United Indian Nations meet near the mouth of the Detroit River to seek peace with the United States
Dec. 18, 1786
Joseph Brant sat for this portrait by Gilbert Stuart during his 1786 visit to London.
In an attempt to secure their lands and prevent the Northwest Indian War, United Indian Nations or Northwest Indian Confederacy submit a letter to Congress signed by Thayendanegea and representatives from the member Nations. In it they repeat their requests for settlers to remain on their side of the Ohio River, and for the United States to make treaties only out in the open and with agreement from all member nations. It was a strong position and in direct opposition to the US Indian policy at the time which was divide and conquer. Congress ignored their petition and the Northwest Indian War escalated.