1 i i I

if

*=

i

i

HISTORY

wta inks; 0{

iutott's

MANNERS AND CUSTOMS; TRIBAL

ORIGIN,

AND SUB-TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS; WARS, TREATIES, ETC., ETC.

*

fl

..

RUTTENBER, \6aS~-

^x

Author of the History of Nevvburgh.

GOOD TO MUSE ON NATIONS PASSED AWAY FOREVER FROM THE LAND WE CALL OUR OWN NATIONS AS PROUD AND MIGHTY IN THEIR DAY, WHO DEEMED THAT EVERLASTING WAS THEIR THRONE."

"I'lS

;

Sands.

ALBANY, N. Y. J.

:

MUNSELL, 82 STATE STREET. 1872.

H7S

Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1872,

By E. M. RUTTENBEB, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington.

353 \O Bancroft Librao>

PREFACE. HE pioneer in new fields of historic inquiry encounters many obstacles from which those

who follow the more beaten paths of investi gation are exempt, and especially so if the inquiry involves conclusions differing materially from those

which have been generally accepted. The experience of the author in prosecuting the investigations, the results of which have been embodied in the work which

now submitted to the public, have been no exception Not only had the history of the Indians to this rule. who occupied the valley of Hudson's river never been is

written, but the incidental references to them, in the histories of nations more prominent at a later period

treating

them

as

mere fragmentary bands without

organization or political position among the aboriginal nations being regarded as erroneous^ the inquiry

involved the rejection, to a very great extent, of the conclusions of others, and the investigation and ana-

now submitted to the public, have been no exception Not only had the history of the Indians to this rule. who occupied the valley of Hudson's river never been is

written, but the incidental references to them, in the histories of nations more prominent at a later period

treating

them

as

mere fragmentary bands without

organization or political position among the aboriginal nations being regarded as erroneous^ the inquiry

involved the rejection, to a very great extent, of the conclusions of others, and the investigation and ana-

To lyzation of original sources of information. extract the truth and embody it in consistent narrative, has involved no

little

labor and research, and the

careful weighing of words ;

and, although the results

PREFACE.

iv

may not be stated in the clearest terms or the most flowing rhetoric, nor entirely without error, they are nevertheless believed to fully sustain the conclusion

question have a history which enti them to a high rank in the annals of aboriginal

that the tribes in tles

.

nations, and which assigns to them native abilities as

distinguished, eloquence as pure, bravery and prowess as unquestionable, as was possessed by those who, pre

served for a greater time in their national integrity by their remoteness from

became of more

civilization,

esteem in their relations to the government but less noble in their purposes. It has been the object of the author to trace the his

tory of the Indians from the earliest period; to show their original position in the family of nations, and that

distinguished, eloquence as pure, bravery and prowess as unquestionable, as was possessed by those who, pre

served for a greater time in their national integrity by their remoteness from

became of more

civilization,

esteem in their relations to the government but less noble in their purposes. It has been the object of the author to trace the his

tory of the Indians from the earliest period; to show their original position in the family of nations, and that

which they subsequently maintained

;

the wrongs which

they suffered, and the triumphs which they won ; their In the narrative, liberal use greatness and their decay. has been made of current histories, so far as their state

ments were found to be

in accordance with the facts.

Acknowledgment, it is believed, has been fully made, and even to an extent which is not customary. Very notes have been introduced for the purpose of explaining the text and enabling the reader to judge

full

of the correctness of the conclusions drawn therefrom.

As far as possible the narrative has been divested of the recitation of events which do not pertain to it, and though necessarily running beyond the limits of the territory regarded as the valley of the Hudson, has been as closely confined to it as possible, too closely perhaps,

as

it

is

believed

that

the

eastern

PREFACE.

v

Indians have the same claim to consideration as a con federacy as the western.

The work is submitted to

the

judgment of the

As far as possible the narrative has been divested of the recitation of events which do not pertain to it, and though necessarily running beyond the limits of the territory regarded as the valley of the Hudson, has been as closely confined to it as possible, too closely perhaps,

as

it

is

believed

that

the

eastern

PREFACE.

v

Indians have the same claim to consideration as a con federacy as the western.

The work is submitted to

the

judgment of the

public, with a desire that the author may be lost in the

theme which he has presented, and the truth of history vindicated in behalf of a people that have left behind no monuments to their memory save those erected by their destroyers.

NEWBURGH, N. Y.

HUDSON IN THE MAHICANITUK His INTERCOURSE WITH THE INDIANS THEIR TRADITIONS CONCERNING HIS VISIT.

|

AILING under the auspices of the Dutch West India Company, HENRY HUDSON, an intrepid Eng lish navigator, moored his vessel, the Half

Moon, on

the morning of September 3d, 1609, in the waters of the river which now bears his name. Lingering off Sandy

Hook a week, he passed through the Narrows, and anchored what is now Newark bay. On the I2th, he resumed his

in

voyage, and slowly drifting with the tide, anchored over night, on the 1 3th, just above Yonkers, the great river stretching on before him to the north and giving to his ardent mind the hope that he had at last discovered the

the morning of September 3d, 1609, in the waters of the river which now bears his name. Lingering off Sandy

Hook a week, he passed through the Narrows, and anchored what is now Newark bay. On the I2th, he resumed his

in

voyage, and slowly drifting with the tide, anchored over night, on the 1 3th, just above Yonkers, the great river stretching on before him to the north and giving to his ardent mind the hope that he had at last discovered the

gateway to the Eastern seas.

On the 1 4th, he passed Tappan and Haverstraw bays, and sailed through the majestic pass

guarded by the frowning Donderberg, and anchored at night near West Point, in the midst of the sublimest scenery of the mountains. the morning of

On

the 1 5th, he entered Newburgh bay, and reached Katskill; on the 1 6th, Athens; on the iyth, Castleton; on the 1 8th, Albany.

Here he remained several days, sending an exploring boat as far as Waterford, and sadly learning that he had reached the head

of navigation, and that the Eastern passage was yet an unsolved

problem.

His return voyage began on the 2$d ; on the 25th,

HISTORT OF THE INDIAN

he anchored

in

ist of October ;

Newburgh bay; reached Stony point on the on the 4th, Sandy Hook, and sailed from thence

Newburgh Bay. to Europe, bearing with him the information which he had col lected, not the least of which in importance was that in relation

of navigation, and that the Eastern passage was yet an unsolved

problem.

His return voyage began on the 2$d ; on the 25th,

HISTORT OF THE INDIAN

he anchored

in

ist of October ;

Newburgh bay; reached Stony point on the on the 4th, Sandy Hook, and sailed from thence

Newburgh Bay. to Europe, bearing with him the information which he had col lected, not the least of which in importance was that in relation

to the native lords

whom he had met on the banks of the river

he had discovered, and who then broke the silvery surface of its waters with their light canoes and awoke the echoes of its

mountain sides with their wild choruses, of whose power it was an emblem, on the waters of which, as they faded away in the north, was wafted their war shallops into tributaries that stretched on to the lakes and the great river of Canada, bearing

with them the prestige of savage supremacy.

Hudson first met the Indians near the Narrows, where they came on board his vessel " clothed in mantles of feathers and robes of fur, the women, clothed in hemp, red copper tobacco pipes, and other things of copper they did wear about their

necks;" of arms they brought none, their mission was peace; but he "durst not trust them." Suspicion breeds suspicion, leads to violence. and suspicion Sending an exploring boat up the river the next day, it was attacked, on its return to the ship,

Hudson first met the Indians near the Narrows, where they came on board his vessel " clothed in mantles of feathers and robes of fur, the women, clothed in hemp, red copper tobacco pipes, and other things of copper they did wear about their

necks;" of arms they brought none, their mission was peace; but he "durst not trust them." Suspicion breeds suspicion, leads to violence. and suspicion Sending an exploring boat up the river the next day, it was attacked, on its return to the ship,

TRIBES OF HUDSON'S RWER.

and one of the English sailors, John Coleman, was killed by an

He was buried upon the adjacent beach, the first European victim of an Indian weapon on the Mahicanituk. The offense which had been committed by arrow shot in the throat. 1

himself and his companions is not stated, but may be inferred. They were far from the ship, the night came on and a thick cloud of rain and fog 'settled over them ; seeing their condition, the Indians sprang to their boats to rescue them, fear seized them, the savage was more dreaded then the tempest, a falcon shot was hurled at the approaching canoes, the swift arrow re man was slain and two more hurt."

plied, and "in the fight one

Day after day the Indians came on board, brought tobacco and Indian wheat, and oysters and beans, " making show of love," but he " durst not trust them." They brought their women

and children with them, but he " durst not trust them." At Yonkers they came on board in large numbers here he de ;

They were far from the ship, the night came on and a thick cloud of rain and fog 'settled over them ; seeing their condition, the Indians sprang to their boats to rescue them, fear seized them, the savage was more dreaded then the tempest, a falcon shot was hurled at the approaching canoes, the swift arrow re man was slain and two more hurt."

plied, and "in the fight one

Day after day the Indians came on board, brought tobacco and Indian wheat, and oysters and beans, " making show of love," but he " durst not trust them." They brought their women

and children with them, but he " durst not trust them." At Yonkers they came on board in large numbers here he de ;

tained two of them, and dressed

them in red coats, and though

they jumped from the ports and swam away, their detention was not the less a violation of the laws of hospitality, so they

regarded it, for when they had reached the shore they called to him " in scorn."

At Katskill he found a "very loving people and very old men." They brought on board " Indian corn, pumpkins, and At Castleton they were very tobacco," and used him well. " master's mate went on land 2 with an old sociable, and the savage, a governor of the country, who carried him to his house and made him good cheere." " I sailed to the shore," he says, " in one of their canoes, with an old man who was chief of a These I tribe consisting of forty men and seventeen women. saw there in a house well constructed of oak bark, and circular in shape, so that it

" master's mate went on land 2 with an old sociable, and the savage, a governor of the country, who carried him to his house and made him good cheere." " I sailed to the shore," he says, " in one of their canoes, with an old man who was chief of a These I tribe consisting of forty men and seventeen women. saw there in a house well constructed of oak bark, and circular in shape, so that it

had the appearance of being

Coleman's point is the monument to

this occurrence. It has been assumed on the authority of a quotation alleged by De Laet to have been made from a journal kept by Hudson, that the place of this visit was in latitude 42, 18', or in the vicinity of the present city of Hudson. (N. T. Hist. Soc.

Coll.y I,

300).

The journal kept by Juet

was not only the

official

record of the

voyage, but

is

with an

built

very precise in

its

statements as to who visited the shore in this, and in other instances. He does not give the latitude, but from the ship's log it would seem that the place was " six leagues higher," up the river than that fixed by

De Laet, and that it was Castleton.

at

Schodac or

37; BrodCollections of the Nenv Tork

O'Callaghan,

heady I, 31 } Historical Society, ad Ser.

i,

i,

326.

,

HIS10RT OF THE INDIAN

arched roof.

It contained a large quantity of

statements as to who visited the shore in this, and in other instances. He does not give the latitude, but from the ship's log it would seem that the place was " six leagues higher," up the river than that fixed by

De Laet, and that it was Castleton.

at

Schodac or

37; BrodCollections of the Nenv Tork

O'Callaghan,

heady I, 31 } Historical Society, ad Ser.

i,

i,

326.

,

HIS10RT OF THE INDIAN

arched roof.

It contained a large quantity of

corn and beans

of last year's growth, and there lay near the house, for the pur pose of drying, enough to load three ships, besides what was On our coming to the house two mats growing in the fields.

were spread out to sit upon, and some food was immediately served in well-made wooden bowls. Two men were also dis patched at once, with bows and arrows, in quest of game, who soon brought in a pair of pigeons which they had shot. They likewise killed a fat dog, 1 and skinned it in great haste, with shells which they had got out of the water. They supposed that I would remain with them for the night ;

"

when they

but

saw that he desired to return to the ship and that he would not u was afraid of their bows and remain, they supposed he arrows, and taking their arms they broke them in pieces and threw them in the fire."

At Albany, Hudson repaid the old governor for his entertain

They likewise killed a fat dog, 1 and skinned it in great haste, with shells which they had got out of the water. They supposed that I would remain with them for the night ;

"

when they

but

saw that he desired to return to the ship and that he would not u was afraid of their bows and remain, they supposed he arrows, and taking their arms they broke them in pieces and threw them in the fire."

At Albany, Hudson repaid the old governor for his entertain

The Indians flocked to visit his vessel, and he deter mined to try some of their chief men to see " whether they had ment.

" So any treachery in them." they took them down into the cabin, and gave them so much wine and aqua vita that they were all merry.

In the end one of them was drunk, and they At night they all departed, ex

could not tell how to take it." cept the old

man who had taken the aqua vita ; " he slept all

night quietly."

On the following day they came again, and

when they saw that their chief had recovered from his debauch " they were glad. They returned to their castle and brought " " tobacco and beads and made an and gave them to Hudson, and showed him all the roundabout." u Then oration,

country they sent one of their company on land again, who presently returned and brought a great platter full of venison, dressed by themselves," and caused Hudson

On the following day they came again, and

when they saw that their chief had recovered from his debauch " they were glad. They returned to their castle and brought " " tobacco and beads and made an and gave them to Hudson, and showed him all the roundabout." u Then oration,

country they sent one of their company on land again, who presently returned and brought a great platter full of venison, dressed by themselves," and caused Hudson

" to eat with them

;

then they

" made him reverence, and departed, all save the old man who had found the Indian's paradise with the white man's rum. But he took his departure the next day, and two days after re " another old man with him " from the place turned, bringing " where " the loving people had first been met. He too brought " and shewed belts of wampum beads and gave them to Hudson, Probably a black bear.

OF HUDSON'S RWER.

him all the country thereabout, as though it were at his com mand. So he made the two old men dine with him, and the and two old man's wife; for they brought two old women, young maidens of the age of sixteen or seventeen years with them,

who behaved themselves very modestly."

No doubt

more wine was served at this dinner, but the aqua vitee was evi dently omitted, for the party took their departure at one o'clock. " " the met Hudson his return voyage loving people

So he made the two old men dine with him, and the and two old man's wife; for they brought two old women, young maidens of the age of sixteen or seventeen years with them,

who behaved themselves very modestly."

No doubt

more wine was served at this dinner, but the aqua vitee was evi dently omitted, for the party took their departure at one o'clock. " " the met Hudson his return voyage loving people

On

again, and

" would have him

go on land and eat with them ;

"

but

the wind was

to their request. fair, and he would not yield the request in made had the old who man, Very sorrowfully

behalf of himself and his people, left the ship, although com forted with presents and with the assurance that his new friends

would come again. Passing down through the Highlands, the Half Moon was becalmed off Stony point, and " the people of the mountains " came on board and wondered at the " ship and

" weapons." One canoe kept hanging under the stern," and its in soon detected was occupant pilfering from the cabin windows. When detected, he had secured a " pillow and two shirts, and two bandeliers " but the " mate shot at him, and struck him on the breast, and killed him." The Indians were frightened and fled away, some in their canoes, others jumping into the ;

A boat was lowered to recover the articles which had taken, when one of them who was in the water seized they water.

" weapons." One canoe kept hanging under the stern," and its in soon detected was occupant pilfering from the cabin windows. When detected, he had secured a " pillow and two shirts, and two bandeliers " but the " mate shot at him, and struck him on the breast, and killed him." The Indians were frightened and fled away, some in their canoes, others jumping into the ;

A boat was lowered to recover the articles which had taken, when one of them who was in the water seized they water.

hold of it " thinking to overthrow it," but " the cook seized a

sword and cut off one of his hands and he was drowned." the head of Manhattan island

At

was again attacked. It was here that Hudson had attempted to kidnap two young " " men, who, on their escape, had called to him in scorn at the vessel

One of these men, accompanied by his friends, now came out to the ship in their canoes. They were not suf

their betrayal.

fered to enter the vessel, and falling behind it, discharged their

"in recompense whereof " six muskets replied "and killed two or three of them." The Indians retreated, and from a point of land renewed the attack but " a falcon " " shot killed two of and " the rest fled into the woods

arrows

at it;

;

them,

;

"yet they manned off another canoe, with nine or ten men," through which a falcon shot was sent, killing one of its

fered to enter the vessel, and falling behind it, discharged their

"in recompense whereof " six muskets replied "and killed two or three of them." The Indians retreated, and from a point of land renewed the attack but " a falcon " " shot killed two of and " the rest fled into the woods

arrows

at it;

;

them,

;

"yet they manned off another canoe, with nine or ten men," through which a falcon shot was sent, killing one of its

THE INDIAN TRIBES

Then the sailors discharged their muskets, and occupants. " killed three or four more of them." " So they went their way," and the Half Moon was hurried down into the bay, "clear from all danger," carrying thence to Holland, in Hud son's simple narrative, an epitome of the subsequent history of the intercourse of the Indians with the Europeans ; the clash of

customs, the violence, the intoxicating cup. To most of the Indians the advent of Hudson's ship was a

For over an hundred years the white-winged strange spectacle. of the old world had been wafted by them ; in the messengers further south, the white man was not a stranger, but not before his sails been folded on the breast of their waters, nor the voice of trumpet and cannon reverberated through their All this was new and strange; the Great Spirit solitudes.

had

had come to them ; the signals of a mighty change passed be Their traditions repeat that almost with the

For over an hundred years the white-winged strange spectacle. of the old world had been wafted by them ; in the messengers further south, the white man was not a stranger, but not before his sails been folded on the breast of their waters, nor the voice of trumpet and cannon reverberated through their All this was new and strange; the Great Spirit solitudes.

had

had come to them ; the signals of a mighty change passed be Their traditions repeat that almost with the

fore their vision.

appearance of Hudson in the lower bay, they began to collect on the shores and headlands, gazing in astonishment on the '

strange sight ; that when they first saw the Half Moon they " did not know what to make of it, and could not comprehend

whether it came down from heaven or from the devil." of them " even

Some

imagined it to be a fish, or some monster of the it soon spread over the

sea, and accordingly a strange report of

It was at length agreed among them "that, as this phenomenon moved towards the land, whether it was an animal

land."

or not, or any thing that had life in it," would soon be apparent.

Runners from the shore went back and forth, and messengers were sent to the chiefs of the country to send in their warriors. As the ship approached they concluded it was " a large canoe or house, in which the great Manitto himself was, and that he was probably coming to visit them." Every thing was put in order to entertain him ; " the best of victuals was prepared, and plenty of meat for sacrifice procured, and idols or images examined and put in order, to appease him in case he was Other runners soon arriving, declared it to be a angry."

As the ship approached they concluded it was " a large canoe or house, in which the great Manitto himself was, and that he was probably coming to visit them." Every thing was put in order to entertain him ; " the best of victuals was prepared, and plenty of meat for sacrifice procured, and idols or images examined and put in order, to appease him in case he was Other runners soon arriving, declared it to be a angry."

"

large house of various colors, full of people, yet of quite a

different color from themselves, that they dressed in a different

manner, and that one, in

particular, appeared altogether red,

OF HUDSON'S RIPER.

The crew of the Half Moon soon hailed them with a loud shout, which so frightened which must be the Manitto himself."

them that some were for running away, yet they feared to give offense and remained.

Meanwhile Hudson kept on his course, and the Indians con tinued to collect on the banks of the river, expressing their curiosity in at last,

the

strongest manner. Establishing intercourse on board the ship, where they were

ventured

they

" in a

friendly manner, and they returned the salute " after their manner." They are lost in admiration both as to

saluted

the color of the skin of these whites, as also of their manner

of dress ; yet most as to the habit of him who wore the red which shone with something they could not account

Meanwhile Hudson kept on his course, and the Indians con tinued to collect on the banks of the river, expressing their curiosity in at last,

the

strongest manner. Establishing intercourse on board the ship, where they were

ventured

they

" in a

friendly manner, and they returned the salute " after their manner." They are lost in admiration both as to

saluted

the color of the skin of these whites, as also of their manner

of dress ; yet most as to the habit of him who wore the red which shone with something they could not account

clothes,

He must be the Great Manitto, but why should he have " Then they sat down to eat with their strange a white skin for.

?

" a

visitant,

large and elegant hockback was brought forward by

one of the Manitto's servants, and something poured from it into a small cup or glass, and handed to the Manitto. He drank it, had the cup refilled, and had it handed to the chief The chief receives the glass, but only next to him to drink. it on to the next chief, who does the The glass thus passes through the circle without the

smells at it, and passes

same.

contents being tasted by any one, and is on the point of being returned again to the red-clothed man, when one of their num ber, a spirited man and great warrior,

jumps up, harangues the the of on impropriety returning the glass with the assembly contents in it ; that the same was handed them by the Manitto in order that they should drink it, as he himself had done before them ; that this would please him ; but to return what he had given to them might provoke him, and be the cause of their

contents being tasted by any one, and is on the point of being returned again to the red-clothed man, when one of their num ber, a spirited man and great warrior,

jumps up, harangues the the of on impropriety returning the glass with the assembly contents in it ; that the same was handed them by the Manitto in order that they should drink it, as he himself had done before them ; that this would please him ; but to return what he had given to them might provoke him, and be the cause of their

And that since he believed it for the being destroyed by him. the nation that the of contents offered them should be good drank, and as no one else was willing to drink it, he would, let the consequence be what it might j that it was better for one

man to die than for a whole nation to be destroyed. took the off.

He then

the assembly a farewell, drank it fixed on their resolute companion, to see was Every eye

what an

glass, and, bidding

effect this would

have upon him ; and he soon begin-

THE INDIAN TRIBES

ning to stagger about, and at last dropping to the ground, they bemoan him. He falls into a sleep, and they view him as expiring.

He awakes again, jumps up, and declares that he never before felt so He wishes for happy as after he had drank of the cup. more.

His wish is granted ; and the whole assembly soon join

effect this would

have upon him ; and he soon begin-

THE INDIAN TRIBES

ning to stagger about, and at last dropping to the ground, they bemoan him. He falls into a sleep, and they view him as expiring.

He awakes again, jumps up, and declares that he never before felt so He wishes for happy as after he had drank of the cup. more.

His wish is granted ; and the whole assembly soon join

him, and become intoxicated.

Then the man with the red

clothes distributed presents to them of beads, axes, hoes, stock

and other articles, and made them understand that he would return home and come again to see them, bring them more presents and stay with them awhile, but should want a little land to sow some seeds, in order to raise herbs to put in

ings,

their broth."

But from

dream of trusting love they had a speedy state that the promise made by awakening. Hudson to return again was fulfilled the following season, and " that much at but the each other their

Their traditions

seeing again ; they rejoiced whites laughed at them, seeing that they knew not the use of the axes, hoes, etc., they had given them, they having had those

hanging to their breasts as ornaments, and the stockings they had made use of as tobacco pouches. The whites now put handles or helves in the former, and cut trees

down before

their eyes, and dug the ground, and showed them the use of the

Their traditions

seeing again ; they rejoiced whites laughed at them, seeing that they knew not the use of the axes, hoes, etc., they had given them, they having had those

hanging to their breasts as ornaments, and the stockings they had made use of as tobacco pouches. The whites now put handles or helves in the former, and cut trees

down before

their eyes, and dug the ground, and showed them the use of the

Here a general laughter ensued among the Indians, stockings. that they had remained for so long a time ignorant of the use of so valuable implements, and had borne with the weight of such heavy metal hanging to their necks for such a length of time.

They took every white man they saw for a Manitto,

yet inferior and attendant to the supreme Manitto, to wit : to the

one which wore the red and laced clothes.

"

Familiarity daily increasing between them and the whites, the latter now proposed to stay with them, asking them only for

so

much land

as the hide

of a bullock would cover or

encompass, which hide was brought forward and spread on the

That they readily granted this request ; a knife, and beginning at one place took the whites whereupon

ground before them.

on this hide, cut it up into a rope not thicker than the ringer of that by the time this hide was cut up, there was a great heap ; that this rope was drawn out to a great disa little child, so

of a bullock would cover or

encompass, which hide was brought forward and spread on the

That they readily granted this request ; a knife, and beginning at one place took the whites whereupon

ground before them.

on this hide, cut it up into a rope not thicker than the ringer of that by the time this hide was cut up, there was a great heap ; that this rope was drawn out to a great disa little child, so

OF HUDSON'S RWER.

tance, and then brought round again, so that the ends might meet ; that they carefully avoided its breaking, and that upon the whole it encompassed a large piece of land ; that they were surprised at the superior wit of the whites, but did not wish to contend with them about a little land, as they had enough ; that

they and the whites lived for a long time contentedly together, although the whites asked from time to time, more land of them

and proceeding higher up the Mahicanituk, 1 they believed they would soon want all the country."

The Iroquois, it is said, called the river

the Cohatatea, while the Mahicans and the " Lenapes called it the Mahicanituk or the

The Dutch continually flowing waters." gave it the name of Mauritius river, as early

as

1611, in honor of their stadtholder, Prince Maurice, of Nassau.

Hud

a name which the French adopted in Rio de Montagne. The English first gave it the name of Hudson's river by which, and North river, the latter to distinguish it from the Connecticut or East river, and from the Delaware or South river, it

the Cohatatea, while the Mahicans and the " Lenapes called it the Mahicanituk or the

The Dutch continually flowing waters." gave it the name of Mauritius river, as early

as

1611, in honor of their stadtholder, Prince Maurice, of Nassau.

Hud

a name which the French adopted in Rio de Montagne. The English first gave it the name of Hudson's river by which, and North river, the latter to distinguish it from the Connecticut or East river, and from the Delaware or South river, it

has since been known.

son called it the River of the mountains,

Henry Hudson.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

ORIGIN, MANNERS AND CUSTOMS, ETC.

HE origin of the North American Indians,

is

a sub

ject which has engrossed the attention of learned men for over two hundred years, and yet the " " question, By whom was America peopled ?

remains without

satisfactory

answer.

In

1637,

Thomas

Morton wrote a book to prove that the Indians were of Latin John Joselyn held, in 1638, that they were of Tartar Cotton Mather inclined to the opinion that they were Scythians. James Adair seems to have been fully con vinced that they were descendants of the Israelites, the lost origin.

descent.

tribes ; and, after thirty years residence among them, published in 1775, an account of their manners and customs, from which he deduced his conclusions. 1 Dr. Mitchill, after considerable

investigation, concluded

" that the three

races, Malays, Tartars and Scandinavians, contributed to made up the great American

Morton wrote a book to prove that the Indians were of Latin John Joselyn held, in 1638, that they were of Tartar Cotton Mather inclined to the opinion that they were Scythians. James Adair seems to have been fully con vinced that they were descendants of the Israelites, the lost origin.

descent.

tribes ; and, after thirty years residence among them, published in 1775, an account of their manners and customs, from which he deduced his conclusions. 1 Dr. Mitchill, after considerable

investigation, concluded

" that the three

races, Malays, Tartars and Scandinavians, contributed to made up the great American

population, who were the authors of the various works and an DeWitt Clinton held, that tiquities found on the continent."

" the

probability is, that America was peopled from various quarters of the old world, and that its predominant race is the

Scythian or Tartarian."

"

Calmet, a distinguished author, brings

Observations and arguments in proof of the American Indians being descended from the Jews: I. Their division into 2. Their worship of Jehovah. tribes. 3. Their notion of a theocracy. 4. Their belief in the ministration of angels. 5. 6. Their Their language and dialects. manner of counting time. 7. Their pro 8. Their festi phets and high priests. Their vals, fasts and religious rites. 9. 10. Their ablutions and daily sacrifice. II. Their laws of uncleananointings. ness. 12. Their abstinence from unclean things. 13. Their marriages, divorces, and punishments of adultery. 14. Their

several punishments. 15. Their cities of 16. Their purifications and cere

Their notion of a theocracy. 4. Their belief in the ministration of angels. 5. 6. Their Their language and dialects. manner of counting time. 7. Their pro 8. Their festi phets and high priests. Their vals, fasts and religious rites. 9. 10. Their ablutions and daily sacrifice. II. Their laws of uncleananointings. ness. 12. Their abstinence from unclean things. 13. Their marriages, divorces, and punishments of adultery. 14. Their

several punishments. 15. Their cities of 16. Their purifications and cere

refuge.

monies preparatory to war Their 17. ornaments. 18. Their manner of curing the sick. 19. Their burial of the dead. 20. Their mourning for the dead. 21. Their raising seed to a departed brother. 22. Their choice of names adapted to their circumstances and the times. 23. Their own traditions, the accounts of our English writers, and the testimony which the Spanish and other authors have given concerning the primitive inhabitants of Adair. Peru and Mexico."

