and, if you can by any means ripen their judgement, so as to break forth openly [disclose yourselves], and declare the readiness of the United States to receive, with open arms, the Indians, . . do it. . . You might persuade some of the most influential chiefs to repair to our posts on the Ohio, and so, from post to post, to this place."[1] Perhaps never in warfare were spies sent amongst an enemy on so remarkable a mission.
In response to the Government's invitation, fifty Indian chieftains from the Six Nations arrived in Philadelphia on March 13. They were treated with utmost courtesy by the government officials and proper gifts distributed. Among other benefits, fifteen hundred dollars a year was promised by the United States to be spent encouraging education and agriculture in the Iroquois land. The chief boon secured by this display of hospitality and liberality was the promise that the Six Nations would wholly abstain from war and would immediately send a delegation to the western tribes to
- ↑ American State Papers, vol. iv (Indian Affairs, vol. i), p. 227.
