Shortly before the outbreak of the Tuscarora War, a delegation of Tuscaroras traveled to Pennsylvania to negotiate with British colonial officials and representatives of the Iroquois Confederacy. These representatives included Iwaagenst Terrutawanaren and Teonnottein. Although summarized by two white officials, John French and Henry Worley, the following document clearly presents the views of the Tuscarora Indians. The Pennsylvania government subsequently denied their requests, but the meeting did produce one important benefit for the Tuscaroras. When the war ended in 1715, members of the tribe moved to New York and became the sixth nation of the Iroquois Confederacy.
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.
We acquainted them that . . . if they intend to settle & live amiably here, . . . to Confirm the sincerity of their past Carriage towards the English, & to raise in us a good opinion of them, it would be very necessary to procure a Certificate from the Govmt. they leave, to this, of their Good behaviour, & then they might be assured of a favourable reception.
Source: Sherman Day, Historical Collections of the State of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia: George W. Gorton, 1853), 391–92.
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