At the outset of the American Revolutionary War, the American revolutionaries attempted to win Guyasuta to their cause but, like most Iroquois, he sided with the British because they seemed willing to cooperate, and took part in the Battle of Oriskany. After the war, the aging Guyasuta worked to establish peaceful relations with the new United States as his nephew, Cornplanter, became a more diplomatic figure. As he saw his dream of a peaceful and strong Native American nation crumble, he turned to alcoholism. He died in his Pennsylvania cabin in 1794, and was buried nearby with his tomahawk, shotgun, knife, trophies and various other personal items in his coffin.