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Primary sourceSpeech12 May 1779

Speech to the Delaware Chiefs, 12 May 1779

George Washington · 12 May 1779

A speech Washington delivered to Delaware Nation leaders, urging continued alliance with the United States during the Revolutionary War.

Washington's own words addressed to Delaware Nation leaders, showing his role in diplomacy with Native nations.

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Source: Internet Archive

About this source

What it is

This speech was delivered by George Washington on 12 May 1779 at his headquarters in Middle Brook to visiting chiefs of the Delaware Nation. It is preserved in the published collection of his writings.

Why it matters

The speech shows Washington addressing Native leaders directly, thanking them for their friendship with the United States and encouraging continued alliance against the British. It also touches on education, as Washington urged support for the Delaware. As one of the few recorded speeches to Indigenous leaders from this period, it offers insight into the diplomatic relationships the young United States tried to build with Native nations, though always on American terms.

Look closer

  • How does Washington's language toward the Delaware chiefs differ from how he might address a fellow general?
  • What does Washington want from the Delaware Nation, and what does he offer in return?
  • Whose perspective is missing from this record of the meeting?

This speech is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of George Washington on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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