Nicole Eustace

This is a history book about early interactions between American colonists and Native Americans in the 18th century. A semi-important Native American is murdered by two semi-important colonists. Because the colonists value the copper on the land they feel they have to pretend that their idea of justice applies equally to both colonists and natives. They arrest the 2 perpetrators, throw them in jail, put them in irons, and plan to execute them. The Native Americans don't agree with the idea show more of jailing people and definitely don't agree with killing them in the name of justice. Their idea of justice is to support the community by keeping important members within the community, requiring them to voice their remorse over their actions, supporting the grief of the rest of the community, and providing financial compensation. Over and over, the colonists fail to comprehend or even consider that there is an idea of justice that differs from their own. show less

In 1722, when the Cartlidge brothers meet with an indigenous trader named Sawantaeny, there is an argument over the trade and Sawantaeny ends up dead. How the Cartlidge brothers will be punished and how amends will be made to Sawantaeny's people becomes the heart of the book. An event that has probably happened countless time over the centuries, in this case is the impetus for a meeting between six tribe leaders and the leaders of the Pennsylvania colony, resulting in a Treaty documenting show more the events. Eustace takes this information and skillfully unpacks it to learn about many aspects of life in the early colonies.

Among the topics she explores are the differences between colonial and Indigenous ideas of justice and punishment, the use and abuse of alcohol in trading, the differences in land ownership and use between Europeans and Native Americans, and the squabbles between the colonists as they try to secure valuable land for mining and monetary purposes.

Throughout this book it amazed me to think that 400 years later, I could read about this event and learn so much from it. I'm sure those involved would never have imagined it being discussed so far in the future!

Overall I liked this book, but a warning that it is written in a scholarly tone and is dense. I definitely lost track of the trajectory of the book a couple of times and lost interest a bit as well. But overall I think it's worth the time if you're interested in the topic/time period and are ready to put a little work in to reading it. show less

A wonderfully researched study of a little known killing of a native American by two brothers in Pennsylvania colony in 1722. This was significant because it could have led to a war between the tribal confederation and local colonists. The study focuses on the negotiations between the two groups. It is interesting that the tribal punishments were much more lenient than the colonies. There is lots of focus on the wheeling and dealing of local politicians and the traditions and culture of the show more native American.s.A great book. show less

Detailed account of the seminal treaty between Native Americans and early Pennsylvania colonists. in addition to the enormous about of historical detail, the author tells the story with terrific narrative flow and does not hesitate to make thoughtful observations about differing views of justice, redemption, and vengeance. Very good elaboration of the contemporary relevance of this historical episode.