We have called Walter N. Butler a fiend, and an incident is recorded of the massacre at Cherry Valley which tends to prove it. Butler ordered a little child to be killed because he was a rebel. Brant interfered and saved him, remarking: "This child is not an enemy to the King, nor a friend to the colonies; long before he is old enough to bear arms the trouble will be settled."
During this massacre Brant entered a house where he found a woman going about her regular duties.
"How does it happen you are at this kind of work while your neighbors are all murdered around you?" exclaimed the chief.
"We are King's people," answered the woman.
"That plea won't save you to-day," said Brant.
"There is one Joseph Brant; if he is with the Indians, he will save us," said the woman.
"I am Joseph Brant," answered the chief; "but I am not in command, and I don't know that I can save you, but I will do what I can."
At this moment some Senecas approached the house "Get into bed and pretend you are sick," said Brant. The woman hurried into bed and Brant met the Senecas.
"There's no one here but a sick woman and her children." said he. He prevailed upon the Indians to leave, after little conversation. When they were out of sight he went to the door and gave a long, shrill yell. Immediately some Mohawks came running across the fields.
"Where is your paint?" Brant called out to them. "Here, put my mark upon this woman and her children." The order was obeyed, and Brant turned to the woman saying, "You are now probably safe, as the Indians will understand and respect that sign."