2,500 unknown | Date 21 November 1836 | |
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Results United States victory, Seminoles retreat Similar Second Seminole War, Dade Massacre, Battle of Jupiter Inlet, Battle of Lake Okeechobee, Battle of Negro Fort | ||
The Battle of Wahoo Swamp was fought during the Second Seminole War. An army of militia, Tennessee volunteers, Creek mercenaries and United States Marines and Army Soldiers led by Florida Governor, General Richard K. Call, encountered Seminole forces led by chiefs Osuchee and Yaholooche in Wahoo Swamp.
Battle
General Call waited to bring his other column across the river, then entered the Wahoo Swamp on November 21, 1836. The Seminole resisted the advance in the Battle of Wahoo Swamp, as their families were close by, but had to retreat across the stream. Major David Moniac, a mix-blooded Creek who was the first Native American to graduate from West Point, tried to determine how deep the stream was, but was shot and killed by the Seminole. Faced with trying to cross a stream of unknown depth under hostile fire, and with supplies running short, Call withdrew and led his men to Volusia.
On December 9 Call was relieved of overall command and replaced by Major General Thomas Jesup of the US Army, who took the federal troops back to Fort Brooke. As the short enlistments of the volunteers were up at the end of December, they went home. Call with the Florida militia gradually pushed the Seminole back through the swampy marsh. The Seminole retreated south by nightfall and Call chose not to pursue due to difficult terrain.