OF HUDSON'S RIVER.

forward the writings of Hornius, son of Theodosius the Great,

who affirms that " at or about the time of the commencement of the Christian era, voyages from Africa and Spain into the " and holds Atlantic ocean were both frequent and celebrated ; that " there is strong probability that the

Romans and Carthagenians, even 300 B. C., were well acquainted with the exist ence of this country," adding that there are " tokens of the

presence of the Greeks, Romans, Persians, and Carthagenians, The story of Madoc's voyage in many parts of the continent." 1 1 70, has been repeated by every writer upon the subject, and actual traces of Welsh colonization are affirmed

who affirms that " at or about the time of the commencement of the Christian era, voyages from Africa and Spain into the " and holds Atlantic ocean were both frequent and celebrated ; that " there is strong probability that the

Romans and Carthagenians, even 300 B. C., were well acquainted with the exist ence of this country," adding that there are " tokens of the

presence of the Greeks, Romans, Persians, and Carthagenians, The story of Madoc's voyage in many parts of the continent." 1 1 70, has been repeated by every writer upon the subject, and actual traces of Welsh colonization are affirmed

to America, in

to have been discovered in the language and customs of a tribe

of Indians living on the Missouri. that " America

was

Then the

fact

is

stated

by some Norwegians," who made

visited

a settlement in Greenland, in the tenth century. Priest, in his American Antiquities, states that his observations had led

him " to the conclusion that the two great continents, Asia and America, were peopled by similar races of men."

Men equally It is not necessary to add to this catalogue. learned with those whose opinions have been quoted, see no way of an opinion that America received her

obstacle in the

population as she did her peculiar trees, and plants, and animals, and birds. The geologist examines the relics of the west, and

where imagination fashions artificial walls, he sees but crumbs of decaying sandstone, clinging like the remains of mortar to blocks of greenstone that rested on it ; discovers in parallel intrenchments a trough that subsiding waters have ploughed through the centre of a ridge, and explains the tessellated pavement to be but a layer of pebbles aptly joined by water ; and, examining the finds

population as she did her peculiar trees, and plants, and animals, and birds. The geologist examines the relics of the west, and

where imagination fashions artificial walls, he sees but crumbs of decaying sandstone, clinging like the remains of mortar to blocks of greenstone that rested on it ; discovers in parallel intrenchments a trough that subsiding waters have ploughed through the centre of a ridge, and explains the tessellated pavement to be but a layer of pebbles aptly joined by water ; and, examining the finds

mounds,

them composed of to

arranged

the

horizontally creation to the power that hillocks.

The

different

strata

of earth,

very edge, and ascribes

their

shaped the globe into vales and it is mounds, true, may have been selected by

the aborigines as the site of their dwellings, fortifications, or burial places ; but the mouldering bones, from hillocks which are crowned by trees that have defied the storms of many cen turies,

the graves of earth from which they are dug, and the

Hitchcock.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

feeble fortifications that are sometimes found in their vicinity,

no special evidence of connection with other continents. 1 "Among the more ancient works" of the west, says another 2 " there is not a single edifice, nor any ruins which prove writer, afford

the existence, in former ages, of a building composed of impe rishable materials. No fragment of a column, nor a brick, nor a single hewn stone large enough to have been incorpo rated into a wall, has been discovered. The only relics which

no special evidence of connection with other continents. 1 "Among the more ancient works" of the west, says another 2 " there is not a single edifice, nor any ruins which prove writer, afford

the existence, in former ages, of a building composed of impe rishable materials. No fragment of a column, nor a brick, nor a single hewn stone large enough to have been incorpo rated into a wall, has been discovered. The only relics which

remain to inflame the curiosity, are composed of earth."

To add force to this sweeping blow at the beautiful theories that have been

woven, the learned Agassis disputes the idea

of the unity of the races through Adam ; while other writers pretty clearly demonstrate that the theory of the lost tribes of Israel has no foundation in fact. Dr. Lawrence, in his Lec tures on Physiology, Zoology, and the Natural History of Man, sums up the whole argument by saying that, " in comparing the

barbarian nations of America with those of the eastern continent,

we perceive no points of resemblance between them, in their moral institutions or

in their habits, that are not

apparently

founded in the necessities of human life."

This is apparently the reasonable conclusion of the whole matter,

for to pass

intelligent

judgment, the aborigines of

America must be taken as they were found, and not as they

may have appeared after years of association with Europeans, an association necessarily producing a mingling of ancient cus toms with those learned from missionaries, or copied under the

we perceive no points of resemblance between them, in their moral institutions or

in their habits, that are not

apparently

founded in the necessities of human life."

This is apparently the reasonable conclusion of the whole matter,

for to pass

intelligent

judgment, the aborigines of

America must be taken as they were found, and not as they

may have appeared after years of association with Europeans, an association necessarily producing a mingling of ancient cus toms with those learned from missionaries, or copied under the

These early lessons were taught by men impulse of imitation. of all nations, the Dutch, the French, the Spanish, and the It would English, and, before their advent, by the Norwegians. be strange indeed, under all the circumstances, if the aborigines

did not have grafted upon them nations.

Sir William Johnson,

some resembling features of all than whom no

man had better

opportunity to form a correct judgment, after considering the

whole matter, concluded that all theories were defective this reason ;

for

next to the English saying, that the Indians residing

settlements had lost a great part of their traditions, and had so

Warren in DelaficlcTs Antiquities.

a

Drakis Picture of Cincinnati.

OF HUDSON'S RIVER.

blended their customs with those of the Europeans as to render

" difficult if not

it

impossible to trace their origin or discover had nevertheless

their explication," while those further removed

been visited by traders, and especially by French Jesuits, who had " introduced some of their own inventions which the pre

settlements had lost a great part of their traditions, and had so

Warren in DelaficlcTs Antiquities.

a

Drakis Picture of Cincinnati.

OF HUDSON'S RIVER.

blended their customs with those of the Europeans as to render

" difficult if not

it

impossible to trace their origin or discover had nevertheless

their explication," while those further removed

been visited by traders, and especially by French Jesuits, who had " introduced some of their own inventions which the pre

Until sent generation confound with their ancient customs." can of the old of the nations world satisfactorily explain many the origin of their own race, it is hardly worth while to endeavor to make our aborigines any further kindred with them than that the same Almighty Power called them into being and endowed

them with common instincts. Verazzano,

who sailed along the coast of North America

1524, speaks of the natives whom he met in the harbor of New York, as " not differing much," from those with whom

in

he had intercourse at other points, " being dressed out with the

His description being the

feathers of birds of various colors."

they were untainted by association with Europeans. In person, he says, they were of good proportions, of middle stature, broad across the breast, strong in the arms, and well-formed. Among those who came on board his vessel were " two kings more beautiful in form earliest is of the most merit, for at that time

and stature than can possibly be described ; one was about forty

His description being the

feathers of birds of various colors."

they were untainted by association with Europeans. In person, he says, they were of good proportions, of middle stature, broad across the breast, strong in the arms, and well-formed. Among those who came on board his vessel were " two kings more beautiful in form earliest is of the most merit, for at that time

and stature than can possibly be described ; one was about forty

"

years old, the other about twenty-four." They were dressed," he continues, "in the following manner: The oldest had a

body, artificially wrought in damask head was without covering, his hair was tied back

deer's skin around his figures, his

around his neck he wore a large chain orna mented with many stones of different colors. The young man was similar in his general appearance." In size, he says "they in various knots ;

:

exceed us," their complexion tawny, inclining to white, their faces sharp, their hair long and black, their eyes black and sharp, their expression

antique."

"

mild and pleasant,"

greatly resembling the

The women, he says, were " of the same form and

beauty, very graceful, of fine countenances and pleasing appear

ance

"

in

manners and modesty."

They wore no

except a deer skin ornamented like those of the men."

43 !

Documentary History of Neiv

7~ork } iv,

Collections of the Nciv

Society ,

ad Series, i, 45.

clothing

Some

York Historical

THE INDIAN TRIBES

had u very rich lynx skins upon their arms, and various ornaments

The women, he says, were " of the same form and

beauty, very graceful, of fine countenances and pleasing appear

ance

"

in

manners and modesty."

They wore no

except a deer skin ornamented like those of the men."

43 !

Documentary History of Neiv

7~ork } iv,

Collections of the Nciv

Society ,

ad Series, i, 45.

clothing

Some

York Historical

THE INDIAN TRIBES

had u very rich lynx skins upon their arms, and various ornaments

upon their heads, composed of braids of hair," which hung down upon their breasts on each side. The older and the married " wore people, both men and women, many ornaments in their ears, hanging down in the oriental manner."

In disposition they

were generous, " giving away " whatever they had ; of their wives they were careful, always leaving them in their boats when they came on ship-board, and their general deportment was such that with them, he says, " we formed a great

friendship." in 1609, was somewhat but his references to their personal appearance are "This day," he says, "many of the people came

Hudson's experience with them, different,

similar.

aboard, some in mantles of feathers, and some in skins of divers sorts of good furs. Some women also came to us with hemp.

They had red copper tobacco pipes, and other things of copper they did wear about their necks."

The Dutch

Wassenaar, Van der Donck, and were generally well-limbed, others, agree slender around the waist, and broad-shouldered ; that they had historians,

friendship." in 1609, was somewhat but his references to their personal appearance are "This day," he says, "many of the people came

Hudson's experience with them, different,

similar.

aboard, some in mantles of feathers, and some in skins of divers sorts of good furs. Some women also came to us with hemp.

They had red copper tobacco pipes, and other things of copper they did wear about their necks."

The Dutch

Wassenaar, Van der Donck, and were generally well-limbed, others, agree slender around the waist, and broad-shouldered ; that they had historians,

that

the natives

eyes, and snow white teeth, resembling ttye Brazilians in color, or more especially " those people who

black hair and

sometimes ramble through Netherland and are called Gipsies ;

"

were very nimble and swift of pace, and well adapted to travel on foot and to carry heavy burthens. " Generally," says one writer,

"the men have no beards, some even pluck it out.

They use very few words, which they previously well consider. Naturally they are quite modest and without guile, but in their way haughty enough, ready and quick witted to comprehend or

As soldiers, they are far from being honorable, but perfidious and accomplish all their designs by treachery ; they also use many stratagems to deceive their ene learn, be it good or bad.

mies, and execute by night almost all their plans that are in any way hazardous. The thirst for revenge seems innate in

them ; they are very pertinacious in self-defense, when they cannot escape ; which, under other circumstances, they like to do ; and they make little of death, wheri it is inevitable, and despise

As soldiers, they are far from being honorable, but perfidious and accomplish all their designs by treachery ; they also use many stratagems to deceive their ene learn, be it good or bad.

mies, and execute by night almost all their plans that are in any way hazardous. The thirst for revenge seems innate in

them ; they are very pertinacious in self-defense, when they cannot escape ; which, under other circumstances, they like to do ; and they make little of death, wheri it is inevitable, and despise

Collections of the

New Tork Historical Society, zd Series,

I,

46.

OF HUDSON'S RWER.

all tortures that can be inflicted on them at the stake, exhibiting no faint-heartedness, but generally singing until they are dead. Their clothing is described as having been most sumptuous. The women ornamented themselves more than the men. " All wear around the waist a girdle made of the fin of the whale or

The men originally wore a breech-cloth, made

of sewant."

of skins, but after the Dutch came those who could obtain it wore " between their legs a lap of duffels cloth half an ell broad

and nine quarters long," which they girded around their waists, and drew up in a fold "with a flap of each end hanging down in front and rear." In addition to this they had mantles of feathers, and at a later period duffels cloth

"

decked themselves with " plaid

worn over the

in the form of a sash, which was

of skins, but after the Dutch came those who could obtain it wore " between their legs a lap of duffels cloth half an ell broad

and nine quarters long," which they girded around their waists, and drew up in a fold "with a flap of each end hanging down in front and rear." In addition to this they had mantles of feathers, and at a later period duffels cloth

"

decked themselves with " plaid

worn over the

in the form of a sash, which was

the body, with the ends right shoulder, drawn in a knot around the young men the When knees. down below extending "a band about wore to look wished 'especially attractive, they and of scarlet deer hair, their heads, manufactured braided,

interwoven with

soft

shining red hair."

dress," says Van der Donck,

"

" With this head

they appear like the delineations

and paintings of the Catholic saints," and, he adds, " when a young Indian is dressed in this manner he would not say plum for a bushel of plums.

But this decoration

is

seldom worn

unless they have a young woman in view."

The dress of an Indian belle was more attractive than any which civilized life has produced. Says the writer last quoted, " The women wear a cloth around their bodies, fastened by a their and extends below is as much as an which knees, girdle under coat ; but next to the body, under this coat, they wear a dressed deer skin coat, girt around the waist. The lower

unless they have a young woman in view."

The dress of an Indian belle was more attractive than any which civilized life has produced. Says the writer last quoted, " The women wear a cloth around their bodies, fastened by a their and extends below is as much as an which knees, girdle under coat ; but next to the body, under this coat, they wear a dressed deer skin coat, girt around the waist. The lower

body of this skirt they ornament with great art, and nestle the same with strips which are tastefully decorated with wampum.

The wampum with which one of these skirts is ornamented is frequently worth from one to three hundred guilders. They bind their hair behind in a club of about a hand long, in the

form of a beaver's tail, over which they draw a square cap, which is frequently ornamented with wampum. When they desire to be fine they draw a headband around the forehead,

which is also ornamented with wampum, etc.

This band con-

THE INDIAN TRIBES

and is fastened behind, over the club, in Their head dress forms a handsome and lively

fines the hair smooth,

a beau's knot.

Around their necks they wear various ornaments, which are also decorated with wampum. Those they esteem

appearance.

our ladies do their pearl necklaces. They also wear hand bands or bracelets, curiously wrought, and inter

as highly as

woven with wampum.

Their breasts appear about half covered

with an elegantly wrought dress.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

and is fastened behind, over the club, in Their head dress forms a handsome and lively

fines the hair smooth,

a beau's knot.

Around their necks they wear various ornaments, which are also decorated with wampum. Those they esteem

appearance.

our ladies do their pearl necklaces. They also wear hand bands or bracelets, curiously wrought, and inter

as highly as

woven with wampum.

Their breasts appear about half covered

with an elegantly wrought dress.

They wear beautiful girdles, ornamented with their favorite wampum, and costly ornaments in their ears. Here and there they lay upon their faces black spots of paint.

Elk hide moccasins they wore before the Dutch

came, and they too were most richly ornamented." Shoes and stockings they obtained from the Dutch, and also bonnets.

some extent, in vogue among der Donck, " generally marry Van natives," says but one wife and no more, unless it be a chief who is great Plurality of wives was, to

them.

" The

such frequently have two, three or four wives, j of the neatest and handsomest of women, and who live together

and powerful

Minors did not marry except with the without variance." Widowers and widows advice of their parents or friends. Their marriage ceremonies followed their own inclinations. were very simple.

Young women were not debarred signify

ing their desire to enter matrimonial

life.

When one of them

wished to be married she covered her face with a veil and sat covered as an indication of her desire.

such frequently have two, three or four wives, j of the neatest and handsomest of women, and who live together

and powerful

Minors did not marry except with the without variance." Widowers and widows advice of their parents or friends. Their marriage ceremonies followed their own inclinations. were very simple.

Young women were not debarred signify

ing their desire to enter matrimonial

life.

When one of them

wished to be married she covered her face with a veil and sat covered as an indication of her desire.

If she attracted a

suitor, negotiations were opened with parents or friends, pre sents given and the bride taken. Chastity was an established principle with married females. To be unchaste during wedlock was held to be very disgraceful.

"

Many of the women would prefer death, rather than submit

to be dishonored."

No Indian would keep his wife, however

much he loved her, when he knew she was unchaste.

Divorce

frequently came from disagreements, and was a simple form. The wife was handed her share of the goods and put out of

doors by the husband, and was then free to marry another.

In

cases of separation the children followed the mother, and were

frequently

the

cause of the parents coming together again.

The man who abandoned his wife without cause left her all

OF HUDSON'S RI7ER.

her property, and in like manner the wife the husband's. Foul and impertinent language was despised by them. All romping, caressing and

wanton behavior they spoke of with contempt,

The wife was handed her share of the goods and put out of

doors by the husband, and was then free to marry another.

In

cases of separation the children followed the mother, and were

frequently

the

cause of the parents coming together again.

The man who abandoned his wife without cause left her all

OF HUDSON'S RI7ER.

her property, and in like manner the wife the husband's. Foul and impertinent language was despised by them. All romping, caressing and

wanton behavior they spoke of with contempt,

as indirect alurements to unchastity, and reproved such conduct

The Dutch made wives of many of Netherlanders. them and retained them, refusing to leave them for females of

in the

their own country.

Most of the diseases incident to females of the present day were unknown to them. Before confinement it was their custom to retire to a secluded place near a brook, or stream of water, and prepare a shelter for themselves with mats and covering and food, and await delivery "without the company or aid of any person." After their children were born, and if were males, they immersed them some time especially they in the water, no matter what the temperature, and then swathed them in warm clothing and gave them great attention. Several days after delivery they returned to their homes, but until the was weaned, had no commerce with their husbands,

child

holding it to be disgraceful and injurious to their offspring. In sickness they were very faithful to each other, and when death occurred the next of kin closed the eyes of the deceased.

Before confinement it was their custom to retire to a secluded place near a brook, or stream of water, and prepare a shelter for themselves with mats and covering and food, and await delivery "without the company or aid of any person." After their children were born, and if were males, they immersed them some time especially they in the water, no matter what the temperature, and then swathed them in warm clothing and gave them great attention. Several days after delivery they returned to their homes, but until the was weaned, had no commerce with their husbands,

child

holding it to be disgraceful and injurious to their offspring. In sickness they were very faithful to each other, and when death occurred the next of kin closed the eyes of the deceased.

The men made no noise over the dead, but the women made frantic demonstrations of grief, striking their breasts,

tearing their

and calling the name of the deceased day and night. Their loudest lamentations were on the death of their sons and husbands. On such occasions they cut off their hair and

faces,

burned

it

on the grave

in the presence of all their relatives,

pitch black, and in a deer's skin jerkin mourned the dead a full year. In burying their dead the body

painted

their

faces

was placed in a sitting posture, and beside it were placed a pot, kettle, platter, spoon, money and provisions for use in the other

Wood was then placed around the body, and ,.the whole covered with earth and stones, outside of which palisades were erected, fastened in such a manner that the tomb re sembled a little house. 1 To these tombs great respect was paid, and to violate them was deemed an unpardonable provo world.

was placed in a sitting posture, and beside it were placed a pot, kettle, platter, spoon, money and provisions for use in the other

Wood was then placed around the body, and ,.the whole covered with earth and stones, outside of which palisades were erected, fastened in such a manner that the tomb re sembled a little house. 1 To these tombs great respect was paid, and to violate them was deemed an unpardonable provo world.

cation.

Documentary History of New York, iv, jay.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

Their

or food

fare

"

was poor and

gross,

for," says one

Dutch writer, "they drink water, having no other beverage." " even eat the flesh of all sorts of

They

eagles, and similar trash

game, badgers, dogs, which Christians in no way regard." as well as " and

All sorts of fish were eaten, snakes, frogs Their mode of cooking without removing the en

such like." trails

was not

palatable to the

Dutch.

In addition to their

meats they made bread of Indian meal and baked

it

in

hot

ashes, and make a "pap or porridge, called by some sapsis, by others dundare (literally boiled bread), in which they mixed

beans of different color which they raised." The maize from which their bread and sapsis were made was raised by them selves, and was broken up or ground in rude mortars. They observed no set time for meals. the repast was prepared. their sapsis,

Whenever hunger demanded,

Beavers' tails, the brains offish, and

hot

ashes, and make a "pap or porridge, called by some sapsis, by others dundare (literally boiled bread), in which they mixed

beans of different color which they raised." The maize from which their bread and sapsis were made was raised by them selves, and was broken up or ground in rude mortars. They observed no set time for meals. the repast was prepared. their sapsis,

Whenever hunger demanded,

Beavers' tails, the brains offish, and

ornamented with beans, were

their state

dishes,

They knew how to preserve meat and fish by smoking, and when on a journey or while hunting, At their meals they sat carried with them corn roasted whole.

and highest luxuries.

on the ground. Their occupations were hunting, fishing and war. When not on the war path they repaired to the rivers and caught fish " and or to the forests and hunted deer, fawns, hares and foxes, all

such," says the narrator who adds,

" the

country as

game ;

is

full

of

appears by the

hogs, bears, leopards, yea, lions, The beaver skins which were brought on board."

was most

for its food and fur, but for the highly prized by them, not only

medicinal uses of the oil obtained.

The women made cloth

cultivated the fields of corn, beans ing of skins, prepared food,

and squashes, made mats, etc., but the men never labored until the field, when they remained with they became too old for ''the^women and made mats, wooden bowls and spoons, traps, nets, arrows, canoes, etc. Their houses were for the

for its food and fur, but for the highly prized by them, not only

medicinal uses of the oil obtained.

The women made cloth

cultivated the fields of corn, beans ing of skins, prepared food,

and squashes, made mats, etc., but the men never labored until the field, when they remained with they became too old for ''the^women and made mats, wooden bowls and spoons, traps, nets, arrows, canoes, etc. Their houses were for the

most part built after one plan, They were formed by long, slender differing only in the set ground, in a straight line of two hickory saplings as rows, as far asunder they intended the width to be and conin lengths.

" The crushed corn is daily boiled to a pap which is called suppacn."

OF HUDSON'S RWER. tinued the rows as far as they intended the length to be.

The

poles were then bent towards each other in the form of an

arch and secured together, giving the appearance of a garden arbor. Split poles were then lathed up the sides and roof, and

over this was bark, lapped on the ends and edges, which was A hole was left in kept in its place by withes to the lathings. the roof for smoke to escape, and a single door of entrance

was

provided. Rarely exceeding twenty feet in width, these houses were sometimes a hundred and eighty yards long. " " In those places," says Van der Donck, they crowd a sur prising number of persons, and it is surprising to see them out From sixteen to eighteen families occupied one day."

over this was bark, lapped on the ends and edges, which was A hole was left in kept in its place by withes to the lathings. the roof for smoke to escape, and a single door of entrance

was

provided. Rarely exceeding twenty feet in width, these houses were sometimes a hundred and eighty yards long. " " In those places," says Van der Donck, they crowd a sur prising number of persons, and it is surprising to see them out From sixteen to eighteen families occupied one day."

in open

house, according to its size.

A single fire in the centre served

them all, although each family occupied at night its particular division and mats.

Their castles were strong, firm works, and were usually situated on the side of a steep, high hill, near a stream of water

This plain was with a level plain on the crown of the hill. enclosed with a strong stockade, which was constructed by laying on the ground large logs of wood for a foundation, on both sides of which oak palisades were set in the ground, the

upper ends of which crossed each other and were joined together: a against the rude assaults of rude enemies , these castles were Inside of their walls they not unfrequently had twenty or thirty houses, so that a clan or tribe could be provided safe retreat.

for in winter.

Besides their strongholds, they had villages and

towns which were enclosed or stockaded. The latter usually Near had woodland on one side and corn land on the other. the water sides and at fishing places they not unfrequently had huts for temporary occupancy ; but in the winter they were found in their castles which were rarely, if ever, left altogether.

upper ends of which crossed each other and were joined together: a against the rude assaults of rude enemies , these castles were Inside of their walls they not unfrequently had twenty or thirty houses, so that a clan or tribe could be provided safe retreat.

for in winter.

Besides their strongholds, they had villages and

towns which were enclosed or stockaded. The latter usually Near had woodland on one side and corn land on the other. the water sides and at fishing places they not unfrequently had huts for temporary occupancy ; but in the winter they were found in their castles which were rarely, if ever, left altogether.

*

Their weapons of war were the spear, the bow and arrows, the war club and the stone hatchet, and in combat they pro tected themselves with a square shield made of tough leather.

A snake's skin tied around the head, from the centre of which projected the tail

of a bear or a wolf, and a face not recognizable

from the variety of colors in which it was painted, was their

THE INDIAN TRIBES

Their domestic implements were of very rude construc Fire answered them many purposes and gained for them

uniform. tion.

the name of Fireworkers.

By it they not only cleared lands, but Some

shaped their log canoes and made their wooden bowls.

of their arrows were of elegant construction and tipped with copper, and when shot with power would pass through the body

The more rifle. common arrows were tipped with flint, as well as their spears,

Their domestic implements were of very rude construc Fire answered them many purposes and gained for them

uniform. tion.

the name of Fireworkers.

By it they not only cleared lands, but Some

shaped their log canoes and made their wooden bowls.

of their arrows were of elegant construction and tipped with copper, and when shot with power would pass through the body

The more rifle. common arrows were tipped with flint, as well as their spears,

of a deer as certainly as the bullet from the

and required no

little

patience and skill in their construction.

When they came to obtain guns from the Dutch they were remarkably expert with them. Their money consisted of white and black zewant (wampum), 1

which was " nothing more nor less than the inside little pillars of the conch shells " which the sea cast up twice a year. These

pillars they polished smooth, drilled a hole through the centre, reduced them to a certain size, and strung them on threads.

Gold, silver or copper coins they had none. Their standards of value were the hand or fathom of wampum, and the denotas or bags which they made themselves for measuring and pre Such was their currency and such their only serving corn.

commercial transactions.

To obtain wampum they made war

and took captives for whom they demanded ransom, or made the weaker tribes tributaries to the stronger.

There were two kinds of wampum in

by the Indians, as a standard of value, the purple or black and the white, The purple was made from the interior portions of the vcnus mercenaria, or common

Their standards of value were the hand or fathom of wampum, and the denotas or bags which they made themselves for measuring and pre Such was their currency and such their only serving corn.

commercial transactions.

To obtain wampum they made war

and took captives for whom they demanded ransom, or made the weaker tribes tributaries to the stronger.

There were two kinds of wampum in

by the Indians, as a standard of value, the purple or black and the white, The purple was made from the interior portions of the vcnus mercenaria, or common

early use

The white was wrought out of the conch. Each kind was pillar of the periwinkle. converted into a kind of bead, by being rounded and perforated, so as to admit of being strung on a fibre of deer's sinew, This was replaced linen thread.

after the discovery, by

The article was highly prized

as an ornament, and as

such constituted an

object of traffic between the sea coast and the interior tribes. It was worn around the

neck ; also as an edging for certain pieces of their garments; and when these strings were united, they formed the broad wampum belts by which solemn public transactions were commemorated. As a substitute for gold and silver coin, its price was fixed by law. Three purple beads of

wampum, or six of "white, were equal to a stuyver

among

among

the

the Dutch, or

English.

a

penny

Some

variations, however, existed in its value, according to

neck ; also as an edging for certain pieces of their garments; and when these strings were united, they formed the broad wampum belts by which solemn public transactions were commemorated. As a substitute for gold and silver coin, its price was fixed by law. Three purple beads of

wampum, or six of "white, were equal to a stuyver

among

among

the

the Dutch, or

English.

a

penny

Some

variations, however, existed in its value, according to

A single string of wamtime and place. pum of one fathom, ruled at five shillings in New England, and is known in New Netherland to have reached

as

high as

four guilders, or one dollar and sixty-six The old wampum was made by cents.

hand and was an exceedingly rude article, After the discovery, the Dutch introduced the lathe in its manufacture, polished and perforated it with exactness, and soon had The princithe monopoly of the trade. pal place of its manufacture was at Hackensak, in New Jersey. deposit of sea-shells was

The principal Long

Island,

where the extensive shell banks left by the Indians, in which it is difficult to find a whole shell, show the immense quantities that were manufactured.

O^ HUDSON'S RWER.

They were not skilled in the practice of medicines, notwith They knew how standing the general belief on that subject. to cure wounds and hurts, and treated simple diseases success Their general health was due more to their habits than fully.

knowledge of remedies. Their principal medical treat ment was the sweating bath. These were literally earthen ovens, into which the patient crept, and around which heated stones were placed to raise the temperature. When the patient had remained under perspiration for a certain time he was taken out and immersed suddenly in cold water, a process which served to cure or certainly cause death.

They were not skilled in the practice of medicines, notwith They knew how standing the general belief on that subject. to cure wounds and hurts, and treated simple diseases success Their general health was due more to their habits than fully.

knowledge of remedies. Their principal medical treat ment was the sweating bath. These were literally earthen ovens, into which the patient crept, and around which heated stones were placed to raise the temperature. When the patient had remained under perspiration for a certain time he was taken out and immersed suddenly in cold water, a process which served to cure or certainly cause death. The oil which they obtained from beavers was used in many forms and for many to a

purposes ;

among others for dizziness, for trembling,

for the

rheumatism, apoplexy, for toothache, for for for The weak eyes, earache, gout, and for almost all ills. for lameness," for

Dutch took to this remedy and attached to it great value. As the term is generally understood, they had no religion, but in its place a rude system in which they looked

"

Through nature up to nature's God."

