CHAP. I. of Massachussetts and Connecticut, who ap1776. prehended an invasion of the neighbouring continent. This diversion produced, in a considerable degree, the effect which was, most probably, one of the motives for the expedition. On being pressed through the Jerseys, with an army daily diminishing in its numbers, general Washington had called on Massachussetts for a re-enforcement of militia, and six thousand men, under general Lincoln, had been ordered immediately to join him. Their march, as well as the march of the militia of Connecticut, was for a time suspended, for the purpose of watching the enemy in Rhode Island.

Independent of this temporary effect, the English derived permanent advantage, and the Americans sustained lasting inconvenience from the possession of this post by the former. The American ships of war and privateers had greatly annoyed the British commerce, and had rendered, by supplies thus obtained, most essential service to their country in the course of the war. The harbour of Newport, one of the most convenient in the United States, was, whilst in the possession of the Americans, well calculated to favour these expeditions, and, while in possession of the enemy, was as well calculated to restrain them. Its contiguity to the seacoast of Massachussetts, where the spirit of maritime adventure had been carried much higher than in any other part of the

United States, and from whence the commerce CHAP. I. of the enemy had sustained the greatest injury, 1776. gave it additional importance.

It was also matter of serious regret, that commodore Hopkins with a considerable part of his squadron, and a number of privateers, were found in Providence river, where they were closely blocked up.

During these military transactions, many events occurred, which, though of minor importance, were too interesting to remain altogether unnoticed.

The part which might be taken in the pre- Indian affairs sent contest by the numerous warlike tribes of savages, inhabiting that immense territory west of the settlements made by the Europeans, and extending from the northern boundary of Canada to the gulf of Mexico, was a matter of real interest to the belligerent powers, and early apprehensions were entertained that they would engage actively on the side of the British. Sir John Johnson possessed great influence over the Indians of the lakes, and he exercised that influence to arrange them in offensive war against America. This in no small degree embarrassed general Washington. To seize this gentleman, who was greatly beloved by the savages, would, it was feared, so irritate, as to precipitate them into immediate hostilities; while much was apprehended from his machinations, if left at liberty to prosecute

CHAP. I. them. Very early exertions were made to 1776. counteract them, and to secure the neutrality

of the Indians. So early as July 1775, commissioners were appointed to hold a treaty with them, and very earnest endeavours were used to explain to them the nature of the controversy between the then colonies, and the mother country; and to impress them with a sense of the injustice meditated against the former, by the latter. The object of these representations however was, not to engage them in the war, but to keep them out of it.

A treaty was, in conformity with the wishes of congress, negotiated with the Six Nations, in which they stipulated to observe neutrality; and, as general Schuyler who had been one of the commissioners, and who commanded in that department, possessed an hereditary influence over them, hopes were entertained that this neutrality would be faithfully observed. As a mean indispensably necessary to the maintenance of their friendship, trade was opened with them, and congress determined to supply them, if possible, with those European articles which from congress had become necessaries.

These supplies being unavoidably small, and precarious, indications were soon given of a disposition to take part in the war. General Washington, who had in early life become acquainted with their character and dispositions, who knew their avidity for spoil and presents,

and their warlike temper, was persuaded of the CHAP. I. extreme difficulty of continuing them in a state 1776. of neutrality; and, on their offering to take up arms, after they had stipulated to be neutral, he urged that they should be engaged to take part with America, as the only means of preventing them from joining the enemy.

A plan had been formed by lord Dunmore, through the agency of a mr. Connelly, to induce the Indians to co-operate with him, and with the numerous loyalists of the back country, in a very extensive scheme for attacking the western parts of Virginia; but this was defeated by the detection and apprehension of the agent to be employed in it. It was however renewed on a more extensive scale, and the agents of the crown, in the southern country, whether with or without the authority of their master is uncertain, by presents and the hope of plunder, easily stimulated the Creeks and the Cherokees to agree to take up arms, and join a detachment of British troops, who were to land in West Floridas, and proceed through their country, against the frontiers of the Carolinas and Virginia; whilst another formidable armament should make an impression on their seacoast. Circular letters to the same import were sent by mr. Stuart, the principal agent for Indian affairs, to the inhabitants of the back settle

CHAP. I. ments, requiring all those who were well 1776. affected to the crown, as well as those who

were willing to preserve themselves and their families from the inevitable calamities and destruction of an Indian war, to repair to the royal standard as soon as it should be erected in the Cherokee country, and to bring with them their horses, cattle, and provisions, for all of which they were promised payment. They were likewise required, for their present security, and future distinction from the king's enemies, to subscribe immediately to a written paper declaratory of their allegiance. Copies of all the papers relative to this plan, together with several other letters from lord Dunmore, were intercepted on their way to Boston in December 1775, and laid before general Washington.

The scheme was so plausible, that its effect was very extensive among the southern Indians, who, with a few exceptions, appear to have entered into the confederacy. Even the Six Nations, notwithstanding their late treaty of neutrality, manifested hostile dispositions; and it was at one time deemed necessary to call out the frontier militia to oppose them. They, however, did not proceed to extremities, and, not receiving the expected aid, their elders and chiefs disclaimed the acts of aggression which had been committed by some of their young men, and the validity of these excuses was very willingly admitted by the American government.