With the conclusion of the treaties of January, 1789, by General St. Clair, the purpose of forming a grand Indian Confederacy, to include the Five Nations, which should be lasting, was defeated, at least for that time; and although peace had not been restored to the south-western settlements on the Ohio, yet the name of Captain Brant does not again appear in connexion with the affairs of the western Indians during the residue of the year 1789 and the two succeeding years. It appears, however, by the copy of a letter found among his papers, addressed by him to Colonel McDonnell, in September, that the Shawanese had then just sent an embassy, "inviting the Five Nations very strongly to a grand council of the different nations, to be held at the Wyandot Town, near Detroit, for the purpose of renewing and strengthening the Confederacy." "We left it," the letter continues, "entirely to the Buffalo Creek people to determine how to act, because they are in general backward and dilatory; but for our parts, we can always be ready at the shortest notice. I, however, think, myself, that it cannot take place until next Spring, since by this time the young men have begun to scatter in the woods for hunting; and it would be necessary to have them present to hear what is agreed upon by the chiefs; and by that means whatever may be agreed on will more firmly effect and unite the different nations. The larger number present from the different nations the better." Whether the proposed council was held, or whether, if held, Captain Brant participated in its deliberations, is not known.
But while Thayendanegea had successfully vindicated himself from the aspersions of the disaffected of his own people, as has been seen, and while he was pondering upon the invitation of the Shawanese to attempt the assembling of another great council in the west, he was admonished of the rumored existence of a plot against the English garrison at Detroit, and also against himself and his own people in their new location, concerted by his recent quasi confederates, the Hurons, Pottawattamies, and Chippewas. The inauspicious rumor was communicated to him in writing by Sir John Johnson.
"Sir John Johnson to Captain Brant.
"Montreal, 4th Nov. 1789.
"Dear Joseph,
"I do not think I should be justifiable in not acquainting you (though perhaps you may have heard the report,) that an account has been received at Detroit, upon the oath of one the party concerned, that the Hurons, Pottawattamies, and Chippewas are concerned in a plot to cut off the garrison at Detroit, and your settlement, this Winter, or as soon as the navigation of the lakes is shut up. Though this information wants farther confirmation, and I give very little credit to it, I think you had better be on your guard, and try to find out the real situation, designs, and disposition of those nations, by sending some trusty, unsuspected persons among them. I should imagine that you had some friends among the Hurons that you could rely upon to give you all the information you want, and that some trusty Messissagoes might be got to go among the other nations to watch their motions; any recompense for these services will be readily granted, if you think them necessary, upon producing this letter to Lieut. Col. Butler, or Mr. McKee.
"I have your letter to Langan of the 23d of September. As to the business of Aaron and Isaac, so much has been said on that already, and, in fact, it is so trifling, that nothing farther is necessary to be said in answer to that part of your letter; but I must acknowledge that I am a little hurt at the other queries you put to him, as they are the offspring of an ungenerous suspicion, and ill-founded doubts of the conduct and sincerity of your best and only friends. Rest assured that we know nothing of the intentions of government to relinquish or give up the posts; so far from any appearance of it, I am well informed that the post of Niagara is put, or putting, into the best state of defence the nature of the works will admit of, as I believe all the others are likewise; and I am confident no such step will ever be taken without some previous notice given to all interested. As to the department I have the honor to superintend, I have no reason to think any change or alteration will take place in it, that can in any manner affect the interests of the Indians.
"You wish to know our news. All we have that can be interesting to you is, that one of the most wonderful revolutions has happened in France that ever was known in so short a time. The people have been made, by the more enlightened part of the nation, to view their situation in its proper light, and to throw off the yoke of bondage, slavery, and oppression, under which they have for ages groaned, and have compelled their grand monarch to yield to a Constitution similar, in most respects, to the happy one under which we live. They have abolished all their monks and nunneries, and have made such changes as are wonderful to relate. With my best regards to Mrs. Brant, &c. and to all at the village, I remain, as ever,
"Your friend and faithful servant, John Johnson." [FN]