Articles of Agreement
The Articles of Agreement, established in 1730, represent a significant treaty between the English colonists and the Cherokee Nation during a time of increasing geopolitical tension in North America. The necessity for stronger alliances became clear as French influence grew among the Cherokees, prompting the English to seek their loyalty for strategic reasons. This treaty was formalized when a council of Cherokee leaders met with Sir Alexander Cumming, an English emissary, at Keowee, where they pledged allegiance to the English crown.
The agreement included six key provisions that outlined mutual commitments, such as peaceful coexistence, trade regulations, and military support against common enemies. It also stipulated that the Cherokees would not trade with other colonial powers or allow foreign settlements near their territories. However, it is important to note that the treaty was signed by only seven Cherokee chiefs, which limited its binding effect on the entire tribe. Consequently, while the Articles of Agreement secured a brief period of cooperation between the two groups, its long-term influence on Cherokee society was minimal. The treaty reflects the complexities of colonial relations and the struggles faced by Indigenous nations during a tumultuous historical period.
Articles of Agreement
Date: Established 1730
Tribes affected: Cherokee
Significance: Although not a major treaty between the Native Americans and the English, the Articles of Agreement were unique in that they were engineered by one man and that the Cherokees went to England to sign it
During the late 1720’s it became evident that stronger ties were needed between the English colonists and the Cherokee Nation. The increasing conflict between France and England over interests in North America necessitated that each country have the loyalty of Indian tribes.
Colonel George Chicken, English commissioner of Indian Affairs, obtained Cherokee loyalty. In 1728 when he left the Cherokee, several French emissaries began working within the tribe. The French influence among the Cherokees became so great by 1730 that an alarmed English government dispatched Sir Alexander Cumming for the purpose of bringing the tribe into sure alliance. Upon Cumming’s arrival in the province, a council of the entire Cherokee Nation was called to meet at Keowee, and allegiance was sealed with the English. The Cherokees’ Nequasse crown, a construction of opossum fur and feathers, and some scalps and feathers were laid at Cumming’s feet along with a request that they be delivered to the king of England. Six Cherokee chiefs were selected to accompany Cumming to England. A seventh chief, plus Indian trader Eleazer “Old Rabbit” Wiggins and an interpreter, joined them at the Port of Charleston on May 13, 1730. They set sail, landing in Dover in June. The seven Indians remained in England for three months, visiting all the important places and inciting curiosity among the English. They were presented to King George II on September 7 and gave him the crown and artifacts; each signed the Articles of Agreement, a treaty of friendship and commerce.
The treaty consisted of a preamble of friendship and devotion along with the following six provisions.
(1) The English and Cherokee shall live in peace and trade with each other. The Indians and English may live wherever they please, but the English are forbidden to live near the Cherokee towns. (For that pledge the Cherokees were given two pieces of white cloth, dyed red.)
(2) The Cherokee pledge to fight against any enemy of the English, white or red. (For that pledge the Cherokees were given twenty guns.)
(3) The Cherokee pledge not to interfere with other Indians trading with the English. (For that pledge the Cherokees were given four hundred pounds of gunpowder.)
(4) The Cherokee will not be permitted to trade with any other white nation nor allow any other nation to build forts or cabins, or even plant corn near them. (For that pledge the Cherokees were given five hundred pounds of shot and five hundred pounds of bullets.)
(5) The Cherokee will return any runaway “Negro slaves” to the English. For each returned slave, a reward of a gun and coat will be paid. (For that pledge the Cherokees were given ten thousand gun flints and six hatchets.)
(6) The English government, through English law, is responsible for the trial and punishment of an Englishman should he kill a Cherokee and a Cherokee if he should kill an Englishman. (For that pledge, the Cherokees were given twelve dozen spring knives, four brass kettles, and ten dozen belts.)
The 1730 Articles of Agreement had little influence on the entire Cherokee tribe. It was signed by only seven of their chiefs; to be binding on the entire tribe it needed the signature of all chiefs. The seven chiefs returned to their people and told of the greatness and splendor of England, contrasting it to the struggles of the Cherokee people. As a result of this visit and treaty, the English acquired five years of allegiance from the Cherokee people.