763-785.
Stuart's first act was secretly to send out Thomas, the trader, to warn the settlers of their peril, for a small war party of braves was even then concluding the preliminary war ceremonies.

The reason for this Indian alarm and projected excursion was the fact that the settlers had built one fort at least on the Indian lands.

Stuart finally persuaded the Indians to remain at peace until he could write to the settlers stating the grievances and asking for negotiations.

The letters were to be carried by Thomas on his return.
But no sooner was Thomas on his way again with the letters than there arrived a deputation of warriors from the Northern tribes--from "the Confederate nations, the Mohawks, Ottawas, Nantucas, Shawanoes and Delawares"-- fourteen men in all, who entered the council hall of the Old Beloved Town of Chota with their faces painted black and the war belt carried before them.

They said that they had been seventy days on their journey.