HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK IROQUOIS 35 T 



to the Caughnawagas, as a man there would prevent it, but tlie 

 Six Nations knew their minds and those of the seven tribes, 'i'he 

 commissioners asked the Indians for neutrality but not for aid. 

 The appointed Albany council came off Aug. 23 and was the 

 last one held there, but effected little. Colonel l>arlow said that 

 about 500 Indians came. They were " very likely, spry, lusty 

 fellows, drest very nice for Indians. The larger part of them had 

 on rulTeled shirts, Indian stockings and shoes, and blankets richly 

 trimmed with silver and wampum." On the day of the council 

 he said they made " a very beautiful show, l^eing the likeliest 

 brightest Indians I ever saw." 



They were received by the commissioners, the Albany com- 

 mittee and others, and compliments were exchanged. In reply 

 to an invitation Kanaghqueesa said they would cheerfully take 

 a drink and smoke a pipe with the gentlemen. A business meeting 

 was appointed for Aug. 25, at the Dutch church. The Indians pro- 

 posed to be neutral, stay at home in peace and smoke their pipes. 

 When the commissioners addressed them, they had the great pipe 

 lighted and sent around. They then made a long speech which 

 they wished might remain at Onondaga, and gave them a calumet 

 to be kept at the same place. This would be done. The Indians 

 said it was customary, when a council fire was kindled, or a tree 

 of peace planted, to appoint some one to watch them, who should 

 have a w^ing to keep the hearth clean. The Americans should 

 appoint one as they had done, and Philip Schuyler and V'olkert 

 Douw were chosen. 



In November 1775 Brant and other chiefs went to England 

 with Colonel Johnson, and Mar. 14 and May 7, 1776, Brant made 

 speeches on land troubles before Lord Germaine. He returned 

 in May, reaching Staten Island in July. Oteroughyanento also 

 spoke before Lord Germaine. They said, " We are tired out in 



; making complaints and getting no redress." This was promised 



[ when the troubles were over. 



In the attack on St Johns, some New York Mohawks fought 



; against the Americans, while the Caughnawagas helped them in 



I Canada for a while. The River Indians, or Stockbridges, were 



