Treaty of Nicolls' Outpost facts for kids

The Treaty of Nicolls' Outpost was an agreement that was never officially accepted. It was made between Great Britain and a group of Native Americans. These included the Red Sticks, who were part of the Creek people, and other Native Americans seeking safety. The treaty said that Great Britain would see these Native Americans as part of the British empire. It also promised to protect them and their land from the United States.

What Was the Treaty of Nicolls' Outpost?

This treaty was created at a meeting on March 10, 1815. The meeting happened at a small fort called Nicolls' Outpost. This fort was built by Colonel Edward Nicolls in what is now Chattahoochee, Florida. It was just south of the U.S. border with Georgia.

Who Attended the Meeting?

Colonel Nicolls was there, along with four other British officers. These officers were Captain George Woodbine, Captain Joseph Ross, Henry Ross, and William Hambly. They were getting ready to leave after the War of 1812 ended in early 1815.

Representing the Native Americans were important leaders like Neamathla, Francis the Prophet, Peter McQueen, Thomas Perryman, and his son William Perryman. More than thirty other Native Americans also attended. This group was starting to form a new people known as the Seminoles.

What Did the Treaty Say?

In the treaty, the Native Americans promised to be loyal to Great Britain. In return, Great Britain accepted them as subjects of the British empire. This is why the British flag, known as the Union Jack, was later raised over a place called the Negro Fort.

The Native Americans hoped that Britain would protect them from the United States. They also wanted help to get back their land that had been taken since 1811. The Treaty of Ghent, which ended the War of 1812, had said they should get their land back. They especially wanted back the large area of land they lost in the Treaty of Fort Jackson. The Red Sticks had not signed the Treaty of Fort Jackson and felt it did not apply to them.

Colonel Nicolls strongly supported Native American rights. He created this treaty on his own, without official permission from Great Britain.

Why Was the Treaty Not Accepted?

After the meeting, Francis the Prophet and his son Earle traveled to London. Colonel Nicolls went with them and hosted them. Nicolls had actually told Francis not to make this trip, but Francis went anyway. Francis was an important leader of the Red Sticks and was very good at speaking. He was the main representative for the Native Americans, hoping Britain would sign the treaty.

However, Great Britain had just finished the War of 1812, which was not popular. They did not want another fight with the United States. The British leader, called the Regent, refused to meet Francis. He sent Francis home, though Francis did meet some important English people. The Regent also criticized Colonel Nicolls for making the treaty without permission.

The original draft of this treaty is kept with other papers in the British War Office. It is not officially called the Treaty of Nicolls' Outpost. The name "Nicolls' Outpost" for the fort was not used until the 1950s.