With the outbreak of the Seven Years' War, Daniel Claus was appointed to the newly created Indian Department by Sir William Johnson in 1755.

Three years later, the death of Alexander McKee led to Claus's promotion to Deputy Superintendent General, the second highest position in the administration of Indian Affairs in the Canadas.

As the head of the Indian Department in Upper Canada, Claus was responsible for organizing land surrender treaties, distributing annual presents to the British Empire's Indigenous allies, securing the military assistance of First Nations warriors in times of crisis, and more generally ensuring good relations between the British and the Indigenous nations of the Great Lakes region.

By the end of the war, however, Norton's brashness had alienated many among the Six Nations and the British administration, including the Governor General, Sir Gordon Drummond.

Claus accordingly remained the head of the Indian Department in Upper Canada, while Norton was forced into retirement, albeit with a substantial pension.