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A firm foundation now turns up to view for the influence of the Stockbridge Indians amongst the Six Nations; and matters stand well with the Canadian Indians. If I had time I would relate to you every particular of what befel the messengers of our Indians to the Six Nations and the Canadian Indians. To be short, they were taken and bound by the Regulars, and carried into Montreal, where, by a Court-Martial, they were condemned to be hanged for a slight suspicion that they were sent to engage the Indians to fall upon the Regulars. This event turned much to our advantage, and has fully fixed the minds of the Indians there
Extract of a Letter from a Gentlemen at Stockbridge to a Gentlemen of the Continental Congress, Dated, June 22, 1775
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against the Regulars. High threatening words passed between the Genera and the Indian Sachems, who were raised far and near on the occasion, and a wonderful spirit of benevolence appeared towards the young men that were taken by the Indians there. They told them in the strongest terms, that they would take their place, and would die for them. The whole story is very affecting. The Indian Sachems told the General: You have offered us money to fight for you, but we would not take it, as we would have nothing to do with your quarrel; but now we shall know who are our enemies. If you think it best for you to hang these our brothers, that came a great way to see us, do it; but remember, we shall not forget it. Upon these threatenings they thought it best to let the prisoners go, who got away with some difficulty. The Canadian Indians farther told our Indians, that if they did fight at all, they would fight against the Regulars, for they did not like them.