Good and evil spirits they recognized, and to them appealed in Their minister or priest was called kitziIt was his duty to visit the sick and exorcise the evil

sacrifice and fires.

naeka.

spirits ; or, failing, to

see the usual rites for the dead performed.

He had no home of his own, but lodged were it pleased him, was not permitted to eat any food prepared by a married woman, but that only which was cooked " like a by a maiden or an old woman, and altogether lived or where he last officiated ;

Good and evil spirits they recognized, and to them appealed in Their minister or priest was called kitziIt was his duty to visit the sick and exorcise the evil

sacrifice and fires.

naeka.

spirits ; or, failing, to

see the usual rites for the dead performed.

He had no home of his own, but lodged were it pleased him, was not permitted to eat any food prepared by a married woman, but that only which was cooked " like a by a maiden or an old woman, and altogether lived or where he last officiated ;

To the sun, moon and stars they paid particular The first moon following that at the end of Feb They watched its coming and they greatly honored.

Capuchin."

x

attention.

ruary

greeted its advent with a festival, at which they collected from " in their all quarters and reveled way with wild game or fish,"

and drank clear

river water to their

fill.

This was their new

The harvest moon, year or the new moon in August, they also honored with a feast, in ;

this moon the harbinger of spring.

Wassenaar, Documentary History of

Neva York, HI, 28.

THE INDUN TRIBES

acknowledgment of the product of their fields and their success in the chase.

They

fully

recognized the existence of God, who dwelt in a life immortal expected to renew the

beyond the stars, and

But to them God had less to do with

associations of this life. 1

the world than did the devil, who was the principal subject of their fears, and the source of their No expedi earthly hopes. tions of hunting, fishing or war were undertaken unless the devil was first consulted, and to him they offered the first fruits

recognized the existence of God, who dwelt in a life immortal expected to renew the

beyond the stars, and

But to them God had less to do with

associations of this life. 1

the world than did the devil, who was the principal subject of their fears, and the source of their No expedi earthly hopes. tions of hunting, fishing or war were undertaken unless the devil was first consulted, and to him they offered the first fruits

the early writers,

"

" On such

occasions," says one of These act a wonderful part. conjurors

of the chase, or of victory.

tumble, with strange contortions, head over

beat

heels,

them

selves, leap, with a hi

deous noise, through and around a large fire.

Finally they set

up a tremendous cat

when the

erwauling,

devil, as they say, ap

pears in the shape of a ravenous or harmless

animal ; the first be tokens somethingbad, the other good ; both give information re

specting coming events, but obscurely,

which they attribute to

Devil Worship.

the devil's right meaning when For the spiritual they cared nothing ;

ing

ently."

The belief of Maikans regarding the

separation of the soul, is, that

it

goes up

There met with great rejoicing by the others

westward on leaving the body. it is

their

own

igno

rance, not understand matters turn out differ

who

died

previously;

there

they

wear

but directed

black otter or bear skins, which

them are signs of gladness.

among

They have no desire to be with them. Wassenaar. Indians was called This dance of the It was observed on the kintt-kaying.

separation of the soul, is, that

it

goes up

There met with great rejoicing by the others

westward on leaving the body. it is

their

own

igno

rance, not understand matters turn out differ

who

died

previously;

there

they

wear

but directed

black otter or bear skins, which

them are signs of gladness.

among

They have no desire to be with them. Wassenaar. Indians was called This dance of the It was observed on the kintt-kaying.

OF HUDSON'S RIPER.

" study principally to the physical, closely observing the seasons." Their women were the most experienced startheir

gazeVs, scarce one of whom could not name them all, give the time of their rising and their position, etc., in

of their own.

setting, language Taurus they described as the horned head of a big

wild animal inhabiting the distant

country, but not theirs ; that

when it rose in a certain part of the heavens, then it was the season for planting. The firmament was to them an open book wherein they read the laws for their physical well-being, the dial plate by which they marked their years.

They were not without government and laws, although both partook of the nomadic state. They had chief and subordinate Their sachem was rulers, and general as well as local councils. their local ruler and representative.

Their general councils were

composed of the sachems of different

families or

clans.

But

these councils assembled only in case of war, or other matters

In all other respects the tribes or requiring concerted action. clans acted independently, and declared war and made peace without reference to their neighbors, unless the contest was such that assistance was desirable, in which case invitations to alliance were sent out by messengers.

They had chief and subordinate Their sachem was rulers, and general as well as local councils. their local ruler and representative.

Their general councils were

composed of the sachems of different

families or

clans.

But

these councils assembled only in case of war, or other matters

In all other respects the tribes or requiring concerted action. clans acted independently, and declared war and made peace without reference to their neighbors, unless the contest was such that assistance was desirable, in which case invitations to alliance were sent out by messengers.

All obligations acquired

their force from the acceptance of presents.

ments or sending messages they took

as

In making agree

many little sticks as

there were conditions or parties in their proposals. 1

If the con

tracting parties agreed on

all, each party, at the conclusion, laid his presents at the feet of, the other. If the presents be

mutually accepted, the negotiation

is

firmly concluded, but if

not, no further proceedings were had unless the applicant On occasions of im changed the conditions and the presents. a at held the was house of the chief portance, general assembly eve of engaging in expeditions of war or When taken prisoners and hunting. about to suffer torture, they asked permisdance the kintc-kaye. sion to The first dance witnessed by the Europeans was by the savages assembled on the point of land just above Newburgh, which still bears the name of Dans hammer^ or dance chamber. 1 " As to the information which you observe I formerly transmitted to the

not, no further proceedings were had unless the applicant On occasions of im changed the conditions and the presents. a at held the was house of the chief portance, general assembly eve of engaging in expeditions of war or When taken prisoners and hunting. about to suffer torture, they asked permisdance the kintc-kaye. sion to The first dance witnessed by the Europeans was by the savages assembled on the point of land just above Newburgh, which still bears the name of Dans hammer^ or dance chamber. 1 " As to the information which you observe I formerly transmitted to the

governor of New York, concerning the belt and fifteen bloody sticks sent by the Missiosagaes, the like is very common, and the Indians use sticks as well to express the alliance of castles as the number of individuals in a party. These sticks are generally about six inches in length and very slender, and painted red if the subject is war, but without any peculiarity as

to

shape.

Documentary

Neiv York, iv, 437.

History

of

THE INDIAN TRIBES

sachem in order that a full explanation might be made. At these assemblies the will of the sachem was supreme, for al though permitting full debate, mutiny was punished by death. Lands held by them were obtained by conceded original If conquered, original right ceased occupation or by conquest. and vested in the conquerors ; if reconquered, the title returned to its original owners.

This rule they applied also to the

of lands to the Dutch.

sachem in order that a full explanation might be made. At these assemblies the will of the sachem was supreme, for al though permitting full debate, mutiny was punished by death. Lands held by them were obtained by conceded original If conquered, original right ceased occupation or by conquest. and vested in the conquerors ; if reconquered, the title returned to its original owners.

This rule they applied also to the

of lands to the Dutch.

As often as they sold to the latter and

sale

subsequently drove off the settlers, so often was repurchase was not made, cause of grievance and

necessary, and, if it future war remained.

Some respect was paid to the rights of

property, and whenever it was stolen, it was ordered returned. " thieving Although tne reputation attaches that they were a set," yet the fact is that in almost every stated case the Dutch

were the aggressors, the Indians only making reprisals for that of which they had been despoiled. Rank was known among them nobles, who seldom married below their rank, as well as a commonalty. 2 These conditions ;

were hereditary,

for although

one of the commonalty might one

rise to prominence, the sachemship descended as long as any

was found fit to rule, and regents frequently governed in the

name of a minor. The oldest or first of a household or family " with or unto the chief of the nation." it

represented

Military

distinction was conferred by merit without regard to families or

Rank was known among them nobles, who seldom married below their rank, as well as a commonalty. 2 These conditions ;

were hereditary,

for although

one of the commonalty might one

rise to prominence, the sachemship descended as long as any

was found fit to rule, and regents frequently governed in the

name of a minor. The oldest or first of a household or family " with or unto the chief of the nation." it

represented

Military

distinction was conferred by merit without regard to families or

The lowest might become a chief, but the rank died with its possessor, unless his posterity followed in his footsteps, Those of hereditary in which case his titles were transmitted.

birth.

rank, however, were not esteemed, unless they were distin

guished for activity, bravery and understanding, and such they

honored greatly.

Their armies, or warriors, were composed of all their young men, among whom were even boys of fifteen, and were not without some of the forms of organization and discipline known to civilized nations.

"

Each clan or canton had its war chiefs,

Notwithstanding misdemeanors are

not punished, wicked acts are of rare ocStolen property, whenever discurrence.

covered, restored.

is

ordered

by

the chief to be

If any one commit that offense

(stealing) too often, he is stripped bare of his goods." Documentary History t iv,

129; Wasstnaar, Ib. y in, 44. 2 " do not make such this

Though

a distinction

people

between

man and man as

OF HUDSON'S RIVER.

or captains, as the Europeans called them, 1 who stood in rank according to the services by which they had distinguished them selves, the one highest in the qualifications of prudence, cunning,

If any one commit that offense

(stealing) too often, he is stripped bare of his goods." Documentary History t iv,

129; Wasstnaar, Ib. y in, 44. 2 " do not make such this

Though

a distinction

people

between

man and man as

OF HUDSON'S RIVER.

or captains, as the Europeans called them, 1 who stood in rank according to the services by which they had distinguished them selves, the one highest in the qualifications of prudence, cunning,

resolution, bravery, and good fortune, had powers equivalent In times of war, the tribes were to a commanding general.

under rigid martial law; nothing was done without the consent of the war captains ; no warrior could leave the troop without forfeiting

his

honor and the highly esteemed advantages of

promotion.

To begin a war was called "taking up the hatchet," and could not be done without what were regarded as the most The death of a warrior at the important reasons. hands of a neighboring tribe, was not always a cause for war. The murderer could be surrendered or the offense atoned by

just and

presents ; but when a warrior was killed and scalped, or when, as with the Mohawks, the hatchet was left sticking in the head of

the victim, it was regarded as a declaration 6*f war. In such cases the war captains summoned their followers and addressed

" The bones of your murdered countrymen lie un covered they demand revenge at our hands, and it is our duty to obey them their spirits loudly call upon us, and we must satisfy them ; still greater spirits watching over our honor, inspire

presents ; but when a warrior was killed and scalped, or when, as with the Mohawks, the hatchet was left sticking in the head of

the victim, it was regarded as a declaration 6*f war. In such cases the war captains summoned their followers and addressed

" The bones of your murdered countrymen lie un covered they demand revenge at our hands, and it is our duty to obey them their spirits loudly call upon us, and we must satisfy them ; still greater spirits watching over our honor, inspire

them

:

;

;

us with a resolution to go in pursuit of the murderers of our brethren. Let us go and devour them Do not sit inactive !

!

Follow the impulse of your hereditary valor Anoint your Paint your faces hair Fill your quivers Make the woods echo with your voices Comfort the spirits of the deceased, and revenge their blood " The work of preparation for !

!

!

!

!

!

the field

was speedily performed

the weapons of war were

;

collected, a pouch of parched corn and

maple sugar prepared,

Then came the war dance and

and the body painted black. other nations, yet they have high and low

proportion to the number of troops under

and superior chiefs, whose authority remains hereditary in the

his

families;

houses.

inferior

The military

officers

are

disposed of only according to the valorous prowess of each person." Documentary History of New York, iv, 128. captain among the Indians, is what

collected, a pouch of parched corn and

maple sugar prepared,

Then came the war dance and

and the body painted black. other nations, yet they have high and low

proportion to the number of troops under

and superior chiefs, whose authority remains hereditary in the

his

families;

houses.

inferior

The military

officers

are

disposed of only according to the valorous prowess of each person." Documentary History of New York, iv, 128. captain among the Indians, is what

we should call a commander or general,

He

has several subordinate

officers,

in

command.

neither first

elective

The rank of captain is nor hereditary. The

occasion to this appointment is generally a dream, early in life, which a young or his friends interpret as a

man

destiny

for the

office of captain. Jig therefore endeavors to attain the necessary qualifications for this dignity, and to prove his

prowess by feats of valor.

Loskiel.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

war song

and the paths of the forest received the avenging horde, to return to peace only when compelled by necessity or the intervention of mediators. ;

The ceremonies of war and peace were somewhat different when the alliance of one tribe with another was called.

In

such cases an embassy was dispatched bearing a piece of tobacco, a belt of

wampum, and a hatchet with a red handle.

The

tobacco invited a friendly smoke and consideration, the belt described by certain figures the tribe against whom alliance was desired, and the hatchet determined the purpose.

The princi

and the paths of the forest received the avenging horde, to return to peace only when compelled by necessity or the intervention of mediators. ;

The ceremonies of war and peace were somewhat different when the alliance of one tribe with another was called.

In

such cases an embassy was dispatched bearing a piece of tobacco, a belt of

wampum, and a hatchet with a red handle.

The

tobacco invited a friendly smoke and consideration, the belt described by certain figures the tribe against whom alliance was desired, and the hatchet determined the purpose.

The princi

pal captain of the embassy made a speech, on delivering these If the belt was accepted, nothing credentials of his authority.

more was said, that act being considered a solemn promise to lend every assistance ; but if neither the hatchet was lifted up nor the belt accepted, it was understood that the tribe would

remain neutral.

The consideration of the matter was usually

circumspect and slow, and the decision regarded with no

little

reverence.

The lives of prisoners taken in war were rarely spared, ex cept those of women and children, who were treated leniently and adopted by their conquerors to recruit their numbers. Male prisoners were subjected to great torture, usually by fire, and a savage cunning indeed was practiced sufferings of the victims.

in prolonging the

The next of kin was an avenger

and might inflict death on a murderer, provided he was enabled to do so within twenty-four hours. After the lapse of that time the avenger himself was liable to death if death came by Heckewelder gives the following as the war song of the Lenape warriors :

Male prisoners were subjected to great torture, usually by fire, and a savage cunning indeed was practiced sufferings of the victims.

in prolonging the

The next of kin was an avenger

and might inflict death on a murderer, provided he was enabled to do so within twenty-four hours. After the lapse of that time the avenger himself was liable to death if death came by Heckewelder gives the following as the war song of the Lenape warriors :

O poor me Who am going out to fight the enemy, '

!

And know not whether I shall return again,

To enjoy the embraces of my children And my wife.

O poor creature

!

Whose life is not in his own hands,

Prevent their mourning on my account

Grant that

!

may be successful in this

attempt,

That I may slay my enemy, And bring home the trophies of war To my dear family and friends, That we may rejoice together. O take pity on me Give me strength and courage to meet !

my enemy.

Who has no power over his own body,

Suffer me to return again to my children,

But tries to do his duty

To my wife And to my relations Take pity on me and preserve my life, And I will make thee a sacrifice." !

For the welfare of his nation. O thou Great Spirit above !

Take pity on my children And on my wife !

.

!

OF HUDSON'S RIVER. his hand.

A murderer was seldom killed after the first twentyfour hours were passed, but he was obliged to remain concealed ;

But tries to do his duty

To my wife And to my relations Take pity on me and preserve my life, And I will make thee a sacrifice." !

For the welfare of his nation. O thou Great Spirit above !

Take pity on my children And on my wife !

.

!

OF HUDSON'S RIVER. his hand.

A murderer was seldom killed after the first twentyfour hours were passed, but he was obliged to remain concealed ;

meantime his friends endeavored to reconcile the parties, and offered a blood atonement of wampum. If peace was agreed upon it was usually accompanied by the condition that the nearest relatives of the murderer, whether men, women or child ren, on meeting the relatives of the murdered person, must give way to them. But an offense unatoned was unforgiven, and, though years might elapse, vengeance was certain if opportunity offered.

Great

faults

were charged against the Indians, and great when judged from the stand

faults they doubtless possessed

Were the line strictly drawn, point of a different civilization. however, it might be shown that, as a whole, they compared favorably with nations upon whom light had fallen for sixteen hundred years. This at least appears to their credit, that were none who were cross-eyed, blind, hunch-backed or limping ; all were well-fash crippled, lame, in constitution of ioned, strong body, well-proportioned and without blemish. Until touched and warped by wrong treat ment, wherever they were met, whether on the Potomac, the

among them

Were the line strictly drawn, point of a different civilization. however, it might be shown that, as a whole, they compared favorably with nations upon whom light had fallen for sixteen hundred years. This at least appears to their credit, that were none who were cross-eyed, blind, hunch-backed or limping ; all were well-fash crippled, lame, in constitution of ioned, strong body, well-proportioned and without blemish. Until touched and warped by wrong treat ment, wherever they were met, whether on the Potomac, the

among them

there

Delaware, the Hudson, or the Connecticut, they were and generous in their intercourse with the whites.

liberal

More

sinned against than sinning, they left behind them evidences of great wrongs suffered, their enemies being the witnesses.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

*

NATIONAL AND TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS, TOTEMIC CLASSI FICATIONS, POLITICAL RELATIONS, ETC.

HE names and location of the Indian tribes were not ascertained with writers.

clearness

Wassenaar

states

by the early Dutch that

at

the time of

the discovery, and for some years after occupation * by the Dutch, the Maikans or Mabicans, held twenty-five miles on both sides of the river in the vicinity of Fort Orange ; '

that the

Maquas, or Mohawks, resided in the interior ; that Fort Orange was erected on the lands of the Mahicans, whose castle was on the opposite (east) side of the river. De Laet 1625, that the Maquas held the west shore, and Wassenaar concludes with a similar statement ; but if it is

writes in

the discovery, and for some years after occupation * by the Dutch, the Maikans or Mabicans, held twenty-five miles on both sides of the river in the vicinity of Fort Orange ; '

that the

Maquas, or Mohawks, resided in the interior ; that Fort Orange was erected on the lands of the Mahicans, whose castle was on the opposite (east) side of the river. De Laet 1625, that the Maquas held the west shore, and Wassenaar concludes with a similar statement ; but if it is

writes in

considered that the history of the latter was written at different periods extending from 1621 to 1632, his account will be found entirely consistent with itself as well as with De fact's.

South of Fort Orange the classifications of these writers is almost wholly by chieftaincies or cantons. Van der Donck, writing twenty years later, does not appear to have obtained

more definite knowledge than his predecessors.

From information subsequently obtained, however, and es pecially that furnished by treaties and other documentary papers, it would appear that at the time of the discovery the Mahicans

held possession, under sub-tribal organizations, of the east bank

of the river from an undefined point north of Albany to the sea, including Long Island ; that their dominion extended e^st to the Connecticut, where they joined kindred tribes ; that on the

west bank of the Hudson they ran down as far as Catskill, and west to Schenectady ; that they were met on the west by the Mohawks^ and on the south by chieftaincies

held possession, under sub-tribal organizations, of the east bank

of the river from an undefined point north of Albany to the sea, including Long Island ; that their dominion extended e^st to the Connecticut, where they joined kindred tribes ; that on the

west bank of the Hudson they ran down as far as Catskill, and west to Schenectady ; that they were met on the west by the Mohawks^ and on the south by chieftaincies

territory of the

Seventy-five English miles.

OF HUDSON'S RWER.

acknowledging the supremacy of the Mlnsls, a totemic tribe of the Lenni Lenapes, and that the latter extended territory of the thence to the sea, and west to and beyond the Delaware 'river.

Pending the early operations of the Dutch traders, this ori The Mahlcans ginal classification was somewhat changed.

on the west

side of

the river to Van Rensselaer, retaining only a castle at

Cohoes

sold a considerable portion of their lands

falls

and one at Katskill, and admitted the Mohawks to territorial

Although the latter sovereignty north of the Mohawk river. were not in possession by castles and villages, it may be ad mitted tha:, practically, as early as

1630, three great divisions

or nations were represented on the Hudson

:

The iROQyois,

the MAHICANS, and the LENNI LENAPES, or Delawares as they were more modernly known. The first of these nations,- the IROQUOIS, was represented by a tribe called by themselves

Kayingehaga ; by their enemies, the Mahicans, the Maquas ; by the Dutch, Makwaes; by the English, Mohawks, and by the

Although the latter sovereignty north of the Mohawk river. were not in possession by castles and villages, it may be ad mitted tha:, practically, as early as

1630, three great divisions

or nations were represented on the Hudson

:

The iROQyois,

the MAHICANS, and the LENNI LENAPES, or Delawares as they were more modernly known. The first of these nations,- the IROQUOIS, was represented by a tribe called by themselves

Kayingehaga ; by their enemies, the Mahicans, the Maquas ; by the Dutch, Makwaes; by the English, Mohawks, and by the

The IROQUOIS CONFEDERACY 2 was, at this

French Agniers. time,

composed of

five

tribes

under the modern names of

Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas, and Senecas and bore the of Aquinoshioni or Konoshiont, that is, Cabin-makers, or People of the Long House, as applied to their territorial posses sions and national organization. That " long house " subse quently reached from the banks of the Hudson to the shores of

title

Lake Erie, and from the Katskill range to the St. Lawrence the Eastern door guarded by the Mohawks and the western by the Senecas.

The traditions held by the Iroquois respecting their origin and confederate organization^ are that, like the Athenian, they sprung from the earth

itself.

In remote ages they had been falls of the Osh-wah-kee,

confined under a mountain near the

The appellation,

Iroquois, was first applied to them by the French, because they usually began and finished their discourses or palaver with the

word

hiro,

which means either "I say," or "I have said," combined as an affix with the word kong, an exclamation expressing joy or

The traditions held by the Iroquois respecting their origin and confederate organization^ are that, like the Athenian, they sprung from the earth

itself.

In remote ages they had been falls of the Osh-wah-kee,

confined under a mountain near the

The appellation,

Iroquois, was first applied to them by the French, because they usually began and finished their discourses or palaver with the

word

hiro,

which means either "I say," or "I have said," combined as an affix with the word kong, an exclamation expressing joy or

sorrow according long or short." Canada.

was pronounced Garncaus History of

as

it

a

Co/den's History of the Six Nations ; Notes on the Iroquois; Dun-

Schooler affs

lap's Hist. Neiv

History

New

York

fates

& Monitor? s

York; O'Callaghan's Neiv

Netherlands BrodheacTs Neiv York, etc. The Iroquois tribes are classed by Gallatin

in

three

divisions :

eastern,

The eastern conwestern, and southern. sisted of the confederation known as the Five Nations, the western of the

Wy-

THE INDIAN TRIBES

or Oswego river, whence they were released by Tharonhyjagon^

Bidding them go forth to the he guided them to the valley of the Mohawk, and follow

the Holder of the Heavens. east,

ing its stream they reached the Hudson, which some of them descended to the sea. Retracing their steps towards the west,

they originated, in

their

order

and

position,

the

Mohawks^

Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas, Senecas, and Tuscaroras, six nations ; but the Tuscaroras wandered away to the south and settled on

the Cautano, or Neuse river, in North Carolina, reducing the number to five nations. Each of the tribes thus originated was independent of the others, and warred with each

ing its stream they reached the Hudson, which some of them descended to the sea. Retracing their steps towards the west,

they originated, in

their

order

and

position,

the

Mohawks^

Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas, Senecas, and Tuscaroras, six nations ; but the Tuscaroras wandered away to the south and settled on

the Cautano, or Neuse river, in North Carolina, reducing the number to five nations. Each of the tribes thus originated was independent of the others, and warred with each

rounding tribes.

other, as well as with the sur

Tharonhyjagon still remained with the tribes ;

gave them seeds of various kinds, with the proper knowledge for planting them ; taught them how to kill and roast game made the forests free to all the tribes to hunt, and removed

;

obstructions from the streams.

After this he

laid

aside his

divine character and resolved to live with the Onondagas, that he might exemplify the maxims he had taught. For this pur

pose he selected a handsome spot of ground on the southern banks of the lake called Teonto, being the sheet of water now known as Cross lake. 1 Here he built a cabin, and took a wife

of the Onondagas, by whom he had an only daughter, whom he tenderly loved, and most kindly and carefully treated and in The excellence of his character, and his great saga structed. city and good counsels, led the people to view him with venera

tion, and they gave him the name of

pose he selected a handsome spot of ground on the southern banks of the lake called Teonto, being the sheet of water now known as Cross lake. 1 Here he built a cabin, and took a wife

of the Onondagas, by whom he had an only daughter, whom he tenderly loved, and most kindly and carefully treated and in The excellence of his character, and his great saga structed. city and good counsels, led the people to view him with venera

tion, and they gave him the name of

very wise man.

From all

advice, and in this

manner

Hi-a-wat-ha, signifying a

quarters people all

came to him for

power came naturally into his

hands, and he was regarded as the first chief in all the land. Under his teachings the Onondagas became the first among all

They were the wisest counselors, the best the most expert hunters, and the bravest warriors.

the original clans. orators,

andots, or Hurons, and the Attiouandarons, or neutral nation, north, and the Erigas and

Andastes, or Guandastogues (Guyandots), south of Lake Erie ; the southern, of the Tuscaroras, the Tutelos, and the Nottowas, of North Carolina.

The Tuscaroras and Tutelos removed to the 1714 and the latter 1758, and were incorporated in the Five Nations, the former becoming the north, the former in

in

sixth member of the confederacy, l

Schooler afis Notes on the Iroquois, 273.

OF HUDSON'S RIVER.

Hence the Onondagas were early noted among all the tribes for

t

"heir preeminence.

Andastes, or Guandastogues (Guyandots), south of Lake Erie ; the southern, of the Tuscaroras, the Tutelos, and the Nottowas, of North Carolina.

The Tuscaroras and Tutelos removed to the 1714 and the latter 1758, and were incorporated in the Five Nations, the former becoming the north, the former in

in

sixth member of the confederacy, l

Schooler afis Notes on the Iroquois, 273.

OF HUDSON'S RIVER.

Hence the Onondagas were early noted among all the tribes for

t

"heir preeminence.

While Hiawatha was thus living in quiet among the " people

of the hills," the tribes were attacked by a furious and powerful

This enemy ad vanced into the country and laid waste the villages, and slaughtered men, women and children, until the people had no

enemy from the north of the great

lakes.

In this emergency they fled to Hiawatha for advice, who counseled them to call together all " our " said and the the tribes from the heart to oppose the invaders.

east,

west,

for,"

he,

safety is not alone in the club and dart, but in wise counsels." He appointed a place on the banks of the^ Onondaga lake for

the meeting, and thither the chiefs, warriors, and head men forthwith assembled in large numbers, bringing with them their worrien and children.

The council had been waiting for three days, but

as yet

Hiawatha was absent.

Messengers were dispatched to hasten He his attendance, but they found him gloomy and depressed. told them that evil lay in his path, and felt that he should be called to make some great sacrifice ; nevertheless he would attend the council. The talismanic white canoe, in which he always made his voyages, and which the people had learned to reverence, was got out and Hiawatha and his daughter took their

as yet

Hiawatha was absent.

Messengers were dispatched to hasten He his attendance, but they found him gloomy and depressed. told them that evil lay in his path, and felt that he should be called to make some great sacrifice ; nevertheless he would attend the council. The talismanic white canoe, in which he always made his voyages, and which the people had learned to reverence, was got out and Hiawatha and his daughter took their

seats.

Gliding

silently

down

the

deep waters of the

Seneca, the canoe reached the outlet and entered on the placid

Onondaga. As the canoe of the venerated chief appeared, he was welcomed with loud shouts ; but while he was measuring his steps towards the council ground, a long and low sound was heard, and instantly all eyes were turned upward, where a com pact mass of cloudy darkness appeared, which gathered size and velocity as it approached, and appeared to be directed inevitably to fall in the midst of the assembly. Every one fled but

Hiawatha and

his daughter, who calmly awaited the issue. The force of the descending body was like that of a sudden

storm

;

and hardly had Hiawqtha paused, when an immense

bkd, with long distended wings, came down, with a swoop, and crushed the daughter to the earth. The very semblance of a

human being was destroyed in tne remains of the girl, and the

THE INDIAN TRIBES

head and neck of the bird were buried in the ground from the* force of the fall.

The force of the descending body was like that of a sudden

storm

;

and hardly had Hiawqtha paused, when an immense

bkd, with long distended wings, came down, with a swoop, and crushed the daughter to the earth. The very semblance of a

human being was destroyed in tne remains of the girl, and the

THE INDIAN TRIBES

head and neck of the bird were buried in the ground from the* force of the fall.

Hiawatha was inconsolable for several days

;

but at length

took his place in the council and the deliberations opened.

