ns
of Indians, shall be deemed a competent witness or party to any suit or
in any court where a white man is defendant.'

"Notwithstanding this, the Cherokees still determined to remain on the
land of their fathers; but when they found that the whole of the white
settlers of Georgia were arrayed against them, knowing that ultimately
they would be compelled to succumb, they accepted the offers of
government, and agreed, provided they were allowed time, to part with
their lands and to remove to the territories allotted to them. The
Creeks, then a numerous tribe inhabiting the western portion of Georgia,
followed the example of the Cherokees, and consented to remove westward,
although great opposition was offered by many of the chiefs to this
treaty with the white men.

"The government of the United States, having succeeded with these two
tribes, came to the resolution to deal with the Seminoles in the same
manner, and had already issued a notice to their chiefs, ordering them
to make preparations for migrating westward.

"Such was the state of the country at the time of which I am speaking."

Rochford listened to the account given us by the judge, of which the
above is only a brief outline. I observed his eyes flash, and the
colour mount to his cheeks, but he restrained his feelings sufficiently
to keep silence.

"I am more determined than ever to visit these ill-treated Indians, and
endeavour, by some means or other, to serve them," he said to me
afterwards, as we stood together at a distance from the rest of the
party.

"Let me know when you go," I said; "for I should like to visit the red
men in their native wilds, and learn their ways and customs."

"I will not fail if I have an opportunity," he answered. As Lejoillie
joined us just then, he made no further remark.

In about three hours we were opposite some sand-hills and a lighthouse
which mark the entrance to Saint John River; but as a long line of
foam-covered breakers was rolling over the bar, our skipper ordered the
sheets to be hauled aft, and we stood off, waiting until the tide had
risen and we could pass with safety.

We had plenty of time to examine the lighthouse, which appeared to be
entirely surrounded by the foaming sea. Many a gale it had stood, and
being composed of solid masonry, it seemed capable of standing many
more. Through our glasses we could distinguish a female form standing
on the gallery. We inquired of the skipper who sh