CONGRESSIONAL DEBATE
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
ON THE SEMINOLE WAR Tuesday,
January 24, 1838 (excerpts)

Mr. Henry Wise of Virginia[1]

  I say further, that this war has been conducted in a manner morally wrong. …

  The Seminole treaty was made in 1832. It was not ratified til 1834, and the Seminoles and Mickasukies never did agree to it. Instead of pursuing the advice given in these letters, Wiley Thompson, the Indian agent, laid hand upon Oseola, and bound him fast to a log until he should consent to being in his Indians to give their assent, and a list of the Mickasukies, containing details of the names of men and women, with their children, were delivered to him for that purpose. Thus coerced, he did bring them in, and obtained a certificate from Thompson that he had fully complied with his engagement. He then returned to his Popole, and the next day Thompson died with nineteen balls through his body.

  Before the late seizer of their chiefs by Herndandez, so pacific were the feelings and intentions of the Indians, that when the United States soldiers were found by them wandering in the woods, having lost their way, the Indians sent them in with guides to their own camp. If it be said that Oseola, in person, slew Thompson, I answer that the chief, since his departure, has said that he defies the proof that he has ever been guilty of massacre or murder. He admits that he killed Thompson, but avers that he did it as an open declaration of war. He declares that he will have nothing to say to General Jesup; all he asks and desires is, that he may be sent to his “Great Father,” (to be sure, there is something ludicrous in the application by such a chief of that phrase to our President,) and that he may have an opportunity of telling to the children of his Great Father the grounds and causes of this war. I say, bring him here. Let us hear his story. We have heard of his battles, let us now hear from him the history of his wrongs. Indian or white man, I cannot but say that he excites my wonder and admiration. This nation and its army are bound to accord him praise for his great qualities and achievements, and if he is not to be believed because he is an Indian, I can point to white witnesses who will confirm his testimony.