Osceola strode to General Thompson's table. His eyes flashed. Swiftly, he plunged his hunting knife through the hated paper before him.

That was Osceola's answer to the United States' demand that all Seminoles agree to leave Florida at once for the Indian reservations in the West.

For nearly three years the Seminoles hid in the dark, moss-hung swamps of Florida. Then Chiefs Micanopy, Alligator, and Jumper agreed to bring their warrior bands to fight under Osceola's leadership for this last refuge from the ways of the white settler.

Osceola was a brave, intelligent leader. He planned daring raids and led the warriors in pitched battles against the United States Army. It was the fiercest, longest Indian war ever fought.

Osceola is remembered today for his courage and his determination to never leave willingly the home all Seminoles loved in the Florida wilderness.

From the dust jacket