History of the Indians, of North and South AmericaGoodrich, Samuel G. (Samuel Griswold)
History
History of the Indians, of North and South America
Goodrich, Samuel G. (Samuel Griswold)
Indians of North America -- History; Indians of South America -- History
Questions of boundary originated further difficulties between the new
republic and the Indians. In December, 1786, a grand council was held
at Huron village, attended by the Six Nations, the Hurons, Ottawas,
Miamis, Shawanese, Chippewas, Cherokees, Delawares, Potawatomies,
and Wabash confederates. An address to the United States was agreed
upon, pacific in its character, but it closed by suggesting, that, in
case their views were not concurred in, they should take the field to
assert their claim by arms. Another council was held in 1788, at which
Brant succeeded in making further advances toward hostilities; but
the purpose of the Mohawk chief was, for the present, defeated by the
treaties of General St. Clair with the Western Indians, at Fort Huron,
in 1789.
In 1791, the Six Nations, after the defeat of General Harmar by the
Western Indians, joined with them in sending a deputation to the
British governor at Quebec, to inquire if British aid could be hoped
for in the further prosecution of the war. They received, however,
but little encouragement from him, and Cornplanter used his efforts
to prevent the warriors of the Six Nations from taking part in the
contest, and to persuade the Miamis to peace. These, and other efforts,
were but partially successful; for, in the battle which soon after took
place, resulting in the defeat of General St. Clair, it is said one
hundred and fifty Mohawks, with their leader, were engaged.
Negotiations were carried on, however, during the early part of the
year 1792; and in the autumn, Cornplanter, with forty-eight chiefs of
the Six Nations, thirty chiefs and warriors of the Mohawks and Canada
Indians, with others from tribes beyond the Canadian territory, visited
the Miamis and held a council with a view to dissuade them from war.
They succeeded only so far as to make them agree to suspend hostilities
till spring, and then meet the United States in council for further
deliberation.
The account of the transactions in Ohio, connected with these events,
will be found in the history given of the Western Indians. The Six
Nations desired, if possible, to bring about peace, and a number of
councils were held, at which they were present; but their efforts were
vain. In consequence of a claim being set up by Pennsylvania on Presque
Isle, the Six Nations were induced to assume a hostile attitude toward
the United States in 1794, and, probably, but for the interposition of
Washington, withholding Pennsylvania from prosecuting her design, a
collision would have been inevitable. The defeat of the Western Indians
by General Wayne effectually quieted the Six Nations, and Jay’s treaty
with Great Britain was soon followed by a general peace.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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