Seminole in the American Civil War

[citation needed] In 1884, The Philadelphia Inquirer stated that nearly all of the Seminoles "espoused the cause of the Union" and because all of the neighboring tribes (Choctaws, Chickasaws, Cherokees, and Creeks) "almost unanimously joined the Southern Confederacy, it was neither agreeable nor safe for the Seminoles to continue living in the Indian Territory.

"[2] As the Seminole fled south, across the U.S.-Mexican border, "they were attacked by a Confederate regiment and their principal chieftain [Billy Bowlegs] killed.

Andrew E. Hodges, a white man who lived on the coast near Cedar Key, raised a company of Indian sharp shooters starting in 1862.

McBride was elected captain and wrote Secretary of War James A. Seddon that the company was ready for service.

They now number about eighty fine warriors, and their chief has called them all in to the interior from the coast for fear they will be tampered with by our enemies.

They are a remnant of a small tribe of brave Seminoles, against the armies of the United States, led by Scott, the best general in the service, during a period of over seven years, and were never completely subjugated.

On the muster roll the following was declared, "We, the undersigned, respectfully volunteer and tender our services to the Confederate States of America, begging to be immediately admitted into their armies, having chosen A. McBride for our Captain.

"[3] "The most desperate enemy that we have to contend with here is the Florida Indians, who have organized themselves into roving bands of bushwhackers and occasionally steal upon our picket lines under cover of night and disturb our sentinels.