"One-third of the whole Seminole nation," was the ready reply.
"Tell them that ten thousand dollars shall be given to the friendly
chiefs, on their arrival in the west, to be shared among them as they
deem best--that this sum is independent of the appropriation to the
whole tribe."
"It is good," simultaneously grunted the chiefs, when the proposition
was explained to them.
"Does Omatla and his friends think that all the chiefs will be present
to-morrow?"
"No--not all."
"Which of them are likely to be absent?"
"The mico-mico will not be there."
"Ha! Is Omatla sure of that?"
"Sure. Onopa's tents are struck: he has already left the ground."
"Whither has he gone?"
"Back to his town."
"And his people?"
"Most of them gone with him."
For some moments the two generals communicated together in a half
whisper. They were apart from me: I did not not hear what they said.
The information just acquired was of great importance, and seemed not to
discontent them.
"Any other chief likely to be absent to-morrow?" they asked, after a
pause.
"Only those of the tribe of `redsticks.'" [Note 2.]
"Hoitle-mattee?"
"No--he is here--he will remain."
"Ask them if they think _Osceola_ will be at the council to-morrow."
From the eagerness with which the answer was expected, I could perceive
that this was the most interesting question of all. I put it directly.
"What!" exclaimed the chiefs, as if astonished at the interrogatory.
"The Rising Sun! He is sure to be present: he will _see it out_!"
"Good!" involuntarily ejaculated the commissioner, and then turning to
the General, he once more addressed him in a low tone. This time, I
overheard what passed between them.
"It seems, General, as if Providence was playing into our hands. My
plan is almost sure to succeed. A word will provoke the impudent rascal
to some rudeness--perhaps worse--at all events, I shall easily fix a
pretext for shutting him up. Now that Onopa has drawn off his
following, we will be strong enough for any contingency. The hostiles
will scarcely outnumber the friendly, so that there will no chance of
the rascals making resistance."
"Oh! that we need not fear."
"Well--with _him_ once in our power the opposition will be crushed--the
rest will yield easily--for, beyond doubt, it is he that now intimidates
and hinders them from signing."
"True," replied Clinch in a reflective tone; "but how about the
government, eh? Will it endorse the act, think you?"
"It will--it must--my latest dispatch from the President almost suggests
as much. If you agree to act, I shall take the risk."
"Oh, I place myself under your orders," replied the commander-in-chief,
evidently inclined to the commissioner's views, but still not willing to
share the responsibility. "It is but my duty to carry out the will of
the executive. I am ready to cooperate with you."
"Enough then--it shall be done as we have designed it. Ask the chiefs,"
continued the speaker, addressing himself to me, "ask them, if they have
any fear of signing to-morrow."
"No--not of the signing, but _afterwards_."
"And what afterwards?"
"They dread an attack from the hostile party--their lives will be in
danger."
"What would they have us do?"
"Omatla says, if you will permit him and the other head chiefs to go on
a visit to their friends at Tallahassee, it will keep them out of
danger. They can stay there till the removal is about to take place.
They give their promise that they will meet you at Tampa, or elsewhere,
whenever you summon them."
The two generals consulted together--once more in whispers. This
unexpected proposal required consideration.
Omatla added:
"If we are not allowed to go to Tallahassee, we cannot, we dare not,
stay at home; we must come under the protection of the fort."
"About your going to Tallahassee," replied the commissioner, "we shall
consider it, and give you an answer to-morrow. Meanwhile, you need not
be under any apprehension. This is the war-chief of the whites; he will
protect you."
"Yes," said Clinch, drawing himself proudly up. "My warriors are
numerous and strong. There are many in the fort, and many more on the
way. You have nothing to fear."
"It is good!" rejoined the chiefs. "If troubles arise, we shall seek
your protection; you have promised it--it is good."
"Ask the chiefs," said the commissioner, to whom a new question had
suggested itself--"ask them if they know whether Holata Mico will remain
for the council of to-morrow."
"We cannot tell now. Holata Mico has not declared his intention. We
shall soon know it. If he designs to stay his tents will stand till the
rising of the sun; if not, they will be struck before the moon goes
down. The moon is sinking--we shall soon know whether Holata Mico will
go or stay."
"The tents of this chief are not within sight of the fort?"
"No--they are back among the trees."
"Can you send word to us?"
"Yes, but only to this place; our messenger would be seen entering the
fort. We can come back here ourselves, and meet one from you."
"True--it is better so," replied the commissioner, apparently pleased
with the arrangement.
A few minutes passed, during which the two generals communicated with
each other in while whispers, the chiefs stood apart, silent and
immobile as a pair of statues.
The commander-in-chief at length broke the silence:
"Lieutenant! you will remain upon the ground till the chiefs return.
Get their report, and bring it direct to my quarters."
Salutations were exchanged; the two generals walked off on the path that
led to the fort, while the chiefs glided silently away in the opposite
direction. I was left alone.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1. So Lusta Hajo was called by the Americans. His full name was
Fuchta-Lusta-Hajo, which signifies "Black Crazy Clay."
Note 2. A name given to the Micosaucs, from their custom of setting up
red poles in front of their houses when going to war. A similar custom
exists among other tribes; hence the name "Baton Rouge," applied by the
French colonists.