Mohawk Leaders Offer to Join Fight, Worrying Washington

General Washington expresses concern over Mohawk neutrality and potential involvement in the war.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 11:15am

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Gen. George Washington is troubled by reports that Mohawk leaders have offered to abandon their neutrality and join the fight against the British, despite having recently agreed to remain neutral. Washington is unsure how to respond, as he recognizes the potential strategic value of the Mohawk's involvement, but is also wary of the financial and political implications of encouraging them to break their neutrality agreement.

Why it matters

The Mohawk's potential involvement in the war could have significant consequences, both militarily and diplomatically. Their alliance could tip the balance in favor of the American colonies, but it could also jeopardize relationships with other Native American tribes and lead to increased costs for the Continental Army. Washington must carefully navigate this sensitive situation.

The details

In a letter to Maj. Gen. Philip Schuyler, Washington expresses his concerns about the Caughnawaga Mohawk leaders who have signified a desire to take up arms on behalf of the American colonies, despite having recently agreed to remain neutral. The chief of the Mohawk nation is reportedly planning to apply to Washington for a commission, with assurances of raising 400-500 men. Washington is unsure how to respond, as he recognizes the potential strategic value of the Mohawk's involvement, but is also wary of the financial and political implications of encouraging them to break their neutrality agreement.

  • On January 27, 1776, Washington writes to Maj. Gen. Philip Schuyler about the Mohawk leaders' offer to join the fight.
  • Earlier this month, the Mohawk leaders had agreed to a treaty of neutrality with Maj. Gen. Schuyler.

The players

Gen. George Washington

The commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, who is deeply concerned about the Mohawk leaders' potential abandonment of their neutrality and the implications it could have on the war effort.

Maj. Gen. Philip Schuyler

A senior officer in the Continental Army, who had recently negotiated a treaty of neutrality with the Mohawk leaders.

Caughnawaga Mohawk leaders

Native American leaders who have offered to abandon their neutrality and join the fight against the British, despite having recently agreed to remain neutral.

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What they’re saying

“I am a little embarrassed to know in what Manner to conduct myself with Respect to the Coenawaga Indians now here—They have notwithstanding the Treaty of Neutrality which I find they entered into with you the other Day (agreeable to what appears to be the Sense of Congress) signified to me a Desire of taking up arms in Behalf of the united Colonies—”

— Gen. George Washington, Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army

What’s next

Washington plans to try to appease the Mohawk leaders by appearing to yield to their demands, while reserving the power to regulate their numbers and movements. He will keep Maj. Gen. Schuyler informed of any developments.

The takeaway

Washington's dilemma over the Mohawk leaders' offer highlights the delicate balance the Continental Army must strike between securing valuable military alliances and maintaining diplomatic relationships with Native American tribes. This situation underscores the complex political and strategic considerations Washington must navigate as he leads the war effort.