Lord Dunmore and His Shawnee Indian War, 1774
A GREAT feeling of optimism permeated the Muskingum Valley at the beginning of the new year. Both Schoenbrunn and Gnadenhutten continued to receive new residents, and additional baptized converts were added to the ever-growing congregation.
Chief Newallike, their old nemesis on the Susquehanna, arrived at Schoenbrunn on March 11, after almost a two-year journey from his home at Grand Island on the west branch of the Susquehanna, bringing his entire family.1 At a meeting of the Helpers' Conference a few days later, he explained, "For three years, they had thought about it, feeling a call in their hearts to come to us and believe in the Savior." They were welcomed with "open arms" by the residents. Zeisberger baptized him Augustinus on May 12. Newallike had played a prominent, albeit rather contentious, role in Zeisberger's life during his stay at Friedenshutten. But he was an important subchief of the Delaware Nation and his presence added prestige to the mission village. Zeisberger and the Helpers' Conference could hardly refuse his request to join them. Three years later, they would regret that decision.2
The general aura of optimism that pervaded the valley for the first three months of the year was brought to a sudden end in April and May. On
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