The Tuscarora Appeal to the Pennsylvania Government, 1710
Shortly before the outbreak of a pan-Indian war led by the Tuscarora, a delegation from that nation traveled to Pennsylvania to negotiate with British colonial officials and representatives of the Iroquois Confederacy. The views of Tuscarora representatives Iwaagenst Terrutawanaren and Teonnottein are summarized below by two white officials, John French and Henry Worley, who sought to present the arguments of the Indians. The Pennsylvania government subsequently denied their requests. The Iroquois were apparently more sympathetic since, when the war ended in 1715, the Tuscarora became the sixth nation of the Iroquois Confederacy.
|
What groups did the Tuscarora representatives speak for, and what does this suggest about political dynamics within the Tuscarora nation? What are the most important demands of the Tuscarora? What is the most immediate concern of the Tuscarora? |
At Conestogo, June 8th, 1710. The Indians were told that according to their request we were come from the Govr. and Govmt. to hear what proposals they had to make anent [about] a peace, according to the purport of their Embassy from their own People. They signified to us by a Belt of Wampum, which was sent from their old Women, that those Implored their friendship of the Christians & Indians of this Govmt., that without danger or trouble they might fetch wood & Water. The second Belt was sent from their Children born, & those yet in the womb, Requesting that Room to sport & Play without danger of Slavery, might be allowed them. The third Belt was sent from their young men fitt to Hunt, that privilege to leave their Towns, & seek provision for their aged, might be granted to them without fear of Death or Slavery. The fourth was sent from the men of age, Requesting that the Wood, by a happy peace, might be as safe for them as their forts. The fifth was sent from the whole nation, requesting peace, that thereby they might have Liberty to visit their Neighbours. The sixth was sent from their Kings and Chiefs, Desiring a lasting peace with the Christians & Indians of this Govmt., that thereby they might be secured against those fearful apprehensions they have for these several years felt. . . . These Belts (they say) are only sent as an Introduction, & in order to break off hostilities till next Spring, for then their Kings will come and sue for the peace they so much Desire. Source: Sherman Day, Historical Collections of the State of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia: George W. Gorton, 1853), 391–92. |
Put It in Context
To what extent does the Tuscarora appeal illuminate important concerns of other Indian tribes in the early 1700s?
Exploring American HistoriesPrinted Page 80
Chapter Timeline