Re: JC's Query re the Walking Purchase

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Posted by ann on July 29, 1998 at 16:34:31:

In Reply to: Re: JC's Query re the Walking Purchase posted by JC on July 29, 1998 at 14:42:56:

: JC replies:

: Ann,

: Shades of gray is a very fitting phrase to use here. Americas history is full of tragedy for all concerned. As I research the Deleware tribe I descend from, I am pained how they were pushed out of their land further and further west until they were forced into Oklahoma, thrown in with the Cherokee Nation, and until a few years ago, not even recognized as an official tribe-much in the same way a poster from last week was probably pained to find out more about his/her white settler ancestors being killed by Indians. What I feel is unfair, may be what another feels is revenge.

: As far as me being a true American, I don't know about that. What is the definition of a "true" American anyway? I only have a little Indian blood in me, Irish features, and an English name. What weighs so heavily in my mind, in my heart, and in my soul is thinking about what life was like for my full-blooded Deleware g-g-grandfather.

: JC
By a true American, JC, I meant you know that for ages some of your ancestors roamed across the American continent.(Most of mine roamed in Ireland 'til the mid-1800s, that wasn't bad either:o)

The Delaware were the tribe that Wm Penn first purchased land from for his "Holy Experiment"--right?

In my recent reading I've learned that the tribes pushed each other out of homelands as well. This is what I meant about their customs being a hindrance as far as retaining their land. Much as the native Irish(who each wanted their own kingdom) the native amer. failed to band together against their common enemy. In many instances they allied with the europeans against their own race.

In fact, was fascinated to read that in the critical first few years when europeans started to settle along the shores of No. America, if the natives had banded together to stop the settlements, their goal would have been accomplished in short order. Instead, they fought each other just as frequently as the white man.

The Delaware & Wm Penn had wonderful, peaceful relations for at least 50 yrs. After his death the long, sad travail began.

Pres. Andrew Jackson wasn't any help for the Indian cause from what I've read recently. Northerners wanted to stop relocating the tribes further west--but Jackson's attitude was a major obstacle.

As far as your grandfather, isn't it a little comfort to know that in the end all of his descendants are american citizens....and it only took about 300 yrs. for many fellow americans to realize that the native americans are not from India:o).....ann

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: : JC replies:

: : Ann,

: : Shades of gray is a very fitting phrase to use here. Americas history is full of tragedy for all concerned. As I research the Deleware tribe I descend from, I am pained how they were pushed out of their land further and further west until they were forced into Oklahoma, thrown in with the Cherokee Nation, and until a few years ago, not even recognized as an official tribe-much in the same way a poster from last week was probably pained to find out more about his/her white settler ancestors being killed by Indians. What I feel is unfair, may be what another feels is revenge.

: : As far as me being a true American, I don't know about that. What is the definition of a "true" American anyway? I only have a little Indian blood in me, Irish features, and an English name. What weighs so heavily in my mind, in my heart, and in my soul is thinking about what life was like for my full-blooded Deleware g-g-grandfather.

: : JC
: By a true American, JC, I meant you know that for ages some of your ancestors roamed across the American continent.(Most of mine roamed in Ireland 'til the mid-1800s, that wasn't bad either:o)

: The Delaware were the tribe that Wm Penn first purchased land from for his "Holy Experiment"--right?

: In my recent reading I've learned that the tribes pushed each other out of homelands as well. This is what I meant about their customs being a hindrance as far as retaining their land. Much as the native Irish(who each wanted their own kingdom) the native amer. failed to band together against their common enemy. In many instances they allied with the europeans against their own race.

: In fact, was fascinated to read that in the critical first few years when europeans started to settle along the shores of No. America, if the natives had banded together to stop the settlements, their goal would have been accomplished in short order. Instead, they fought each other just as frequently as the white man.

: The Delaware & Wm Penn had wonderful, peaceful relations for at least 50 yrs. After his death the long, sad travail began.

: Pres. Andrew Jackson wasn't any help for the Indian cause from what I've read recently. Northerners wanted to stop relocating the tribes further west--but Jackson's attitude was a major obstacle.

: As far as your grandfather, isn't it a little comfort to know that in the end all of his descendants are american citizens....and it only took about 300 yrs. for many fellow americans to realize that the native americans are not from India:o).....ann

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