MACCAULEY.] SEMINOLE CHARACTER. 491 
own, many of which are commendable. They are decided in their enmity 
to any representative of the white man’s government and to every thing 
which bears upon if the government’s mark. To one, however, who is 
acquainted with recent history this enmity is but natural, and a con- 
fessed representative of the government need not be surprised at 
finding in the Seminole only forbidding and unlovely qualities. But 
when suspicion is disarmed, one whom they have welcomed to their 
confidence will find them evineing characteristics which will excite 
his admiration and esteem. I was fortunate enough to be introduced 
to the Seminole, not as a representative of our National Government, 
but under conditions which induced them to welcome me as a friend. 
In my intercourse with them, I found them to be not only the brave, 
self reliant, proud people who have from time to time withstood our 
nation’s armies in defense of their rights, but also a people amiable, 
affectionate, truthful, and communicative. Nor are they devoid of a 
sense of humor. With only few exceptions, I found them genial. In- 
deed, the old chief, Tis-te-nig-ge, a man whose warwhoop and deadly 
hand, during the last half century, have often been heard and felt 
among the Florida swamps and prairies, was the only one disposed to 
sulk in my presence and to repel friendly advances. He called me to 
him when I entered the camp where he was, and, with great dignity of 
manner, asked after my business among his people. After listen- 
ing, through my interpreter, to my answers to his questions, he turned 
from me and honored me no further. I call the Seminole communi- 
eative, because most with whom I spoke were eager to talk, and, as 
far as they could with the imperfect means at their disposal, to give 
me the information I sought. ‘ Doctor Na-ki-ta” (Doctor What-is-it) 
I was playfully named at the Cat Fish Lake settlement; yet the peo. 
ple there were seemingly as ready to try to answer as I was to ask, 
“Whatisit?” Isaid they are truthful. That is their reputation with 
many of the white men I met, and I have reason to believe that the rep- 
utation is under ordinary circumstances well founded. They answered 
promptly and without equivocation “ No” or“ Yes” or “I don’t know.” 
And they are affectionate to one another, and, so far as I saw, amiable 
in their domestic and social intercourse. Parental affection is charac- 
teristic of their home life, as several illustrative instances I might men- 
tion would show. I willimention one. Tél-la-hiis-ke is the father of six 
fine looking boys, ranging in age from four to eighteen years. Seven 
months before I met him his wife died, and when I was at his camp this 
strong Indian appeared to have become both mother and father to his 
children. His solicitous affection seemed continually to follow these 
boys, watching their movements and caring for their comfort. Es- 
pecially did he throw a tender care about the little one of his house- 
hold. I have seen this little fellow clambering, just like many a little 
paleface, over his father’s knees and back, persistently demanding 
attention but in no way disturbing the father’s amiability or serenity, 
