June 24, 1817--Treaty with the Otoe and Missouria


The treaty of 1817 between the United States and the Otoe/Missouria Native Americans was a considered necessity. Was it really necessary? Or was the United States government "pulling the wool" over the eyes of the tribe?

William Clark and Augusta Chouteau were both commissioners for the United States government, committed to serving the needs of their country and their President, James Madison. They were skilled, learned men, familiar with the language of government and law.

The Otoe/Missouria, on the other hand, were "savages," unfamiliar with the law and its loopholes. Their interpreters were not always honest men, working alongside the United States commissioners to see "good will" done for all. Fair? Let's take a look at the 1817 treaty:

The opening paragraph states that both parties were "desirous of re-establishing peace and friendship between the United States and their said tribe..." Who was it that was causing the hostilities? Why had they gotten so far out of hand?

Article 1: Basically, forgive and forget. Everything. Let's start new.

Article 2: We were friends before, let's be friends again, for good this time.

Article 3: You guys are under our protection, not any one else's.

Signed by United States Officers: William Clark Augusta Chouteau

Signed by:
Otoe:
Chongatonga, Big Horse
Histashone, Big Eyes
Mihahande, Eldest Daughter
Kansepa, the Kansee Head
Montistonga, Pewter
Pahagranga, Auguste
Watokieka, the Runner
Mantoeakiepa, Meeting of Bear
Achieya, Broken Arm
Wathapayignet, the Small Bear
Mantoeignet, the Little Brow
Wapontraska, White Nostrils

Missouria:
Tarposta, Son of the Priest
Kahhehpah, Crow Head
Harahkraton, the Sparrow Hawk
Tawequa, the Little Deer
Chanohato, Buffalo Hump

The signers of the treaty who were Indian all signed with an "X" mark, signifying not only could they not write, but chances were they could not read the document they were signing. Was this an honest treaty, understood by all that were there? Was it really in the good interests of everyone involved? How much of the treaty was understood by those who signed it? Perhaps those translating were being honest, perhaps not. It cannot be said with any degree of certainty now.

Consider this: You are someone who can not read or write a certain language. You have no other choice than to rely on someone to tell you what a document says and means. You are told that this document will keep the people you love safe from harm. Would you sign it? For the safety of those you love?

Sources: Digital Library

The copyright of the article June 24, 1817--Treaty with the Otoe and Missouria in Native-American Tribes is owned by Lisa Perkins. Permission to republish June 24, 1817--Treaty with the Otoe and Missouria in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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