 Runaway slaves, free blacks, Chickasaw and Seminole Indians began gathering at Opothleyahola's plantation, where they hoped to remain neutral in the conflict between the North and South.On August 15, 1861, Opothleyahola and tribal chief "Micco Hutko" contacted President Abraham Lincoln to request help for the Union loyalists.On September 10, they received a positive response, stating the United States government would assist them.