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
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