Chapter XI

CHAPTER XI.

Preparations for an Indian Consultation at Philadelphia—Captain Brant invited to attend—His objections—Letter of the Rev. Mr. Kirkland to Captain Brant—Letter of the Secretary of War to the same—Letter of Colonel Gordon to the same—Letter of Captain Brant to the Secretary of War—The Secretary of War to Captain Brant—Attempts from Montreal to prevent Brant from going to Philadelphia—His journey—Feelings against him in the Mohawk Valley—His arrival at New-York and Philadelphia—Liberal offers made him—Letter to the Count de Puisy—The offers rejected—Undertakes a Mission of Peace to the Miamis—Returns to New-York—Pursued by a German from the German Flats bent on taking his life—Discovered in New-York—Brant returns to Niagara—Murder of Colonel Harden and Major Trueman—Letters of Brant to the Secretary at War—Feelings of the Western Nations—Correspondence between Brant and McKee—Great Indian Council at the Au Glaize—Sickness of Captain Brant—Hostilities deferred until Spring, and a treaty with the United States ordered—Return of the Delegates of the Six Nations—Address to President Washington—Separate organization of Upper Canada—Arrival of Governor Simcoe—Letter to Brant from the Duke of Northumberland—Preparations for the Great Council of 1783—Fresh dissatisfaction of the Indians—Private Councils—They send their ultimatum in anticipation—The American Commissioners depart for the Indian country—Their arrival at Niagara—Friendly conduct of Governor Simcoe—Celebration of the King's Birth-day—The Commissioners start for the West—Their progress interrupted—Conduct of General Wayne—Brant suddenly returns from the West with a Deputation—Council held at Fort Erie—Commissioners return to Niagara—Council there—Speech of Captain Brant—Reply of the Commissioners—Speech of Cat's-Eyes—Rejoinder of Brant—Arrival of the Seven Nations—Brant proceeds to the Miami Rapids—Followed by the Commissioners—Arrival at the Detroit River—Their progress interrupted—Unexpected turn of affairs—Explanations with Deputies from the Great Council—Long Debates in the Indian Council—Brant speaks strongly for peace—Governor Simcoe declines advising the Indians—The negotiations suddenly terminated by the Indians—Their address—And sine qua non.

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