Tomochichi was motivated to establish a relationship with James Oglethorpe primarily to maintain peace and protect the interests of his people, the Yamacraw tribe, amid the arrival of English settlers. When Oglethorpe and his colonists arrived in 1733, Tomochichi saw the importance of peaceful coexistence and cooperation with the newcomers to avoid conflicts that had plagued other colonies. He respected Oglethorpe and wanted to ensure that the English understood his tribe’s actions and intentions, particularly in matters of defense and retaliation against hostile tribes

. Tomochichi also sought to secure a beneficial alliance that would provide protection and stability for his people. He gave land on Yamacraw Bluff to Oglethorpe for the establishment of Savannah, signaling his willingness to cooperate and share territory

. Furthermore, Tomochichi aimed to advance the welfare of his tribe by advocating for education and fair trade with the British, working with Oglethorpe and others to establish an Indian school and to mediate relations with other Native American groups and colonial authorities

. Their relationship was built on mutual respect and trust, with Tomochichi acting as a mediator and ally who helped maintain peace between the British colonists and surrounding Native American tribes. This friendship was exceptional in colonial history and contributed to Georgia having some of the smoothest Native American relations among the original thirteen colonies

. In summary, Tomochichi’s motivations included:

• Ensuring peace and avoiding conflict with the English settlers.
• Protecting his people’s land and interests through diplomacy.
• Securing education and fair trade opportunities for the Yamacraw.
• Building a strategic alliance to strengthen his tribe’s position in the region.
• Promoting cooperation and mutual respect between Native Americans and colonists