Page "Cornstalk" Paragraph 8

With the American Revolution began, Cornstalk worked to keep his people neutral.

He represented the Shawnee at treaty councils at Fort Pitt in 1775 and 1776, the first Indian treaties ever negotiated by the United States.

Many Shawnees nevertheless hoped to use British aid to reclaim their lands lost to the settlers.

By the winter of 1776, the Shawnee were effectively divided into a neutral faction led by Cornstalk, and militant bands led by men such as Blue Jacket.