The

of the ablest subject of the invasion was discussed by several the counselors, and various plans proposed to foil enemy. Hia debate, and at its conclusion bade the warriors depart until the next day when he would unfold his plan, which he felt' confident would ensure safety.

watha

listened to

the

The council again met ; and with even more than ordinary attention the people listened to the words of their great chief. Hiawatha counseled them, that " to oppose

these

hordes of

northern tribes singly and alone, would prove certain destruc " tion ; that to oppose them successfully, the tribes must unite in ".one common band of brothers," must have one voice,

one fire, one pipe, and one war club. In the confederacy which he proposed should be formed, the several tribes were assigned the position they were to thereafter occupy ; and, in conclusion,

he urged them to weigh well his words ; that if they should unite in the bond he had proposed, the Great Spirit would smile

northern tribes singly and alone, would prove certain destruc " tion ; that to oppose them successfully, the tribes must unite in ".one common band of brothers," must have one voice,

one fire, one pipe, and one war club. In the confederacy which he proposed should be formed, the several tribes were assigned the position they were to thereafter occupy ; and, in conclusion,

he urged them to weigh well his words ; that if they should unite in the bond he had proposed, the Great Spirit would smile

upon them, and they would be free, prosperous and happy but " if they enslaved, ruined, perhaps rejected it, they would be ;

annihilated forever."

The tribes received the address in solemn silence

;

and the

council closed to deliberate on the plan recommended. As sembling the next day, the union of the tribes into one con

Pending this federacy was discussed and unanimously adopted. Hiawatha, warned by the death of his daughter that his

result,

mission was accomplished, prepared to make his final departure

from

earth.

Before the council dispersed, he recounted the

services he had rendered to his people, and urged

serve the union they had formed.

" If

them to pre

you preserve this," said

u and admit no

foreign element of power, by the admission of other nations, you will always be free, numerous and happy. he,

If other tribes and nations are admitted to your councils, they will sow the seeds of jealousy and discord, and you will become

Before the council dispersed, he recounted the

services he had rendered to his people, and urged

serve the union they had formed.

" If

them to pre

you preserve this," said

u and admit no

foreign element of power, by the admission of other nations, you will always be free, numerous and happy. he,

If other tribes and nations are admitted to your councils, they will sow the seeds of jealousy and discord, and you will become

Remember these words, they are few, feeble and enslaved. The Great the last you will hear from the lips of Hiawatha.

OF HUDSON'S RIVER. Master of breath

calls

me to go.

am

have patiently waited his

As his voice go. ready the ears of the on the burst sweet from ceased, sounds, air, multitude and while all attention was engrossed in the celestial summons.

Farewell."

to

;

melody, Hiawatha was seen, seated in his white canoe, in the mid-air, rising with every choral chant that burst out, till the clouds shut out the sight and the melody ceased. Every war rior now plucked a feather from the great bird as a memorial,

and took their departure. 1

The precise date of the formation of the confederacy cannot, of course, be ascertained.

Pyrlaus,

a missionary

among the

as the result of his investigations, that Mohawks, " one alliance took place age, or the length of a man's states

before

the

white

people

came

into

the country."

the life,

Another

1414 ; while a third confirms the state ment of Pyrlaus. Whatever may have been its date, it was a practical and effective alliance by which the democratic principle, which was the basis of the government of the cantons, was writer fixes the date at

as the result of his investigations, that Mohawks, " one alliance took place age, or the length of a man's states

before

the

white

people

came

into

the country."

the life,

Another

1414 ; while a third confirms the state ment of Pyrlaus. Whatever may have been its date, it was a practical and effective alliance by which the democratic principle, which was the basis of the government of the cantons, was writer fixes the date at

extended to the expression of the national

will.

The general

head had few powers, but the determination of the tribes, in regard to matters in which they had a common interest, when

announced from the general council at Onondaga, carried with The active government was it the united voice of an empire. confined to the tribes or cantons, which were independent states.

Each had its own chiefs, civil and military, and its own council, and was represented in general councils by sachems exercising the power of delegates. These delegates, however, spoke the popular will of the tribes they represented, and to determine not permitted to approve any measure

their action they were

which the

tribe

had not endorsed

by an

unanimous vote.

Indeed, the unanimous principle was the ruling one of the Tribes might declare war and conclude peace, confederacy.

and exercise "*

all

powers of sovereignty on

Schoolcraffs Notes, 278, etc. Schooleraffs Notes, 1 1 8, 1 20,

their

pelled to join it. etc.

"The time when the confederacy was formed is not known, but it was presumed to be of a recent date, and the Oneidas and Cayugas are said to have been comown account,

Indeed, the unanimous principle was the ruling one of the Tribes might declare war and conclude peace, confederacy.

and exercise "*

all

powers of sovereignty on

Schoolcraffs Notes, 278, etc. Schooleraffs Notes, 1 1 8, 1 20,

their

pelled to join it. etc.

"The time when the confederacy was formed is not known, but it was presumed to be of a recent date, and the Oneidas and Cayugas are said to have been comown account,

Those two tribes were

the younger, and the three others the older members of the confederacy." Gallatin.

"The

Oneidas^ and

their children."

Cayugas

Zinxcndorf.

are

THE INDIAN TRIBES

but national or confederated action required the concurrence of the tribes, and hence, when a decision was made, it was

all

clothed with all the power of the most full popular will. 1

There

suffrage among them, and yet females had the power, by adoption, to rescue prisoners from death, and to com

was no female

When so determined by the matrons,

mand a cessation of war.

the braves returned from the conflict without compromiting the

character of the tribe for bravery. But this feature in their to all the common Indian customs was nations. It remains to

shown that they had any forms of government peculiar Their power was in their confederation, themselves.

be to

they apparently differed from other nations only in the number of tribes and in the perpetuity of the organiza

and

in

tion,

this

other nations securing the same results, in case of war,

the braves returned from the conflict without compromiting the

character of the tribe for bravery. But this feature in their to all the common Indian customs was nations. It remains to

shown that they had any forms of government peculiar Their power was in their confederation, themselves.

be to

they apparently differed from other nations only in the number of tribes and in the perpetuity of the organiza

and

in

tion,

this

other nations securing the same results, in case of war,

by temporary alliances. A view of their national council is furnished by Loskiel, who says that in 1745, Spangenberg, one of the Moravian bishops, spent several weeks at Onondaga, and frequently attended its -" The sessions. council-house was built of bark. each side six seats were placed, each containing six persons.

On No one

was admitted besides the members of the council, except a few,

who were particularly honored. rest sat in profound silence,

If one arose to speak, all the

smoking their pipes.

The speaker

uttered his words in a singing tone, always rising a few notes at

the close of each

sentence.

Whatever was pleasing to the word nee, or yes. And

council was confirmed by all with the

the end of each speech, the whole plauding the speaker by calling hobo. at

company joined in ap At noon, two men

entered, bearing a large kettle filled with meat upon a pole across their shoulders, which was first presented to the guests.

A large wooden ladle as broad and deep as a common bowl, hung with a hook to the one might

Whatever was pleasing to the word nee, or yes. And

council was confirmed by all with the

the end of each speech, the whole plauding the speaker by calling hobo. at

company joined in ap At noon, two men

entered, bearing a large kettle filled with meat upon a pole across their shoulders, which was first presented to the guests.

A large wooden ladle as broad and deep as a common bowl, hung with a hook to the one might

and

at

side of the kettle,

with which every

once help himself to as much as he could eat.

The difference between confederated tribal action has many illustrations

feated. In 1763, Johnson did not class the Senecas among the " friendly tribes,"

in the history of the times in which they

and in 1775 ^e English were compelled

It became conspicuous part. very difficult indeed to secure unity of action in favor of the English at different times, and in 1755 it was entirely deto resort to tribal alliances, in view of the

took

a

determination of the council in favor of neutrality,

OF HUDSON'S RIVER.

The whole was conducted in a very decent and quiet manner. Indeed, now and then one or the other would lie flat upon his back and rest himself, and sometimes they would stop, joke and laugh heartily." The second of the national divisions was the

MAHICANS,

called by the Dutch, Maikans, and, by the French missionaries,

" the nine nations of

Mankingansf gathered between Manhattan The several nations composing

determination of the council in favor of neutrality,

OF HUDSON'S RIVER.

The whole was conducted in a very decent and quiet manner. Indeed, now and then one or the other would lie flat upon his back and rest himself, and sometimes they would stop, joke and laugh heartily." The second of the national divisions was the

MAHICANS,

called by the Dutch, Maikans, and, by the French missionaries,

" the nine nations of

Mankingansf gathered between Manhattan The several nations composing

and the environs of Quebec."

the confederacy have never been designated, although certain general divisions appear under the titles of the Mabicans, the Soquatucks, the Horicons, the Pennacooks, the Nipmufks, the

Abenaquis, the Nawaas, the Sequins, and the Wappingers, which, confederated action, may be classed under the generic name

in

Men of the East.

of Abenaqui, or Wapanackki, that is,

The

representative. nation of the confederacy on the Hudson, the Mabican, appears to have taken original position there, and to have sent out subduing colonies .to the south and east, originat

To

the noble stream upon ing other national combinations. which they were found by the Dutch they gave their name, the

Mahicanituck

;

and kindled

their ancient council-fire at

Scho-

To trace

dac, opposite the site of the present city of Albany.

movements prior to the discovery,

tradition and theory be that in the course of presumed may the ages they seized the head waters of the Connecticut, the Housatonic, and the Hudson, and from their inland position their

the noble stream upon ing other national combinations. which they were found by the Dutch they gave their name, the

Mahicanituck

;

and kindled

their ancient council-fire at

Scho-

To trace

dac, opposite the site of the present city of Albany.

movements prior to the discovery,

tradition and theory be that in the course of presumed may the ages they seized the head waters of the Connecticut, the Housatonic, and the Hudson, and from their inland position their

must be blended.

It

a savage horde upon the sea-coast, giving birth to the Pequots and the Narragansetts, and from thence

rolled

overrunning

New

the tribes on the southern part of the peninsula of York and the adjacent islands, and reuniting with the parent stock as

one independent tribe in the position

Muhhekaneeiv

is

the orthography of

the original name as given by Dr. Edwards, for many years among them,

The Dutch called them Mahikanders the French knew them as the Mouri;

gans and Manhingans 5 the English as the Mohiccons, Mohegans, Muhheeckanew, etc. Hubbard, referring to the Pequots, " says that it was commonly reported, about the time when New England was

in

which they were found

by the English," that they, being a more fierce, cruel, and warlike people than the rest of the Indians, came down out of the inland parts of the conplanted

"

tinent,

and by force seized upon the became

goodliest places near the sea, and a terror to all their neighbors."

Indian

Wars, 14. The relationship between the Mahicans and Pequots is so conclusively shown that one must have apparently originated the other.

which they were found

by the English," that they, being a more fierce, cruel, and warlike people than the rest of the Indians, came down out of the inland parts of the conplanted

"

tinent,

and by force seized upon the became

goodliest places near the sea, and a terror to all their neighbors."

Indian

Wars, 14. The relationship between the Mahicans and Pequots is so conclusively shown that one must have apparently originated the other.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

by the Dutch under the names of Wappingers, Montauks and Mahicans.

The tradition which the Mahicans give of their origin states

" The

country formerly owned by the

:

Muhheakunnuk nation,

was situated partly in Massachusetts, and partly in the states of Vermont and New York. The inhabitants dwelt chiefly in little towns and Their chief seat *was on Hudson's villages. river, now it is called Albany, which was called Pempotowwuthut-Muhhecanneuw, or the fire-place of the Muhheakunnuk nation, where their allies used to come on any business whether covenants of their friendship or other matters. etymology of the word Muhheakunnuk, according to

relative

The

to

the

original signification, is great waters or sea, which are constantly in motion, either ebbing or flowing. Our forefathers asserted

that they were emigrants from west-by-north of another country ;

that they passed over great waters, where this and the other country are nearly connected, called Ukhkokpeck ; it signifies

snake water or water where snakes are abundant ; and that they lived by side of a great water or sea, from whence they derive the name of Muhheakunnuk nation. Muhheakunneuw signifies

original signification, is great waters or sea, which are constantly in motion, either ebbing or flowing. Our forefathers asserted

that they were emigrants from west-by-north of another country ;

that they passed over great waters, where this and the other country are nearly connected, called Ukhkokpeck ; it signifies

snake water or water where snakes are abundant ; and that they lived by side of a great water or sea, from whence they derive the name of Muhheakunnuk nation. Muhheakunneuw signifies

a man of Muhheakunnuk tribe.

number.

Muhheakunneyuk is a plural As they were coming from the west they found many

Muh

great waters, but none of them flowing and ebbing like heakunnuk until they came to Hudson's river ; then they said

one to another, this

is

like Muhheakunnuk our nativity.

when they found

And

grain was very plenty in agreed to kindle a fire there and hang a kettle, whereof they and their children after them might dip out their daily refresh that country, they

That before they began to decay, our forefathers in ment. formed us that the Muhheakunnuk nation could then raise about one thousand warriors who could turn out at any emergency." 1

The government of the Mahicans was a democracy. They had a chief sachem, chosen by the nation, upon whom they looked as conductor and promoter of the general welfare. This office was hereditary by the lineage of the wife of the sachem that is, the selection of a successor, on the death of a ;

That before they began to decay, our forefathers in ment. formed us that the Muhheakunnuk nation could then raise about one thousand warriors who could turn out at any emergency." 1

The government of the Mahicans was a democracy. They had a chief sachem, chosen by the nation, upon whom they looked as conductor and promoter of the general welfare. This office was hereditary by the lineage of the wife of the sachem that is, the selection of a successor, on the death of a ;

Massachusetts Historical Society Collectionsy ix,

101.

In some of its parts this

tradition bears the impress of the theories entertained by the early missionaries.

OF HUDSON'S RWER.

sachem, was confined to the female branch of the family. The sachem was assisted by counselors, and also by one hero, one owl,

and one runner ;

the

of the

rest

nation

were called

The sachem, or more properly king,

young men or warriors.

remained at all times with his tribe and consulted their welfare ; he had charge of the mnoti, or bag of peace, which contained the belts and strings used to establish peace and friendship with different

and concluded

nations,

all

treaties

on behalf of his

The counselors were elected, and were called chiefs.

people. Their business

was

to consult with their sacrtem in promoting

the peace and happiness of their people.

The title of hero

was gotten only by courage and prudence in war. When a war-alliance was asked, or cause for war existed with another tribe, the sachem and the counselors consulted, and if they concluded to take up the hatchet, the matter was put in the hands of the heroes for execution. When peace was proposed, the heroes put the negotiations in the hands of the sachem and counselors. The office of owl was also one of merit.

was gotten only by courage and prudence in war. When a war-alliance was asked, or cause for war existed with another tribe, the sachem and the counselors consulted, and if they concluded to take up the hatchet, the matter was put in the hands of the heroes for execution. When peace was proposed, the heroes put the negotiations in the hands of the sachem and counselors. The office of owl was also one of merit.

He must have a strong memory, and must be a good speaker. His business was to sit beside

his

sachem,- and proclaim his

orders to the people with a loud voice ; and also to get up every

morning as soon

them

and arouse the .people, and order

as day-light

to their daily

duties.

The business of runner was to

carry messages, and to convene councils. Precisely what relation the Mahlcans of the Hudson sustained

to the Mohegans under

Uncas, is not known.

Uncas, it

will

be remembered, was a Pequot chief, and as such occupied a district of country between the Thames and the Connecticut, called Mohegoneak. 2

After an unsuccessful conflict with the which he belonged, he fled, with some fifty of his of New London, Groton and Stonington. Stockbridge, Past and Present.

tribe

to

The Pequot and Mohegan

country

and east of the NehanLyme), from Connecticut river

lay to the south ticks

(in to the eastern

boundary

line of the colony, and north-east or north of its northern

boundary

line.

This

tract

be remembered, was a Pequot chief, and as such occupied a district of country between the Thames and the Connecticut, called Mohegoneak. 2

After an unsuccessful conflict with the which he belonged, he fled, with some fifty of his of New London, Groton and Stonington. Stockbridge, Past and Present.

tribe

to

The Pequot and Mohegan

country

and east of the NehanLyme), from Connecticut river

lay to the south ticks

(in to the eastern

boundary

line of the colony, and north-east or north of its northern

boundary

line.

This

tract

was

miles square, and included the counties of New London, Windham,

thirty

and the principal parts of the county of Tolland. The Pequot country proper was principally within three towns jthe

All the tract above this, as far north and been described, was the Mohegan country ; and most, if not all, the towns held their deeds from Uncas or his successors. Dr. Trumbull, in his History the expresses opinion, of Connecticut, that the Pequots and Mohegans were one " tribe and took their names from the Massachusetts place of their situation." east as has

Historical Society Collections, ix, 79.

THE INDUN TRIBES

followers,

to Hartford,

where he formed an

alliance with the

In the subsequent wars between the English

English in 1638.

and the Pequots, he remained faithful to the former, and, when the Pequots were blotted out as a nation, 1 received a portion of its survivors as his reward. He subsequently became one of the most powerful chiefs of the country, and the petted favorite

Trumbull, in his History the expresses opinion, of Connecticut, that the Pequots and Mohegans were one " tribe and took their names from the Massachusetts place of their situation." east as has

Historical Society Collections, ix, 79.

THE INDUN TRIBES

followers,

to Hartford,

where he formed an

alliance with the

In the subsequent wars between the English

English in 1638.

and the Pequots, he remained faithful to the former, and, when the Pequots were blotted out as a nation, 1 received a portion of its survivors as his reward. He subsequently became one of the most powerful chiefs of the country, and the petted favorite

Originally of the same stock ; controlled by the same traditionary hostility to the Mohawks ; influenced by the conflict for jurisdiction between the Dutch

of the English of Connecticut.

and the English "to the Connecticut, it is not at all improbable that he was frequently found sustaining his brethren on the Hfudson, and that they in turn recruited his numbers to some

The organization under Uncas, however, was clearly from that of the Hudson confederacy. 4 The latter were powerful in themselves, and in their recognized confede extent. 3 distinct

rated

allies,

and successfully disputed the prowess of

their

Mohawk rivals. The third of the great divisions or confederations represented on the Hudson was the LENNI LENAPES, a name which they applied to themselves, and which has had various interpretations,

among others, that of original

and unmixed people.

people,

They were also called by [the generic name of Wapanachki,

The organization under Uncas, however, was clearly from that of the Hudson confederacy. 4 The latter were powerful in themselves, and in their recognized confede extent. 3 distinct

rated

allies,

and successfully disputed the prowess of

their

Mohawk rivals. The third of the great divisions or confederations represented on the Hudson was the LENNI LENAPES, a name which they applied to themselves, and which has had various interpretations,

among others, that of original

and unmixed people.

people,

They were also called by [the generic name of Wapanachki,

By the terms of peace which closed the Pequot war, that nation were not to live in their ancient country, nor be called by their ancient name, but to become

The and Mohegans. Narragansetts name of their ancient river was changed to Thames, and their territory was to be considered the property of the English.

Rhode

Island Historical Society Collections, m, 177. "And the identity of name between the Makicans of the Hudson and the

Mobegans of East Connecticut, induces the belief that all those tribes belonged the same stock." Gallatin, n, 34.

to

" The

were appa Pequots and Mohegans rently originally of the same race with the Mohicans, Mohegans, or Mohicanders,

who

Hudson."

lived

on the banks of the

De Forest's History of the In

dians of Connecticut.

" Some Mahicanders are

at Hertford

This fact

cannot be too

in alliance with the

government of that

province ; the Mahicans

of

territory their alliances ;

having in the latter re

spect a nominal representation with the authorities of New York and a positive

were appa Pequots and Mohegans rently originally of the same race with the Mohicans, Mohegans, or Mohicanders,

who

Hudson."

lived

on the banks of the

De Forest's History of the In

dians of Connecticut.

" Some Mahicanders are

at Hertford

This fact

cannot be too

in alliance with the

government of that

province ; the Mahicans

of

territory their alliances ;

having in the latter re

spect a nominal representation with the authorities of New York and a positive

one with Massachusetts. The Mohegans of Connecticut were one of the very few tribes whose organization and subsequent history is a matter of record 5 the Mabicans of the Hudson ante-date all human

knowledge. 6 " The term Lenape" says Schoolcraft,

"

appears to carry the same meaning as inaba, a male, and the word was proba bly used nationally, and with emphasis " I have called in the sense of men."

they do them

them simply Lenapc,

Northern Indians."

selves in most instances."

Nichols,

June

25, 1666; Colonial History , in, 117.

New York

them in their dialect, in the which they occupied, and in

differed from

in consultation with others the rivers and Col.

distinctly

The

Mobegans were an exclusively Eastern Connecticut tribe and recognized.

as

Hcckeiuelder.

OF HUDSON'S RIPER. Men of the

or

East. 1

Their

from

extended

territory

the

KatskiK mountains south to the Potomac, occupying the region watered by the Hudson, the Delaware, 2 the Susquehanna and

The site of their ancient council-fire was at

the Potomac.

them in their dialect, in the which they occupied, and in

differed from

in consultation with others the rivers and Col.

distinctly

The

Mobegans were an exclusively Eastern Connecticut tribe and recognized.

as

Hcckeiuelder.

OF HUDSON'S RIPER. Men of the

or

East. 1

Their

from

extended

territory

the

KatskiK mountains south to the Potomac, occupying the region watered by the Hudson, the Delaware, 2 the Susquehanna and

The site of their ancient council-fire was at

the Potomac.

what is now Philadelphia, on the bank of the Lenapewihituk, or Delaware river Lenape, the term given to themselves, and ituk a geographical equivalent for the English word domain or ;

territory.

According to tradition the Lennl Lenapes resided

handed down from their ancestors, for

many centuries in a very distant American continent. Hav

country, in the western part of the

ing resolved to move eastward, they set out in a body in search of a new home ; and after a long journey and many nights

encampment, (i. e., halts of one year at a place), they reached the Namaesl Sipee (Mississippi), where they fell in with another nation, the Mengwe, or Iroquois, who had also emigrated from a distant country for the same purpose. The region east of the Mississippi was occupied by the Allegewi (Alleghany), a

powerful and partially civilized people, having numerous large towns defended by Regular fortifications and entrenchments. 5

" These

people are known and called

by all the western, northern and some of the southern nations by the name of Wappanachki, which the Europeans have corrupted into Apenaki, Openagi, All these Abenaquis, and Abenakis. names, however differently written, and improperly understood by authors, point to one and the same people, the Lenape, who are by this compound word called People at the rising of the Sun, or as we would say Eastlanders ; and are

people are known and called

by all the western, northern and some of the southern nations by the name of Wappanachki, which the Europeans have corrupted into Apenaki, Openagi, All these Abenaquis, and Abenakis. names, however differently written, and improperly understood by authors, point to one and the same people, the Lenape, who are by this compound word called People at the rising of the Sun, or as we would say Eastlanders ; and are

acknowledged by near forty tribes, whom

we call nations.

All these nations, de

rived

from the same stock, recognize

each

other

as

Wappanachki, among them is a generic name."

which Heckeiu elder.

possessions on the Hudson are clearly defined. Onderis Hocque, one of their chiefs, declared to

Their

territorial

the Esopus clans, at the treaty of 1660 : " Ye must not renew this This quarrel. is not your land There it is our land. ; fore repeat not this, but throw down the Tread it so deeply in the earth hatchet. that it shall never be taken up again."

In the controversy in reference to the Hardenbergh tract, in 1769, one Dr. Shuckburgh stated that he was present at a conference in 1734, in which the chiefs of Schoharie, Seth and Hance, " told the Esopus or Delawares that if they ever attempted to sell lands west of the Kats-

An hills, they would kill them." Oneida Indian, whose father was chief sachem of Oneida, " and their oracle in kill

of

matters

all

In the controversy in reference to the Hardenbergh tract, in 1769, one Dr. Shuckburgh stated that he was present at a conference in 1734, in which the chiefs of Schoharie, Seth and Hance, " told the Esopus or Delawares that if they ever attempted to sell lands west of the Kats-

An hills, they would kill them." Oneida Indian, whose father was chief sachem of Oneida, " and their oracle in kill

of

matters

all

" father often

antiquity," heard his say that the lands on the

east of the Delaware was the property of the River Indians or Delawares." John son Manuscripts,

xvn, 159.

The capital of the nation was subse

quently removed to Shamokin, and from

thence to Wyoming. No value whatever attaches to these traditions.

That which

is

here recited

gives to them a western origin, in face of their eastern name.

"

It is generally believed that the Allcgcwi, or AlleghanS) were of Welsh This belief rests on the supposed origin. voyage of Madoc to this continent in the twelfth century. The Welsh tradition is,

THE INDIAN TRIBES

In this country the Lenape, on their arrival, asked to settle. This request was denied by the Allegewi, but permission was granted to pass through the territory, and seek a settlement

No sooner had they commenced to cross further eastward. the Mississippi, however, than the Allegekui, perceiving the vast numbers of the Lenape, furiously attacked them.

The result of

long and bloody war between the Lenape and their allies the Mengwe, on the one side, and the Allegewi this treachery was a

In this country the Lenape, on their arrival, asked to settle. This request was denied by the Allegewi, but permission was granted to pass through the territory, and seek a settlement

No sooner had they commenced to cross further eastward. the Mississippi, however, than the Allegekui, perceiving the vast numbers of the Lenape, furiously attacked them.

The result of

long and bloody war between the Lenape and their allies the Mengwe, on the one side, and the Allegewi this treachery was a

on the other.

The latter, after protracted contest, rinding them

selves unable to make head against the formidable alliance, and

that their very existence, as a distinct tribe, was threatened, their ancient seats and fled down the Mississippi,

abandoned

Of course, their

from whence they never again returned. lands were divided by the conquerors.

the some say for several centuries For a long period both nations and in and dwelt peace together, Mengwe Lenape At length some of the more rapidly increased in numbers. the of and warriors crossed the huntsmen enterprising Lenape

mountains, pursued their travels near to the great salt-water lake the great river (Delaware). Going (Atlantic), and discovered

on

still

further eastward

through the Sheyickbi country, they

came to another great stream

(the

On their return

Hudson).

home they gave so flattering an account of the excellence and richness of the regions thus discovered, as to induce the general belief that this was the land which the Great Spirit designed for that Madoc's part of

mountains, pursued their travels near to the great salt-water lake the great river (Delaware). Going (Atlantic), and discovered

on

still

further eastward

through the Sheyickbi country, they

came to another great stream

(the

On their return

Hudson).

home they gave so flattering an account of the excellence and richness of the regions thus discovered, as to induce the general belief that this was the land which the Great Spirit designed for that Madoc's part of

company landed on some

New England or Virginia, and in

occupy the aboriginal

foreground

history, were

of

our remote noble

a valiant,

process of time spread over a great part of The investigations showing America.

and populous race, who were advanced in arts and the policy of government and

the existence of 'white people in the valley of the Mississippi, and that they were of

raised

Welsh origin, are very interesting. This people spoke the Welsh language to a considerable extent, and claimed Welsh For more than a century and a half, the existence of this people in the interior of our country, has been traced." " TTatcs and Moulton. They occupied a large portion of the western area of the State of New York, comprising the valley of the Alleghany river to its utmost source, and extending eastwardly an undefined Our authorities do not leave distance. origin.

us in doubt, that this ancient people, who

fortifications

for

their

defense,

which are extended over the entire Misas

as

latitude 43,

high sissippi valley, and the lake country, reaching from Lake St. Clair to tario,

This people spoke the Welsh language to a considerable extent, and claimed Welsh For more than a century and a half, the existence of this people in the interior of our country, has been traced." " TTatcs and Moulton. They occupied a large portion of the western area of the State of New York, comprising the valley of the Alleghany river to its utmost source, and extending eastwardly an undefined Our authorities do not leave distance. origin.

us in doubt, that this ancient people, who

fortifications

for

their

defense,

which are extended over the entire Misas

as

latitude 43,

high sissippi valley, and the lake country, reaching from Lake St. Clair to tario,

the south shore of Lake Onand the country of the Onondagas

and Oneidas."

Schooleraft.

Priest traces

the Allegeivi from the lake country to the " vale of Mexico, where they finally

and permanently rested," and where they assumed the name of Aztecas, or people of the lakes. is

"

The course of migration

marked by the mounds where they rested," or dwelt

journey.

temporarily on their

American Antiquities.

OF HUDSON'S RIVER.

/

their

Though emigrating at first in small

permanent abode.

numbers, the great body of the nation at last settled on the four great rivers, Delaware, Hudson, Susquehanna and Potomac, and kindled their council-fire in the centre of their possessions.

Here they became

so

numerous that their descendants were

compelled to separate from them in branches, so that nearly a title forty tribes honored them with the title of grandfather -,

American Antiquities.

OF HUDSON'S RIVER.

