The 1794 Treaty with the Six Nations, also known as the Treaty of Canandaigua, stands as a significant, though ultimately unratified, agreement in the complex history of relations between the United States of America and the Iroquois Confederacy. Concluded on November 11, 1794, in Canandaigua, New York, this treaty aimed to establish peace and friendship between the newly formed nation and the Six Nations: the Seneca, Mohawk, Onondaga, Cayuga, Oneida, and Tuscarora. This document, meticulously drafted and signed by representatives of both parties, offers a glimpse into the hopes and aspirations for a lasting and equitable relationship. However, its failure to secure ratification by the U.S. Senate casts a long shadow, highlighting the challenges in translating good intentions into concrete policy.
The Context: A Nation Forging its Identity
The late 18th century was a period of intense transformation for the United States. Fresh from its victory in the Revolutionary War, the nation was grappling with the immense task of establishing a stable government, defining its borders, and asserting its sovereignty. Central to this process was the management of relations with Native American tribes, particularly those, like the Six Nations, who held vast territories and possessed considerable political and military power.
The Six Nations, also known as the Iroquois Confederacy or the Haudenosaunee (meaning "People of the Longhouse"), had long been a formidable force in the region. Their sophisticated political structure, military prowess, and strategic location had enabled them to maintain a degree of autonomy amidst the colonial powers. However, the American Revolution had deeply divided the Confederacy, with some nations siding with the British and others attempting to remain neutral or aligning with the Americans. This division weakened the Confederacy and left it vulnerable to the expansionist ambitions of the United States.
Recognizing the need to address the lingering tensions and prevent further conflict, President George Washington authorized a conference with the Six Nations. He appointed Timothy Pickering, a seasoned diplomat and negotiator, as the sole agent to represent the United States in these crucial discussions. Pickering’s task was to "remove from their minds all causes of complaint, and establishing a firm and permanent friendship with them."
The Negotiations at Canandaigua
The council at Canandaigua brought together representatives from the United States government and the Six Nations, including sachems (chiefs), warriors, and other prominent figures. The atmosphere was undoubtedly charged with a mixture of hope, suspicion, and uncertainty. The Six Nations sought assurances that their land rights would be respected and their sovereignty acknowledged. The United States, on the other hand, aimed to secure its borders, promote peaceful coexistence, and facilitate its westward expansion.
The negotiations were complex and required careful diplomacy. Pickering, representing the United States, skillfully navigated the various concerns and demands of the Six Nations. He emphasized the desire of the United States for a lasting peace and the commitment to treat the Six Nations with fairness and respect. The Six Nations, in turn, articulated their grievances, asserted their rights, and sought guarantees for their future security.
The Articles of the Treaty: A Promise of Peace
The 1794 Treaty with the Six Nations comprised seven articles, each addressing specific aspects of the relationship between the United States and the Confederacy. These articles sought to establish a framework for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.
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Article 1: This article established a firm and perpetual peace and friendship between the United States and the Six Nations. It was a symbolic declaration of intent, aiming to put an end to the years of conflict and mistrust.
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Article 2: The United States acknowledged the lands reserved to the Oneida, Onondaga, and Cayuga Nations in their treaties with the state of New York as their property. This was a crucial concession, recognizing the existing land rights of these nations and promising non-interference in their use and enjoyment of their reservations. The article stipulated that these reservations would remain theirs until they chose to sell them to the people of the United States, who were recognized as having the right to purchase.
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Article 3: This article defined the boundaries of the Seneca Nation’s land, stretching from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie, carefully delineating specific creeks, rivers, and landmarks. Similar to Article 2, the United States acknowledged this land as the property of the Seneca Nation and pledged not to disturb them or their allies in its use and enjoyment. This recognition aimed to protect the Seneca Nation from further encroachment and displacement.
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Article 4: This article represented a reciprocal agreement. While the United States acknowledged the land rights of the Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca Nations, the Six Nations, in turn, agreed not to claim any other lands within the boundaries of the United States. This mutual recognition of territorial boundaries was intended to prevent future disputes and conflicts.
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Article 5: The Seneca Nation, with the concurrence of the other Six Nations, ceded to the United States the right to build a wagon road from Fort Schlosser to Lake Erie. This road was deemed essential for facilitating travel and transportation for the people of the United States. The article also granted the people of the United States free passage through the lands of the Six Nations and the use of their harbors and rivers.
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Article 6: In consideration of the peace and friendship established by the treaty, the United States agreed to provide the Six Nations with goods worth ten thousand dollars. Furthermore, the United States pledged to add three thousand dollars to the existing annual allowance of one thousand five hundred dollars, making a total of four thousand five hundred dollars, to be used for purchasing clothing, domestic animals, implements of husbandry, and other useful items. This provision was intended to contribute to the comfortable support and future welfare of the Six Nations.
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Article 7: To prevent the interruption of peace and friendship due to the misconduct of individuals, the United States and the Six Nations agreed that no private revenge or retaliation would be allowed. Instead, complaints would be made to the appropriate authorities, who would then take necessary measures to resolve the issue peacefully. This article aimed to establish a system of justice and prevent the escalation of conflicts.
Signatories and Witnesses
The 1794 Treaty with the Six Nations bears the signatures of Timothy Pickering, representing the United States, and numerous sachems and war chiefs of the Six Nations. These signatures, often marked with an "X" due to literacy limitations, symbolize the commitment of these individuals to the terms of the treaty. The document also includes the names of witnesses, including interpreters and other officials, who attested to the authenticity of the agreement.
The Unfulfilled Promise: Failure of Ratification
Despite the meticulous negotiations, the carefully crafted articles, and the solemn signatures, the 1794 Treaty with the Six Nations ultimately failed to achieve its intended purpose. The treaty was never ratified by the U.S. Senate, rendering it legally non-binding.
The reasons for the Senate’s failure to ratify the treaty are complex and not fully understood. Some historians suggest that the Senate was hesitant to recognize the sovereignty of the Six Nations or to grant them control over their lands. Others point to political opposition to President Washington’s policies or to concerns about the financial implications of the treaty. Whatever the reasons, the failure to ratify the treaty had profound consequences for the Six Nations.
Legacy and Implications
The unratified 1794 Treaty with the Six Nations stands as a stark reminder of the challenges in forging just and equitable relationships between the United States and Native American tribes. While the treaty itself never became law, it remains a valuable historical document, offering insights into the aspirations and expectations of both parties.
The treaty’s failure to secure ratification underscores the persistent tension between the desire for peaceful coexistence and the relentless pursuit of westward expansion. It also highlights the limitations of treaties as instruments of protection for Native American rights in the face of overwhelming political and economic pressures. The legacy of the 1794 Treaty with the Six Nations serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of honoring commitments, respecting sovereignty, and upholding the principles of justice and fairness in all interactions with indigenous peoples. The 1794 Treaty with the Six Nations is a pivotal moment in American history.
