Lake.--Circumstances attending the Execution of an Oneida warrior. Escape
of an Indian Prisoner.--Lieut. Boyd and another man taken
Prisoners.--Cruelty of Boyd's Execution.--Indians retreat to the
woods.--Sullivan comes on to Genesee Flats and destroys the property of
the Indians.--Returns.--Indians return.--Mrs. Jemison goes to Gardow.--Her
Employment there.--Attention of an old Negro to her safety, &c.--Severe
Winter.--Sufferings of the Indians.--Destruction of Game.--Indians'
Expedition to the Mohawk.--Capture old John O'Bail, &c.--Other Prisoners
taken, &c.

For four or five years we sustained no loss in the war, except in the few
who had been killed in distant battles; and our tribe, because of the
remoteness of its situation, from the enemy, felt secure from an attack.
At length, in the fall of 1779, intelligence was received that a large and
powerful army of the rebels, under the command of General Sullivan, was
making rapid progress towards our settlement, burning and destroying the
huts and corn-fields; killing the cattle, hogs and horses, and cutting
down the fruit trees belonging to the Indians throughout the country.

Our Indians immediately became alarmed, and suffered every thing but death
from fear that they should be taken by surprize, and totally destroyed at
a single blow. But in order to prevent so great a catastrophe, they sent
out a few spies who were to keep themselves at a short distance in front
of the invading army, in order to watch its operations, and give
information of its advances and success.

Sullivan arrived at Canandaigua Lake, and had finished his work of
destruction there, and it was ascertained that he was about to march to
our flats, when our Indians resolved to give him battle on the way, and
prevent, if possible, the distresses to which they knew we should be