/

their

Though emigrating at first in small

permanent abode.

numbers, the great body of the nation at last settled on the four great rivers, Delaware, Hudson, Susquehanna and Potomac, and kindled their council-fire in the centre of their possessions.

Here they became

so

numerous that their descendants were

compelled to separate from them in branches, so that nearly a title forty tribes honored them with the title of grandfather -,

which some of them continue to apply to the present day. 2 In the government of the Lenapes the perfect liberty of the people was the fundamental law, and absolute unanimity the more per only recognized expression of the popular will. fect system of checks and balances the wisdom of civilized

nations has not devised;

They were divided in three tribes, the

Unami, the Unalachto, and the Minsi, or the Turtle, the Turkey, and the Wolf. Each tribe had its chief and each chief his counselors, the latter composed either of experienced warriors or aged and respectable fathers of families. In times of peace

nothing could

be done

without the

The

consent of the

council

were required to keep unanimously expressed. and to in all decide good order, quarrels and disputes ; but they had no power to command, compel, or punish ; their only mode chiefs

of government was persuasion and exhortation, and in departing from that mode they were deposed by the simple form of for saking them.

The constant restraint which they were under

In times of peace

nothing could

be done

without the

The

consent of the

council

were required to keep unanimously expressed. and to in all decide good order, quarrels and disputes ; but they had no power to command, compel, or punish ; their only mode chiefs

of government was persuasion and exhortation, and in departing from that mode they were deposed by the simple form of for saking them.

The constant restraint which they were under

made them, in general, the most courteous, affable and hospita ble of

men.

Their legislative hall was usually in a building for that purpose ; the counselors were called together provided by a servant ; and tobacco,

in the centre of the room a large fire was kindled,

pipes, and provisions provided, and the matter under consideration disposed of after alternate smoking, eating and deliberation, but with the utmost gravity. In national matters the chief of the Unami was first in rank

and constituted- the head or king.

For this reason, while he must be a member of that tribe, the selection of his successor,

in case of his death,

was made by the ruling chiefs of the other

The tribes acknowledging this relation

the Lenni Lenapes with the title of Mochomes, that is to say, their grandfather, and were received with the addressed

appellation of Noochivissak or my grandchildren. Yates and Moulton.

Schoolcraft admits that there is some reason to acquiesce, " to a certain extent,"

THE INDIAN TRIBES

He was required to maintain the peace and covenants other with nations, and to that end to carry on a kind of corre tribes.

The tribes acknowledging this relation

the Lenni Lenapes with the title of Mochomes, that is to say, their grandfather, and were received with the addressed

appellation of Noochivissak or my grandchildren. Yates and Moulton.

Schoolcraft admits that there is some reason to acquiesce, " to a certain extent,"

THE INDIAN TRIBES

He was required to maintain the peace and covenants other with nations, and to that end to carry on a kind of corre tribes.

spondence with them that he might always be acquainted with their disposition towards his people.

He also sent out embassies, He was liable

with the advice and consent of the other chiefs.

case of neglect of duty, or for suffering any of his people to commit offenses which might involve the nation in to

removal

war.

in

being admonished of his duty he was still neg his power was at an end.

after

If,

lectful of it,

he was forsaken and

National councils were a duplication of tribal councils, except that they were composed of representatives selected by the chiefs and counselors of the tribes and their assemblage held at

In times of war the powers of the civil government

the capital.

were suspended. consent of his

A chief could not declare war without the

captains',

nor could he accept a war-belt except

to transmit it to them, and finally, the captains could not declare war was formally war unless by unanimous assent.

When

declared, the care of the people passed into the hands of the

National councils were a duplication of tribal councils, except that they were composed of representatives selected by the chiefs and counselors of the tribes and their assemblage held at

In times of war the powers of the civil government

the capital.

were suspended. consent of his

A chief could not declare war without the

captains',

nor could he accept a war-belt except

to transmit it to them, and finally, the captains could not declare war was formally war unless by unanimous assent.

When

declared, the care of the people passed into the hands of the

When terms of peace were proposed, civil govern

captains.

ment was resumed

the chief again took his place ; the captains ; the proposals in his hands, and he had power to accept placed If he accepted the proposals, he took the or reject them.

hatchet

from the hands of the chief captain, and desired him This constituted a truce, and was followed by the

to sit down.

All the appointment of embassadors to conclude a treaty. the gravest demeanor, and proceedings were accompanied by

" the most impressive dignity. stranger could councils without a sensation of respec t."

No

visit their

x

Law and justice, as civilized nations understand those terms, were to them unknown, yet both they had in a degree

suited to

Assaults, murders, and other acts regarded as criminal offenses by all nations, were so regarded by them,

their

necessities.

was vested- in the injured constituted judges as well as executioners,

All the appointment of embassadors to conclude a treaty. the gravest demeanor, and proceedings were accompanied by

" the most impressive dignity. stranger could councils without a sensation of respec t."

No

visit their

x

Law and justice, as civilized nations understand those terms, were to them unknown, yet both they had in a degree

suited to

Assaults, murders, and other acts regarded as criminal offenses by all nations, were so regarded by them,

their

necessities.

was vested- in the injured constituted judges as well as executioners,

but the execution of punishment family, who were

the claim to antiquity and their ancient position, in the great Algonquin He says " It family of the Lenapcs. is believed that there are no members of in both

:

this

generic

family of tribes,

certainly

none of the existing tribes in the north and west, who are known to us personally, who do not acknowledge the ancient Lenapes under the title of grandfather."

OF HUDSON'S RWER.

and who could grant pardons or accept atonements. The rights of property they understood and respected ; and half their wars

were retaliatory for the taking of their territory without making There was not a man among just and proper compensation. them that did not know the bounds of his own land as accu Their customs were their unwritten laws, more effective than those which fill

rately as though defined by a surveyor's chain.

the tomes of civilized governments, because taught to the people

from infancy and woven into every condition and necessity of Their chiefs were poor and without revenue, yet

were retaliatory for the taking of their territory without making There was not a man among just and proper compensation. them that did not know the bounds of his own land as accu Their customs were their unwritten laws, more effective than those which fill

rately as though defined by a surveyor's chain.

the tomes of civilized governments, because taught to the people

from infancy and woven into every condition and necessity of Their chiefs were poor and without revenue, yet

their being.

A more perfect

the treasury of the nation was never exhausted.

democracy will never exist among the nations of the earth, and in this respect it was distinguished from the government of the Iroquois, the latter more nearly resembling a republic from the greater number of tribes represented in national councils, but in

other respects scarcely presenting a single contrasting feature.

The names given to the Lenape tribes were from their totems. Each Indian nation was not only divided into tribes and chief taincies or family clans, but had peculiar totemic classifications.

Totems were rude but distinct devices or family symbols, denot consanguinity, and were universally respected. were painted upon the person of the Indian, and again They on the gable end of his cabin, " some in black, others in red."

ing

original

The wandering savage appealed to his totem, and was entitled to the hospitality of the wigwam which bore the corresponding em blem. They had other and various uses, but the most important was the representation which they made of the tribe or family to which they The belonged or were made the emblems. Iroquois had nine, forming two divisions, one of four tribes and the other of five. Of the first division the emblems were

The wandering savage appealed to his totem, and was entitled to the hospitality of the wigwam which bore the corresponding em blem. They had other and various uses, but the most important was the representation which they made of the tribe or family to which they The belonged or were made the emblems. Iroquois had nine, forming two divisions, one of four tribes and the other of five. Of the first division the emblems were

the Wolf, the Bear, and the Beaver. The second division, and subordinate to the first, were the Deer, the

the Tortoise,

Potatoe, the Great Plover, the Little Plover, and the Eagle. The Mohawks were represented by the totem of the Bear. 1

The Lenni Lenapes had three totemic tribes

The Mohawk sachems who presented

their condolence at Albany, in 1690, the taking of Schenectady, said : "

on

We

are all of the race of the bear,

and the

:

the Turtle, or

bear you know never yields while one must all be drop of blood is left.

We

bears."

Schoolcraft.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

Unami ; * the Turkey, or Unalachto, and the Wolf,

or Minsi.

The totems of the Mabicans were the Bear, 2 the Wolf, and the The Turkey and Turtle tribes occupied the seaTurtle. coast and the

south-western shore of the Hudson, while the

Wolf or Minsi, being much the most warlike of the three, served as a sort of shield to their more peaceful brethren, and watched the movements of the Mengwe or Iroquois. Their to the head territory extended from the Katskill mountains waters of the Delaware and Susquehanna rivers, and was bounded on the east by the Hudson their council-fire was The Turkey tribe joined the Mlnsi on lighted at Minisink. ;

south-western shore of the Hudson, while the

Wolf or Minsi, being much the most warlike of the three, served as a sort of shield to their more peaceful brethren, and watched the movements of the Mengwe or Iroquois. Their to the head territory extended from the Katskill mountains waters of the Delaware and Susquehanna rivers, and was bounded on the east by the Hudson their council-fire was The Turkey tribe joined the Mlnsi on lighted at Minisink. ;

On the west bank Stony point. of the river, therefore, there were but two totemic Lenape tribes. Above the Minsi came the Mabican totem of the Wolf, and on

the south somewhere about

the east bank the Bear of that nation.

Below the Mohicans

from Roeloff Jansen's kill to the sea, the Wolf again appeared as the totem of the Wappingers ; while the Montauks bore the

emblem of the Turtle. 4 The prevailing totem of all the Hudson river cantons was the Wolf, borne alike by Minsis, Wappingers and Mahicans^ leading the French to call them all Loups or wolves, and affording Mr. Schoolcraft the basis for his

" The Turtle

tribe,

among the Lenapes, claims^ a superiority

and ascendancy

over the others because of their relation to the great tortoise, a fabled monster, the Atlas of their mythology, who bears, according to their traditions, this great island, as they term the world, on his back} and also superior because he is fates and Moultons Hisamphibious." Politically the Turtle and Turkey tory. tribes were associated in the same government, while the Minsis had a distinct

" The Turtle

tribe,

among the Lenapes, claims^ a superiority

and ascendancy

over the others because of their relation to the great tortoise, a fabled monster, the Atlas of their mythology, who bears, according to their traditions, this great island, as they term the world, on his back} and also superior because he is fates and Moultons Hisamphibious." Politically the Turtle and Turkey tory. tribes were associated in the same government, while the Minsis had a distinct

their protection, watching the motions of

the Meng<we, and being at hand to afford their aid in case of rupture with

The Minsi were

considered

the

them. most

warlike and active branch of the Lenape. They extended their settlements from the Minisink, a place named after them,

where they had

their

council seat and

quite up to the Hudson 5 and to the west, or southwest, far^beyond the Susquefire,

hanna 5

They appear to have been in occupation

their northern boundaries were supposed originally to be the heads of the great rivers Susquehanna and Delaware, and their southern .boundaries that ridge of hills known in New Jersey by the name of Muskanecum, and in Pennsylvania, by those of Lehigh, Coghnewago,

in the vicinity of Albany.

etc."

organization.

"The Bear tribe was considered the

leading totem and entitled to the office Mahican Tradition, of chief sachem."

The location was about ten miles south of Maghackemek, in the present " The third state of New Jersey. tribe, the Wolf, commonly called the Minsi, which we have corrupted into Monscys, had chosen to live back of the two other and formed a kind of bulwark for

their northern boundaries were supposed originally to be the heads of the great rivers Susquehanna and Delaware, and their southern .boundaries that ridge of hills known in New Jersey by the name of Muskanecum, and in Pennsylvania, by those of Lehigh, Coghnewago,

in the vicinity of Albany.

etc."

organization.

"The Bear tribe was considered the

leading totem and entitled to the office Mahican Tradition, of chief sachem."

The location was about ten miles south of Maghackemek, in the present " The third state of New Jersey. tribe, the Wolf, commonly called the Minsi, which we have corrupted into Monscys, had chosen to live back of the two other and formed a kind of bulwark for

tribes,

Hcckeiuelder.

The

classification

is

not

positive,

There were other than the Turtle totem on the island. 6 " Mohcgan is a word, the meaning of which is not explained by the early writers ;

but if we

may trust the deductions

of philology, it needs create

little

uncer-

OF HUDSON'S RIPER.

argument that the name of the Mahican confederacy was from its prevailing totemic emblem. For dividing the territory of the Mahlcans at RoelofF Jansen's kill, and again at Long Island, there is other than totemic au In regard to the former, the affidavit of King Nimham is on record, under date of October 13, 1730, in which it

thority.

is

stated that the deponent was

"a River Indian of the tribe of

the Wappinots, which tribe was the ancient inhabitants of the eastern shore of Hudson's river, from the city of New York to

For dividing the territory of the Mahlcans at RoelofF Jansen's kill, and again at Long Island, there is other than totemic au In regard to the former, the affidavit of King Nimham is on record, under date of October 13, 1730, in which it

thority.

is

stated that the deponent was

"a River Indian of the tribe of

the Wappinots, which tribe was the ancient inhabitants of the eastern shore of Hudson's river, from the city of New York to

about the middle of Beekman's patent," in the northern part of the present county of Dutchess ; " that another tribe of River Indians called the Mayhiccondas were the ancient inhabitants

of the remaining eastern shore of said river ; that these two tribes constituted one nation." The testimony in regard to the

Montauks is not so clear and positive, but

is

sufficiently so to

indicate their status at the time of the discovery, whatever

maps the

island

is

assigned to the

may

On the earliest

have been their subsequent political relations. Mahicans.

DeRasieres,

writing in 1626, states that its occupation was then by the "old the Manhattans," and intimates that they were conquered

"by

Wappenos." x

penos,

or

While all the eastern Indians were called WapWapenacki, the reference,

in

this

instance,

is

clearly specific, not general, and evidently refers to the Wappinoo

or Wappinger branch of the Mahicans, who, whatever tainly.

In the Mohegan,

as

spoken at

the present time by their lineal descendof Wisconsin, ants, the Stockbridges

Maihtshoiv is the name of the wolf.

writing in 1626, states that its occupation was then by the "old the Manhattans," and intimates that they were conquered

"by

Wappenos." x

penos,

or

While all the eastern Indians were called WapWapenacki, the reference,

in

this

instance,

is

clearly specific, not general, and evidently refers to the Wappinoo

or Wappinger branch of the Mahicans, who, whatever tainly.

In the Mohegan,

as

spoken at

the present time by their lineal descendof Wisconsin, ants, the Stockbridges

Maihtshoiv is the name of the wolf.

common

It is called, in the cognate dialects

of the Algonquin, Myegan by the Kenistenos, and Myeengun by the Chippewas, In the old Algonquin, as given by etc. La Hontan, it is Mahingan, and we perceive that this was the term adopted by the early French writers for the MoheThe term itself, it is to be undergans.

may have

wolf, or a wolf of supernatural power, This was the badge of arms of the tribe, rather than the name of the tribe itself." Schooler aft. Compare with the statement of Capt. Hendrick, quoted ante, p. 42.

Their various tongues may be classed into four distinct languages, namely, Manhattan, Minqua, Savanoo and Wappanoos. With the Manhattans we include those

who live in the neighboring places along the North river, on Long Island, and at the Neversink ; with the Minquas, we stood, by which the tribe is known to us, is not the true Indian, but has been include the Senecas, the Maquas, and shorn of a part of its true sound by the other inland tribes. The Savanoos are early French, Dutch and English writers, '^the southern nations and the Wappanoos The modern tribe of the Mohegans, to the eastern. Van der Donck, N. T. Hist. whom allusion' has been made, called Soc. Coll., ad Series, i, zo6; Wassenaar, themselves Muhhekanleiv . * * Mohcgan Doc.

who live in the neighboring places along the North river, on Long Island, and at the Neversink ; with the Minquas, we stood, by which the tribe is known to us, is not the true Indian, but has been include the Senecas, the Maquas, and shorn of a part of its true sound by the other inland tribes. The Savanoos are early French, Dutch and English writers, '^the southern nations and the Wappanoos The modern tribe of the Mohegans, to the eastern. Van der Donck, N. T. Hist. whom allusion' has been made, called Soc. Coll., ad Series, i, zo6; Wassenaar, themselves Muhhekanleiv . * * Mohcgan Doc. Hist., in, 46. was a phrase to denote an enchanted

THE INDUN TRIBES

*

been their origin, seized the southern part of the peninsula and adjacent islands, and established themselves in the Highlands. Long anterior to Nimham's affidavit, however, the Montauks

were severed from the Mahicans, and became tributaries to the Dutch and to the English.

The original supremacy of the IROQUOIS CONFEDERACY is assumed by almost every writer of Indian history. "From their ancient fortresses," says one of their ardent but not alto gether truthful admirers, "war parties continually went forth ; their war-cry sounded from the lakes to the far west, and rolled

along the banks of the Mississippi and over the far-off fields of the south. They defeated the Hurons under the very walls of

Quebec, put out the council-fires of the Gakkwas and the Eries* eradicated the Susquehannocks 2 and placed the Lenapes, under tribute. The terror of their name went wherever their war canoes paddled, and nations trembled when they heard the name of Konoshioni." Another asserts that "long before

"From their ancient fortresses," says one of their ardent but not alto gether truthful admirers, "war parties continually went forth ; their war-cry sounded from the lakes to the far west, and rolled

along the banks of the Mississippi and over the far-off fields of the south. They defeated the Hurons under the very walls of

Quebec, put out the council-fires of the Gakkwas and the Eries* eradicated the Susquehannocks 2 and placed the Lenapes, under tribute. The terror of their name went wherever their war canoes paddled, and nations trembled when they heard the name of Konoshioni." Another asserts that "long before

European discovery, the question of savage supremacy had been " Cahohatatea ; that the " invinci " " In ble arms of the humbled native foe." settled on the waters of the

every

Iroquois

view of the undeniable

is not a single wellattested case of subjugation by the Iroquois until nearly half a " European discovery," these fulsome panegyrics century after

fact that there

may very properly be subjected to analysis. While conceding

to

the Iroquois, and to their immediate

representative on'the Hudson, the Mohawks, much of the credit

which has been claimed

for them, justice to other nations will

compel the acknowledgment that the former were aided in their conquests and preserved in their integrity to a very great extent by their early alliances with the Europeans, and especially by

New

their constitution, by the English of York, as an armed tribes and the unarmed over ; further, that there is scarce police

the Iroquois, and to their immediate

representative on'the Hudson, the Mohawks, much of the credit

which has been claimed

for them, justice to other nations will

compel the acknowledgment that the former were aided in their conquests and preserved in their integrity to a very great extent by their early alliances with the Europeans, and especially by

New

their constitution, by the English of York, as an armed tribes and the unarmed over ; further, that there is scarce police

a recorded conquest by them that

The Eries were seated on the southern

is

not tinged by the unmisbeen the same with the Erics ; by others

shores of the lake which still bears their f that they were subsequently the Hurons. name. Schoolcraft. only know that they were

known

as

We

an Iroquois tribe, and that they were de-

The GabGallatin. stroyed in 1655. favas, or Kakkwahs, were also an Iroquois tribe,

and are supposed by some to have

a

The Susquehannocks were seated on

the Susquehanna river and Chesapeake

They were defeated, in conflict with the English, at their fort near Cobay.

OF HUDSON'S RIPER.

takeable fact that the subjugated tribe was contending against civilized as well as In their early wars the Dutch savage foes.

took no part, except to exchange for their furs the munitions of war which they wanted, and to cultivate with them, for the pur poses of trade, peace and friendship. To both, this friendly inter course was desirable, and to both a necessity. When* the

They were defeated, in conflict with the English, at their fort near Cobay.

OF HUDSON'S RIPER.

takeable fact that the subjugated tribe was contending against civilized as well as In their early wars the Dutch savage foes.

took no part, except to exchange for their furs the munitions of war which they wanted, and to cultivate with them, for the pur poses of trade, peace and friendship. To both, this friendly inter course was desirable, and to both a necessity. When* the

English came in possession of the province, the wars in which the Indians had taken part and were then engaged, the alliances

which they had formed with the French, and the positions which they respectively occupied, made an alliance with the Iroquois but the perfection of a condition of things which had had the

growth of over half a century, and which were destined to still further development.

This fact appears more clearly in connection with contempo raneous events. The settlement of Canada was commenced by Henry IV to Pierre du Gast. In 1609, the year in which Hudson ascended the Mahicanituck,

in 1604, under a patent granted

Champlain discovered the lake which now bears his name. At the Mohawks were at war with the northern tribes, and by the mere force of the circumstances under which he was placed, he formed an alliance with the latter, even agree The first result of ing to assist them against their enemies. this alliance was at a meeting of war parties of the Mohawks and Hurons on Lake Champlain at which the former were

in 1604, under a patent granted

Champlain discovered the lake which now bears his name. At the Mohawks were at war with the northern tribes, and by the mere force of the circumstances under which he was placed, he formed an alliance with the latter, even agree The first result of ing to assist them against their enemies. this alliance was at a meeting of war parties of the Mohawks and Hurons on Lake Champlain at which the former were

this time

defeated, mainly perhaps by the power of the French arque buses. 1 From that period the tide of Algonquin success rolled lumbia, with the loss of several hundred

out into the lake from the west side."

warriors, and in this weakened state were

By agreement, hostilities were suspended until the next morning, when the Hurons Running to within two

conquered by the Oneidas and incorpoWhen they had forgotten their language they were sent back to the Susquehanna and became

rated with that tribe.

known as the Conestogas.

led the attack.

hundred

x

aoo Hurons, were engaged

water, both parties hurried to the shore,

where they pitched for battle.

The Mohawks hastily entrenched themselves with trees " at the which runs of a point

cape

enemy,

The sudden ap pearance of the Frenchmen, and the peculiarity of their arms, produced extreme astonishment in the Mohawk ranks ; but

in

exploring Lake Champlain, when a party of hostile Mohawks appeared. As the Indian practice was against fighting on the

front of their

aoo Hurons, were engaged

water, both parties hurried to the shore,

where they pitched for battle.

The Mohawks hastily entrenched themselves with trees " at the which runs of a point

cape

enemy,

The sudden ap pearance of the Frenchmen, and the peculiarity of their arms, produced extreme astonishment in the Mohawk ranks ; but

in

exploring Lake Champlain, when a party of hostile Mohawks appeared. As the Indian practice was against fighting on the

front of their

his men in the centre.

This battle was fought on the mornChamplain ing of the 30th July, 1609. with four of his men, and accompanied by some

feet in

they stopped and divided into bands on the right and left, leaving Champlain and

Gallatin.

what was

.

their dismay when the first arquebuses fell upon their and ears, they beheld two of their chiefs fall dead and a third dangerously wounded, The contest was of short duration. The Mohaiuks broke and fled. Many were Not killed, and some taken prisoners.

report of the

THE INDIAN TRIBES

along the northern frontiers of the Iroquots, and carried terror

Onondagas* Obtaining arms and powder from the Dutch, the confederacy recovered its position, and in turn harassed the French and their Indians in wars which were into the ranks of the

yet open when the jurisdiction of the Dutch was exchanged for that 6f the English.

That the Dutch were neutrals is evident from their treaties Their first settlement was among the Mahicans at what is now Albany, and their intercourse was mainly,

along the northern frontiers of the Iroquots, and carried terror

Onondagas* Obtaining arms and powder from the Dutch, the confederacy recovered its position, and in turn harassed the French and their Indians in wars which were into the ranks of the

yet open when the jurisdiction of the Dutch was exchanged for that 6f the English.

That the Dutch were neutrals is evident from their treaties Their first settlement was among the Mahicans at what is now Albany, and their intercourse was mainly,

with the Indians.

if not entirely, with that

nation until 1623, when it is stated, the

Mahicans, Mohawks^ Oneidas, Onondagas^ Cayugas^ and Senecas, " far off Ottawa " and made cove Indians," came " nants of friendship with them, bringing to commander Joris " of beaver and other peltry, and desired that they great presents

as well as the

might come and have constant free trade with them, which was concluded upon." 2 It is not to be presumed that the nations

named were present at one time, for they were not at peace with each other ; there is no mention made by the Dutch histo rians of any acknowledgment of subjugation by any of the tribes,

so minutely described in one of the early histories of

New York, 3

and accepted apparently without examination by subsequent The deducible fact is that none of the tribes were writers. granted special privileges, and that there was not the slightest distinction made between them in the terms of the compact.

named were present at one time, for they were not at peace with each other ; there is no mention made by the Dutch histo rians of any acknowledgment of subjugation by any of the tribes,

so minutely described in one of the early histories of

New York, 3

and accepted apparently without examination by subsequent The deducible fact is that none of the tribes were writers. granted special privileges, and that there was not the slightest distinction made between them in the terms of the compact.

During the

difficulties

with the Indians in the vicinity of

Fort Amsterdam in 1645, it is said that Director Kieft visited Fort Orange and made a treaty with the Mohawks and Mahicans by which their friendship was secured.

laghan action,

Although O'Calmagnifies J:he consequence of the Mohawks in this trans

and assumes that

"name alone, inspired terror

their

over whom they ; claimed to be sovereign, and from whom they exacted tribute,"

among all the tribes west of the Connecticut

one of the Hurons was killed ; and they celebrated their victory on the field of Yates and battle in dancing and singing.

Moulton.

ing

The incursions of the French explorthe very parties may have been

"northern hordes," to resist whom the confederation was formed in the manner

so graphically described in the story of

Hiawatha.

Ifassenaar,

.

vn, 1 1 }

Doc. Hist., in,

35, 51. * Yates and Moulton's Hist.

Ne-w York,

346, 347. *

Hist. Neio JNetherlandt i, 355.

OF HUDSON'S RIVER. his statements are defeated in the

one of the Hurons was killed ; and they celebrated their victory on the field of Yates and battle in dancing and singing.

Moulton.

ing

The incursions of the French explorthe very parties may have been

"northern hordes," to resist whom the confederation was formed in the manner

so graphically described in the story of

Hiawatha.

Ifassenaar,

.

vn, 1 1 }

Doc. Hist., in,

35, 51. * Yates and Moulton's Hist.

Ne-w York,

346, 347. *

Hist. Neio JNetherlandt i, 355.

OF HUDSON'S RIVER. his statements are defeated in the

by the association of the Mahicans and by

treaty, by the facts which he subsequently quotes,

the whole tenor of contemporaneous history. In 1659, the Mohawks visited Fort Orange for the first time to ask special favors, and the

first visit

to

them, in an official capacity, was

made by the Dutch soon after.

There is nothing in the pro of either conference establishes any other fact which ceedings than that the Mohawks desired an accommodation which the Dutch were the

prevent

willing to grant only to an extent that should alliance of the former with the tribes then

In 1660, they were included in the threatening hostilities. peace at Esopus, but neither in its negotiation nor its terms

was there distinction made between the parties to that treaty. Three years later Stuyvesant distinctly refused to employ them. The advantage to the Iroquois from their treaty of free trade was great, but it was made so only by the bar which their proxi mity to Fort Orange interposed to the supplying of other nations with whom they were at war.

In 1660, they were included in the threatening hostilities. peace at Esopus, but neither in its negotiation nor its terms

was there distinction made between the parties to that treaty. Three years later Stuyvesant distinctly refused to employ them. The advantage to the Iroquois from their treaty of free trade was great, but it was made so only by the bar which their proxi mity to Fort Orange interposed to the supplying of other nations with whom they were at war.

The treaty between Nicolls, on the part of the English, and the

Iroquois,

was one of necessity.

With the Mahicans the

English were already in treaty ; with the Iroquois alone they had none. Nothing was changed by it, but the change which subsequently came was due to other causes, and those causes It required precisely what they were a hundred years later. more than half a century to develop the result of the opposing French and English Indian alliances, even admitting that the

was practically determined on this continent. The war between the French Indians and the Iroquois at the north was

result

one of alternate successes and reverses, with positive advantages undetermined ; but at the south, where the French alliance was without power, the Lenapes, Minsis, Susquehannas, dndastesj and other tribes became tributary to their ancient enemies.

With the progress of the French in the west, and the gathering *

Note

3,

ante

p.

35.

Raffeix, the

French

1672: missionary, writes, in " God preserve the Andastcs, who have only three hundred warriors, and bless their arms to humiliate the Iroquois and preserve to us peace and our missions."

one of alternate successes and reverses, with positive advantages undetermined ; but at the south, where the French alliance was without power, the Lenapes, Minsis, Susquehannas, dndastesj and other tribes became tributary to their ancient enemies.

With the progress of the French in the west, and the gathering *

Note

3,

ante

p.

35.

Raffeix, the

French

1672: missionary, writes, in " God preserve the Andastcs, who have only three hundred warriors, and bless their arms to humiliate the Iroquois and preserve to us peace and our missions."

