These papers were referred to the committee which had been appointed to confer with General Washington, in conformity with whose report it was resolved, "that the Commander-in-chief be directed to take efficient measures for the protection of the inhabitants, and chastisement of the savages." The Six Nations had made some advances towards acquiring the comforts of civilized life.

Several comfortable houses were to be seen in their populous villages; and their fertile fields and orchards yielded an abundant supply of corn and fruit.

Some few of their towns were attached to the United States; but, in general, they were under the influence of the British.

Many of the loyalists had taken refuge among them, and had added to their strength without diminishing their ferocity.

It was determined to lead a force into these villages, sufficient to overpower any numbers they could possibly bring into the field, and to destroy the settlements they had made.