The intrigue of RED JACKET, aided by the action of the British officers,
kept CORNPLANTER from this mission. There was, as suggested by a learned
historian, Mr. STONE, (in his life of RED JACKET,) another reason lying
still deeper in the minds of the Indian women, under whose influence
these proceeding's were had. CORNPLANTER was not only the principal war
Chief of the Senecas, but he was a man of great bravery and sagacity,
and withal a sincere friend of peace. The times were critical, and the
Indians at Buffalo creek, and the adjacent country, were in frequent
alarm. They wished to retain CORNPLANTER, as he could best restrain the
warlike propensities of the young warriors, while they could repose
greater confidence, both in his bravery and discretion, in the event
of actual danger during the absence of the messengers to the Western
Indians, than in any leader of their nation. This mission failed
entirely. "The man that kept the vessels on the Lake," refused to
recognize Colonel PROCTOR in his official capacity, and prohibited the
passage of the Indian deputies to Sandusky, on Lake Erie, their place of
destination.
A treaty held at Painted Post, in June, 1792, between Colonel PICKERING
and the Six Nations, was productive of peaceful and good results. It
checked the disposition of the young warriors to take part with the
Western Indians, and it led to another mission of peace, at the head of
which was the brave old Stockbridge Chief, HENRY AUPUMUT. It was also at
this treaty, that WASHINGTON, through his agent, Colonel PICKERING, made
an influential demonstration towards winning the attention of the Chiefs
to the policy of having permanent habitations, where they could cultivate
their lands, and commence the work of civilization among their people.
After this period, CORNPLANTER made another, but an unsuccessful embassy
to the hostile Indians. His efforts being unavailing, the war with the
Western Indians continued to rage until the year 1794, when, on the
20th of August of that year, Gen. WAYNE achieved his decisive victory
over them at the battle of the Miami, It was mainly due to CORNPLANTER'S
influence and exertions, that the Six Nations were not involved in that
battle, and its fatal consequences to the hostile Indians engaged in it.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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