James Deane to General Schuyler

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[Enclosed in General Schuyler' s, February 26, 1776. — Referred to Mr˙ Rutledge, Mr˙ Wythe, Mr˙ W˙ Livingston.]

Kanonwarohare, February 24, 1776.

SIR: The Indians who went to attend the meeting lately held at Niagara are returned, and say that Mr˙ Butler spoke nothing to them but of peace. I expect there will be a general meeting of the Six-Nations held very soon, at their Central Council-House. The Oneidas are already sent to, to hold themselves in readiness to attend. The Onondagas have advised to postpone sending for Mr˙ Butler till after the meeting at Onondaga, when it is proposed to send two or three from each tribe on that errand, and the Oneidas, willing to gratify them, have agreed to the proposal.

Onus, alias Governour Penn, has sent to the Six-Nations, inviting them down to Philadelphia in the Spring, and particularly informs them that he calls them down in his own name, without respect to any one else. The Oneidas have detained the message until they shall hear from you, and learn whether you know any thing of the affair, or whether it has your approbation. If you know nothing of the matter, they desire that you would take an opportunity to send to Philadelphia and learn the truth of it, and whenever they have a return from you, they will forward Onus' s message, if it be agreeable to you. The Indians are much at a loss to comprehend Onus' s design in calling them down to Philadelphia, as they say that Albany is the place appointed for the Six-Nations to treat with their brethren, the white people, upon all matters whatever.

I am, sir, your most obedient, and very humble servant,
JAMES DEANE.

To the Honourable Philip Schuyler, Esq.

v4:1500

P˙ S˙ SIR: This instant a messenger is arrived here from Onondaga, desiring the Oneidas to give their immediate attendance at the Central Council-House. An express will be despatched directly to the Mohawk Castle.
J˙ D.