Brodhcad, n, 193. nations against their

The wars of the five own kindred, as in

the case of the Andastes, Eries y etc., are one of the unexplained passages in their history,

THE INDIAN TRIBES

thither of tribes

retreating before the civilization which was the condition of even the subjugated tribes

rolling upon them,

improved, while the integrity of the Iroquois was compromised. What the French lacked in position they made up in zeal, and

pushed their priests and their fire-arms together.

Their success

was far greater than the English could wish. The Mohawks were shorn of an entire canton of converts the flower of the Mohicans became the trophies of the priests the Senecas, who could call out more warriors than their four associate tribes combined, were detached almost entirely, two small villages only ;

;

hundred years of retaining their allegiance to the English. war and diplomacy gave the French a very strong position, and correspondingly elevated the tribes with which they were in The English were compelled to dictate the removal

The Mohawks were shorn of an entire canton of converts the flower of the Mohicans became the trophies of the priests the Senecas, who could call out more warriors than their four associate tribes combined, were detached almost entirely, two small villages only ;

;

hundred years of retaining their allegiance to the English. war and diplomacy gave the French a very strong position, and correspondingly elevated the tribes with which they were in The English were compelled to dictate the removal

alliance.

Mohawks were

of the petticoat from the Lenapes^ while the

reduced to numbers comparatively insignificant, notwithstanding the efforts made to recruit them.

ended had the French

remained

How the contest would have in

possession

of

Canada

and the west, cannot be assumed ; but the presumption is not' unreasonable, that, while the English may not have been swept out of possession, the prowess of the Algonquins would have been chanted where now the notes of applause embalm the memory of the Iroquois.

The inquiry has its specific form in the alleged subjugation of the Mahicans and in the period assigned to the subjugation of the Lenapes as having been anterior to the advent of the

Europeans. The Mahicans were the most formidable com Equal in courage, equal in numbers, petitors of the Iroquois. equal in the advantages of obtaining fire-arms from the Dutch

and in their subsequent alliance with the English, they marched When unsubdued by the boasted conquerors of America. the Dutch first met them they were in conflict with the Mohawks,

The inquiry has its specific form in the alleged subjugation of the Mahicans and in the period assigned to the subjugation of the Lenapes as having been anterior to the advent of the

Europeans. The Mahicans were the most formidable com Equal in courage, equal in numbers, petitors of the Iroquois. equal in the advantages of obtaining fire-arms from the Dutch

and in their subsequent alliance with the English, they marched When unsubdued by the boasted conquerors of America. the Dutch first met them they were in conflict with the Mohawks,

and that

conflict was maintained for nearly three-quarters of a

century, and until the English, who were in aWiance with both,

were able to effect a permanent settlement. " Judge Smith, upon this subject, says

Gallatin, writing

his History of Tork, published in 1756, says, that 'When the Dutch began the settlement of this country, all the Indians on Long :

New

in

OF HUDSON'S RWER. Island and the northern shore of the sound,

on the banks of

Delaware, and Susquehanna rivers, were in subjection to the Five Nations, and, within the memory of persons now living, acknowledged it by the payment of an Hudson's,

Connecticut,

annual tribute

:

" He

Dutch with

gives no authority for the early date he

The subsequent protracted wars of the

assigns to that event.

the Manhattan and

the Long Island Indians, and

the continued warfare of the Mohawks against the Connecticut Indians,

are inconsistent with that account,

which

is

clearly

respect to the Mohikander River Indians, or Laet as the mortal These are mentioned by

Delaware, and Susquehanna rivers, were in subjection to the Five Nations, and, within the memory of persons now living, acknowledged it by the payment of an Hudson's,

Connecticut,

annual tribute

:

" He

Dutch with

gives no authority for the early date he

The subsequent protracted wars of the

assigns to that event.

the Manhattan and

the Long Island Indians, and

the continued warfare of the Mohawks against the Connecticut Indians,

are inconsistent with that account,

which

is

clearly

respect to the Mohikander River Indians, or Laet as the mortal These are mentioned by

incorrect with

Mahicans.

De

enemies of the Maquas.

It

was undoubtedly the

interest

of

the Dutch to promote any arrangement, which, by compelling the Mahicans to remain at peace, would secure their own trade. If they succeeded at any time, the peace was but temporary. learn from the Relations of the French missionaries, that

We

war existed in 1656, between the Manhingans and the Mohawks, and that these experienced a severe check in 1663, in an attack upon a Manhingan fortified village, and Golden admits that the contest was not at an end until 1673. 'The trade of New ' he hindered the was which the Five war York,' says, by Nations had at that time with the River Indians j that the governor of

New York

'

and he adds

l

obtained a peace between and the Mahikanders or River Indians.' x the Five Nations It also certain that

is

not reduced

to the

those Mohikander or River Indians were

war existed in 1656, between the Manhingans and the Mohawks, and that these experienced a severe check in 1663, in an attack upon a Manhingan fortified village, and Golden admits that the contest was not at an end until 1673. 'The trade of New ' he hindered the was which the Five war York,' says, by Nations had at that time with the River Indians j that the governor of

New York

'

and he adds

l

obtained a peace between and the Mahikanders or River Indians.' x the Five Nations It also certain that

is

not reduced

to the

those Mohikander or River Indians were

same

state

in

which the Delawares were

It is proved by the concurring accounts of the French placed. and English writers, that, subsequently to the peace of 1673, they were repeatedly, indeed uniformly, employed as auxiliaries

in the

wars of the Five Nations and the British against the

French." 2

This conclusion is not only abundantly sustained by the records referred to, but by an analysis of the testimony which The has been relied upon as indicating an opposite result. latter is confined, first, to traditionary reverses sustained by the Mahicans on Wanton island, near Katskill, and at Red Hook, in Dutchess county, the bones of the slain at the latter place

Golden''s Six Nations, chap, ii, 35?

*

Gallatin*s Indian Tribes, u, 43, 44.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

being, it is said, in monumental record when the Dutch first set tled there ; and second, to the statements by Mfcchaelius and

This conclusion is not only abundantly sustained by the records referred to, but by an analysis of the testimony which The has been relied upon as indicating an opposite result. latter is confined, first, to traditionary reverses sustained by the Mahicans on Wanton island, near Katskill, and at Red Hook, in Dutchess county, the bones of the slain at the latter place

Golden''s Six Nations, chap, ii, 35?

*

Gallatin*s Indian Tribes, u, 43, 44.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

being, it is said, in monumental record when the Dutch first set tled there ; and second, to the statements by Mfcchaelius and

Wassenaar.

The traditionary evidence is entirely worthless as

the results involved, and at best can only be accepted as proof of sanguinary conflicts ; while the statements by Michaelto

ius and Wassenaar, based as they were on information received from others, are almost wholly at variance with positive records. The former writer states that in the war of 1626, the Mohawks were successful and that the Mabicans fled and left their lands x " war broke out " unoccupied ; the latter affirms that again in " between the near Fort the Makand 1628, Maikens, Orange,

waes" and that the former were beaten and driven off. 2

Ad

mitting that both writers refer to the same occurrence, and that there is no conflict in date, the retirement spoken of could only

have included a single canton or chieftaincy.

That the Mahicans^ as a nation, did not leave their lands unoccupied nor sur

The former writer states that in the war of 1626, the Mohawks were successful and that the Mabicans fled and left their lands x " war broke out " unoccupied ; the latter affirms that again in " between the near Fort the Makand 1628, Maikens, Orange,

waes" and that the former were beaten and driven off. 2

Ad

mitting that both writers refer to the same occurrence, and that there is no conflict in date, the retirement spoken of could only

have included a single canton or chieftaincy.

That the Mahicans^ as a nation, did not leave their lands unoccupied nor sur

render their possession, appears from the title deeds which they

gave to Van Rensselaer in 1630, the validity of which was never questioned ; from the treaty made with them by Kieft,

and from their participation in the wars with the Dutch at Fort

Amsterdam. To these facts it may be added that deeds from King Aepjin show that his council-fire was kept burning at Schodac 3 as late as 1664 ; that one of the castles of the nation, that at Cohoes, was in occupation by them as late as 1660, and that the records of the commissioners of Indian affairs show an organization, distinct from that which was recognized by Mas sachusetts but clearly subordinate to it, for> over half a century after the English succeeded the Dutch in the government. It

only remains to harmonize these facts with the statements That, as already intimated, a canton or chieftaincy

To these facts it may be added that deeds from King Aepjin show that his council-fire was kept burning at Schodac 3 as late as 1664 ; that one of the castles of the nation, that at Cohoes, was in occupation by them as late as 1660, and that the records of the commissioners of Indian affairs show an organization, distinct from that which was recognized by Mas sachusetts but clearly subordinate to it, for> over half a century after the English succeeded the Dutch in the government. It

only remains to harmonize these facts with the statements That, as already intimated, a canton or chieftaincy

referred to.

" The business of furs is dull on account of a

new war of the Maechibacys

but these beat and captured the Maikans and drove off the remainder, who have

(Mohawks)

against the Maikans at the

retired

There upper end of this river. occurred cruel murders on both

river,

sides,

cultivate

The Maikans have fled and their lands are unoccupied,

and they are very fertile

and pleasant."

Michaelius, Colonial History, n,

769. beginning of this year (1628) war broke out between the Maikans, near Fort Orange, and the Mohawks,

" In the

towards the north by the Fresh called, where they begin to the soil ; and thus the war terminated." Wassenaar, Documentary

have

so

History, in, 48. 8 It is not certain that Schodac was the

The prooriginal capital of the nation. babilities are that it was, and that it was subsequently removed to Westenhuck, in the valley of the Housatonic.

769. beginning of this year (1628) war broke out between the Maikans, near Fort Orange, and the Mohawks,

" In the

towards the north by the Fresh called, where they begin to the soil ; and thus the war terminated." Wassenaar, Documentary

have

so

History, in, 48. 8 It is not certain that Schodac was the

The prooriginal capital of the nation. babilities are that it was, and that it was subsequently removed to Westenhuck, in the valley of the Housatonic.

OF HUDSON'S RI7ER.

of the nati^i retired from the west bank of the river at or about the time spBben of by Michaelius and Wassenaar, is not only but its can apparently be traced and the movements probable,

explanation

is

" left

"

The very nearly defined. found in the title deeds which were subsequently

territory which it

unoccupied

Their given by the tribes who were parties to the conflict. examination shows that the Mohawks only claimed the right of conquest over lands north of the Mohawk river and in part par South of the ticularly embraced in the Kayaderossera patent.

Mohawk river they never either claimed or sold lands on the Hudson, and even north of that point their claim, although tra Whatever conceded, was subsequently disputed. may have been the extent of the territory which they claimed,

ditionally

however, it is apparent that it was limited and that it did not include or extend to the east side of the river, nor involve the

The retiring canton was an advanced subjugation of the nation. post on the frontiers, pushed forward, it may be reasonably supposed, by superior prowess, and maintained until peculiarly The point to which it removed is not positively exposed. stated ; 2 but the evidence

Mohawk river they never either claimed or sold lands on the Hudson, and even north of that point their claim, although tra Whatever conceded, was subsequently disputed. may have been the extent of the territory which they claimed,

ditionally

however, it is apparent that it was limited and that it did not include or extend to the east side of the river, nor involve the

The retiring canton was an advanced subjugation of the nation. post on the frontiers, pushed forward, it may be reasonably supposed, by superior prowess, and maintained until peculiarly The point to which it removed is not positively exposed. stated ; 2 but the evidence

sufficient to indicate pretty cer the or Soquatucks tainly Socoquts^ in the alliances of 1664, and in the subsequent history of the nation. that- it

was known

is

as

If there is no evidence of prior subjugation, there is certainly none establishing that condition after the advent of the English.

The nation was almost continually in conflict with the Mohawks, and in its last war with them maintained itself with success.

more extended reference to this war and its results may be pro per.

The eastern Indians were involved in the contest as well

*It is asserted that the Mahicans admitted the conquest of the lands west of the Hudson embraced in the Saratoga

(Schuylerville) tract ; yet from the Johnson Manuscripts it appears that they claimed them in 1767, to "the prejudice," as Johnson says, "of

Mohawk rights."

Johnson Manuscripts, iv, 170, 173. Wassenaar says, " towards the north near the Fresh river." Brodheatfs Hist., i, 732;

more extended reference to this war and its results may be pro per.

The eastern Indians were involved in the contest as well

*It is asserted that the Mahicans admitted the conquest of the lands west of the Hudson embraced in the Saratoga

(Schuylerville) tract ; yet from the Johnson Manuscripts it appears that they claimed them in 1767, to "the prejudice," as Johnson says, "of

Mohawk rights."

Johnson Manuscripts, iv, 170, 173. Wassenaar says, " towards the north near the Fresh river." Brodheatfs Hist., i, 732;

Col.

Hist.,

Probably called Soquatucks from Soquans, or Suckquans, their chief sachem, Their classification as Saco Indians (note ix, 66.

475), does not correspond " towards Lake assignment Champlain," (/., 795), or with the very " Two Indian plain statement by Talon tribes, one called the Loups (Mahicans) and the other the Socoquis, inhabit the Col. Hist., ix,

with

their

:

country adjoining the English, and live, in some respect, under their laws, in the same manner as the Algonquin* and Hurons do under those of his majesty. I perceive in these two tribes, by nature arrant and declared enemies of the Iroquois, a great inclination to reside '

the

French."

After

King

among Philip's

THE INDUN TRIBES

as the Mabicam*

In

in

Director

1662, Stuyvesant^ucceeded establishing peace between the contestants, but iPen the Mo hawks carried presents to the English fort at Penobscot to confirm the same, they were attacked and slain. 2 The con

nection of the Hudson river chieftaincies with the war which

I perceive in these two tribes, by nature arrant and declared enemies of the Iroquois, a great inclination to reside '

the

French."

After

King

among Philip's

THE INDUN TRIBES

as the Mabicam*

In

in

Director

1662, Stuyvesant^ucceeded establishing peace between the contestants, but iPen the Mo hawks carried presents to the English fort at Penobscot to confirm the same, they were attacked and slain. 2 The con

nection of the Hudson river chieftaincies with the war which

followed cannot be distinctly traced, but there is some data upon the subject. In Kregier's Journal of the Second Esopus War, it is said that residents at Bethlehem, in the present

county of Albany, were warned, in the fall of 1663, by a " five friendly Indian, to remove to a place of security ; that Indian nations had assembled together, namely the Mahikanders, the Kats kills , the Wappingers, those of Esopus, besides

another tribe of Indians that dwell half-way between Fort " that their " place of meeting was Orange and Hartford ; on the east side of Fort Orange river, about three (nine) miles

from Claverack," 3 and that they were "about five " Hans the Norman 4 arrived at hundred strong." Again the redoubt with his yacht from Fort Orange ; reports that full

inland

:

at Claverack, on the about three east side, (nine) miles inland, but he knows not with

seven thousand Indians had assembled

The intent soon became apparent. JJnder date of June 21, 1664, Brodhead writes: "War now broke out The Mahicans attacked the Mohawks, destroyed cattle again. what intent." 5

from Claverack," 3 and that they were "about five " Hans the Norman 4 arrived at hundred strong." Again the redoubt with his yacht from Fort Orange ; reports that full

inland

:

at Claverack, on the about three east side, (nine) miles inland, but he knows not with

seven thousand Indians had assembled

The intent soon became apparent. JJnder date of June 21, 1664, Brodhead writes: "War now broke out The Mahicans attacked the Mohawks, destroyed cattle again. what intent." 5

at

Greenbush, burned the house of Abraham Staats at Clave

rack, and ravaged the whole country on the east side of the North river." The operations of the Jesuit missionaries were seriously hindered ; prisoners taken on either side were burned or eaten ; the Mohawks were weakened and their pride humbled.

Such were the

results of the war at the close of i668.

In the spring of 1669, a Mohawk embassy visited Quebec, and asked that their nation might be " protected from the Mahiwar, a portion of them appear to have returned to the Hudson, where they were incorporated with the Mahicans at Schaticook.

'

The greater portion, however,

ultimately found their way to Canada, where, with fragments of other tribes, they were known as the St. Francis Indians.

Doc. Hist., i, 27 j

in, 482, 562;

Col.

Brodkead's Ne w York, i, 732. The village of Claverack was five It was known miles from the Hudson.

t

by the Indian name of Potkoke.

Hist.,

684, 715. *On the other hand, war was raging between the Mohawks and the furiously iv,

The greater portion, however,

ultimately found their way to Canada, where, with fragments of other tribes, they were known as the St. Francis Indians.

Doc. Hist., i, 27 j

in, 482, 562;

Col.

Brodkead's Ne w York, i, 732. The village of Claverack was five It was known miles from the Hudson.

t

by the Indian name of Potkoke.

Hist.,

684, 715. *On the other hand, war was raging between the Mohawks and the furiously iv,

Mohegans, who had been joined by the Abcnaqui nations. Shea's Charle-voix, m, 45 ; Drake 's Book of the Indians.

Norman's kill,

in

Albany, takes

name from this person.

Documentary History, iv, 83, 85. Brodhead, n, 99, 146.

its

OF HUDSON'S RIPER.

king of France, to whom their country now In this they were successful belonged by'the force of arms." cans

by the

so far at least as to secure the cooperation of the Jesuit mission aries

in

resisting

an attack by the Mahicans on the palisaded

village of Caghnawaga.

This attack was made on the eighteenth

of August, 1669. The Mahicans retired after two hours and the Mohawks, descending the river in canoes, hid fighting; themselves below them in an ambuscade which commanded the road to Schenectady, at a place called Kinaquariones, where a con flict

ensued in which, although at first successful, the Mohawks

were put

to flight. 1

The Mohawks then induced the Oneidas,

Onondagas and Cayugas to make common cause with them ; and four hundred confederate warriors went to surprise a Mahlcan fort

The Mahicans retired after two hours and the Mohawks, descending the river in canoes, hid fighting; themselves below them in an ambuscade which commanded the road to Schenectady, at a place called Kinaquariones, where a con flict

ensued in which, although at first successful, the Mohawks

were put

to flight. 1

The Mohawks then induced the Oneidas,

Onondagas and Cayugas to make common cause with them ; and four hundred confederate warriors went to surprise a Mahlcan fort

" situated near Manhattan."

Iroquols returned

But this enterprise failed, and the

home with two wounded. 2

In April, 1670,

Governor Lovelace visited Albany, charged, among other things, with the duty of making peace between the Mohawks and

Ma

hicans j but it was not until August of the succeeding year that

the negotiations were consummated. 3

What the terms of peace

were is not stated, and can only be inferred from the subsequent treatment of the tribes who were parties to it, who are described as being " linked together in interest," and who were uniformly

treated as equals even in the selection of representative chiefs to visit England. At no stage of their history are they repre

sented as the dependents of the Five Nations.

This will more

the wars with the Dutch, fully appear from their connection with

Drake

that the Mahicans and marched into the Mohawk country, led by the principal sachem of

chosen leader. This was a severe stroke, and although the war continued, it was not with that spirit in which it had been

treated as equals even in the selection of representative chiefs to visit England. At no stage of their history are they repre

sented as the dependents of the Five Nations.

This will more

the wars with the Dutch, fully appear from their connection with

Drake

that the Mahicans and marched into the Mohawk country, led by the principal sachem of

chosen leader. This was a severe stroke, and although the war continued, it was not with that spirit in which it had been

named (Pennacooks ? ) a wise man, and stout man of middle stature. After

commenced."

states

their allies

Massachusetts

Josiah,

alias

Chekatabut,

a "journey of two hundred miles," they

arrived at the Mohawk fort, " when, upon

z

Brodhead's Neiu Tforkf nt 161. Assize Record, 11, 732; Brodhead's New York, n, 181. Colden says that peace was not established until 1673. The following entry is made in Assize

besieging it some time, and having some of their men killed and sundry others

Record,

sick, they gave up the siege and retreated. The Mohaiuks pursued them, got in their

Mendowasse, sagamore from Hackinsack, Anmanhose from Haverstroo, Meggenand from an ambush, attacked

maiker, sagamore of Tappan, in behalf of themselves and Neversincks, having understood that peace had been made between the Maquas and Mahikanders, asked permission to visit, etc."

front,

them and a great fight ensued. The Mohawks were finally put to flight by the extraordinary bravery and prowess of Chekatabut and his captains ; but victory was purchased by the death of their

The Mohaiuks pursued them, got in their

Mendowasse, sagamore from Hackinsack, Anmanhose from Haverstroo, Meggenand from an ambush, attacked

maiker, sagamore of Tappan, in behalf of themselves and Neversincks, having understood that peace had been made between the Maquas and Mahikanders, asked permission to visit, etc."

front,

them and a great fight ensued. The Mohawks were finally put to flight by the extraordinary bravery and prowess of Chekatabut and his captains ; but victory was purchased by the death of their

iv,

116:

" March

7,

1671.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

their

treaties

with the English and their official relations with New York and Massachusetts.

the governments of

That the Mahicans experienced great changes is unquestioned.

To a considerable extent their position involved this.

Though

spared on the north and east, they were exposed to the incom The Wapplngers suffered ing civilization on the west and south. terribly in their wars with the

Dutch

from the rapacity of the If their national council-

:

traders at Fort Orange they recoiled.

was originally at Schodac,

fire

valley of the

the

was subsequently removed to

it

where,

Housatonic,

under the

name of

W-nahk-ta-kook, it was known to the authorities of Massa chusetts and to the English missionaries ; under that of Westenhuck, to the

Moravians, and

under that of Stockbridge,

preserved the line of kings and linked the past with the present To. the English of New York, however, history of the nation. this

council-fire

was

little

Cut off by the boundary

known.

valley of the

the

was subsequently removed to

it

where,

Housatonic,

under the

name of

W-nahk-ta-kook, it was known to the authorities of Massa chusetts and to the English missionaries ; under that of Westenhuck, to the

Moravians, and

under that of Stockbridge,

preserved the line of kings and linked the past with the present To. the English of New York, however, history of the nation. this

council-fire

was

little

Cut off by the boundary

known.

line of Massachusetts it was officially recognized by that province,

while the authorities of

New York maintained their official

relations with an organization

which is represented

as existing

"above and below Albany," and known as the Mahicander or River Indians. This organization was strengthened by the results of King Philip's war. In that war the Pennacooks 3 had taken part, and at the close of the campaign of 1675, found After winter quarters among their kindred " near 'Albany." the disastrous conflict of August 12th, of the succeeding year,

which Philip was killed, they again retreated " towards Albany," some two hundred and fifty in number, but were pur sued and attacked by the English, near the Housatonic river, and a number of them killed. The main body of them, how

in

ever, made good their retreat to the Hudson, where a portion of

The Housatonic was originally known

to

the Westenhook river, south of Wesand their Indians."

as

tenhuck.

It

was

(SautAier's Map). the boundary line of the neutrality which

the merciless cruelty of the French

which Philip was killed, they again retreated " towards Albany," some two hundred and fifty in number, but were pur sued and attacked by the English, near the Housatonic river, and a number of them killed. The main body of them, how

in

ever, made good their retreat to the Hudson, where a portion of

The Housatonic was originally known

to

the Westenhook river, south of Wesand their Indians."

as

tenhuck.

It

was

(SautAier's Map). the boundary line of the neutrality which

the merciless cruelty of the French

Past and Present, 395 of Missions of United Brethren, 115, 130; Memorials Moravian

Stockbridge,

was established by the Iroquois and the Mahicans with the French Indians in ** The inhabitants of the war of 1704. this Province who lived on the west side

n, 56, Church, i, etc.

of that river followed

"

all

their occupations in husbandry as in times of peace, while at the same time the inhabitants of New England were in their sight exposed

-Colonial History, vi,

371. History

The

Pennacooks,

Schoolcraft

says,

occupied the Coos country, extending from Haverhill to the sources of the

The French classed them Connecticut." among the Mahican tribes, and such they

OF HUDSON'S RIVER.

them remained near the Dutch village of Claverack, and the remainder, some two hundred in number, passed over to Potick, an old Mahican village at Katskill. 1 The French immediately made overtures to them, through their associates who had found refuge in Canada, and Connecticut invited them to homes within her borders. Governor Andros, with equal promptness and from a similar motive, 2 invited them to settle at Schaticook, in the present county of Rensselaer, near the confluence of the Hoosic with the Hudson, in company with the Mahicans who

them remained near the Dutch village of Claverack, and the remainder, some two hundred in number, passed over to Potick, an old Mahican village at Katskill. 1 The French immediately made overtures to them, through their associates who had found refuge in Canada, and Connecticut invited them to homes within her borders. Governor Andros, with equal promptness and from a similar motive, 2 invited them to settle at Schaticook, in the present county of Rensselaer, near the confluence of the Hoosic with the Hudson, in company with the Mahicans who

were established there.

This offer was accepted and a flourish

ing colony soon came into existence, which was patronizingly called by the Mohawks, our children.

The historical narrative need not be further anticipated.

In

passing, however, it may be remarked that it cannot be admitted that while " the Pequots and Mohegans claimed some authority

over

the

Indians of the

Connecticut,

those extending west-

Hudson appear to have been divided into small and independent tribes, united, since they were known to the wardly to the

Europeans, by no common government," as stated by Gallatin. That conclusion was based upon information less perfect than that

which has since been obtained, and not only so but is in

conflict with the previous There was findings of that author. in their action inconsistent the with understood nothing clearly powers of chieftaincies ; but much that implies obligation to

national authority.

The entire peninsula south of the Highlands

was under the sovereignty of the Wappingers, as a tribal division of the Mahicans, and the offenses of the Dutch were resented

That conclusion was based upon information less perfect than that

which has since been obtained, and not only so but is in

conflict with the previous There was findings of that author. in their action inconsistent the with understood nothing clearly powers of chieftaincies ; but much that implies obligation to

national authority.

The entire peninsula south of the Highlands

was under the sovereignty of the Wappingers, as a tribal division of the Mahicans, and the offenses of the Dutch were resented

by the nation and the tribe.

ment of the chief of the

As early as 1622, the imprison

Sequins aroused the Mahicans to that

extent that the offending agent of the Dutch was compelled to leave the country; in the' war of 1643, the Dutch were sur to

prised

fine!

their

boats attacked above the Highlands,

by

Indians with whom they were ignorant of ever having had any appear to have been from the statements of Gov, Moore and others pending the

Hubbard's Indian Wars^ 94, 98, 188 ; Colonial History, jv, 902, etc. ;

time of the discovery they were a powerful

Brodheatfs New York, 11, 294. The Indians began to have a value in the hands of the French as well as the To both parties they were the English.

Schoolcraffs Ind. Nat., v, 222, etc.

most effective soldiers that could be proefforts

to

secure

their

removal to the

Hudson river after their disastrous defeat in the war under King Philip. At the tribe.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

Hubbard's Indian Wars^ 94, 98, 188 ; Colonial History, jv, 902, etc. ;

time of the discovery they were a powerful

Brodheatfs New York, 11, 294. The Indians began to have a value in the hands of the French as well as the To both parties they were the English.

Schoolcraffs Ind. Nat., v, 222, etc.

most effective soldiers that could be proefforts

to

secure

their

removal to the

Hudson river after their disastrous defeat in the war under King Philip. At the tribe.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

difficulty,

and subsequently the Indian fortresses of the High

lands became the receptable of Dutch

prisoners.

The Dutch

To each

knew very little of tribal organizations or tribal laws.

they gave the dignity of a tribe, and undertook to hold with them separate covenants. The Makicans made a very village

wide distinction between the Dutch at Fort Orange and those at

Fort Amsterdam, and it was not

until Kieft

made his treaty

with them in 1645, that he had peace. With the subsequent crumbling up of the clans more exposed to European influences,

and the debris which remained after the retirement of their more active members, the result was the same in all parts of the country, whether Mahicans, Lenapes, or Mohawks. In considering the political relations of the LENAPES they should be regarded as the most formidable of the Indian con federacies at the time of the discovery of America, and as hav ing maintained for many years the position which subsequently to the Iroquois, rather than as having been subjugated by the

and the debris which remained after the retirement of their more active members, the result was the same in all parts of the country, whether Mahicans, Lenapes, or Mohawks. In considering the political relations of the LENAPES they should be regarded as the most formidable of the Indian con federacies at the time of the discovery of America, and as hav ing maintained for many years the position which subsequently to the Iroquois, rather than as having been subjugated by the

fell

latter anterior to the advent of the Europeans.

that they were

" the head of the

x

Their tradition

nations, and held Algonquin the Mengwe in subjection," is not without confirmation. The

precise time at which the latter condition was reversed, cannot

be stated ; but the causes leading thereto are now pretty cor Their long house was invaded alike rectly ascertained.

by the Europeans and the Ir&quois, with special advantages to the latter in position, and in the facility with which they could obtain arms. 3 cured.

