The famous mongrel was the head and front of the rebellion. A force of seven hundred men, while crossing the Ouithlacoochee River, were attacked by him, and in an hour's fight, the Americans suffered a loss of sixty-three killed and wounded, though they inflicted a greater loss upon their assailants. During this struggle, Osceola was recognized many times by the soldiers. He wore a red belt and several long, stained eagle feathers in his hair. He would stand behind a tree, while reloading his rifle, after which he would step out into full view and fire with a deliberate aim. He was seen to level his gun at General Clinch several times, but fortunately that officer, who rashly exposed himself, was unharmed, though his clothing was pierced by one of the bullets of the Seminole chieftain. In more than one instance a whole platoon fired at Osceola. The bark was seen to fly from the tree behind which he crouched, and once he was hit, but the wound was slight and did not bother him. Not until a squad of Americans were almost upon him, did he break for new cover, which he safely reached amid a storm of bullets whistling about him. The valor of the Americans saved them from a more fearful massacre than that of Major Dade's command. It was a long time before the United States awoke to the difficult task on its hands, in bringing the Seminoles of Florida to terms. It seemed incredible that such an insignificant tribe could withstand the armed forces sent against them, but, by-and-by, more than one alarming fact came to light. Some of the Creeks of Georgia were stealing across the border and joining the hostiles; the stream of runaway slaves into those gloomy swamps increased in extent, and white desperadoes were doing the same thing, out of pure wantonness. Furthermore, the Seminoles had the great advantage of fully knowing the wild region. They could strike their lightning-like blows, and, if too closely pressed, take refuge in the dismal solitudes, whither the white soldiers could not follow them. The warriors and negroes were relieved of all anxiety about their families, for, as has been said, the veteran scouts could not find any of them in hiding. This left the husbands and sons at liberty to fight without thought for the safety of those dependent upon them.