Had the influences been less powerful the Indians might still have remained the friend of the settlers as he had been during long years of peace. The indignation of Pitt in denunciation of the wrong done by the employment of Indians has made his name immortal. How different the policy of the American ! The offers of the Oneidas were courteously yet firmly refused. They only shared in the struggle as guides or scouts. Wyoming in July -- Cherry Valley in November, were only on a larger scale the repetition of recurring events along the entire frontier. The blood-curdhng yell, accompanied by the tomahawk and scalping knife, were a constant menace to the settler. The demand for decided measures was imperative. The Wyoming massacre sent a thrill of horror tlhrough the country, and renewed the demand for retaliatory measures. General Washington was directed to take such measures as he deemed advisable, for the protection of the frontiers. Realizing the country's condition and the great need of economy in public expenditures, Washington's policy for 1779 was to remain on the defensive, except as mig'ht be found necessary to hold the Indians in check. England's affairs in Europe at this time were such that she would not be apt to push her operations in America. Washington himself was an experienced Indian fighter -- ^knew how they could be punished -- early favored an expedition into the heart of the Indian country -- having but little faith in the plan of establishing forts. He wished to carry the war to their own homes, destroy