The retreat of the Americans and the subsequent capture of Ethan
Allen inspirited his recruits for a short time, but by the middle of October scarce one of his dusky followers remained.
Even Brant was lukewarm and indifferent. The pledge of the tribes was sacred and could not be easily broken, even by one so firmly bound to the fortunes of the Johnsons. Be he was thoroughly schooled in the selfish politics of his predecessors, and would have positive assurances of com
sides,
pensation for his services.
In this emergency, the plan resorted
1710 was adopted. Brant was sent to England; was there feasted and honored as his predecessors had been, and like to in
Colonial History , viu, 596.
OF HUDSON'S RWER. them returned
do the bidding of his the winter of 1776, he at
to the tribes pledged to
Reaching Canada in once entered upon the work of organizing a force of Iroquois 1
royal master.
New York and Pennsylvania, in the with operations of the western confederacy. conjunction The field had been as well prepared for him as possible. Sir John
to operate upon the borders of
Johnson, the last of the patrons of his family, had fled from his parole of honor, and taken refuge in Montreal, and whatever regard the confederates had for his father had been fully aroused, while the tories had been active in prejudicing the colonists.
In the spring of 1777, Brant appeared at Oghkwaga with a retinue of warriors. He had not yet committed any act of hos tility