November 15, 1841: A group of sub-chiefs has been brought from the Indian Territory in hopes they can persuade the remaining Seminoles to surrender and emigrate. The group is led by Alligator (Halpatter Tustennuggee). (Sprague, 352)
Alligator, Neathlock-E-mathla, Tiger-Tail, Cochus-Tustenugge, and Thlocklo-Hadjo, send this talk to Waxey-Hadjo and Bowlegs.
Alligator has come a great distance to see his red brethren; he followed their old chief Holatoochee, but could not overtake him until now; he has come at last. When Alligator was in Arkansas, he heard that his red brethren here wanted to see him, and he has taken great pains to come to them, to give them the good word, and he now wants them all to make up their minds to go back with him. His namesake, old Alligator, has gone down to see Waxey-Hadjo and Bowlegs, and he hopes they will open their ears to his talk, and receive his words and come in. Alligator is with Neathlock-E-mathla and Tiger-Tail, who have come in with all their brothers and their people; they all want Waxey-Hadjo and Bowlegs to come in with their people and join them. Alligator has come a long way; he heard his red brethren wanted to see him, and he listened to their voice; he now tells them they must not be afraid to come in to their white brethren, who have their hands open to receive them as friends. If they cannot all come at once, let them who are ready come, and let the rest follow me. Their white brethren will receive them as friends, give them plenty to eat and drink, and clothe and treat them well. Alligator has come for his chil- dren, like a hen that is looking for her chickens; he wants to gather them all together, and take them with him to his new home, where he will take good care of them, and make them happy and comfortable; he therefore sends out his word to them to come in at once, before the time arrives when they will not be able to find him. Waxey-Hadjo is Alligator’s sub-chief, and they both came from the same parents, he must therefore not delay to come in, and must remember that all his friends in the west want to see him badly. Alli- gator sends a present to Waxey-Hadjo and Billy Bowlegs, which they must receive the same as if he was with them to give it to them. He cannot come himself because he has some business to attend to here. Alligator now sends his last words. The Prophet has passed for a great man, and you listen to his talk, but you must also hear what Alligator has to say. Are you willing that all your women and children should be killed for the sake of the Prophet? Do you love him more than you do your women and children? Alligator calls for his children, and will they not hear his voice? You say you don’t want to leave this country, because you want your bones to rotten in this land; but this is not right, you must go with Alligator to a better land, where your friends are awaiting to receive you, and where you will live happy. You must not listen to the word of the Prophet, because he will certainly bring you to trouble; come therefore, and come quickly.
Tiger-Tail, Nethlock-Emathla, Cochocus-Tustenuggee, and Thlocko-Hadjo, join in this talk to Waxy-Hadjo and Billy Bowlegs, whom they want to see very much, with the rest of their brethren.
Pasaco-Mico sends word that he has come in, with his people, and has joined Alliga- tor, and that he is treated well by his white brethren.
Alligator, his X mark. Neathlock- X Emathla. Tiger- X Tail
Pasuc Mico X Tustennuggee X Maha