"The Oneida Indian Nation's involvement in this truly unique experience underscores the importance of a friendship we forged in the early years of our country's revolutionary birth. It shows that cooperation and solidarity across ethnic, cultural and class divides can bear fruit for generations to come," Ray Halbritter, Nation Representative and Oneida Nation Enterprises CEO.

The Oneida Indian Nation forged a great friendship with the Marquis de Lafayette, whom the Oneida called "Kayewla" or "Great Warrior," back in 1778. This relationship, and the role the Oneida Nation had as America's First Allies, comes to light this summer as Lafayette's Hermione Voyage 2015, an authentically reconstructed tall ship which serves as a history exhibit, sets sail.

Lafayette's Hermione Voyage 2015, an authentically reconstructed tall ship which serves as a history exhibit, sets sail this summer.

Thursday the vessel reached Philadelphia as part of the Tall Ships Celebration. Several Oneida were on hand to welcome the unique exhibit.

"The Oneida Indian Nation's involvement in this truly unique experience underscores the importance of a friendship we forged in the early years of our country's revolutionary birth. It shows that cooperation and solidarity across ethnic, cultural and class divides can bear fruit for generations to come," Ray Halbritter, Nation Representative and Oneida Nation Enterprises CEO, said during opening remarks.

"The Oneida Nation has a deeply intertwined history with America's earliest settlers as this country's first ally," he continued. "We are very grateful to events and experiences like this which introduce a whole new generation to our role in the American Revolution and underscore the resilience displayed by our people and by America's founding fathers."

In March 1778 the Oneida met with Lafayette at a conference in Johnstown, NY. The newly appointed commander of the American Army's Northern Department visited to organize an invasion force to Canada, which never happened.

Instead, at George Washington's request, Lafayette asked Oneidas if they could send a large party of warriors to Valley Forge to help with scouting work, and to gather intelligence about British forces occupying the city.

Approximately 50 Oneida warriors along with some Tuscaroras arrived at Valley Forge on May 15, 1778, including Han Yerry, Thomas Sinavis, Henry Cornelius, Blatcop, and a son of Skenandoah named Daniel. It also included the only woman to join the group, Polly Cooper.
Once in camp the Oneidas met George Washington and then were assigned to reconnaissance under the command of Lafayette.
Lafayette led 2,200 troops out of Valley Forge with Oneida scouts at the fore. The troop crossed the Schuylkill River and camped a few miles north of Philadelphia at Barren Hill in which the British attacked on several fronts. (See Skirmish at Barren Hill).

The actions of the scouts, including the loss of some Oneida and handful of Americans, saved Lafayette's army. The commander never forgot the Oneida's action and bravery. In fact, during a tour of the American states in celebration of the Declaration of Independence in 1825, Lafayette visited Utica, N.Y. and asked to meet with his old Oneida comrades-in-arms.

Spending some time with former Oneida scouts Blatcop and Henry Cornelius, Lafayette sympathized with the Oneida over their circumstances in losing so much to the advancing white settlers. Lafayette concluded the meeting then traveled to other states before heading home to France.

This relationship, and the role the Oneidas had in the American Revolution, comes to light in the voyage of Hermoine, which will sail to 11 additional iconic ports for an unprecedented two months of events. The exhibit reinforces America's early ties with France, strengthens understanding of the American Revolution and the crucial involvement of the Oneida Indian Nation, and celebrates the spirit of the Marquis de Lafayette.

Thursday the vessel reached Philadelphia as part of the Tall Ships Celebration. Re-enactors here are portraying George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette, whom the Oneida called "Kayewla" or "Great Warrior."

From left re-enactor portraying George Washington, Chuck Fougnier, Wolf Clan Council Member, Ray Halbritter, Nation Representative and Oneida Nation Enterprises CEO and a re-enactor portraying the Marquis de Lafayette, whom the Oneida called "Kayewla" or "Great Warrior."   Several Oneida were on hand to welcome the unique exhibit to the Tall Ships Festival in Philadelphia. From left are Ron Patterson (Wolf Clan), Chuck Fougnier (Wolf Clan), Brian Patterson (Bear Clan), Sheri Beglen (Wolf Clan), and Brian Conners.

Lafayette's Hermione Voyage 2015
To symbolize and rekindle through the Hermione the intimate ties between France and the United States, and the spirit of liberty that sustains them. To demonstrate the inestimable value of history, to the present and the future, and to show that it can be a living force in increasing our understanding of the world.
http://www.hermione2015.com