Library and Archives Canada has acquired an unpublished journal along with letters written by John Norton (Teyoninhokarawen). These documents are an important link in the life and literary production of Norton, as well as essential evidence for understanding the history of the Six Nations (Haudenosaunee), Canada and North America.
John Norton was born in Scotland to a Cherokee father and a Scottish mother. During the 18th century, he became involved in the fur trade, fought alongside Indigenous peoples in Ohio, and worked as an interpreter. After being adopted as a nephew by Mohawk Chief Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea) in 1797, he became the chief for diplomacy and war for the Six Nations and was given the Mohawk name Teyoninhokarawen. He later played a prominent role during the War of 1812.
Between 1806 and 1808, John Norton wrote a journal recounting his journey to England and Scotland from 1804 to 1805. This trip was made at Brant’s request to clarify issues relating to Six Nations land ownership on the Grand River. Although intended to be published, this journal, acquired by Library and Archives Canada, along with accompanying letters, remained unpublished.
To learn more about this fascinating character and this new acquisition, consult the blog post A rediscovered manuscript: the first journal of John Norton (Teyoninhokarawen): thediscoverblog.com/2024/06/1...
And the John Norton Teyoninhokawaren fonds: recherche-collection-search.b...