Early American Indian Documents

The book "Early American Indian Documents: Treaties and Laws, 1607-1789" is a comprehensive collection of historical documents related to Native American treaties and laws during the early colonial period in America. While the book is not specifically attributed to Alden T. Vaughan, it is part of a series edited by various scholars, including Vaughan, who has contributed to the field of early American Indian history.

Key Themes

1. Colonial Policies and Laws: The book focuses on the statutory efforts of the early colonies and states to control their Native American populations. It includes laws related to major matters such as war and peace, the regulation of trade, the acquisition of land, the establishment of reservations, and the control of servants and slaves.

2. Treaties and Diplomacy: It provides a detailed look at the treaty negotiations between Native American tribes and European colonizers. These negotiations often involved prolonged deliberations and informal interactions between diplomats and local dignitaries.

3. Native American Relations with European Colonizers: The book highlights the complex relationships between Native Americans and European colonizers, including the evangelization efforts by European clerics and the opposition from British colonial officials.

4. Social and Legal Significance: The collection includes hundreds of laws of special legal and social significance in the 17th and 18th centuries, such as bounties for killing wolves, squirrels, and other animals.

Plot Summary

The book is not a narrative but a compilation of historical documents. It brings together more than 500 statutes that pertain to Native Americans, providing a comprehensive view of the early colonies' and states' statutory efforts to control their native neighbors. The documents cover a wide range of topics, including war and peace, trade regulations, land acquisition, reservation establishment, and the control of servants and slaves.

Critical Reception

While there is no specific critical reception for this particular book attributed to Alden T. Vaughan, the series as a whole has been praised for its meticulous editing and annotation. The volumes are considered essential resources for historians and scholars studying early American Indian history and the legal and social dynamics of the colonial period.

Additional Context

Alden T. Vaughan is a historian known for his work on early American Indian history. His contributions to the field include studies on the interactions between Native Americans and European colonizers, particularly focusing on the experiences of Native Americans in the early colonial period. While he may not have authored this specific book, his expertise and contributions to the field are relevant to understanding the context and significance of such historical documents.