Narrative of a Journey from Tulpehocken

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Conrad Weiser recounts his life and his famous journey through the Tulpehocken lands, on his way to meeting a group of Native American chiefs for negotiations. The author describes his childhood in Germany, and how his father sold all of his land and possessions before departing for a new life in the colonies of New England. The beginning of the 18th century was a difficult and precarious time for the European settlers in North America, conflicts with the Native American populations were frequent, with skirmishes over land and resources a constant danger. To make matters worse, entering into negotiations and dialogue with the native population was difficult, as very few of the settlers understood the languages of the tribes. When Conrad was sixteen, his father agreed to a proposal from a local Native American chief: he would live with the tribe, learning their way of life, their speech, and their methods of surviving and thriving off the land. This decision redefined Weiser's life: he became highly respected by both the tribes and the European settlers, engaging in dialogue that averted conflict and saved lives. While he worked in various jobs throughout adulthood, such as farming and tanning, he was called away to act as a diplomat and interpreter on many occasions.