Iroquois protected by "shield of steel"

[unmerged(1272)]

(Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I've check manual, FAQs and bulletin boards to no avail.)

I'm try to attack the Iroquois as the English. When I right-click on them, I only get the 'view' menu option. When I go into the diplomatic relations screens, they don't appear as a nation. When I try and move in with my army, I'm not allowed. What am I missing here?

The only thing I noticed that might be relevant is that they use my CoT.

Thanks in advance.

 

[unmerged(133)]

You have to 'discover' the Iroquis nation, either with a conquistador or, if you're at tech lvl 11 or higher with an army unit. Then you will get a message that you've found a new state and established diplomatic relations with them.

 

[unmerged(1272)]

Answering my own (stupid) question, I thought I had discovered them (because I could see their provinces and they had two 10/0/0's snearing at me across the border), but I did some more exploring and found their *capital*. Doh!