252 TRANSACTIONS OF THE CANADIAN INSTITUTE. [VOL. V. 



party of men to shoot him when a favourable opportunity offered, but 

 the wily Mohawk was on his guard and his followers were too watchful 

 and well armed for them to risk the attempt. Brant openly declared 

 that " he had taken sides with the King," and even demanded the 

 release of the Rev. John Stuart and Mrs. Butler who were detained by 

 the Americans as hostages. Angry words were soon exchanged with 

 some of Herkimer's officers who had been concerned in the disgraceful 

 plot to deprive his people of their lands ; threats were uttered, and, at a 

 sign from their leader the Indians seized their weapons and a conflict 

 was only averted by the hasty retreat of Herkimer and his men. 



He then continued his agitation with even greater success than before, 

 for the Indians warmly resented this ill-advised invasion of their country. 

 Writing from New York on the 7th of July, Guy Johnson was able to 

 announce to Lord George Germain that he had received a letter from 

 the Chiefs of the Six Nations " written by Joseph," assuring him that 

 with the exception of the Oneidas they were " ready to act as one man." 



Shortly after Herkimer's abortive attempt at coercion, Brant received 

 a message from Colonel Butler, acting under fresh instructions, requiring 

 all the Indians to join him at* Oswego to co-operate in an expedition 

 against Fort Stanwix. He obeyed so promptly that he arrived at that 

 place some days in advance of Butler himself, bringing with him not 

 less than 300 warriors. His party was at once pushed forward to 

 support Lieut. Bird who had gone on with a few men to reconnoitre the 

 enemy's position, and the investment of the fort was accomplished with 

 little opposition. 



Three days later a message, hurriedly borne by an Indian runner 

 along a bye-path, came from his sister, Molly, who was then living in 

 the Mohawk village of Canajoharie, warning him that a body of nearly 

 a thousand militia, under Herkimer, were on their march to relieve the 

 garrison. Sir John Johnson and Colonel Butler with eighty white men 

 and 400 Indians were detached to meet this force which they waylaid 

 and routed in the woods at Oriskany, a few miles distant. Claus, who 

 was present, said, " Mr. Brant signalized himself highly by advancing on 

 the rebels rear, and harassing their retreat, and making a great 

 slaughter chiefly with spears and lances." The same authority adds 

 that Brant and the Seneca Chief, Sangerachta, were eager to follow up 

 the blow by a descent on the settlements on the Mohawk River, but 

 Colonel St. Leger refused permission from motives of humanity. How- 

 ever, when it was finally determined to raise the siege, he consented 

 that Brant should attempt the execution of his long cherished plan of 



