Cherokee Delegation Commemorates London Trip Of 1762

A Cherokee delegation marked the 250th anniversary of the "Emissaries of Peace" journey to London in 1762 with a visit to Great Britain this week.

The group consisted of representatives from the Cherokee Nation, the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

In a news release, the three federally recognized Cherokee tribes represented their people as ambassadors of goodwill similar to the "Emissaries of Peace" trip more than 250 years ago.

The release goes on to say long before the Revolutionary War, the Cherokee Nation was a valued trading partner and important political ally with Great Britain.

That mutual bond was dissolved during the French and Indian War and led to a three-year conflict between the British and the Cherokees.

In November 1761 the Treaty of Long Island resulted in peace between the two nations. That December, Junior Officer Ensign Henry Timberlake arrived at the Cherokee Nation capital, present-day Monroe County, Tennessee, and spent several months with the Cherokee people.

In May 1762, the "Emissaries of Peace" led by Ostenaco and including Cherokee leaders Cunne Shote and Woyi, persuaded Timberlake to escort them to London, where they met with King George III.

At the meeting, Ostenaco declared his wish for peace and loyalty to the King.

"The 'Emissaries of Peace' tour retraced that journey this week.