Osceola’s agency, and that of his Lieutenant Tom, in Omathla’s death,
and his killing Gen. Thompson, with the rifle presented him by the
General, militate against the favourable estimate of his character. But
that all his goodly feelings were not utterly eradicated, is proven
by an incident, in the interview with Gen. Gaines’ command. On that
occasion, Osceola anxiously inquired after Lieut. John Grahame, and on
being informed that he was wounded, stoutly denied it. On being asked
why he was so positive that Lieut. G. was unhurt, he replied that he had
imperatively ordered his people never to molest that young man, and he
knew no one who would dare disobey him; none should, and live! It was
then admitted, that though the brothers, Grahame, had been wounded, yet
Lt. G. had escaped injury; at which admission Osceola greatly joyed. It
seems that Powell has a little daughter, to whom Lt. G. was kind, and had
presented with frocks, in which the young girl, who grew very fond of
him, always insisted on being dressed, whenever she perceived Lieut. G.
(for whom she often looked out) coming to visit her. Osceola’s motive in
sparing Lieut. G. was gratitude for attention to his child, which he also
endeavored to repay by teaching the Lieut. the Indian language, for he
spoke a little English, and was very intelligent.