HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK IROQUOIS 383 



without effect. Not long after, it was reported that the British 

 had seized Grand Island. This was thought a cause for war, 

 and this declaration was made : 



We, the chiefs and councilors of the Six Nations of Indians, 

 residing in the State of New- York, do hereby proclaim to all the 

 war-chiefs and warriors of the Six Nations, that war is declared 

 on our part against the provinces of Upper and Lower Canada. 

 Therefore, we hereby command and advise all the war-chiefs and 

 warriors of the Six Nations to call forth immediately the war- 

 riors under them, and put them in motion to protect their 

 rights and liberties, which our brethren, the Americans, are 

 now defending. 



A council at old Onondaga followed, Sep. 28, 1812, and an 

 address was sent to the president, saying: 



Brother, — The undersigned, chiefs of the Oneida, Onondaga, 

 Stockbridge and Tuscarora tribes of Indians, as far west as Tona- 

 wanda, regularly deputed by our respective tribes, have this day 

 lighted up a council fire at Onondaga, the ancient council ground 

 of the Six Confederated Nations. 



They had been advised to be neutral and were surprised at the 

 declaration of the Buffalo council, but added : " We are few in 

 number, and can do but little, but our hearts are good, and we 

 are willing to do what w^e can." They took no part till the next 

 year, when 400 Senecas under Young Cornplanter aided in the 

 defense of Buffalo. In a later engagement, July 17, the Six 

 Nations gave efficient aid. General Boyd said at this time : 

 " The bravery and humanity of the Indians were equally con- 

 spicuous." They also took part in the battle of Chippewa, July 

 5, 1814, led by Captain Pollard, a Seneca chief. Stone said 

 that Kawaskant, or Steel Trap, an old Onondaga warrior, had 

 expected this honor, but was not even named in the council. 

 He went home at once, saying, " They think me too old, and 

 that I am good for nothing." Clark also said that Hoahoaqua, 

 ;or La Fort, an Onondaga chief who was killed in this battle, 

 'was chosen leader, but this was an error. 



