The 1832 Treaty With The Appalachicola Band represents a pivotal, albeit complex, chapter in the history of the relationship between the United States government and the indigenous peoples of Florida. This agreement, signed in Tallahassee on October 11, 1832, formalized the surrender of the Apalachicola Band of Creek Indians’ reservation lands in Northwest Florida and their subsequent relocation west of the Mississippi River. Understanding the context surrounding this treaty requires delving into the preceding decades of conflict, negotiation, and shifting alliances.
Background: From Allies to Displacement
The genesis of the 1832 Treaty With The Appalachicola Band lies in the intricate web of alliances and betrayals that characterized the early 19th century in the southeastern United States. The Apalachicola Band, a group of Creek Indians residing along the Apalachicola River, had a history of cooperation with the American government. Their loyalty was particularly evident during periods of unrest, including the Patriot Revolution, the War of 1812, the Creek War of 1813-1814, and the First Seminole War in 1818. This allegiance did not guarantee fair treatment, as evidenced by the events that led to the 1832 treaty.
In recognition of their contributions, six chiefs representing the Apalachicola Band were granted tribal status and a 100-mile reservation in Northwest Florida under the Additional Article of the 1823 Treaty with the Florida Indians, also known as the Treaty of Camp Moultrie. This reservation, strategically located along the Apalachicola River and its confluence with the Flint and Chattahoochee Rivers, became the geographical anchor for the newly recognized tribe. The U.S. negotiators, in a symbolic gesture, renamed the group the "Apalachicola Band of Creek Indians" after the river that defined their territory.
The band comprised six principal towns, each headed by its own chief. These leaders included prominent figures such as Neamathla, Phillip Emartlar, Econchatti Micco, Mulatto King, Cochrane, and John Blount. They were tasked with governing their respective communities and representing the collective interests of the Apalachicola Band.
The Treaty of 1832: Surrender and Removal
Despite the initial promise of a protected reservation, the tide of westward expansion and the prevailing policies of Indian Removal ultimately led to the 1832 Treaty With The Appalachicola Band. This treaty, signed less than a decade after the establishment of the reservation, marked a significant turning point for the Apalachicola Band.
The treaty’s preamble clearly states the intent: "The undersigned chiefs, for and in behalf of themselves and warriors, surrender to the United States, all their right, title and interest to a reservation of land made for their benefit." This relinquishment included the entirety of the land granted under the 1823 Treaty of Camp Moultrie, described as commencing "on the Appalachicola, one mile below Tuski Hajo’s improvements, running up said river four miles, thence west two miles, thence southerly to a point due west of the beginning, thence east to the beginning point."
Furthermore, the chiefs agreed to remove themselves, their warriors, and their families – a total of 256 individuals – to lands west of the Mississippi River, beyond the boundaries of the United States’ states and territories. This stipulation reflected the overarching policy of Indian Removal, which aimed to displace Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the Southeast to make way for white settlement.
Terms and Conditions: Compensation and Logistics
The 1832 Treaty With The Appalachicola Band also outlined the terms of compensation and logistical support for the removal process. Article II stipulated that the United States would pay the Apalachicola Band $13,000 in exchange for the surrender of their reservation. Of this amount, $3,000 was provided in cash upon signing the treaty, with the remaining $10,000 to be disbursed upon completion of arrangements and commencement of the tribe’s westward migration. These funds were intended to cover the costs of an exploratory party to find a suitable new home in the west, as well as the expenses associated with emigration and subsistence.
Article III established a deadline for the evacuation of the reservation: November 1, 1833. However, recognizing the potential for unforeseen delays, the treaty included a provision for a reasonable extension, not exceeding one year, should "unavoidable circumstances prevent the conclusion of the necessary preparatory arrangements." This clause offered a slight degree of flexibility to the Apalachicola Band as they prepared for their forced relocation.
Article IV addressed the annuities previously granted to certain chiefs under the Treaty of Camp Moultrie. Specifically, it stipulated that John Blunt and Davy (successor to the deceased Tuski Hajo), chiefs of the towns consenting to emigrate, would continue to receive their proportional share of the $5,000 annuity "so long as they remain in the Territory of Florida." Moreover, the United States agreed to advance their proportional amount of the annuity for the remaining term stipulated in the Treaty of Camp Moultrie once they removed in compliance with the 1832 agreement.
Signatories and Witnesses
The 1832 Treaty With The Appalachicola Band was signed by James Gadsden, acting as commissioner on behalf of the United States, and by the aforementioned chiefs: John Blunt, O Saa-Hajo (Davy), and Co-ha-thlock-co (Cochrane). Each chief affixed his mark to the document, indicating his consent to the treaty’s terms.
The signing was witnessed by a group of individuals, including William P. Duval, Superintendent of Indian Affairs; Stephen Richards, an interpreter; and several other prominent figures, such as Robert W. Williams, R. Lewis, Tho. Brown, and James D. Westcott, Jr. Their presence underscores the official nature of the proceedings and the significance of the agreement in the context of U.S.-Indian relations.
Consequences and Legacy
The 1832 Treaty With The Appalachicola Band had profound and lasting consequences for the Apalachicola Band of Creek Indians. The forced removal from their ancestral lands in Florida to lands west of the Mississippi River disrupted their way of life, severed their ties to their cultural heritage, and subjected them to the hardships and uncertainties of relocation.
The treaty exemplifies the broader pattern of displacement and dispossession experienced by Native American tribes throughout the 19th century. While the treaty provided some compensation for the loss of their reservation, it could not adequately address the social, cultural, and emotional toll of forced removal.
The legacy of the 1832 Treaty With The Appalachicola Band serves as a reminder of the complex and often tragic history of U.S.-Indian relations. It highlights the importance of understanding the perspectives of all parties involved in these historical events and acknowledging the enduring impact of these agreements on Native American communities. The treaty continues to be studied by historians, legal scholars, and tribal members seeking to understand the historical context of tribal sovereignty and land rights.
