, to support themselves, already; and there is no present prospect of their situation becoming improved." What is calculated to add to their miserable condition, is the limits within which they are restricted; they are not allowed to go nearer than within 15 miles of the sea. A garrison was established at Tampa to supply them with necessaries, and keep them in order. Recent events, however, had considerably changed their condition before the commencement of the present distressing war, and they are found much more numerous, and far better off, as to resources, than was supposed they could be. A chief, whom the whites called Peter M'Queen, has been incidentally mentioned, in our account of the Creek war. His Indian name was TALMUCHES HATCHO, and he belonged to the tribe of Tukabatchie. In 1814 he fled before the Americans under General Jackson, and took up his residence in Florida, and was among others declared an outlaw. In 1817 he was chief of the Tallapoosies, and resided upon the Oklokne or Okoloknee River, and was styled "an old Red Stick." He was one of the 12 Creek chiefs who gave Mr. Alexander Arbuthnott power of attorney to manage their affairs. This was done on the 17 June, 1817. He was a chief of consequence, possessed a valuable property, in lands and negroes. His effects were seized upon as lawful booty, about the time of his escape from Tukabatchie. A half-breed, by the name of Barney, shared 10 negroes that had belonged to him, and a chief called * Account of Florida, 72, 73. |