of them had, and most of them were
possessed of dirks; and as none have been given up of either, I will
charitably believe that it was rather inattention than a wilful
omission. Whether it was the former or the latter must be ascertained
by their immediate compliance with that part of the treaty which
requires that all arms, of what kind soever, shall be delivered up.

After having been informed by you, at our first interview, that the
Scotch people meant to defend themselves, I was not a little
surprised that no ammunition was delivered up, and that you had none
to furnish them with. These observations were immediately made by
others as well as me. I was too apprehensive of the consequences
which might have been fatal to those people, to take notice of it on
the spot. I shall, however, expect an eclaircissement on this
subject, and beg that you and Mr. McDonell will give it me as soon as
may be."

Governor Tryon reported to the earl of Dartmouth, February 7th, that
General Schuyler "marched to Johnson Hall the 24th of last month, where
Sr John had mustered near Six hundred men, from his Tenants and
neighbours, the majority highlanders, after disarming them and taking
four pieces of artillery, ammunition and many Prisoners, with 360
Guineas from Sr John's Desk, they compelled him to enter into a Bond in
1600 pound Sterling not to aid the King's Service, or to remove within a
limited district from his house."[116]

The six of the chiefs of the Highland clan of the McDonells made
prisoners were, Allan McDonell, sen. (Collachie), Allan McDonell, Jur.,
Alexander McDonell, Ronald McDonell, Archibald McDonell, and John
McDonell, all of whom were sent to Reading, Pennsylvania, with their
three servants, and later to Lancaster.[117]

Had Sir John obeyed his parole, it would have saved him his vast
estates, the Highlanders their homes, the effusion of blood, and the
savage cruelty which his leadership engendered. Being incapable of
forecasting the future, he broke his parole of honor, plunged headlong
into the conflict, and dragged his followers into the horrors of war.
General Schuyler wrote him, March 12, 1776, stating that the evidence
had been placed in his hands that he had been exciting the Indians to
hostility, and promising to defer taking steps until a more minute
inquiry could be made he begged Sir John "to be present when it was
made," which would be on the following Mond