the wearing of the native costume. This interest,
together with his natural kindness and dignity, completely won the hearts of the Six
iioosey] sik WILLIAM JOHNSON CAPT. JOHN ST1 \i:i 203
Nations, over whom he acquired a greater influence than has ever been exercised
bj an) other white man hefore or since. He was formally adopted as a chief by the
Mohawk tribe. In 17-1-1. being still a very young man, he "as placed in i
British affairs with the six Nations, and iii 1755 was regularly commissioned at
then own urgent request as superintendent for the Six Nations and their dependent
and allied tribes, a position which he held for the rest of his life. In 1748 he was
also placed ii mmand of the New York colonial forces, and two years later was
appointed to thegovernor's council. \t the beginning of the French and Indian war
he was commissioned a major-general. He defeated Dieskau at the battle of Lake
George, where he was severely wounded earl) in the art ion. bu( refused to leave the
field. For this service he received the thanks of Parliament, a grant of £5,000, and
a baronetcy. Healso distinguished himself at Ticonderoga and Fort Niagara, taking
the latter after routing the French army sent to its relief. At the head of his [ndian
and colonial forces he took part in other actions and expeditions, and was present at
the surrender of Montreal. For his services throughout the war he received a grant
ot 100,000 acres of land north of the Mohawk river, lien' he built "Johnson
Hall." which still stands, near the \ illage of Johnstovi n.