They propose that Isaac will do them no harm, just as they have done him no harm and have always treated him well. The treaty language claims a history of benevolence: we treated you well. Isaac might dispute the characterization — they did stop his father's wells — but the formal language of treaty-making graciously frames the relationship in its best terms. The application: the treaty language that begins with the best version of the shared history is the treaty language that creates a foundation for future cooperation, not ongoing grievance.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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