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This book, published in 1838 has been a classic work on the life of Joseph Brant. Joseph was 33 years of age when this portrat was done in London. John Johnson, Sir William Johnson's son took Joseph to London. There, during the winter of 1776-77, Joseph met King George III. Upon introduction, Joseph refused to kiss the King's ring, stating "his nation was an allie of the king not a subject". The King signed off on Joseph becoming a free mason during that trip. He returned to North America in the Spring. After his return, he led his warriors in many raids into Tryon County. He was the captor of Alexander Harper in April, 1780. He had known the Harper family from the time they lived in Cherry Valley. All had attended Rev. Samuel Dunlap's school there and he and John Harper both attended Dr. Wheelock's school in the early 1760's; Joseph being sent by Sir William Johnson and John attending as an interpreter.

The pages below relate the story of Col. John Harper being asked by the Provincial Congress to determine the position of the Mohawk people in the war with England. He met with them in February 27th, 1777 and they vowed to remain neutral. By the time Joseph returned a couple of months later, that would all change. This is the story of John's meeting with the warriors at Unidilla.

(Click on page below to go to text pages)

  

Reference: Reproduced from Volume 1, Life of Brant, by Stone