P
“This dispute was solely occa-
sioned by some people, who
notwithstanding a law of the
King and his wise Men, would
not let some Tea land, but de-
stroyed it, on which he was
angry, and sent some Troops
with the General, whom you
have long known, to see the
Laws executed and bring the
people to their senses [sic],
and as he is proceeding with
great wisdom, to show them
their great mistake, I expect it
will soon be over.”
—British superintendent
of Indian affairs Guy Johnson
to the Iroquois on the cause of
the American Revolution
Mohawk leader Joseph Brant, in a portrait commis-
sioned by the earl of Warwick in 1776. His costume,
a combination of Indian and English clothing, suggests
his staunch support for the British. (Library of Con-
gress, Neg. no. USZ62-20488)