The tradition which they gave of their subjuga-

The great error of Massachusetts

was the war which she made upon them, as she subsequently learned.

" The

primitive language which was the most widely diffused, and the most the fertile in dialects, received from

French the name of Algonquin. It was the mother tongue of those who greeted the colonists of Raleigh at Roanoke, of those who welcomed the Pilgrims at PlyIt was heard from the Bay of mouth. Gaspe to the valley of the Des Moines, from Cape Fear, and, it may be, from the Savannah, to the land of the Esquimaux } from the Cumberland river of Kentucky to the southern bank of the Mississippi."

primitive language which was the most widely diffused, and the most the fertile in dialects, received from

French the name of Algonquin. It was the mother tongue of those who greeted the colonists of Raleigh at Roanoke, of those who welcomed the Pilgrims at PlyIt was heard from the Bay of mouth. Gaspe to the valley of the Des Moines, from Cape Fear, and, it may be, from the Savannah, to the land of the Esquimaux } from the Cumberland river of Kentucky to the southern bank of the Mississippi."

Bancroft, HI, 237.

" The Delawares were the head of all

All nations except the Mingoes and their accomplices, were united with them and had free access to them 5 or in nations.

their own words, according to their figumanner of expressing themselves, the united nations had one house, one fire,

rative

and one canoe.'"'' Hcckeiu elder. 3 " Clean across this extent of

country

(namely from Albany to the Potomac), our grandfather had a long house, with a door at each end, which doors were always open to all the nations united with them. To this house the nations from ever so far off used to resort, and smoke the pipe of peace with their grandfather. The white people coming from over the great

OF HUDSON'S RIPER.

tion is that the Iroquois, finding the contest in which they were

engaged, too great for them, as they had to cope on the 'one hand with the French, and on the other with native prowess, resorted to a master stroke of intrigue. They sent an embassy

To this house the nations from ever so far off used to resort, and smoke the pipe of peace with their grandfather. The white people coming from over the great

OF HUDSON'S RIPER.

tion is that the Iroquois, finding the contest in which they were

engaged, too great for them, as they had to cope on the 'one hand with the French, and on the other with native prowess, resorted to a master stroke of intrigue. They sent an embassy

message in substance as follows That was not well for the Indians to be fighting among themselves at a time when the whites, in even larger numbers, were press

to the Lenapes with a

:

it

ing into their country j that the original possessors of the soil must be preserved from total extirpation ; that the only way to effect this was a voluntary assuming,

on the part of some mag

nanimous nation, of the position of the women or umpire; that a weak people in such a position would have no influence, but a power like the Lenapes, celebrated for its bravery and above all suspicion of pusillanimity, might properly take the therefore, the Aquinoshioni besought them to lay aside their arms, devote themselves to pacific employments, and

step ; that,

act as mediators among the tribes, thus putting a stop forever to

the fratricidal wars of the Indians.

To this proposition the Lenapes listened cheerfully, and trust fully consented ;

for they believed it to be dictated by exalted

nanimous nation, of the position of the women or umpire; that a weak people in such a position would have no influence, but a power like the Lenapes, celebrated for its bravery and above all suspicion of pusillanimity, might properly take the therefore, the Aquinoshioni besought them to lay aside their arms, devote themselves to pacific employments, and

step ; that,

act as mediators among the tribes, thus putting a stop forever to

the fratricidal wars of the Indians.

To this proposition the Lenapes listened cheerfully, and trust fully consented ;

for they believed it to be dictated by exalted

patriotism, and to constitute the language of genuine sincerity.

They were, moreover, themselves very anxious to preserve the Indian race.

At a great feast, prepared for the representatives

of the two nations, and amid many ceremonies, they were accord ingly made women, and a broad belt of peace entrusted to their The Dutch, so the tradition continues, were present keeping.

on this occasion, and had instigated the plot.

That it was de

signed to break the strength of the Lenapes soon became evident.

They woke up from their magnanimous dream, to find them From that time they were

selves in the power of the Iroquois.

the cousins of the Iroquois, and these were their uncle. 1

While this tradition bears the impress of theory upon a sub ject in regard to which

little

was known, and while it is much

water, unfortunately landed at each end of this long house of our grandfathers,

signed to break the strength of the Lenapes soon became evident.

They woke up from their magnanimous dream, to find them From that time they were

selves in the power of the Iroquois.

the cousins of the Iroquois, and these were their uncle. 1

While this tradition bears the impress of theory upon a sub ject in regard to which

little

was known, and while it is much

water, unfortunately landed at each end of this long house of our grandfathers,

powerful, assisted the common enemy, the Maquas, in erecting a strong house

and it was not long before they began to pull the same down at both ends. Our

tion by an

grandfather still kept repairing the same, though obliged to make it from time to

time shorter ; until

length the white people, who had by this time grown very at

on the ruins of our grandfathers."

Relaaged Mahican, given by Hecke-

'welder.

Life

45, 46.

and Times of David Zeisberrer

THE INDIAN TRIBES

less clear than that already quoted, as

wholly unsupported.

from a Mahican, it is not

The Lenapes did, to a very considerable

extent, act in the capacity of mediators, and the Dutch traders did no doubt have part in the hostilities between

terminating

them and the Iroquois. nations subjugated

It is a singular fact, too, that

of all the

by the Iroquois, the Lenapes alone bore the While the council-fires of other nations

name of women. were " and their survivors

merged in the confederacy, was Lenapes kept burning, and their civil govern

The Lenapes did, to a very considerable

extent, act in the capacity of mediators, and the Dutch traders did no doubt have part in the hostilities between

terminating

them and the Iroquois. nations subjugated

It is a singular fact, too, that

of all the

by the Iroquois, the Lenapes alone bore the While the council-fires of other nations

name of women. were " and their survivors

merged in the confederacy, was Lenapes kept burning, and their civil govern

put out,"

that of the

ment remained undisturbed. The proposition, however, is that both of the results stated were in accordance with the terms of the peace which the English government negotiated, and not of prior Iroquois diplomacy.

The historic causes leading to the subjugation of the Lenapes to be found in the circumstances and position of the nation,

is

as compared with the Iroquois ; the one with territory invaded by

Europeans at different points, the other assailed only on one border by the French, against whom they were sustained by " free trade "' with the Dutch and by subsequent more positive alliance with the

English.

To the establishment of the lord

ship and manor of Rensselaerswyck, and its village of Beaver%

wyck, the Iroquois were primarily indebted for their subsequent That manor was position in the family of Indian nations. organized under an independent charter with powers not delegated to the West India Company at Fort Amsterdam, especially in the matter of the sale of fire-arms to the Indians. At its trad ing-houses arms could be had for furs ; there the doors were open to the Mohawks and the Makicans, who guarded well the special advantages which they enjoyed.

wyck, the Iroquois were primarily indebted for their subsequent That manor was position in the family of Indian nations. organized under an independent charter with powers not delegated to the West India Company at Fort Amsterdam, especially in the matter of the sale of fire-arms to the Indians. At its trad ing-houses arms could be had for furs ; there the doors were open to the Mohawks and the Makicans, who guarded well the special advantages which they enjoyed.

These advantages were

great ; the former were enabled by them to push their conquests, the latter to maintain independence. This is clearly deducible

from the records which were made by the Dutch, in connection with the wars at Fort Amsterdam in 1643,* in which it is said

that the traders from Rensselaerswyck, " perceiving that the

Mo

hawks were craving for guns, which some of them had already re ceived, paying for each as many as twenty beavers, and for a pound of powder as many as ten or twelve guilders, came down to Fort

Journal of

Ne w t

Netherlandy

Doc. Hist., iv,

I, etc.

OF HUDSON'S RWER.

than usual, where guns were them at a fair price, realizing in this way plenty, purchasing considerable profit. This extraordinary gain was not long kept

Amsterdam,

secret.

in greater numbers

The traders coming from Holland soon got scent of it,

and from time to time, brought over great quantities, so that the Mohawks, in a short time, were seen with fire locks and

Ne w t

Netherlandy

Doc. Hist., iv,

I, etc.

OF HUDSON'S RWER.

than usual, where guns were them at a fair price, realizing in this way plenty, purchasing considerable profit. This extraordinary gain was not long kept

Amsterdam,

secret.

in greater numbers

The traders coming from Holland soon got scent of it,

and from time to time, brought over great quantities, so that the Mohawks, in a short time, were seen with fire locks and

" Four powder and lead in proportion." The record continues hundred armed men knew how to make use of their advantage, :

especially against their

enemies, dwelling along the river of

Canada, against whom they have now achieved many profitable

where before they had but little advantage. This caused them also to be respected by the surrounding Indians even as far as the sea-coast, who must generally pay them tribute whereas, on the contrary, they were formerly obliged to contribute to these. forays

;

On this account the Indians, in the vicinity of Fort Amsterdam, and as the record elsewhere shows, especially the Minsis of New Jersey and the Delaware, " endeavored no less to procure guns, and through the familiarity which existed between them and the people " at New Amsterdam, " began to solicit the

and powder, but as such was forbidden on pain of death, and could not remain long concealed in consequence

latter for guns

This them to con spire against us, beginning first with insults which they every where indiscreetly uttered, railing at us as materiotty, that is to

On this account the Indians, in the vicinity of Fort Amsterdam, and as the record elsewhere shows, especially the Minsis of New Jersey and the Delaware, " endeavored no less to procure guns, and through the familiarity which existed between them and the people " at New Amsterdam, " began to solicit the

and powder, but as such was forbidden on pain of death, and could not remain long concealed in consequence

latter for guns

This them to con spire against us, beginning first with insults which they every where indiscreetly uttered, railing at us as materiotty, that is to

of the general conversation, they could not be obtained. greatly augmented

the hatred which stimulated

say cowards."

In regard to the time at which the subjugation of the Lenapes took place or was acknowledged, there statement.

wide divergence in prior to European while Brodhead's assumption

Smith's assertion that

it

is

was

occupation, is generally denied j that it was in 1617,' is without foundation in contemporaneous or subsequent facts. Nor could subjugation have been as early

as 1643 or 1645, when Kieft made his treaty with the Mohawks and Mahicans, for the Swedes were then supplying the Minsis

In 1660, the latter, through their chief, could declaim to their dependents at Esopus, in the presence of the Mohawk embassador, " this is not your land ; it is our land,-

with arms.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

therefore repeat not this," x and no

utterance with

more authority.

Mohawk chief ever made

Nor could subjugation have been as early

as 1643 or 1645, when Kieft made his treaty with the Mohawks and Mahicans, for the Swedes were then supplying the Minsis

In 1660, the latter, through their chief, could declaim to their dependents at Esopus, in the presence of the Mohawk embassador, " this is not your land ; it is our land,-

with arms.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

therefore repeat not this," x and no

utterance with

more authority.

Mohawk chief ever made

A terrific contest was then

raging between the Senecas and the Minsis^ and the former came to Fort Orange and demanded, by virtue of the treaty of Esopus

" We

(1660), a higher price for their furs. sixty handsful of powder for one beaver.

require, said they,

We have a vast deal

of trouble collecting beavers through the enemy's country. ask to be furnished with powder and ball. If our ene " mies conquer us, where will ye then obtain beavers ? Direc

We

them a keg says, replied by giving of powder, but entreated them to make peace with the Minsis so that the Dutch might " use the road to them in safety." tor Stuyvesant, so the record

Three years

later the

Dutch were in terrible alarm.

A body

of six hundred Senecas attacked the fort of the Minsis on the

Delaware, and were put to flight and pursued northward for Unable to cope with them single-handed, the Sene

two days.

cas solicited the aid of the

them a keg says, replied by giving of powder, but entreated them to make peace with the Minsis so that the Dutch might " use the road to them in safety." tor Stuyvesant, so the record

Three years

later the

Dutch were in terrible alarm.

A body

of six hundred Senecas attacked the fort of the Minsis on the

Delaware, and were put to flight and pursued northward for Unable to cope with them single-handed, the Sene

two days.

cas solicited the aid of the

the struggle.

Mohawks^ and with them continued

The transition of the province from the Dutch

English found the contest undecided, and not only so but the Mohawks expressly asking the English to make peace " for the Indian as princes with the nations down the river,"

to the

they had pleaded with the governor of Canada for protection In a letter from Governor Lovelace,

against the Mabicans.

February 24, 1665, it is said that negotiations for peace were then pending between the Esopus Indians, the South Indians, and the Novisans, on the one part, and the Senecas and Mohawks

on the other, and that the magistrates of Ulster were directed to encourage the same; and under date of August 13, 1669, the same officer writes that " Perewyn lately made sachem of

" to Hackinsack, Tappen, and Staten Island," had visited him renew and acknowledge the peace between them and the Christ ians ; also, between

them and the Maquas and

Sinnecas, the

which they say they are resolved to keep inviolable." He ordered that the matter be " put on record to be a testimony It was about against those that shall make the first breach." this time that tradition gives the story of a great battle between

" to Hackinsack, Tappen, and Staten Island," had visited him renew and acknowledge the peace between them and the Christ ians ; also, between

them and the Maquas and

Sinnecas, the

which they say they are resolved to keep inviolable." He ordered that the matter be " put on record to be a testimony It was about against those that shall make the first breach." this time that tradition gives the story of a great battle between

O'Callaghan's

New

Netherlandy n,

417.

Colonial History, in, 67, Assize Reeordsy n, 408.

OF HUDSON'S RWER.

the contestants in the Minnisink country, and the probabilities But whatever the are that the peace spoken of was its result. a north-western family of the Minsis, as well as the Tappans, were under the obligations of subjugation in 1680, for Paxinosa or Paxowan as he was sometimes called,

date, the Minnisinks,

sachem of the former, was required to furnish forty men to join In 1693-4, the Mohawks in an expedition against the French.

The inference is that

these tribes paid tribute to the Senecas*

3 was not made peace which was made with the Minsis until after the English came in possession of the province, that

if the

the subjugation of the Lenapes did not take place at an earlier period.

And this conclusion agrees with the almost infallible test of to lands. The Iroquois never questioned the sales made by

title

the

Lenapes or Mimis east of the Delaware

river,

but

only

asserted the rights acquired by conquest in accepting, in 1743, the clearly false boundaries which the proprietaries of Pennsyl

3 was not made peace which was made with the Minsis until after the English came in possession of the province, that

if the

the subjugation of the Lenapes did not take place at an earlier period.

And this conclusion agrees with the almost infallible test of to lands. The Iroquois never questioned the sales made by

title

the

Lenapes or Mimis east of the Delaware

river,

but

only

asserted the rights acquired by conquest in accepting, in 1743, the clearly false boundaries which the proprietaries of Pennsyl

vania had given to lands which had been purchased from the Whatever title the Iroquois had could not Lenapes in 1686.

The findings of Gallatin in this particular are confirmed by all the title deeds in York and In Jersey. Jersey the M'msis

have been acquired when this sale was made.

New

New

New

were paid for lands which they held prior to subjugatio'n long after actual subjugation had taken place and possession ceased, for the simple reason that they were not conquered lands.

In

whatever aspect the question is considered, the same result is reached.

That the subjugation of the Lenapes was complete, there is

The famous speech of Canassatiego, at Philadelphia, 1742 "We conquered you, we made women of you you know you are women we charge you to remove instantly we don't give you liberty to think about it," is not more conclu

no denial. in

:

;

j

;

sive than the admission of Tedyuscung

:

" I was

whatever aspect the question is considered, the same result is reached.

That the subjugation of the Lenapes was complete, there is

The famous speech of Canassatiego, at Philadelphia, 1742 "We conquered you, we made women of you you know you are women we charge you to remove instantly we don't give you liberty to think about it," is not more conclu

no denial. in

:

;

j

;

sive than the admission of Tedyuscung

:

" I was

styled

by my

uncles, the Six Nations, a wom^n, in former years, and had no

Council Minutes , Aug. 7. Colonial History, iv, 98.

The terms Minquas, Minsis, Monseys, The Minand Munsies are convertible. quas who sold lands on the Delaware

were the same persons who appeared at The treaty which was Esopus in 1 660. concluded by the one was concluded by the other.

-

THE INDIAN TRIBES

natchet in

my hand but a pestle or a hominy pounder."

But

through the thick gloom which shrouds the history of their sub all the degradation and reproach which was " a nation of them as women," there runs a thread heaped upon

jugation, through

of light revealing their former greatness, pleading the causes of their decay, promising that their dead shall live again.

Not in

the eternal darkness which shuts in the Eries is that light lost, but from its prison house breaks in brilliancy, redeeming the

and wringing from their ancient subjugators, shivering BROTHERS. under adverse fortune, the greeting past,

OF HUDSON'S RIPER.

through the thick gloom which shrouds the history of their sub all the degradation and reproach which was " a nation of them as women," there runs a thread heaped upon

jugation, through

of light revealing their former greatness, pleading the causes of their decay, promising that their dead shall live again.

Not in

the eternal darkness which shuts in the Eries is that light lost, but from its prison house breaks in brilliancy, redeeming the

and wringing from their ancient subjugators, shivering BROTHERS. under adverse fortune, the greeting past,

OF HUDSON'S RIPER.

ANALYSIS OF TRIBES AND CHIEFTAINCIES.

ASSENAAR and De Laet supply the earliest account of the subtribal divisions, or chieftaincies of In dians occupying the valley of the Hudson. The

former writes these tribes

:

:

" Below

Mechkentowoon and

Maikans are situate Tappents, on the west side ; the

Two nations lie there Wickagjock and Wyeck, on the east side. lower down at Klinkersberg. 1 At the Fisher's Hook 2 are the Pacbany,

Warenecker,

Warrawannankoncks.

the mouth."

In one place,

The Manhates are situated at

Esopus, are two or three tribes.

The latter corrects the geography of his prede more " On the

cessor and gives the location of what he calls tribes 3 at

New York, he says

Commencing accurately. east side, on the main land, dwell the Manhattans, a bad race :

of savages, who have always been very obstinate and unfriendly towards our people.

On the west side are the Sanhickans, who

are the deadly enemies of the Manhattans, and a much better people. They dwell along the bay, and in the interior. The

The latter corrects the geography of his prede more " On the

cessor and gives the location of what he calls tribes 3 at

New York, he says

Commencing accurately. east side, on the main land, dwell the Manhattans, a bad race :

of savages, who have always been very obstinate and unfriendly towards our people.

On the west side are the Sanhickans, who

are the deadly enemies of the Manhattans, and a much better people. They dwell along the bay, and in the interior. The

course of the river is north-east and north-north-west according as the reaches extend.

Within the first reach, on the west bank

of the river, where the land is low, dwell the Tappans. The second reach of the river extends upwards to a narrow part

named by our people Haverstroo

;

then comes the Seylmaker'sreach, as they call it, and next a crooked reach, in the form of

Next is Hoge-reach ; and a crescent, called KockVreach. then comes Vossen-reach, which extends to Klinkersberg. This is succeeded by Fisher's-reach, where on the east side of the river, dwell a nation of savages named Pachami. This reach extends to another narrow pass, where on the west, is a

The first title given to Butter Hill. The bend in the river opposite Newburgh, forming a hook by the confluence

of the Matteawan creek. tribe was an union of families, but

as- here

used designated families.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

*

point of land that juts out covered with sand, opposite a bend in the river, on which another nation of savages, the Waoranecks,

This reach extends to another narrow pass, where on the west, is a

The first title given to Butter Hill. The bend in the river opposite Newburgh, forming a hook by the confluence

of the Matteawan creek. tribe was an union of families, but

as- here

used designated families.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

*

point of land that juts out covered with sand, opposite a bend in the river, on which another nation of savages, the Waoranecks,

have their abode at a place called Esopus.

A little be

yond on the west side, where there is a creek and the river becomes more shallow, the Warranawankongs dwell. Next

comes another reach called Klaverack

then comes Backerack, ; and Vaste-rack as far as Hinnenhock. Playsier's-rack, the Huntenrack succeeds far as as Kinderhook; further Finally

John

onareSturgeon's-hookand Fisher's-hook, over against which, on the east side dwell the Mahicans."

Van der Donck, who wrote thirty years later, places the Manhattans on the island, and above them Indian villages which he names Saeckkill, Wickquaskeck, Alipkonck, Sin-Sing, Kestaubuinck, Keskistkonck, Pasquuasheck, and Noch-Peem, south of and in the highlands. the south side of kill he

On

Wappinger's

locates three villages under the general name of Waoranecks, and |ibove them and occupying both sides of the river south of

the " Groote Esopus R.," he places the Wappingers. On the west side he locates the Neve-Sincks opposite Staten Island,

opposite Manhattan Island, Haverstroo ; below Verdrietigehoeck, the Tappans ; between Murderer's creek and the Dans-Kammer, the Waranwankongs '; then the

Van der Donck, who wrote thirty years later, places the Manhattans on the island, and above them Indian villages which he names Saeckkill, Wickquaskeck, Alipkonck, Sin-Sing, Kestaubuinck, Keskistkonck, Pasquuasheck, and Noch-Peem, south of and in the highlands. the south side of kill he

On

Wappinger's

locates three villages under the general name of Waoranecks, and |ibove them and occupying both sides of the river south of

the " Groote Esopus R.," he places the Wappingers. On the west side he locates the Neve-Sincks opposite Staten Island,

opposite Manhattan Island, Haverstroo ; below Verdrietigehoeck, the Tappans ; between Murderer's creek and the Dans-Kammer, the Waranwankongs '; then the

then the Raritans ;

Wappingers, and west of the Esopus, the general title of nessinck of te 1'Landt von Bacham."

" Min-

Were the question of location left to these writers and to the early maps, the inquiry might well be abandoned as hopeless.

Fortunately, however, Indian treaties and title deeds supply information which, though still imperfect, 2 enables a division of territory and location of subtribes to

be made with tolerable

From these sources the following classifications are

accuracy. mainly derived

:

The chieftaincies of the MONTAUKS were ist. The Carnarsees, who claimed the lands now included in

I.

the

:

county of Kings, and a part of the

Dans-Kammer point.

"There being no previous survey to the

grants, their boundaries are expressed with

much uncertainty, by the Indian names of brooks, rivulets, hills, ponds, falls of

water,

etc.,

town of Jamaica.

be made with tolerable

From these sources the following classifications are

accuracy. mainly derived

:

The chieftaincies of the MONTAUKS were ist. The Carnarsees, who claimed the lands now included in

I.

the

:

county of Kings, and a part of the

Dans-Kammer point.

"There being no previous survey to the

grants, their boundaries are expressed with

much uncertainty, by the Indian names of brooks, rivulets, hills, ponds, falls of

water,

etc.,

town of Jamaica.

which were and

still

are

Somevery few Christians. times the grant is of the land that belonged to such an Indian by name, or is

known

to

bounded by such an Indian's land, but to

OF HUDSON'S RWER.

Their principal village was about the site of the village of Flatwhere there is a place which still retains the name of This Canarsee, and was, perhaps, the residence of the sachem. lands,

chieftaincy was pf considerable power in 1643, when it stood at the head of the Long Island tribes who were engaged in the

war with the Dutch.

Penhawitz was the first sachem known

by whom he was styled the Great Sachem of The names of the chiefs in 1670, as given in a

to the Dutch,

Canarsee.

deed for the site of the present city of Brooklyn, were Peter, Elmohar, Job, Makagiquas, and Shamese. 2d.

The Rockaways^ who were scattered over the southern

part of the town of Hempstead,

which, with a part of Jamaica and the whole of Newtown, constituted the bounds of their

Penhawitz was the first sachem known

by whom he was styled the Great Sachem of The names of the chiefs in 1670, as given in a

to the Dutch,

Canarsee.

deed for the site of the present city of Brooklyn, were Peter, Elmohar, Job, Makagiquas, and Shamese. 2d.

The Rockaways^ who were scattered over the southern

part of the town of Hempstead,

which, with a part of Jamaica and the whole of Newtown, constituted the bounds of their

Their main settlement was at Near Rockaway. The sachem known to the Dutch was Chegonoe. Eskmoppas appears to have been sachem in 1670, and Parnau in 1685. 3d. The Merrlcks, Merokes, or Merikokes, as they have been claim.

first

denominated, who claimed all the territory south of the middle of the island, from Near Rockaway to the west line of Oyster bay.

Their principal village was the site of the present village Their sachem in 1647, was Wantagh.

of Mer'ick. 4th.

The Marsapequas or Marsapeagues, who had their settle

ment at a place

called Fort Neck,

bounds of

and north to the middle of the

Islip

and thence eastward to the island.

At

Neck the remains of two Indian forts were recently still One was upon the most southerly point of land ad visible.

Fort

joining the salt meadow, nearly of quadrangular form and about The other was on the thirty yards in extent on each side.

southernmost point of the salt meadow adjoining the bay, and The place is now consisted of palisades set in the meadow.

and north to the middle of the

Islip

and thence eastward to the island.

At

Neck the remains of two Indian forts were recently still One was upon the most southerly point of land ad visible.

Fort

joining the salt meadow, nearly of quadrangular form and about The other was on the thirty yards in extent on each side.

southernmost point of the salt meadow adjoining the bay, and The place is now consisted of palisades set in the meadow.

The chieftaincy was prominent in the war of 1643 and suffered severely. After this they appear to have been on friendly terms with the Dutch ; and in the Esopus war of 1663, contributed forty-six men to Kregier's forces. 1

covered with water.

prove that any particular spot belonged to any particular Indian, I believe is beyond human skill, so as to make it evident to

be proved with positive accuracy. In hundreds of old surveys the hills, streams, etc., by which the tracts were bounded

any indifferent man."

are as clear as the marks of

Golden, Document-

Nevertheless many such localities have been and can

ary History,

i,

383, 384.

veyors.

(fCallaghan, n, 482.

modern sur-

THE INDUN TRIBES

Tackapousha, sachem in 1656, was western chieftaincies on the island.

also chief

sachem of the

The Matinecocks^ who claimed jurisdiction of the lands Newtown as far as the west line of Smithtown, and They were probably to the west side of Nesaquake river. 5th.

east of

numerous and had large villages at Flushing, Glen Cove, Cold Spring, Huntington and Cow Harbor. 1 A portion of the chieftaincy took part in the war of 1643 under Gonwarrowe ; but the sachem at that time remained friendly to the Dutch, and through

The Matinecocks^ who claimed jurisdiction of the lands Newtown as far as the west line of Smithtown, and They were probably to the west side of Nesaquake river. 5th.

east of

numerous and had large villages at Flushing, Glen Cove, Cold Spring, Huntington and Cow Harbor. 1 A portion of the chieftaincy took part in the war of 1643 under Gonwarrowe ; but the sachem at that time remained friendly to the Dutch, and through

his

diplomacy succeeded

Whiteneymen (one-eyed) was sachem in

in

in

establishing peace.

1643, and Assiapam

1653.

The Nesaquakes or Missaquogues possessed the country of the river of that name to Stony brook and from the sound east 6th.

to the middle of the

island.

The principal settlement of the

was on the site of the present village of Nesaquake where Coginiquant was sachem in 1656. yth. The Seatalcats or Setaukets, whose territory extended from Stony brook to Wading river. Their village was upon Little Neck. They are said to have been a numerous family.

tribe

the sachem probably resided.

Warrawakin sachem, 1655 ; Gil, in 1675. 8th. The Corchattgs owned the remainder of

the

territory

Oyster ponds, and were spread upon the north shore of Peconic bay, and upon the necks adjoining

from Wading

the sound.

river to

From the many local advantages which their situa

tion afforded, there

is

reason to suppose that they were, as re

gards numbers and military power, a respectable mometon sachem in 1648. 9th.

The

island, and

Manhassets,

Ram island.

Warrawakin sachem, 1655 ; Gil, in 1675. 8th. The Corchattgs owned the remainder of

the

territory

Oyster ponds, and were spread upon the north shore of Peconic bay, and upon the necks adjoining

from Wading

the sound.

river to

From the many local advantages which their situa

tion afforded, there

is

reason to suppose that they were, as re

gards numbers and military power, a respectable mometon sachem in 1648. 9th.

The

island, and

Manhassets,

Ram island.

who occupied Their

Shelter

principal

Shelter island ; and the residence of their

now known as Sachem's Neck. could once bring "into the

field

clan.

Moisland,

Hog

settlement was

on

sachem on what is

Tradition affirms that they

more than five hundred fighting

men. From their exposed situation they were, like other clans on this part of the island, made tributary to the Pequots, Narragansetts and Mahlcans alternately.

Van TienThompson" i Long Island. hoven represents them to consist of only

Poygratasuck, a brother to

thirty families in 1650.

OF HUDSON'S RIPER.

