Seminole Nation Case Study

How were some of the members of the Seminole Nation able to avoid removal? These sources allow you to further to investigate this story of American Indian removal.

This historical letter is an important record of how successful the Seminole Nation was in resisting U.S. efforts to remove them from Florida.

Be the Historian

What does this 1836 letter to Georgia governor tell you about Seminole resistance and removal?

  1. What are two environmental reasons the author gives for not wanting to fight in Florida during the summer?
  2. What is the author's opinion of Osceola's military skills?
  3. Challenge Question
  4. Based on the concerns expressed by this author, which side is better prepared to win in battle? Support your answer with evidence from the text.
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Letter from Augustus Crawford to William Schley

In this excerpt from an 1836 letter, Augustus Crawford of Madison County writes to Georgia governor William Schley (1835–1837) to report on the status of volunteer troops in the county. Crawford mentions that the Seminole Nation leader Osceola outgeneraled both American generals Winfield Scott and Edmund P. Gaines.


Letter from Augustus Crawford to William Schley, governor of Georgia, June 20, 1836. Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of Georgia Libraries. (Telamon Cuyler Collection, box 50, folder 9, document 3)

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Letter from Augustus Crawford to William Schley

In this excerpt from an 1836 letter, Augustus Crawford of Madison County writes to Georgia governor William Schley (1835–1837) to report on the status of volunteer troops in the county. Crawford mentions that the Seminole Nation leader Oseola outgeneraled both American generals Winfield Scott and Edmund P. Gaines.


Letter from Augustus Crawford to William Schley, governor of Georgia, June 20, 1836. Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of Georgia Libraries. (Telamon Cuyler Collection, box 50, folder 9, document 3)

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I will premise, however, that we should greatly regret being called to Florida before frosts, it would, indeed be literally calling us to the grave, for our constitutions could not bear up under the vicissitudes of a climate so entirely variant to the one we have been so long accustomed. The transition from Salubrious mountain air to the damp infected heat of the lowlands from the cool & limpid streams of freestone water of Madison County to the muddy, sluggish limestone pond & morass of Florida would be as certain death to the highlander as that Oseola out-generaled both Scott and Gaines.

Yours, with considerations of respect & esteem

Augustus Crawford

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I will state, however, that we will feel very unhappy about being called to Florida during the hot weather months. It would, indeed, be literally calling us to the grave, for our health could not survive a climate so completely different from the one we have been familiar with. The transition from healthful mountain air to the damp infected heat of the lowlands, from the cool & clear streams of freestone water of Madison County to the muddy, sluggish limestone pond & swamp of Florida would be nearly certain death to the mountain-dweller as that Oseola, who outdid both Scott and Gaines.

Yours, with feelings of respect & admiration

Augustus Crawford

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