Go-betweens were trusted men

George Croghan was a quick-witted 18th century fur trader who made himself at home in the wilderness. Hailed at the time as an “idol among his Countrymen, the Irish traders” and a “boon companion to all”, he was known to push about the glass. Some of his ribald toasts are recorded—“May we kiss whom we please and please whom we kiss.”—and—“To days of sport and nights of transport.”

Croghan also served as a King’s go-between, a mediator between Native and colonial interests. Like all go-betweens of the time, he was well-versed in Native ways, adopting Native language, dress and customs. The First Nations trusted his “sound heart” to “speak the truth” in carrying their messages to colonial America and work to forge tight bonds.

Native praise of him in period documents is high. “Croghan is well known to us and a man we can trust . . . We let you know that George Croghan is one of our people and shall help us, and be one of our Council . . . Croghan can do more with ye Indians than all the other Traders put together.”

Native-colonial relations of the early 18th century were a model of good brinkmanship. Read about negotiations in the news today and most likely you’ll read a litany of threats and bluffs. Not so in the beginning. Back then, First Nations principles guided not only the pace and tenor of Council, but the choice of negotiator. They required that those to whom they did the talking be “sober—well disposed to accommodate differences—faithful and honest—courageous in all cases—and—intent on cultivating harmony.”

Essential qualifications indeed for successful diplomacy.