"Towards the end of the month of April last, some men of influence and fortune, residing somewhere in the western country, thought of making a speculation in order to obtain Slaves for a trifle…"

"For this purpose, they hired Charles Miller, William Weatherford [and others], and under these chiefs, were engaged about two hundred Cowetas Indians," the letter continued. "They were ordered to proceed along the western coast of East Florida, southerly, and there take, in the name of the United States, and make prisoners of all the men of colour, including women and children, they would be able to find, and bring them all, well secured, to a certain place, which has been kept a secret."

The "EYE-WITNESS" then offered first-hand details of the raid and of Angola's destruction. "They arrived at Sazazota [the general area of Sarasota; this is, the Manatee River], surprised and captured about 300 of them, plundered their plantations, set on fire all their houses… But the terror thus spread along the Western Coast of East Florida, broke all the establishments of both blacks and Indians, who fled in great consternation…"

"The indians and the negroes have been lately so connected with events in Florida, that a few observations, so far as they have been concerned, may perhaps be not necessary…

…The remnant of the black and colored people, who served with Col. Nichols during the war, fugitive slaves from all the southern states, as well as from the Spanish plantations in Florida, followed up the steps of the Indians and formed considerable settlements on the waters of Tampa Bay. …"

"A stream that enters the bay joining the Oyster River, on the S.W. was ascended about six miles. It was forty yards wide, and six feet deep, but full of islands…

The famous Arbuthnot and Ambrister had at one time a plantation here cultivated by two hundred negroes. The ruins of their cabins, and domestic utensils are still seen on the old fields."

Caldez, Joaquin           Unc. C 2; G&S VI 59, 108

1 (E) illiterate, claims 640 acres at Angola, on the southside of the Oyster River about 8 miles from Tampa Bay, as a settler since 1812.
Witness: Carlos Prieto

2 (E) Andrew Gomes/Gomez, illiterate, swears before Owen Marsh, justice of the peace, that Caldez is the head of a family and has occupied and cultivated this land about 15 years.

3 (E) Antonio Trasia, illiterate, swears before Edward Dixon, justice of the peace, that Caldez was cultivating this land in 1819.

Caldez, Jose Maria         Unc. C 2; G&S VI 59, 109

1 (E) illiterate, claims 640 acres, under the donation act, at Angola on the north side of Oyster River 9 miles from Tampa Bay, where she has been a settler since 1814.
Witness: Carlos Prieto

2 (E) Antonio Trasia, illiterate, swears before Edward Dixon, justice of the peace, at his office near Cant Brook in East Florida, 9/28/1828, that Jose M. Caldes lived on the above tract in 1819 and cultivated it.

3 (E) Sergeant John Russell swears before F. J. Fatio, 9/5/1828, that Jose M. Caldes and Joaquin Caldes cultivated this land and had buildings thereon in 1824.

4 (E) Maximo Hernandez, illiterate, swears before Owen Marsh, justice of the peace, 6/2/1828, that he has known Jose Maria Caldes and has known also of his farm since 1818.

5 (E) Domingo Alvarez, illiterate, swears before Edward Dixon, justice of the peace, that he knows Maximo Hernandez and also knows of his farm at Angola.