1777: The Oneidas and the Birth of the American Nation The Coming of War
Pro-American Oneidas aided the colonists in various ways from the beginning of the shooting war in 1775. For example, in June of 1776, an Oneida named Cornelius reported on a diplomatic mission to Canada undertaken on behalf of the Americans. He had explained the patriot cause to Canadian Indians and sounded out their sentiments as possible allies . This probably was Suggoyonetau or He Brings Them in the House -- a name which referred to the quality of his chiefly hospitality. Cornelius Suggoyonetau was a leader of the Wolf clan at the Oneida village of Oriska, Oriskany to English speakers. He was described as a short, thick-necked man with broad shoulders and, in less than a year, he would be fighting on the Oriskany battlefield near his home . Suggoyonetau (Henry Cornelius) would take up arms for the United States again in the War of 1812. Americans feared invasion from Canada throughout much of 1776. Late that year, another Oneida leader brought accurate intelligence indicating there would be no attack that year . Ojistalak was a sachem (holder of a League office) in the Wolf clan. The Oneidas had nine such titles and they carried immense prestige. Ojistalak's title (Otatshete) was considered to be the highest and, as a gifted public speaker (he spoke for the sachems in the council), he was a very influential man among the Oneidas. Strongly pro-American in outlook, Ojistalak had a great deal to do with the pro-American stand of the Oneidas during the war. It is likely that it was Ojistalak who, in 1778, declared his Nation's "unalterable resolution" at every hazard, to hold fast the Covenant Chain with the United States, and with which to be buried in the same grave, or to enjoy the fruits of victory and peace. In the summer of 1777, the British attack out of Canada was underway beginning with Burgoyne's southern march toward Albany. Ticonderoga , an American strong point at Lake Champlain was captured without a fight in early July. American morale plummeted. Herkimer, the American commander of militia in the Mohawk Valley, reported that his troops refused to be called up. At about this point (in mid July) an Oneida returned from Canada to report the exact strength and timetable of the second enemy invasion. Thomas Sewajis (The Baptized One)-- a young man appointed to one of the sachem titles of the Bear clan brought more than accurate military intelligence. Sewajis, who would not survive the war, harangued the Americans, encouraging them to show a little backbone:
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