< 896-97-] BRANT IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 249 



depredation on the frontiers of the revolting colonies, and to employ 

 them solely for purposes of defence. Brant's ardour was not cooled 

 however, for he lost no time in preparing a war-belt of wampum and 

 carried it from village to village and from tribe to tribe throughout the 

 Six Nation Confederacy. Finding that the Oneidas had practically 

 entered into an alliance with Congress, he boldly went to the village of 

 Canaghsoragy near Fort Stanwix, which was inhabited partly by 

 Onondagas and partly by Oneidas, and invited the remainder of the 

 latter tribe to meet him there. Most of them complied, but with 

 evident reluctance and ill-will. As his custom was on such occasions, 

 he told the story of his travels and dwelt upon the power and wealth of 

 England. Then he described the rout of Washington's army which he 

 had witnessed on Long Island, and argued how improbable it was that 

 the rebellion would be successful. The Oneidas however, declared that 

 they were friends both to the King and the colonies, and after an angry 

 discussion the meeting terminated without any definite result. Un- 

 daunted by this rebuff, Brant determined even to seek the assistance of 

 those Indians of the Iroquois League, resident at St. Regis and the 

 Lake of Two Mountains, and, as he found it impossible to visit them he 

 sent a written message in which he apparently allowed his zeal to carry 

 him beyond his instructions, and which caused him to fall foul of an un- 

 expected and powerful adversary. 



To my brothers the Indians of the Lake of Two Mountains : — 



" I am just arrived at Niagara. I acquaint you of this as I intend 

 going down on an expedition this year early in the spring — I expect you 

 will let me know if you will come up and join me. I intend to go with 

 the Indians to deliver my brothers, the Mohawks, from the hands of the 

 rebels, and you may depend upon having your own way of making 

 war. I do not think it right to let my brothers go to war under the 

 command of General Carleton, as General Carleton expects and tries to 

 have the Indians under the same command as the regular troops, but it 

 will be the best method for us to make war in our way. This is my 

 reason for acquainting you that any of you that wish to come up, may 

 come up and join me. This is all I have to say, but I wish your answer 

 as soon as possible." 



Joseph Brant. 



This letter must have been conveyed to Carleton almost as soon as it 

 was received, and he at once put his foot resolutely upon a movement 



