After their successful ambush, Seminoles cautiously move in to examine the fallen U.S. troops. The Seminoles' primary interest at this point is acquiring weapons and ammunition to use in future battles. Symbolically, some may have taken out their frustration on the bodies, even taking scalps as trophies. Contrary to popular opinion, scalping was not originally practiced by Native Americans. They learned it from French and English settlers in the mid-1700's.
copyright © 2002-2003 tom cantwell