<P> The Oneida, along with the five other tribes of the Iroquois Confederacy, initially maintained a policy of neutrality in the American Revolution . This policy allowed the Confederacy increased leverage against both sides in the war, because they could threaten to join one side or the other in the event of any provocation . Neutrality quickly crumbled, however . The preponderance of the Mohawks, Senecas, Cayugas, and Onondagas sided with the Loyalists and British . For some time, the Oneidas continued advocating neutrality and attempted to restore consensus among the six tribes of the Confederacy . </P> <P> But ultimately the Oneida, as well, had to choose a side . Because of their proximity and relations with the rebel communities, most Oneida favored the colonists . In contrast, some of the pro-British tribes were closer to the British stronghold at Fort Niagara . In addition, the Oneida were influenced by the Presbyterian missionary Samuel Kirkland, who had worked among them since 1764 . A number of Oneida were baptized as Christians in the decade before the Revolution . Kirkland worked to help them with education and their struggles with alcohol . Through relations with him, many began to form stronger cultural links to the colonists . </P> <P> The Oneida officially joined the rebel side and contributed in many ways to the war effort . Their warriors were often used to scout on offensive campaigns and to assess enemy operations around Fort Stanwix (also known as Fort Schuyler). The Oneida also provided an open line of communication between the rebels and their Iroquois foes . In 1777 at the Battle of Oriskany, about fifty Oneida fought alongside the colonial militia, this included Tyonajanegen and her husband Han Yerry . Many Oneida formed friendships with Philip Schuyler, George Washington, the Marquis de La Fayette, and other prominent rebel leaders . Polly Cooper was an Oneida woman who traveled to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania in 1777 during the American Revolution . Under Chief Skenandon's leadership, the Oneidas brought bushels of maize to General George Washington's starving Patriot army . Cooper showed Washington's people how to properly cook and eat the corn . Washington's intentions were to pay cash to Cooper for her generosity, but she refused to accept compensation because she said it was her duty to serve her country . As a token of appreciation, Martha Washington, wife of George Washington, brought Cooper to Philadelphia and bought her a shawl, hat, and bonnet . These men recognized the Oneida contributions during and after the war . The US Congress declared, "sooner should a mother forget her children" than we should forget you . </P> <P> Although leaders of the tribe had taken the colonists' side, individuals within the decentralized nation could make their own decisions about alliances . A minority, who were already a faction supporting the sachems, supported the British . As the war progressed and the Oneida position became more dire, this minority grew more numerous . When rebel colonists destroyed the important Oneida settlement at Kanonwalohale, numerous Oneida defected from the rebellion and relocated to Fort Niagara to live under British protection . </P>

On what side did the oneida branch of the iroquois fight for