In the Current of the Revolution 285 



son. They grumbled angrily against the earl for 

 sending them back, and in later days accused him 

 of treachery for having done so ; but his course was 

 undoubtedly proper, for it would have been very dif- 

 ficult to conclude peace in the presence of such fierce 

 and unruly auxiliaries. 



The spirit of the Indians had been broken by their 

 defeat. Their stern old chief, Cornstalk, alone re- 

 mained with unshaken heart, resolute to bid defiance 

 to his foes and to fight the war out to the bitter end. 

 But when the council of the headmen and war- 

 chiefs was called it became evident that his tribes- 

 men would not fight, and even his burning elo- 

 quence could not goad the warriors into again try- 

 ing the hazard of battle. They listened unmoved 

 and in sullen silence to the thrilling and impas- 

 sioned words with which he urged them to once 

 more march against the Long Knives, and if neces- 

 sary to kill their women and children, and then 

 themselves die fighting to the last man. At last, 

 when he saw he could not stir the hearts of his 

 hearers he struck his tomahawk into the war-post 

 and announced that he himself would go and make 

 peace. At that the warriors broke silence, and all 

 grunted out approvingly, ough! ough! ough! and 

 then they instantly sent runners to the earl's army 

 to demand a truce. 45 



Accordingly, with all his fellow-chiefs, he went 

 to Lord Dunmore's camp, and there entered into 

 a treaty. The crestfallen Indians assented- to all 



45 Stewart's Narrative. 



