peaceably at home, till a little before the breaking out of the
revolutionary war, when they were sent for, together with the Chiefs and
members of the Six Nations generally, by the people of the States, to go
to the German Flats, and there hold a general council, in order that the
people of the states might ascertain, in good season, who they should
esteem and treat as enemies, and who as friends, in the great war which
was then upon the point of breaking out between them and the King of
England.

Our Indians obeyed the call, and the council was holden, at which the pipe
of peace was smoked, and a treaty made, in which the Six Nations solemnly
agreed that if a war should eventually break out, they would not take up
arms on either side; but that they would observe a strict neutrality. With
that the people of the states were satisfied, as they had not asked their
assistance, nor did not wish it. The Indians returned to their homes well
pleased that they could live on neutral ground, surrounded by the din of
war, without being engaged in it.

About a year passed off, and we, as usual, were enjoying ourselves in the
employments of peaceable times, when a messenger arrived from the British
Commissioners, requesting all the Indians of our tribe to attend a general
council which was soon to be held at Oswego. The council convened, and
being opened, the British Commissioners informed the Chiefs that the
object of calling a council of the Six Nations, was, to engage their
assistance in subduing the rebels, the people of the states, who had risen
up against the good King, their master, and were about to rob him of a
great part of his possessions and wealth, and added that they would amply
reward them for all their services.

The Chiefs then arose, and informed the Commissioners of the nature and