The gallantry of the Oneidas and Tuscaroras during the war was only exceeded by that of the Mohicans and JVappingers.

Active

in

the

campaign of

1777, tne latter joined Washington again in the spring of 1778,

and were detached with the forces under Lafayette to check the depredations of the British army on its retreat from Philadelphia. At the engagement at Barren hill they defeated a company of British troops, but not precisely in the manner of creditable war fare. Stationed in a wood at a considerable distance from the

main army, they met the attack .of the enemy by discharging " The re muskets and uttering their hideous battle-cry.

their

sult," says Sparks,

" was

frightened at the

unexpected and

laughable ; both parties ran off equally terrific

appearance of their

antagonists."

But such was not their record in Westchester county, where they first met the British, ancf where they were stationed soon engagement at Barren hill. In July, while Simcoe and

after the

Tarleton were making some examinations of the country, the Mahicans formed an ambuscade for their capture, and very nearly succeeded in their purpose, the party escaping by chang Their most distinguished service, however, ing their route.

was performed in August. While on a scouting expedition on the thirtieth, Lieutenant Colonel Emerick met a body of them under Nimham, the king of the Wappingers, and in the engage*

Sfarks y vn, 547.

Simcoe's Military Journal.

OF HUDSON'S R17ER.

ment which followed was compelled to retreat.

On the follow