The Oriskany Battle of
Oneida Hanyery and Mohawk Joseph Brant
The Oriskany Battle of Oneida Hanyery and Mohawk Joseph Brant
During the Revolutionary War, Oneidas bound themselves "to hold the Covenant Chain with the United States, and with them to be buried in the same, or to enjoy the fruits of victory and peace" (Duane, 1778). Choosing to ally with the young United States, the Oneida Nation served the American cause with fidelity, effectiveness, and at terrible cost.
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"In the late war with the people on the other side of the great water and at a period when thick darkness overspread this country, your brothers the Oneidas stepped forth, and uninvited took up the hatchet in your defense. We fought by your side, our blood flowed together, and the bones of our warriors mingled with yours."
(Hough 1861 1:124) |
As the Oneidas expressed it: "In the late war with the people on the other side of the great water and at a period when thick darkness overspread this country, your brothers the Oneidas stepped forth, and uninvited took up the hatchet in your defense. We fought by your side, our blood flowed together, and the bones of our warriors mingled with yours" (Hough 1861 1:124).
The war forced people to make life-and-death decisions carrying frightful risks for their loved ones. Many faced such personal consequences at the Battle of Oriskany on August 6, 1777 -- a bloody fight dividing neighbors, families, and even nations in the Mohawk Valley.
This display examines the personal face of war for the Iroquois by focusing on two native leaders: Hanyery of the pro-American Oneidas whose territory bordered the limits of white settlement, and Joseph Brant of the pro-British Mohawks living in the Mohawk Valley. They opposed each other long before the Revolution. Each man brought his nation into the shooting war at Oriskany and each personified his nation's involvement in the war. Their meeting at Oriskany started a chain of events affecting the history of three nations: Oneida, Mohawk, United States.
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