Second Seminole War breaks out under Osceola

Background. Tensions rose after the Treaty of Payne's Landing called for Seminole removal from Florida. The U.S. government expected relocation by 1835. Indian agent Wiley Thompson attempted to persuade chiefs to move west. However, resistance grew, culminating in violent hostilities in late 1835, including the killing of the agent and attacks on military forces.

Outbreak of Hostilities. On December 28, 1835, Osceola killed the Indian agent using a rifle previously given to him. This act signaled the start of the war. Seminoles had refrained from attacking other locations earlier, waiting for Osceola to join them. The conflict involved various Seminole groups and allied tribes resisting removal to Indian Territory.

Dade Ambush. On December 23, 1835, Major Francis Langhorne Dade departed Fort Brooke with 110 men for Fort King. This mission resulted in a military defeat for the U.S. Army, often called the Dade massacre. Survivors like Pvt Sprague arrived at Fort Brooke on New Year's Day 1836, providing accounts of the battle.