The Second Seminole War (1835-42) was the most fierce and costly war in
America's history up to that time.  Two hundred thousand soldiers fought,
at a cost of over $20 million.  The war began when some Seminole Indians
refused to leave Florida, defying th e Removal Act.  They also gave refuge
to runaway slaves from Georgia, and the slave owners and plantation
framers demanded immediate retribution.  The American army committed
several atrocities, including hunting Indians with bloodhounds (depicted
here), and the capture of the Seminole warrior Osceola while under a flag
of truce.  The war lasted for more than seven years without ever coming
close to a victory on either side, and eventually American troops
withdrew.  No peace treaty was signed.