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Diplomats in Buckskin: A History of Indian Delegations in Washington City

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This is a fascinating account of the numerous Indian delegations to (mainly) Washington, DC, over the course of more than a century (1800-1900). The first Indian delegation occurred in 1710, when four Mohawk chiefs (known as "The Four Kings") were brought to England for a month-long visit and a meeting with Queen Anne. The Indians were the hit of London and drew crowds wherever they went. During the American Revolution, Indians often visited George Washington at his headquarters, as the Americans tried to keep the natives friendly and neutral.

After the country gained its independence, inviting Indian delegates to Washington, DC, became a general policy - a policy that had psychological implications as well as diplomatic purposes: Washington leaders wanted the Indians to see the power and might of the whites in the hope that it would discourage the thought of uprisings. Indian delegations were often treated as visiting royalty might be treated, and left laded with gifts and tributes. (Of course, like most people or groups up against governmental bureaucracy the Indians also left Washington with little of substance gained.)

Viola, rather than just relating one visit after another, arranges his information in chapters by themes: visiting the Great Father, financing the delegations, Indian life in Washington, diversions, etc. This thematic presentation is much more interesting than a straight chronological one would be. The book is well written and thoroughly researched, and is well illustrated, too. It's an engaging and highly informative look at a rarely studied topic in Indian-white relations.

Herman Viola put together a valuable source of information in relation to 18th Century American West hisotry and the history of the American Indian people in relation to the U.S. government.