 During the Siege of Fort Stanwix, the 17-year-old Powless came upon Mohawk leader Joseph Brant, who was allied with the British forces of the St. Leger Expedition.Brant tried to convince the Oneida to surrender.Brant insinuatingly offered him a large reward, and a plenty as long as he should live, if he would only join the King’s side, and induce other Oneidas to do so, and help the British to take Fort Stanwix.Powless firmly rejected any such blandishments, saying he and his brother Oneidas had joined their fortunes with those of the Americans and should share with them whatever good or ill might come.