The official record of the Lancaster Treaty of 1744 published by Franklin presents a picture of tense but respectful negotiations marked by a high degree of cultural understanding. When we include informal accounts, like those by Bartram, Weiser, and Marshe, we find confirmation and complementation of the official record. The Lancaster Treaty of 1744 was a result of negotiations between the Iroquois People and settler-colonists from Maryland and Virginia, mainly regarding land disputes. Two weeks of debates ended with agreement and satisfaction of all the parts involved. It was crucial to reach a convention since the situation was tense due to recent clashes between Colonial and Iroquois People. Moreover, establishing mutual understanding and becoming allies was essential before the impending war with the French.
The success of these meetings was primarily due to cultural understanding and linguistic compromise. To create a productive debate environment, all the parts involved showed respect to each other and demonstrated exceptional speech adoptions that made issues understandable for all. In his Observations on a Visit to Onondaga, Botanist John Bartram revealed the English language skills of Iroquois People he noted while traveling with Weiser (Merrell). Conrad Weiser was an interpreter and ambassador between Pennsylvania Colony and Native Americans. He was the main mediator, participated in negotiations, and transferred messages between Colonial and Indigenous People. In his Report on the Council Proceedings at Onondaga, he highlighted that Iroquois leaders asked him to explain messages instead of simple delivery (Merrell). Thus, the people of Six Nation were genuinely interested in understanding a foreign language in order to improve communication. Witham Marshe served as a secretary to the Maryland Treaty Commissioners and took personal notes during negotiations in 1744. His Journal of the Treaty Held with the Six Nations highlights Weiser’s directions to avoid remarks about Iroquois appearance since most of them understood English but would not utilize it (Merrell). Informal accounts depict striving to mutual understanding through cultural approach, adopting actions, sharing, and exchanging linguistic expressions.
Productive negotiations and the final agreement between settler-colonists and the Six Nation prevented a bitter conflict. The official record and informal accounts testify to tight but respectful discussions marked by a high level of cultural comprehension. Informal accounts complement the official record by describing the adoption of the language. The Lancaster Treaty of 1744 was successful, and all parties were mainly satisfied due to the level of cultural understanding achieved.
Work Cited
Merrell, James H. The Lancaster Treaty of 1744: With Related Documents. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2008.