Shane Brians
Chief Seattle’s Letter
The context of this letter is that George Washington is extending an act of friendship
towards Chief Seattle and his people and that they are very gracious because they know that
Washington and his people do not really need their friendship because they vastly out number
them and could overpower them if they wanted to. Seattle also explains that Washington
promises to protect him and his people “Our great father in Washington sends us word that he
will protect us.” Referring to Washington as a father is just a way for Seattle to reference his
leadership and the people that follow him like they are his children. Seattle continues to say
“Then he will be our father and we will be his children.” Saying that if they did accept his offer
to be under his protection that they would follow him like children do their father in return for
