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an Indian confederation occupying Central New York, and consisting when first known, of the Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas and Senecas. Later the Tuscaroras were added. In the seventeenth century they carried on extensive hostilities against the French and suffered severe losses. They allied themselves with the Dutch and subsequently with the English, though they afterward joined Pontiac. Peace was restored, but in 1774 a part of the western bands took up arms against the whites. During the Revolution the Iroquois, with the exception of those in Canada, favored England. They fought against the colonists and committed extensive ravages. At the close of the war nearly all emigrated to Canada, except the Oneidas and Tuscaroras, with whom the Government made a treaty in 1784. In 1785 and 1788, the Indians began to cede lands. In the War of 1812, the English and American Iroquois were arrayed against each other, but peace was soon restored. The tribes became scattered, some going west and still others seeking their relatives in Canada.