Chapter XVI

CHAPTER XVI.

Account of the family of Brant subsequent to his death—Catharine Brant—The line of descent among the Mohawks—John Brant, the youngest son, appointed to the Chieftainship—The war of 1812—General Van Rensselaer on the Niagara frontier—Preparations for a descent upon Queenston Heights—First attempt frustrated—Arrangement for a second movement—Arrival of Lieutenant-colonel Scott on the lines—His efforts to accompany the expedition—Landing of Colonel Solomon Van Rensselaer and his party—Intrepidity of the attack—Van Rensselaer and others grievously wounded—Captain Wool carries the Heights—Advance of General Brock—His defeat and fall—Arrival of Lieutenant-colonel Scott upon the Heights—Attack of the Indians—General Sheaffe advances from Niagara with reinforcements—Battle—The Americans driven down the Heights—Attempts of Scott to capitulate—His flag-bearers shot down—Determines to bear a flag himself—A young Indian leaps upon him like a tiger—His rescue—Interview with General Sheaffe—Capitulation—March to Niagara—Remarkable interview between Scott and two Indians at Niagara, the younger of whom was John Brant—Base poltroonry of the militia—Battle of the Beaver-dams—Close of young Brant's military life—Removes to the Brant House with his sister—Account of the family by Lieutenant Hall—Visit of the British Consul to the Brant House—Controversy of John Brant with Archdeacon Strachan—He visits England respecting the ancient land-title controversy—Succeeds with the ministers—Disappointed by the Colonial Government—Correspondence with Campbell respecting the memory of his father—Attention to the moral wants of his people—Correspondence respecting the Mohawk schools—Presentation of a silver cup—His election to the Provincial Parliament—Seat contested—Death by cholera—His character—Farther notices of the family—Description of his sister, and of his successor—Death of Catharine Brant—Conclusion.

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