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.