It followed that the Delawares in breaking apart joined one or the other of the warring champions. They lost sight of the principles at stake, and identified themselves with the leaders. The Delaware tribe had passed under the sway of two great sachems or "bosses." Which was to prevail?
White Eyes gave many proofs of his personal courage. When war became certain, he and several of his tribe went to Pittsburg to meet in conference a number of Senecas, members of the Iroquois or Six Nations and resolute allies of the British. White Eyes boldly opposed their designs, and used such biting words that the Senecas were angered. They told him he was the last one to prate of independent action by his tribe, when every one knew they had been made women by the Iroquois. White Eyes scornfully faced the chief who uttered this insult, and replied:
"I know you look upon us as a conquered nation; as your inferiors; as women, made such by you. You say you have placed hoes in our hands and ordered us to dig and plant for you, and that we shall wear petticoats. But look at me! Am I not a full-grown man and am I not in the dress of a warrior! Do I not carry a musket the same as you? And (waving his hand toward the Allegheny) all that is mine!"
These were daring words, and greatly disturbed many of his own warriors who believed the fiery Senecas would revenge themselves upon White Eyes and his friends. They sent word to the Iroquois that they did not think like White Eyes, and that they would not stay by his side. Captain Pipe had much to do with this cowardly action. He and White Eyes set to work with more resolution than ever, and each had varying success.
AN INDIAN FAMILY
White Eyes' message to the Wyandots at Sandusky was insultingly answered by notice to the Delawares to hold themselves ready to take the war path with them against the Americans. He visited a portion of the same tribe at Detroit. They refused to receive his peace belts except in the presence of the British governor. When the proffer was made before him, he snatched the belts from the hands of the chief, cut them to pieces, and threw them to the ground in a high rage.
"And you," he said, turning angrily upon White Eyes, "if you value your life, will leave here within half an hour!"
This remarkable man was often in imminent peril from his own people. Passion ran high, and among the friends of Captain Pipe were many who would have assassinated White Eyes had they not lacked the courage. It is hard to understand how he escaped, and how he retained his influence over so many fiery warriors. Early in 1778, a number of Tories from Pittsburg came among the Indians with word that the Americans were hurrying against them, and their only hope of escape was to begin war without delay.