Saving Time: President Custer by L.L. Raye

Author:L.L. Raye [Raye, L.L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-08-04T00:00:00+00:00

SEVENTEEN

THE TREATY

I had never been a part of a treaty signing before, so standing with two congressional commissioners—Thomas Fitzpatrick and David Mitchell—was exciting. Seated across from them were members of different Indian tribes, though some didn’t come due to intertribal rivalries. Nevertheless, so many Indians arrived to the negotiation that the actual signing took place down the river at a spot called Horse Creek. It was the only nearby location sizable enough to accommodate everyone.

Looking around, it was hard not to be overwhelmed by the desire for peace. History is filled with violence between warring sides, but here, by the river, white settlers and Native Americans worked together for peace.

“For starters, the president would like to express to you his greetings and make known his sincere desire to create peace between all of our peoples this day.”

Fitzpatrick’s opening comments were translated by the various chief translators, most of them uttering the phrase “Great Father” to describe the president. They all nodded in agreement upon hearing the greeting.

“Furthermore, we recognize that our two nations must co-exist in harmony with one another. We respect the culture you have erected in your lands, and we want nothing more than to create an alliance that will strengthen your tribes and the United States of America.”

“That’s a load of crap,” Nick whispered in my ear. A quick jab to the ribs was sufficient enough of a reply.

“On behalf of President Millard Fillmore, we would like to offer you $10,000 a year in annual payments, to be given to your representatives, in exchange for our promise that none of our people will attack your people as they pass safely through your lands.”

The interpreters muttered the offer to their representatives. A few nodded and smiled, but most seemed insulted by the incredibly low offer. I knew that Fitzpatrick and Mitchell would eventually offer $25,000, so this was nothing more than a starting number by the representatives. The Indians were right to be insulted.

One of the chiefs got up from the table and actually started to walk away, when Mitchell chimed in. “Sir, please stay. We feel that is a very generous offer. Don’t insult us by leaving so soon.”

The chief muttered something to his interpreter. “Chief say, ‘Offer too low. My people live on land since man began. No white man take land from my people.’”

“Sir, we understand that you have been here for a long time. But we have also been here for nearly two hundred years. We simply wish to pass through your land, not take it from you.”

I elbowed Nick before he could make another snide remark.

“Chief say, ‘You take land other tribes. You kill other tribes. You take land and kill us, too.’”

“Sir, I can assure you that will not be the case. We are a peaceful people. We only want peace with you, too.” Mitchell wasn’t getting anywhere so Fitzpatrick jumped in.

“Would it help if we offered $15,000 a year?”

The chief turned back to the bargaining table, clearly happy with the delegation’s willingness to negotiate.

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