 Cooley took charge of the lighthouse encampment . Richard Fitzpatrick sent sixty slaves from his Miami plantation to the lighthouse . Fearing more attacks and aware of the precarious safety of the lighthouse , the settlers and slaves boarded Cooley 's schooner and smaller boats and escaped to Indian Key , 100 miles ( 161 km ) north of Key West . Judge Marvin , a Key West justice , accused Seminole ( or Calusa , depending on the source ) chief Chakaika of leading the New River Settlement raiding group . This was not proved , but it is known that Chakaika was an important leader who coordinated the devastating attack on Indian Key in 1840 . 
