Footprints of the Red Men: Indian Geographical Names
Sir: -- The expedition you are appointed to command is to be directed against the hostile tribes of the Six Nations of Indians with their associates and adherents. The immediate object is their total destruction and devastation and the capture of as many persons of every age and sex as possible. It will be essential to ruin their crops, now on the ground, and prevent their planting more." Then followed instructions more in detail, showing that Washington had acquired an almost accurate knowledge of the country not only, but the people as well. His instructions were carried out almost to the letter as far as the army proceeded. Sullivan concluded when he had driven them from the valley of the Genesee that his mission was fulfilled. Sensitiveness tlhat is unreasoning may have been shocked at Washington's policy, carried out by Sullivan. The destruction of forty villages, some of them extensive, as reported by Sullivan, sixty thousand bushels of corn, three thousand bushels of beans -- in one orchard fifteen hundred peach trees -- seemed harsh treatment, but when we consider that a major portion of this would have furnished the Tories witlh sustenance, another view must be taken. Humanity, however, dictated the firing of cannon every morning, giving the Indians an opportunity to retreat, which was in
AN INDIAN CIVILIZATION AND ITS DESTRUCTION. 79
Strong contrast with t'he savage, cruel manner of Brant and Butler in their attacks upon peaceful settlers. When the Senecas returned after peace was declared, their respect for Ha-na-de-ga-na-ars (destroyer of villages), as Washington was called by them, was greatly strengthened. When Horatio Jones, Major Van Campen and others moved into their territory, they were kindly treated, and gave kind treatment in return. The record of the Iroquois has been one of unbroken peace and friendship since then, for their last treaty made with General Washington has been kept inviolate.