Well, all I can say is that Estevanico was acknowleged as highly intelligent, and was said to be "in constant communication with the Savages". I have no knowledge of Estevanico being literate. Arabs seem to fly under the radar of American history which adds to the mystery. The famous Seminole Wildcat was met on the plains about 1850 by so-called journalist Cora Montgomery. She noted that he travelled with two Comrades/interpreters. One was John Horse, who succeeded Abram as the princple leader of the Black Seminoles. The other was an "unnamed Arab from the Asiatic side of the Red sea". Here and there are mentions of Arabs in the position of Overseer on plantations. Incidentally, Army officers said the Seminole had a type of "picture writing" which was understood by Abram. This skill apparently fell into disuse and was lost.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/25/2011 11:10PM by Sam.