'218 THE GEOEGE CATLIN INDIAN GALLEEl'. 



him dying. We were with him the night before last till the middle of the night, every 

 moment expecting his death, but he has improved during the last twenty-four hours, 

 and there is some slight prosi^ect of his recovery. The steamer starts to morrow 

 morning for New York, and I must use the opportunity, so I shall from necessity leave 

 the subject of Os-ce-o-la and Seminolees for future consideration. Adieu. 



Mr. Catlin left Fort Moultrie for the JsTortli January 29, 1838. 



JUDGE JAMES HALL'S NOTES ON OSCEOLA. 



Powell : Osceola, Oceola, Asseola, Osiniola, and Assini Yahola, but Asseola is his true 

 name. It is derived from Asse, "the black drink," and Ola, "a water-fall." 



We have, in another place, mentioned a peculiar custom of the Creeks, who, pre- 

 vious to entering into council, assemble in groups and drink freely of the decoction of 

 a certain herb of their country, which oj)erates as an emetic, and whose effect they 

 imagine is to purify and invigorate both the mind and body, so as to prepare them 

 for the business of thought and debate. This beverage, when taken warm and in 

 large quantities, is called the "black drink," from its color; and among the several 

 names applied to it to express its quality or effects are those of Asse, Assinola, and 

 Assini Yahola. 



The name Asseola when freely translated signifies the plentiful drinker of the black 

 drink, or one who imbibes this fluid iu torrents. * * * 



The paternal grandfather of Asseola was a Scotchman, who married a Creek woman; 

 his father, therefore, was a half-breed, but his mother was a Creek of the pure blood. 



He was born on the Tallapoosa Ei,ver in the Creek Nation, somewhere between the 

 years 1800 and 1806, and must have been between thirty and thirty-five years of age 

 at the time of his death. His European descent is said to have been distinctly indi- 

 cated iu his complexion and eyes, which were lighter than those of his people, as well 

 as iu his features and expression of his countenance. * * * 



MR. M. M. COHEN'S NOTES ON OSCEOLA. 



In liis " Notices of Florida and the Campaigns," Mr. Cohen says: 



When conversing on topics agreeable to him his countenance manifests more the 

 disposition of the white than of the red man. There is great vivacity in the play of 

 his features, and when excited his face is lighted up as by a thousand fires of passion, 

 animation, and energy. His nose is Grecian at the base, and would be perfectly Phi- 

 dean but that it becomes slightly arched. There are indomitable firmness aud with- 

 ering scorn in the expression of his mouth, though the lips are tremulous from intense 

 emotions, w^hich seem ever boiling up within him. About his brow care aud thought 

 and toil have traced their channels, anticipating on a youthful face the work of time. 



He was the best runner, hunter, ball-player, aud athlete of his tribe. 



He was not a chief, and up to about 1832 had no followers. The subject of the 

 removal of the Seminoles from Florida to west of the Mississipxii Eiver, and become 

 a constituent part of the Creek Nation, as provided by the treaty at Payne's Landing. 

 Asseola opposed this aud the removal, and became rebellious. He became rude to 

 General Thompson, the agent, and by his order Colonel Fanning arrested and confined 

 him. As he went to the guard-house he exclaimed, " The sun," pointing to its position, 

 "is so high. I shall remember the hour. The agent has his day. I will have mine." 

 He ai^xjcared contrite, and was soon released. In November, 1835, the Seminole war 

 began. On December 28, 1835, Asseola and a party murdered General Thompson, the 

 agent, at Fort King. Iu 1837 Asseola was captured by or surrendered to General Jesup. 

 The prisoners captured along with Asseola were immediately transferred to Charles- 

 ton, S. C, where they were confined upon Sullivan's Island until arrangements were 

 made for their removal to their new homes. While a prisoner Asseola was an object 

 of much curiosity. His fame was widely extended. He was not only considered as 



