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Details
HANCOCK, John (1737-1793), Signer (Massachusetts). Manuscript document signed (“John Hancock”), with paraph, as president of the Continental Congress, Philadelphia 9 December 1776. 1 page, folio (“Work & Be Rich” watermark), worn at folds, remnants of mounting on verso.
INDIAN SACHEMS AND WARRIORS "WHO ARE IN FRIENDSHIP WITH THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" VISIT THE CONGRESS
“Permit the following Indian Sachems & warriors,” Hancock writes, “…to return to Pittsburgh with the Commissioners for Indian Affairs in the Middle Department, without hindrance or molestation…” He names “Cayeshuta, Jenontow, Waytaw, Shaw and Tegawshaingoyn of the Six Nations, Captain Pipe, Captain Whitelyes & Captain Killbuck of the Delaware nation and Nimwa & Kokitha of the Shawnee Nation, who are in friendship with the people of the United States of America, and have visited Congress in pursuance of their resolve…” Congress recognized the importance of either building alliances with Native American tribes, or at least obtaining their neutrality. As early as May 1775, Stockbridge Indians formed a company of Minutemen. Congress then created three different departments of Indian Affairs (North, Middle and South), made an appropriation of $17,000 for rum and gifts, and issued a proclamation: “Brothers and friends!...This is a family quarrel between us and Old England. You Indians are not concerned in it…” But both the British and the American patriots began using Indian fighters, with the British gaining the upper hand, particularly in collaboration with the Iroquois in upstate and western New York.
INDIAN SACHEMS AND WARRIORS "WHO ARE IN FRIENDSHIP WITH THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" VISIT THE CONGRESS
“Permit the following Indian Sachems & warriors,” Hancock writes, “…to return to Pittsburgh with the Commissioners for Indian Affairs in the Middle Department, without hindrance or molestation…” He names “Cayeshuta, Jenontow, Waytaw, Shaw and Tegawshaingoyn of the Six Nations, Captain Pipe, Captain Whitelyes & Captain Killbuck of the Delaware nation and Nimwa & Kokitha of the Shawnee Nation, who are in friendship with the people of the United States of America, and have visited Congress in pursuance of their resolve…” Congress recognized the importance of either building alliances with Native American tribes, or at least obtaining their neutrality. As early as May 1775, Stockbridge Indians formed a company of Minutemen. Congress then created three different departments of Indian Affairs (North, Middle and South), made an appropriation of $17,000 for rum and gifts, and issued a proclamation: “Brothers and friends!...This is a family quarrel between us and Old England. You Indians are not concerned in it…” But both the British and the American patriots began using Indian fighters, with the British gaining the upper hand, particularly in collaboration with the Iroquois in upstate and western New York.