discarding that code of morals which teaches the suppression of truth, for the purpose of upholding the honor, either of the government, or of the individuals who wield its administration, the author of the following work has endeavored to give a faithful record of those interesting events which appear directly connected with the exiles of florida.
torn from their native land, their friends and homes, they were sold in the markets of carolina and georgia. feeling the hand of oppression bearing heavily upon them, they fled to florida, and, under spanish laws, became free. holding lands of the spanish crown, they became citizens of that territory, entitled to protection. to regain possession of their truant bondmen, georgia made war upon florida, but failed to obtain her object.
at a time of profound peace, our army, acting under the direction of the executive, invaded florida, murdered many of these free men, and brought others to the united states and consigned them to slavery. an expensive and bloody war followed; but failing to capture more of the exiles, our army was withdrawn.
this war was followed by diplomatic efforts. florida was purchased; treaties with the florida indians were made and violated; gross frauds were perpetrated; dishonorable expedients were resorted to, and another war provoked. during its protracted continuance of seven years, bribery and treachery were practiced towards the exiles and their allies, the seminole indians; flags of truce were violated; the pledged faith of the nation was disregarded. by these means the removal of the exiles from florida was effected. after they had settled in the western country, most of these iniquities were repeated, until they were driven from our nation and compelled to seek an asylum in mexico.
men who wielded the influence of government for the consummation of these crimes, assiduously labored to suppress all knowledge of their guilt; to keep facts from the popular mind; to falsify the history of current events, and prevent an exposure of our national turpitude.
the object of this work is to meet that state of circumstances; to expose fraud, falsehood, treachery, and other crimes of public men, who have prostituted the powers of government to the perpetration of murders, at the contemplation of which our humanity revolts.
the author has designed to place before the public a faithful record of events appropriately falling within the purview of the proposed history; he has endeavored, as far as possible, to do justice to all concerned. where the action of individuals is concerned, he has endeavored to make them speak for themselves, through official reports, orders, letters, or written evidences from their own hands; and he flatters himself that he has done no injustice to any person.
