[page 3]
They made so many raids and did so much damage that the
Federal Government decided that all Indians in Florida should be moved
to land west of the Mississippi River. The Indians considered this plan,
and in 1832 signed the Treaty of Payne's Landing agreeing to move
west, provided they like the new territory.

A few of the chiefs were sent to examine the land. They signed a
paper stating that they liked it and returned to Florida. Osceola, now 29
years old had become a great warrior, both strong and brave. Micanopy,
his chief, had admitted Osceola to the tribal councils. When the chiefs
gathered to hear the words of those who had seen the new land,
Micanopy was there and Osceola sat beside him. (6: p. 292) Osceola
was angry when he heard that these chiefs planned to give up their
homes in Florida. Fiercely he urged Micanopy to refuse this new land.
Other leading warriors gave the same advice to their chiefs and left the
meeting. (4: p. 209)

In 1835 General Wiley Thompson called the Indians to another
meeting at Fort King and told them that they would receive no more
money from the Federal Government unless they signed a treaty agreeing
to move. This time Osceola did not wait for the chiefs to speak. He
drew his dagger and thrust it into the treaty that lay on the table in front
of the white army officers.

"This," he shouted, "is the only treaty I will ever make with white
men." (7: p. 213)