Reminiscences of the Second Seminole War. Edited with an Introduction and Postscript by John K. Mahon. Including Bemrose’s Medical Case Notes from The Second Seminole War, Edited by E. A. Hammond.

Tampa, Florida: University of Tampa Press, 2001. Seminole Wars Historic Foundation, Contribution Number Three. New Edition with Supplementary Essays. Octavo, softbound (slick red illus. stiff wrappers), 135 pp. Fine. From lower cover: John Bemrose’s Reminiscences is well-written and full of insightful glimpses of the everyday life and travails of an enlisted man during the early part of the Second Seminole War... John Bemrose was obviously a perceptive observer, interested in the non-military as well as the military... He depicts service at military posts in Florida, military medical practices including field treatment, councils with Seminole leaders, and describes Dade’s Massacre and the Battle of the Withlacoochee. Bemrose was fascinated with strong personalities and provided sketches of Generals Clinch, Scott, and Gaines, and Seminole Agent Wiley Thompson, as well as Indian leaders Micanopy, Osceola, Jumper, and Sam Jones. Bemrose had a rare, simple talent for infusing his writing with feeling. One can almost share the sympathy and humanity he expressed for his suffering comrades wounded in battle or the contempt he held for militaria forces mustered to assist the regular army in taming the fierce Seminoles.