Description
Red Jacket, Seneca Chief is a reprint of the 1952 publication, Red Jacket, Last of the Seneca. Arthur C Parker wrote this biography of the noted Seneca leader in a storytelling style that appeals to young adult readers and the general public. Red Jacket (Sagoyewatha, ca. 1750–1830) lived through the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the treaty period, and the rise of the Code of Handsome Lake. Red Jacket (Otetiani, meaning Always Ready) grew up in Seneca territory of New York State during times of great change for the Iroquois Confederacy. The author emphasizes this theme of change and Red Jacket's efforts to deal with these changes throughout his life. The impact of wars such as the American Revolution as well as the influx of settlers brought significant changes to the Six Nations. Treaties that removed land from Six Nations' control led to despair and a feeling of hopelessness. When the Seneca leader named Handsome Lake told the people of his visions, many Iroquois people returned to their spiritual traditions. Red Jacket refused to convert to various Christian missionary efforts and also rejected Handsome Lake's teachings. Often controversial, Red Jacket maintained his traditional beliefs and continually encouraged other Chiefs to reject further land sales. Arthur C. Parker tells Red Jacket's story in an easy reading style that covers United States history from an Iroquois perspective. This new edition includes an introductory essay by Thomas Abler that explains the significance of Parker's biography in the context of Iroquois literature. Recommended for students and the general reader who wants to understand the complexity of Iroquois history through the life story of a noted Seneca Chief.