Canassatego's Speech at Lancaster, Chief Logan, and the Myth of the Noble Savage Flashcards
(4 cards)
Who was Canassatego?
A diplomat for the Iroqois Confederacy who negotiated land treaties with the British
Why was the Lancaster Treaty controversial?
The Iroqois Confederacy sold land in Virginia. However, the Virginians claimed they were granted land up to the Ohio River. In response, the Iroqois maintained the ceded territory only extended to the Shenandoah Valley. A bitter disagreement ensued.
Who was Chief Logan? Why was his speech important?
Chief Logan was the ceremonial head of the Seneca-Cayuga, a tribe that lived along the Ohio River Valley. His family was murdered by white colonists, causing him grief and fueling resentment. Chief Logan was summoned to negotiate the conflict between whites and natives with Lord Dunmore, but he refused to do so. Chief Logan conveyed his reasons to a translator–John Gibson–and the dialogue was later printed in 1775. Thomas Jefferson used the speech in one of his books, arousing accusations of plagiarism.
What was the Myth of the Noble Savage?
Thomas Jefferson wrote a book entitled “Notes on the State of Virginia.” The book criticizes the notion of a noble savage, which holds that the North American climate was responsible for the “lesser” status of the natives. Thomas Jefferson argues that natives are just as intelligent as European colonists, with speakers such as Chief Logan eloquently conveying key points and ideas. Using this rationale, Jefferson attempted to justify theft of Native American territory.
