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

within the borders of New York, yet none doubted his In June he ascended the Susquehanna to Unaintentions.

dilla, with about eighty warriors, and requested an interview He with the Rev. Mr. Johnstone of the Johnstone settlement.

declared that his object was to procure food for his famished people, and that if it was not furnished, the Indians would take it

by force. Mr. Johnstone sounded him in regard to his purposes, and the chief told him, without reserve, that he had made a covenant with the king, and was not inclined to break it.

The

people supplied him with food, but the marauders not satisfied, drove off a large number of cattle, sheep, and swine. As

soon as they departed, not feeling safe in their remote settle ment, the whites abandoned it, and took refuge in Cherry Valley.

Some families in the neighborhood of Unadilla fled

to the German Flats, and others to Kingston and Newburgh on

the Hudson.

For the purpose of obtaining more

positive information in

regard to the intentions of the Indians, General Herkimer was instructed to visit Brant at Unadilla. Herkimer took with him three hundred Tryon county militia, and invited Brant to meet