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THE
EXILES OF FLORIDA:
OR,
THE CRIMES COMMITTED BY OUR GOVERNMENT AGAINST THE MAROONS,
WHO FLED FROM SOUTH CAROLINA AND OTHER SLAVE STATES,
SEEKING PROTECTION UNDER SPANISH LAWS.
BY
J O S H U A R. G I D D I N G S.
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should remain under the protection of the United States.”
GENERAL JESSUP.
———
C O L U M B U S, O H I O:
PUBLISHED BY FOLLETT, FOSTER AND COMPANY.
1858.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1858.
BY FOLLETT, FOSTER & CO.,
In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States, forthe Southern District of Ohio.
TO
M Y C O N S T I T U E N T S,
THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE SO LONG HONORED ME
WITH THEIR CONFIDENCE,
THIS WORK IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED.
J. R. GIDDINGS.
INTRODUCTION.
DISCARDING that code of morals which teaches the suppression of truth,for the purpose of upholding the honor, either of the Government, or ofthe individuals who wield its administration, the Author of thefollowing work has endeavored to give a faithful record of thoseinteresting events which appear directly connected with the Exiles ofFlorida.
Torn from their native land, their friends and homes, they were sold inthe markets of Carolina and Georgia. Feeling the hand of oppressionbearing heavily upon them, they fled to Florida, and, under Spanishlaws, became free. Holding lands of the Spanish Crown, they becamecitizens of that Territory, entitled to protection. To regain possessionof their truant bondmen, Georgia made war upon Florida, but failed toobtain her object.
At a time of profound peace, our army, acting under the direction of theExecutive, invaded Florida, murdered many of these free men, and broughtothers to the United States and consigned them to slavery. An expensiveand bloody war followed; but failing to capture more of the Exiles, ourarmy was withdrawn.
This war was followed by diplomatic efforts. Florida was purchased;treaties with the Florida Indians were made and violated; gross fraudswere perpetrated; dishonorable expedients were resorted to, and anotherwar provoked. During its protracted continuance of seven years, briberyand treachery were practiced towards the Exiles and their allies, theSeminole Indians; flags of truce were violated; the pledged faith of thenation was disregarded. By these means the removal of the Exiles fromFlorida was effected. After they had settled in the Western Country,most of these iniquities were repea