The Life of Isaac Ingalls Stevens, Volume 2 (of 2)

"The Life of Isaac Ingalls Stevens, Volume 2 (of 2)" by Hazard Stevens, is a historical biography that illuminates the life and times of Isaac Ingalls Stevens, with a spotlight on his governorship and interactions with Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest. It tells about Stevens' attempts to create treaties and foster peace as settlers and Indigenous people clashed. The story begins with the Chehalis Council, where Stevens meets with various tribes to discuss treaties. The author describes the council's setting, showing the relationships between Stevens, his people, and the Native American chiefs. The vivid depiction includes the tribes coming together, how each group had to adjust, and the difficulties that arose when some tribal leaders were unwilling to cooperate or understand. These first interactions establish the stage for the complicated dynamics of Stevens' search for peace during a period of significant cultural shift and conflict.