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English Perceptions of Treachery, 1583–1640: the Case of the American ‘Savages’*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 February 2009

Karen Ordahl Kupperman
Karen Ordahl Kupperman
Affiliation:
Lucy Cavendish College, Cambridge
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Extract

English observers in North America before 1640 found much to praise in the character of the Indians. They were a cheerful people, sharing what they possessed with each other, and especially loving as parents. Churlishness was a great crime among them. They were often said to be trustworthy. Above all, they were dignified and courteous; their chief men were grave and wise. In fact, even the most hostile critic allowed the dignity of the Indian. Typical is George Percy in his Discourse of Virginia of 1606, writing of the Werowance of Rapahanna: the Werowance ‘entertained us in so modest a proud fashion as though he had been a Prince of civill government, holding his countenance without laughter or any such ill behaviour’. These words of praise for the Indian were virtually universal, appearing even in the works of men like Ralph Lane, who was fundamentally hostile to them. Moreover, the praise continued from all other colonies after the massacre of 1622 temporarily ended the favourable attitude in Virginia. William Wood, writing in New England in 1634, said that they ‘be wise in their carriage, subtle in their dealings, true in their promise, honest in defraying of their debts…constant in friendship, merrily conceited in discourse, not luxuriously abounding in youth nor dotingly froward in old age…’.

Type
Articles
Information
The Historical Journal , Volume 20 , Issue 2 , June 1977 , pp. 263 - 287
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1977

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