“We Are for Peace”: The Oneida Indians Declare Neutrality

Background: Just as colonists had to choose sides between the patriot cause and loyalty to Britain, so too did Native polities as military conflict became imminent. In this 1776 address to Connecticut Governor Jonathan Trumbull, Oneidas declare their neutrality and urge New England officials not to seek alliances with other Native nations. Onyota'á:kas (Oneidas) later allied with the American colonists against the British.

BROTHERS-We have heard of the unhappy differences and great contention between you and Old England. We wonder greatly, and are troubled in our minds.

BROTHERS-Possess your minds in peace respecting us Indians. We cannot intermeddle in this dispute between two brothers. The quarrel seems to be unnatural. You are two brothers of one blood. We are unwilling to join on either side in such a contest, for we bear an equal affection to both you Old and New England. Should the great King of England apply to us for aid, we shall deny him ; if the colonies apply, we shall refuse. The present situation of you two brothers is new and strange to us. We Indians cannot find, nor recollect in the traditions of our ancestors, the like case, or a similar instance.

BROTHERS-For these reasons possess your minds in peace, and take no umbrage that we Indians refuse joining in the contest. We are for peace.

BROTHERS-As we have declared for peace, we desire you will not apply to our Indian brethren in New-England for their assistance. Let us Indians be all of one mind, and live with one another; and you white people settle your own disputes between yourselves.

Source: William L. Stone, Border Wars of the American Revolution, Vol. 1 (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1857), 67.