William Weatherford (also known as Red Eagle, 1765-1824) was a leader of the traditionalist Red Stick faction of the Creek War. Racially speaking, Weatherford, the son of a Scottish trader, was only one-eight Creek. After leading the Fort Mims Massacre, Weatherford's followers were all but exterminated by forces lead by General Andrew Jackson at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend in March, 1814. Weatherford personally to surrendered to Jackson the following month.
Quite by accident, Weatherford's surrender came during a meeting between Jackson and Lt. Sam Houston. Houston had proposed a scheme for relocation of all of the Indians in the south, including the Creek. Jackson was prepared to balk at Houston's condition that Jackson publically back Houston's every move when Weatherford appeared. Jackson, who'd been quite adamant that he planned to hang Weatherford, was knocked off-guard by Weatherford's bravery. He took Weatherford into custody, and ultimately spared him. Moreover, Weatherford's courage convinced Jackson to accept Houston's terms.