....Yet, a careful study of even the records kept by the Colonists -Records kept in part to justify pitting Tribes against each other - frequently illustrates that when Virginia Tribes attempted to peacefully resolve their internal disputes & disputes with "foreign" Indian Tribes, they were more often than not thwarted by the Colonists assumed hegemony.
The excerpt below from the " Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia, Aug 3, 1699- April 27, 1705, Vol. II, P. 381 ( The Virginia State Library 1927 )" illustrates how the Colonists stifled peace efforts amongst Tribes. Obviously the Colonists were more concerned with their own security than they were with the Tribes resolving Indian disputes without bloodshed. That is understandable…But who were the "savages" in this historical context?
At a Council held " August the 9th 1704
Present, His Excellency
William Byrd, John Lightfoot, Benjamin Harrison, Philip Ludwell, William Bassett, Henry Duke & John Smith Esq.
Application being made to His Excellency by the
Nattoway, Meherine, Nansemond, Pamunkie, Chicahominy and Nansiatico Indians that two men of each of said Nations may have leave to go to the Northward to conclude a Peace with the Senequas, and that likewise two men of the Tuscoruro Indians may be included in the pass to be granted for that purpose, and also that they may endeavour the ransoming of the Nattoway King taken last summer as they suppose by the said Senequa Indians or some others living to the northward; It is the opinion of his Excellency and the Council that it is not convenient to suffer the said Indians to go further Northward than the Northern limits of this government but if they can accomplish their intentions without proceeding further than this Government extends that they then be permitted to go so far, they taking with them as Interpreters Capt Joshua Wynne, Captain Thomas Wynn or Mr. James Adams or any one or two of them, which interpreter or interpreters they are to permit, & he & they are hereby also directed to be present at all the consultations that shall be had by the same Indians with any strange Indians, and without whose consent and approbation they are to conclude nothing.
And the said Indians and Interpreter or Interpreters are strictly required to take care at the said meeting with any strange Indians nothing be treated or concluded that may tend to the Prejudice of this Her Majestys Colony or Inhabitants thereof as they will answer the contrary.
And in case the said Interpreters shall perceive that said Indians intend to conclude anything contrary to the true intent and meaning hereof, they are required to use their upmost endeavors to prevent the same, and to acquaint His Excellency of all their proceedings. Upon Wch Restrictions & Limitations it is ordered that a pass be prepared under the Seal of the Colony for two of each Nation of the said Indians to go to the Northern bounds of this Government with their Interpreter without any molestations.
And ordered that a copy of this order be sent to the interpreter who shall be chosen to go with the said Indians for his and their better direction in the premises."
