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Fowle's New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
In November 1785 at Seneca, a Cherokee head warrior addressed commissioners, asserting Indigenous rights as first inhabitants, lamenting land losses to white settlers, and expressing wishes for peace and friendship.
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Extract of a letter from Seneca, November 1785.
"According to promise I write to you the first opportunity after my return from Seneca. I saw the Cherokee Indians that had arrived when I left the place. My business would not permit me to tarry but two days, during which time I had an opportunity to hear the head warrior speak. He told the commissioners, that God made the Red People of this earth, and placed them on the same to live, and we must know they were the first on this ground. They were the natives, who in former times could range about the country without restraint -- it was not so now: but, however, he wished those who now possessed what once was theirs would be united in friendship. He said the white people loved large corn fields, and they had been induced to give up much land; but that was not all, what was still their own was settled against their consent; but still they wished for peace."
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Where did it happen?
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Seneca
Event Date
November 1785
Key Persons
Outcome
cherokee expressed wishes for peace and friendship despite land encroachments and unauthorized settlements.
Event Details
A Cherokee head warrior spoke to commissioners, stating that God made the Red People first on the land, allowing them to range freely in former times. He noted white settlers' love for large corn fields led to land cessions, but remaining lands were settled without consent, yet they desired peace.