Norton's account of the Iroquois negotiations First Nations Norton's account of meeting Six Nations Iroquois at the Battle of Chippawa The Iroquois In 1814 The Iroquois at Queenston

These accounts of negotiations between Iroquois on the Canadian and American sides of the border were documented by Teyoninhokarawen a.k.a. John Norton, during and after the War of 1812. The Spring following (spring of 1812), several private messages were sent from the American side, advising the Five Nations to remain neuter, - adding that all resistance against the power of the United States would be ineffectual; - that in Canada there was only a handful of British Troops, - at the same time that the Bulk of the Inhabitants - of Upper Canada were Americans, - and would therefore rather assist than oppose an invading army from that Quarter, - that as soon as war should be declared, they would invade the Country with an immense force, and overwhelm with Ruin whoever dared to oppose them. ...I stated, - that to remain quiet and allow the Americans to overrun the Country, would disgrace us by showing us both deficient in courage and in a loyal affection to the King, - whilst we could expect no favorable Result from such conduct, - for their Disposition was too well known to admit of any hope, should we fall under their power; - therefore to espouse the cause of the King with alacrity was not only the most honorable course to be pursued, but also the most agreeable, as it might afford an immediate opportunity of taking revenge upon the common Enemies of all the Aboriginal Race, and if the great Spirit should favor our efforts, might preserve our Country from desolation, and our families from Insult and distress. In June 1812 - a Deputation of Younger Chiefs from the Ondowaga, Onondague and Cayugwas living within the American Boundary, came to the council fire at the grand River; - they avowed their Motive was to commune with their Brethren, that they might avoid involving themselves in the difficulties attendant on War. The Chiefs and Warriors of the Grand River assembled, - and on the first day the Ondowaga, opening the Council after the usual salutations, - Billy, as a speaker for the deputation, arose and spoke to this purport: "Brother, - We have come from our homes to warn you, that you may preserve yourselves and families from distress. We discover that the British and the Americans are on the Eve of a War, - they are in dispute respecting some rights on the Sea, with which we are unacquainted; - should upon ourselves the resentment of the Conquerors? We know that neither of these powers have any regard for us. In the former War, we espoused the cause of the King, We thought it the most honorable, - all our former Treaties having been made with his Representatives. After contending seven years without ever listening to the pacific overtures sent from the Enemy, - we found, that Peace was concluded across the Sea, and that our Enemy claimed our territory in consequence of the Boundary Line then acceded to. We found none to assist us to obtain Justice; We were compelled to reply on ourselves, & make the best of it. Experience has convinced us of their neglect, except when they want us. Why then should we endanger the comfort, even the existence of our families, to enjoy their smiles only for the Day in which they need us?”