The Battle of Oriskany

Descendants of "First Allies" Honored at Oriskany Battle Commemoration

On a rolling hillside in Central New York, the destiny of two nations was played out again, for the record and for the remembrance. On August 6, 1994, Oneidas and their neighbors gathered at Oriskany, N.Y., to remember and reflect on the Revolutionary War events which took place there on August 6, 1777. During the course of the Revolutionary War, a great battle was waged on militarily strategic lands in present day Oriskany. Hundreds of men died while fighting for their beliefs. Many of them were Oneida. In the end, the Revolutionary War symbolized what every war, battle, or conflict is - an ultimate tragedy.

Oneidas Role Recognized

Today, the Oriskany Battlefield serves as a reminder that war is indeed tragic, but more significantly, that the contributions of the Oneidas to the United States were vital to the success of the fledgling U.S. government. The remembrance weekend also showed the Nation that those Oneida sacrifices were not forgotten. On this weekend marking the 217th anniversary of the battle, a ceremony was held which for the first time officially included and recognized the Oneida Indian Nation s role and dedication. It was very significant we could all meet together at that battlefield site and reaffirm our commitment with the people of this country, said Keller George, Special Nation Assistant, who spoke for the Oneida Nation at the ceremony. (Events were coordinated by the Oriskany Battlefield Committee, chaired by Utica resident Joseph Robertaccio.)

The two-day observance of the battle was authentic to the smallest detail. It began at 10 a.m., the time the actual battle was believed to have started. A re-enactment group portraying the colonial militia fired muskets to open the ceremony. Activities then switched from the battlefield to the Oriskany Battlefield monument, where Robertaccio introduced Keller George and U.S. Congressman Sherwood Boehlert. Our People, our forefathers, fought side by side with the colonists at that time, Keller told many onlookers. It was a very difficult decision for us to do this. It took a lot to think what the consequences were because for the first time in many years we were fighting against our brothers.

Confederacy Split

When the Revolutionary War erupted the Oneidas held different views about the conflict than the rest of the Iroquois Confederacy. After hundreds of years of peace and power, the Iroquois Confederacy was split by the issue of whether to side with the Colonists or the British. The Oneidas made the difficult decision to remain true to their new American neighbors, believing in principle that taxation without representation and domination by the King of England was intolerable and wrong. The decision to support the Colonists pitted Indian brother against Indian brother as the remaining four members of the original Iroquois Confederacy decided to remain neutral or sided with the British.

Famous Pledge

Six months after the Battle of Oriskany, more than 700 Iroquois met with congressional leaders for the purpose of signing a treaty. Congressman James Duane wrote a letter to then-New York Governor George Clinton reporting to him the events of that meeting in Johnstown, N.Y.

During his speech, Keller read an excerpt of that letter, which now is in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. In the 1778 letter, Duane echoed the words of an Oneida chief who spoke to those assembled in Johnstown. The chief had vowed, The Oneidas are unalterably resolved to hold fast the Covenant Chain with the United States, and with them to be buried in the same grave; or to enjoy the fruits of victory and peace. Duane wrote that the chief, Concluded with a solemn assurance that the Oneida Nation would at all times be ready to cooperate with the United States against all enemies.

Keller then pledged for the Oneida Nation: The promises made by our ancestors are as true today as they were when first uttered over 200 years ago. He told those gathered for the remembrance that the Oneida Nation still pledges to cooperate and work with its neighbors to meet the challenges faced today and in the years to come.

We Can Be Proud

Congressman Boehlert, who has been a great friend and supporter of the Nation for several years, spoke of the significant role the Oneidas played in the United States formation. So, way back here 217 years ago, our ancestors with our brothers, the Oneidas of New York, did something very special for this young nation. We can be very proud of what they did then, he said. I think that it is very significant that our brothers, the Oneidas of New York, were fighting side by side with us. As I look to the future, I m an eternal optimist, and I say our best days are ahead.

Oneida Efforts Appreciated

As Robertaccio invited Keller back to the podium for a special presentation, the ceremony took an emotional turn. We want people to remember just how good our friends, the Oneidas, were in the darkest hour, Robertaccio said for all to hear. When we didn t have anyone, they stood by us. They gave their all in this battle. He then presented to Keller for the Nation a tomahawk pipe. The historian said the pipe symbolizes the peace we ve experienced as two nations, and the tomahawk represents 217 years ago today when the Oneidas stood and fought beside us. Keller accepted the gift on behalf of the Nation. The Oneida People are finally getting the recognition they deserve for the contributions they made and are continuing to make to this nation, Keller said. War Wounds Heal

The events next shifted to a white pine tree planted on the Battlefield. There, Brian Patterson, Men s Council Member, told the story of the white pine, the Oneidas tree of peace, and the Great Law. The Great Law given to us by the Creator assures our People of peace, power, and righteousness, Brian explained to the crowd. He said the Revolutionary War ended centuries of peace among the Iroquois, but that the Oneidas have experienced peace since that conflict. Dale Rood, Men s Council Member, attended the remembrance weekend and, like Keller, appreciated the recognition finally given to the Oneidas for their efforts in the Revolutionary War. I felt a mixed bag of emotions as I stood on the battlefield, Dale said. I felt a sense of pride as an Oneida for our contributions in the war, but saddened by the hundreds of men who died on both sides.

When the two-day remembrance came to a close, the battlefield reverted to what it has been for 217 years a calm, quiet field. The players in the commemoration changed from re- enactors to the people, Indians and non-Indians alike, who now reside in harmony throughout this region, proving that great honor and alliances among two nations and two races of man still exist.

By Nation Representative Ray Halbritter