Item 46 is a rare but odd remembrance of the Seminole Wars. It is a lock of Osceola's hair. Osceola was an Indian warrior who fought the whites that tried to force his people from their Florida homeland to territories west of the Mississippi. He was captured after being invited to truce negotiations, and later died in captivity. According to the wife of Captain Drane, who obtained the lock of hair from Osceola, Drane had given him some ostrich feathers while he was imprisoned, and Osceola asked what he could give in return. $35,000.
Everyone loves Florida. Well, almost everyone. At one time E.E. Cooney was part of the majority, but on further review, changed his mind. Cooney had earlier written a friend, encouraging him to come to Florida, but this letter from 1886 represents a major change of heart. "The only thing we have plenty of here is rain," writes Cooney. "…this letter will be a flat contradiction of my first - Fla is a fraud. I saw the country in its holiday attire when I came here last Winter." Of course, it may also be that Cooney changed his mind about wanting his friend to come to Florida. Item 116. $650.
You may reach Joe Rubinfine at 321-455-1666 or Joerubinfine@mindspring.com.