Wyandance, was sachem in 1648, and is spoken of as possessed Yokee, or Youghco, sachem in 1651.

of capacity and courage.

i Oth. The Secatogues, who joined the Marsapequas on the west and claimed the country as far east as Patchogue. The farm owned by the Willett family, at Islip, is supposed to have

The bounds of their tract were from Connectquut river on the east to the line of Oyster bay on the west, and from the South bay to the middle of the island. They were so much reduced by wars and disease that when

i Oth. The Secatogues, who joined the Marsapequas on the west and claimed the country as far east as Patchogue. The farm owned by the Willett family, at Islip, is supposed to have

The bounds of their tract were from Connectquut river on the east to the line of Oyster bay on the west, and from the South bay to the middle of the island. They were so much reduced by wars and disease that when

been the site of their village.

settlements were made among thdfci their lands were compara

Winnequaheagh was sachem in 1683. nth. The Patchogues^ or Onchechaugs. Their jurisdiction ex tended from Patchogue east to West Hampton, and their villages at Patchogue, Fire Place, Mastic, Moriches and West Hampton. Tobaccus sachem in 1666. 1 2th. The SkinecockS) who claimed the territory from West to East Hampton, including Sag harbor, and the Hampton whole south shore of Peconic bay. Nowedonah was sachem tively deserted.

in 1648, and

3th.

Quaquasho, or The Hunter, in 1691. This chieftaincy was acknowledged

The Montauks*

both by the Indians and the Europeans, as the ruling family of the island. They were indeed, the head of the tribe of Montauks, the other divisions

as in

the

case

named being simply clans or groups,

of other

tribes.

DeRasieres and

Donck class them as " old Manhattans."

Van

der

They were consi

derable in numbers ; distinguished for the hosp^plity which they extended to the Dutch traders and early settlers, and no less so for their subsequent

both by the Indians and the Europeans, as the ruling family of the island. They were indeed, the head of the tribe of Montauks, the other divisions

as in

the

case

named being simply clans or groups,

of other

tribes.

DeRasieres and

Donck class them as " old Manhattans."

Van

der

They were consi

derable in numbers ; distinguished for the hosp^plity which they extended to the Dutch traders and early settlers, and no less so for their subsequent

Holding in their posses the Indian nations, they were especially exposed to invasion by the more powerful tribes bor sion the treasure

chest of

hostility. all

At the time of the discovery they were dering on the sound. a part of or under tribute to the Mahlcans. Wyandance, their sachem, was also the grand sachem of Paumanacke, or Sewanhackey, as the island was called. Nearly all the deeds for lands were confirmed by him. His younger brothers, Nowedonah

and Poygratasuck, were respectively sachems of the Sbinecocks and the Mankassets. His residence was upon Montauk, and

Metowacks, Brodhead ; Matuwacks, fates & M.oulton ; Montauks, Thompson.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

Dur the body of his followers lay in the immediate vicinity. the the Montauks were the of wars Mahicans, subjugated by ing or compelled to pay tribute to the Pequots.

After the destruc

tion of the latter nation in 1637, the Mahicans again asserted their authority, but about that time the Montauks accepted the pro

tection of the English and paid tribute to the governor of

Metowacks, Brodhead ; Matuwacks, fates & M.oulton ; Montauks, Thompson.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

Dur the body of his followers lay in the immediate vicinity. the the Montauks were the of wars Mahicans, subjugated by ing or compelled to pay tribute to the Pequots.

After the destruc

tion of the latter nation in 1637, the Mahicans again asserted their authority, but about that time the Montauks accepted the pro

tection of the English and paid tribute to the governor of

New

In 1653, they were engaged in war with the Narra-

Haven.

gansetts, or rather the latter attacked them

"as the friends and

A considerable number of the

of the English." 1 Montauks perished in this wlr.

tributaries

On the division of the island in 1650, between the English and the Dutch, the English taking the eastern, and the Dutch the western part, the jurisdiction of Wyandance was nominally divided, Tackapousha being elected sachem of the chieftaincies

of the

in possession

Dutch, viz

:

Marsapequas, Merikokes,

In Carnarsees, Secatogues, Rockaways, and Matinecocks. the the winter of 1658, the small pox destroyed more than half clan, while

Wyandance lost his life by poison secretly adminis

tered.

The

them

for a

remainder, both to escape the fatal malady, and the danger of invasion in their weakened state, fled in a body to their white neighbors, who received and entertained considerable period.

Wycombone succeeded his

father, Wyandance, and being a minor, divided the government

with his mother, who was styled the Squa-sachem. Lion Gardiner and his son David acted as guardians to the young

Wyandance lost his life by poison secretly adminis

tered.

The

them

for a

remainder, both to escape the fatal malady, and the danger of invasion in their weakened state, fled in a body to their white neighbors, who received and entertained considerable period.

Wycombone succeeded his

father, Wyandance, and being a minor, divided the government

with his mother, who was styled the Squa-sachem. Lion Gardiner and his son David acted as guardians to the young

made just before his death.

chief, by r^uest of his father

At

Fort Pond, called by the Indians Konk-hong-anok, are the remains

Thompson ascribes the cause of this war to the refusal of the Montauk monarch to join in the plan for exterminating the Europeans. Roger Williams writes to the governor of Massachusetts in 1654 :

" The cause of the war is the

King Philip's war, (1675), and punished them severely. The engagement took place on Block Island, whither the Montauks went in their canoes, and upon landing, fell

into an

ambuscade.

He says

killed j a few were protected by the Eng

land sachem, and Ninigret, of the Narralish

gansetts. ish j the

The former is proud and fooland

latter

proud

Thompsons

Hist.

Long Island

Book of the

Indiana

fierce." '

Drake's

Lion Gardiner, in his Notes on East Hampton, relates, that the Block Island Indians, acting as the allies of the Narragansetts attacked

the

Montauks,

during

:

" The Montauk Indians were nearly all

pride of the barbarians, Ascassascotick, the Long Is-

killed j a few were protected by the Eng

land sachem, and Ninigret, of the Narralish

gansetts. ish j the

The former is proud and fooland

latter

proud

Thompsons

Hist.

Long Island

Book of the

Indiana

fierce." '

Drake's

Lion Gardiner, in his Notes on East Hampton, relates, that the Block Island Indians, acting as the allies of the Narragansetts attacked

the

Montauks,

during

:

" The Montauk Indians were nearly all

pride of the barbarians, Ascassascotick, the Long Is-

The sachem and brought away. was taken and carried to Narragansett, he was made to walk on a large flat rock that was heated by building fires on it, and walked several times over it singing his death song, but his feet being burned to the bones, he fell and they finished the tragical scene as is usual for savages." N. f. Hist. Soc.-Coll. y 1849, 258.

OF HUDSON'S RIVER.

of the burial ground of the chieftaincy, and here once stood the citadel of the monarch, II.

Wyandance.

The chieftaincies of the WAPPINGERS were The Reckgawawancs. 2 This chieftaincy has been gene :

1st.

the generic name of Manhattans^ and is so The site of their and other historians. Brodhead designated by is now occupied by that of Yonkers, and was principal village

known by

rally

Nappeckamak. This village, says Bolton, was situated On Berrien's at the mouth of the Neperah, or Saw Mill creek. the of north shore on the Neck, Spuyten Duyvel creek, was This fort was situated their castle or fort, called Nipinichsen.

The chieftaincies of the WAPPINGERS were The Reckgawawancs. 2 This chieftaincy has been gene :

1st.

the generic name of Manhattans^ and is so The site of their and other historians. Brodhead designated by is now occupied by that of Yonkers, and was principal village

known by

rally

Nappeckamak. This village, says Bolton, was situated On Berrien's at the mouth of the Neperah, or Saw Mill creek. the of north shore on the Neck, Spuyten Duyvel creek, was This fort was situated their castle or fort, called Nipinichsen.

called

by a strong stockade and commanded the romantic scenery of the Papirinimen, or Spuyten Duyvel, and the Mahicanituk, the junction of which two streams was called

carefully protected

It was at this castle that the fight occurred Shorackappock. between Hudson and the Indians on his return voyage, 5 and

Thompson 's History of Long Island. Bolton gives them the name of Nappeckamaks, but that title does not appear in the records except as the name of their

village at Yonkers.

Custom would, perhaps, warrant the continuance of the name as designating a chieftaincy, but the evidence is conclu sive that it was not used by the Indians in any such connection, but was a generic term designating not only the occupants of the island now called Manhattan, but of Long Island, and the mainland north The term Man of Manhattan Island. hattan indicates this, being apparently

formerly many people have dwelt, but who for the most part have died or have

Custom would, perhaps, warrant the continuance of the name as designating a chieftaincy, but the evidence is conclu sive that it was not used by the Indians in any such connection, but was a generic term designating not only the occupants of the island now called Manhattan, but of Long Island, and the mainland north The term Man of Manhattan Island. hattan indicates this, being apparently

formerly many people have dwelt, but who for the most part have died or have

been driven away by the Wappenos." Again, referring to Long Island, he says " It is inhabited by the old Manhattans :

(Manhatesen) ; they are about two hundred or three hundred strong, women

De Laet they call sackimes (sachems)." " On the east side on the main says Block, land, dwell the Manhattans." whose vessel was burned in the lower :

Eliot's

bay in 1614, and who there built another, was fed and protected by the Manhattans, not on Manhattan Island, but, as appears by the statements of the Long Island

Bible, is given as the equivalent of islands, " the or as applied to the people, people

Indians, this care and protection was in the territory and on the island of the

of the islands." (Historical Magazine, The statements of the Dutch i, 89). confirm this interpretation. historians

latter.

der Donck and Wassenaar agree that there were four languages spoken by the natives, namely, the Manhattan,

compared with the Albany Records, that the name Manhattan, is *' from or after the tribe of savages among whom the " nor Dutch made their first settlement ;

Indians, this care and protection was in the territory and on the island of the

of the islands." (Historical Magazine, The statements of the Dutch i, 89). confirm this interpretation. historians

latter.

der Donck and Wassenaar agree that there were four languages spoken by the natives, namely, the Manhattan,

compared with the Albany Records, that the name Manhattan, is *' from or after the tribe of savages among whom the " nor Dutch made their first settlement ;

'the

with that contained in a paper describing New Netherland (Documentary History, iv, 115): "So called from the people which inhabited the main land on the east side of the river."

from

Menohhunnet,

which

in

Van

" With Minqua, Savanoo, and Wappinoo. Manhattan," says Van der Donck,

"weinclude those who live in the neigh boring places along the North river on

Long Island and at the Neversink."

De

Rasieres, writing in 1628, as a personal witness,

says

"

:

Up the river the east

high, full of trees, and in some places there is a little good land, where side

is

Under this explanation there

is

no contradiction in the statements of Hudson, De Laet and other writers, as

*

History of Westchester County.

" Whereupon two canoes full of men, with their bowes and arrowes shot at us

THE INDI4N TRIBES

it

was also at this point that he

first

dropped anchor on his as

They held occupation of Manhattan island cending vpyage. and had there villages which were occupied while on hunting and fishing excursions. In Breeden Raedt their name is given as the Reckewackes, and in the treaty of 1643, it is said that " declared he was dele Oritany, sachem of the Hackinsacks,

" Whereupon two canoes full of men, with their bowes and arrowes shot at us

THE INDI4N TRIBES

it

was also at this point that he

first

dropped anchor on his as

They held occupation of Manhattan island cending vpyage. and had there villages which were occupied while on hunting and fishing excursions. In Breeden Raedt their name is given as the Reckewackes, and in the treaty of 1643, it is said that " declared he was dele Oritany, sachem of the Hackinsacks,

gated by and for those of Tappaen, wanc, and Sintsinck."

Reckgawawanc, Kickta-

The tract

occupied by the Reckgawawancs on the main land " Kekesick, and is described as lying over against the flats of the island of Manhates." It extended north includ

was

called

ing the

site

of the present village of Yonkers, and east to the

Broncks river.

Their chiefs were Rechgawac, after whom they

called, Fecquesmeck, and Peckauniens. sachem known to the Dutch, was Tackarew, in In 1682, the names of Goharis, Teattanqueer and

appear to have been

Their 1639.

first

Wearaquaeghier appear as the grantors of lands to Frederick Tackarew's descendants are said to have been resi Phillipse. The last point occupied by dents of Yonkers as late as 1701. the chieftaincy was Wild Boar hill, to which place its members

had gathered together as the Europeans encroached upon them.

Traces of two burial grounds have been discovered on their lands.

is

As early as 1644, this chieftaincy ad. The Weckquaesgeeks? known to have had three entrenched castles, 2 one of which

Wearaquaeghier appear as the grantors of lands to Frederick Tackarew's descendants are said to have been resi Phillipse. The last point occupied by dents of Yonkers as late as 1701. the chieftaincy was Wild Boar hill, to which place its members

had gathered together as the Europeans encroached upon them.

Traces of two burial grounds have been discovered on their lands.

is

As early as 1644, this chieftaincy ad. The Weckquaesgeeks? known to have had three entrenched castles, 2 one of which

remained as warriors.

Ferry ;

late

as

1663, and was then garrisoned by eighty village was on the site of Dobb's

Their principal

it is

shell beds.

said that its outlines can still be traced by numerous It

was

called

Weckquaskeck, and was located at

the mouth of Wicker's creek, which was called by the Indians

Wysquaqua.

Their second village was called Alipconck.

after our sterne ; in

recompense whereof

discharged six muskets, and killed two or three of them. Then above an hundred of them came to a point of land

we

There I shot a falcon at them, and killed two of them ; whereupon the rest fled into the woods. Yet to shoot at us.

they manned off another canoe with nine or ten men, which came to meet us.

So I shot a falcon, and shot it through, and

Its

one of them. Then our men with their muskets, killed three or four more of them. So they went their killed

way." Hudson's Journal. This name appears to be local, although there is some reason for regarding it

There I shot a falcon at them, and killed two of them ; whereupon the rest fled into the woods. Yet to shoot at us.

they manned off another canoe with nine or ten men, which came to meet us.

So I shot a falcon, and shot it through, and

Its

one of them. Then our men with their muskets, killed three or four more of them. So they went their killed

way." Hudson's Journal. This name appears to be local, although there is some reason for regarding it

as generic.

"

Journal of New Netherland," Documentary History , iv, 15. a

OF HUDSON'S RIVER. site is

now occupied by the village of Tarrytown.

Their terri

tory appears to have extended from Norwalk on the Sound, to the Hudson, and to have embraced considerable portions of the

towns of Mount Pleasant, Greenburgh, White Plains, and Rye ;

was very largely included in the Manor of Phillipsborough. Their sachem, in 1649, was Ponupahowhelbshelen in 1660,

it

;

1663, Souwenaro ; in 1680, Weskora, or Weskomen, and Goharius his brother ; in 1681, Wessickenaiuw and

Ackhough

;

in

Their chiefs are largely represented

Conarhanded his brother.

in the list of grantors of lands.

3d.

The

Sint-Smks.

This chieftaincy does not appear

to

have been very numerous. Their name is perpetuated in the of present village Sing-Sing, which was called Ossing-Sing,

where they had a village. Another village was located between the Sing-Sing creek and the Kitchawonck, or Croton river, and was called Kestaubuinck. Their lands are described in a deed to Frederick Phillipse, August 24, 1685, and were included in The grantors were Weskenane, Crawman, Waphis manor. Mamaunare and Weremenhore, who may or may not have pus, been chiefs. 4th. this

Their name is perpetuated in the of present village Sing-Sing, which was called Ossing-Sing,

where they had a village. Another village was located between the Sing-Sing creek and the Kitchawonck, or Croton river, and was called Kestaubuinck. Their lands are described in a deed to Frederick Phillipse, August 24, 1685, and were included in The grantors were Weskenane, Crawman, Waphis manor. Mamaunare and Weremenhore, who may or may not have pus, been chiefs. 4th. this

The Kitchawongs^

chieftaincy

or

appears to

Kicktawancs.

The

territory

of

have extended from Croton river

Their principal village, Kitcha north to Anthony's Nose. wonck, was at the mouth of the river which bears their name.

They also had a village at Peekskill, which they called Sackhoes. Their castle or fort, which stood at the mouth of the Croton, represented as one of the most formidable and ancient of the

is

Indian fortresses south of the Highlands.

Its precise

location

was at the entrance or neck of Teller's point (called Senasqua), and west of the cemetery of the Van Cortlandt family. Their burial ground was a short distance east of the castle ; a roman tic and beautiful The traditionary sachem of the locality. was Croton. Metzewakes appears as sachem in chieftaincy 1641 ; Weskheun in 1685, and, in 1699, Sakama Wicker. There was apparently a division of the chieftaincy at one time, Kitchawong appearing as sachem of the village and castle on the Croton, and Sachus of the village of Sackhoes or Peekskill.

Sirham was sachem of the

Their burial ground was a short distance east of the castle ; a roman tic and beautiful The traditionary sachem of the locality. was Croton. Metzewakes appears as sachem in chieftaincy 1641 ; Weskheun in 1685, and, in 1699, Sakama Wicker. There was apparently a division of the chieftaincy at one time, Kitchawong appearing as sachem of the village and castle on the Croton, and Sachus of the village of Sackhoes or Peekskill.

Sirham was sachem of the

latter

in

1684.

Their lands were

THE INDIAN TRIBES

principally included in the manor of Cortlandt,

from which was

subsequently erected the towns of Cortlandt, Yorktown, Somers,

North Salem and Lewisborough. 5th. The Tankitekes^ are now embraced in the

The lands occupied by this chieftaincy towns of Darien, Stamford, and New Canaan, in Connecticut, and Poundridge, Bedford, and Greenbush, in Westchester county. They were purchased by Na thaniel Turner, in behalf of the people of

New Haven, in 1641,

and are described in the deed as the tracts called Toquams and Shipham. the

latter.

Ponus was sachem of the former and Wasenssne of Ponus reserved a portion of Toquams for the use

of himself and his associates, but with this exception their entire possessions appear to have passed under a deed without metes or bounds. The chieftaincy occupies a prominent place in

Dutch history through the action of Pacham, "a crafty man," who not only performed discreditable service for Director Kieft, but was also very largely instrumental in bringing on the war of

Ponus was sachem of the former and Wasenssne of Ponus reserved a portion of Toquams for the use

of himself and his associates, but with this exception their entire possessions appear to have passed under a deed without metes or bounds. The chieftaincy occupies a prominent place in

Dutch history through the action of Pacham, "a crafty man," who not only performed discreditable service for Director Kieft, but was also very largely instrumental in bringing on the war of

1645.

The Nockpeems.

6th.

This chieftaincy occupied the high

Van der Donck assigns to Keskistkonck, Pasquasheck and Nochpeem

lands north of Anthony's Nose. 2

them three villages

:

on the Hudson. Their principal village, however, appears to It have been called Canopus from the name of their sachem. one of as was situated in what is now known Canopus hollow, the most

fertile

sections of Putnam county.

The residence of

Canopus is said to have been on a hill in the south-east part of

Brodhead

locates this

chieftaincy at

Haverstraw, but his authorities are not at For example, it is said that an all clear. offending member of the Hackinsacks, " had gone two days' journey off among the Tankitekes 5 "Pacham, the subtle chief of the Tankitekes near HaverHaverstraw was not two days' straw." His journey from Hackinsack, certainly. location is also defeated in the person and history of

viously

Pacham, whose name he pregives

to

a

chieftaincy in

the

O'Callaghan locates them highlands. on the east side of Tappan bay, and Bolton in the eastern part of Westchester

Haverstraw, but his authorities are not at For example, it is said that an all clear. offending member of the Hackinsacks, " had gone two days' journey off among the Tankitekes 5 "Pacham, the subtle chief of the Tankitekes near HaverHaverstraw was not two days' straw." His journey from Hackinsack, certainly. location is also defeated in the person and history of

viously

Pacham, whose name he pregives

to

a

chieftaincy in

the

O'Callaghan locates them highlands. on the east side of Tappan bay, and Bolton in the eastern part of Westchester

from the deeds which they gave to their lands.

The latter is clearly correct.

a Wassenaar locates here the Pachany j and Brodhead, on authorities which appear to him sufficient, follows him under the name of Pachimis. In Breeden Raedt they are called Hogelanders, while in the treaty of 1644 ( 0' Callaghan, i,

302), they are called Nochpeems, a title which corresponds with the name of one of their villages on Van der Donck's It is not impossible that the Tankitekes extended into the highlands on the east, and that their chief Pacham held sway there, and hence the name j but the treaty record of 1 644 appears to

map.

It be a sufficient answer to this theory. certainly safe to designate them by a

is

title by

which they were officially known.

OF HUDSON'S RIVER.

the town of Putnam Valley, and was included in the deeds for

The remainder of their lands passed

the manor of Cortlandt.

302), they are called Nochpeems, a title which corresponds with the name of one of their villages on Van der Donck's It is not impossible that the Tankitekes extended into the highlands on the east, and that their chief Pacham held sway there, and hence the name j but the treaty record of 1 644 appears to

map.

It be a sufficient answer to this theory. certainly safe to designate them by a

is

title by

which they were officially known.

OF HUDSON'S RIVER.

the town of Putnam Valley, and was included in the deeds for

The remainder of their lands passed

the manor of Cortlandt.

into the hands of Adolph Phillipse, under a title which was the a subject of controversy for years, and in reference to which Nimof chiefs visited England accompanied by king delegation

Those who have regarded these chieftaincies as " inde pendent tribes, united, since they were known to the Europeans, ham.

common government," may examine this controversy The grantors of the deed were Angnehanage, Rauntaye, Wassawawigh, Meanakahorint, Meahem, Wrawermby no

with

profit.

neuw, and Awangrawryk, and was for a tract from Anthony's to the Matteawan creek, and from the Hudson three

Nose

miles into the country.

twenty miles.

The Siwanoys

yth.

The latter line Phillipse stretched to

;

also known as

" one of the seven tribes

This chieftaincy was one of the largest of of the sea-coast." the W^applnger subdivisions. They occupied the northern shore of the sound, " from Norwalk twenty-four miles to the neighbor

neuw, and Awangrawryk, and was for a tract from Anthony's to the Matteawan creek, and from the Hudson three

Nose

miles into the country.

twenty miles.

The Siwanoys

yth.

The latter line Phillipse stretched to

;

also known as

" one of the seven tribes

This chieftaincy was one of the largest of of the sea-coast." the W^applnger subdivisions. They occupied the northern shore of the sound, " from Norwalk twenty-four miles to the neighbor

How far they claimed inland is uncertain, but their deeds covered the manor lands of Morrisania, Scarsdall hood of Hell-gate."

and Pelham, from which were erected the towns of Pelham, New Rochelle, East and

West

Chester, North and

New Castle,

Mamaroneck, Scarsdall, and parts of White Plains and West Farms other portions are included in the towns of Rye and ;

There is also some reason Harrison, as well as in Stamford. for supposing that the tract known as Toquams and assigned to

the Tankitekes, was a part of their dominions. very large village of the chieftaincy was situated on Rye Pond in the town

of Rye. hill

In the southern angle of that town, on a beautiful

now known as Mount Misery, 2 stood one of their castles.

Another village was situated on Davenport's Neck. Near the entrance to Pelham's Neck was one of their burial grounds.

Two large mounds are pointed out as the sepulchres of the sachems Ann-Hoock and Nimham.

*

Land Papers, xvin,

lay, etc.

.

This hill is said to have acquired its present name from the fact that a large body of Indians were there surprised and cut to pieces by the Huguenots of New

now known as Mount Misery, 2 stood one of their castles.

Another village was situated on Davenport's Neck. Near the entrance to Pelham's Neck was one of their burial grounds.

Two large mounds are pointed out as the sepulchres of the sachems Ann-Hoock and Nimham.

*

Land Papers, xvin,

lay, etc.

.

This hill is said to have acquired its present name from the fact that a large body of Indians were there surprised and cut to pieces by the Huguenots of New

In the town of

West

Rochelle, in retaliation for a descent upon their place. If such a battle took place it has no official record. The is story

mythical.

THE INDUN TRIBES

Chester they had a castle upon what is still known as Castle Hill neck, and a village about Bear swamp, of which they remained in possession as late as 1689. Their ruling sachem, 1640, was Ponus, whose jurisdiction was over tracts called Rippowams and Toquams, and the place of whose residence

in

He left issue three sons, Omenoke, Poningoe. In and Onox the latter had a son called Powhag. j Taphance was

called

66 1, Shanasockerell, or Shanorocke, was sachem in the same district, and, in 1680, Katonah and his son Paping appear as

Of another district Maramaking, commonly known as Lame Will, was sachem in 1681. His successor was Patthunck, who was succeeded by his son, Waptoe Patthunck. The names of several of their chiefs occur in Dutch history as such.

Among them are Ann-Hoock,

In and Onox the latter had a son called Powhag. j Taphance was

called

66 1, Shanasockerell, or Shanorocke, was sachem in the same district, and, in 1680, Katonah and his son Paping appear as

Of another district Maramaking, commonly known as Lame Will, was sachem in 1681. His successor was Patthunck, who was succeeded by his son, Waptoe Patthunck. The names of several of their chiefs occur in Dutch history as such.

Among them are Ann-Hoock,

well as in the early deeds. 'alias

Wampage, already noticed, who was probably the murderer

of Ann Hutchinson, 1 and Mayane, spoken of in 1644 as "a fierce Indian, who, alone, dared to attack, with bow and arrows, three Christians armed with guns, one of whom he shot dead ; and, whilst engaged with the other, was killed by the third,"

and

head conveyed to Fort Amsterdam.

his

The occurrence

served to convince the Dutch that in offending against the chiefs

immediate vicinity, they were also offending those of whose existence they had no previous knowledge. 2 Shanasock" an chieftain of the well is as in their

Siwanoys"

represented independent of the island called Manussing. 8th.

The Sequins.

seat

pal its

This was a large chieftaincy its princi was on the west bank of the Connecticut river and

jurisdiction

over

;

all

the

south-western Connecticut clans,

including those designated by Van der Donck as the 0$uirepeys, the Weeks , the Makimanes, and the Conittekooks, and classified by De Forest as the Mahackenos, Unkowas, Paugussetts, Wepa-

immediate vicinity, they were also offending those of whose existence they had no previous knowledge. 2 Shanasock" an chieftain of the well is as in their

Siwanoys"

represented independent of the island called Manussing. 8th.

The Sequins.

seat

pal its

This was a large chieftaincy its princi was on the west bank of the Connecticut river and

jurisdiction

over

;

all

the

south-western Connecticut clans,

including those designated by Van der Donck as the 0$uirepeys, the Weeks , the Makimanes, and the Conittekooks, and classified by De Forest as the Mahackenos, Unkowas, Paugussetts, Wepa-

Their waugs, ^umnipiacs^ Monteweses, Sicaoggs, Tunxis, etc. lands on the Connecticut were included in a purchase made by the

West

India

Company, June

8,

1633, and on them was

erected the Dutch trading post and fort known as " Good Hope."

Nothing was more

common among

the Indians than to give to a warrior the name of his victim.

Documentary History, iv, 14.

De Forests History Indians of Connecticut.

OF HUDSON'S RIPER.

Subse The tract is said to have been sixty miles in extent. quently (1643), Sequin, from whom the chieftaincy took its

name, covered his deed to the Dutch by one to the English, in which he included "the whole country to the Mohawks

By the fortunes of war, the Pequots compelled the

country."

Siwanoys, and a portion of the Montauks, tribute, but this condition was only temporary.

Sequins, the

to pay

them

In the

subsequent war between the English and their allies and the Pequots, the national existence of the latter was destroyed.

Subse The tract is said to have been sixty miles in extent. quently (1643), Sequin, from whom the chieftaincy took its

name, covered his deed to the Dutch by one to the English, in which he included "the whole country to the Mohawks

By the fortunes of war, the Pequots compelled the

country."

Siwanoys, and a portion of the Montauks, tribute, but this condition was only temporary.

Sequins, the

to pay

them

In the

subsequent war between the English and their allies and the Pequots, the national existence of the latter was destroyed.

There are many reasons for presuming that the Sequins were an enlarged family of Wappingers, perhaps the original head of the whence its conquests were pushed over the southern

tribe from

part of the peninsula.

9th.

The Wappingers.

North of the Highlands was the

chieftaincy historically known as the Wappingersf and acknow

ledged as the head of the chieftaincies of the tribal organization of that name occupying the territory from Roeloff Jansen's kill *The deed recites the agreement be

transaction is made to appear " with the

Van Curler, on the part of the " company, and the sachem named Wapyknowledge of Magaritiune," the Wappinoo chief of Sloop's bay. O'Callaghan,

tween

quart or Tatteopan, chief of Sickenames river, and owner of the Fresh river of

New Netherland, called in their tongue Connetticuck," for the purchase and sale of the lands named, " on condition that all tribes might freely, and without fear or danger," resort thither for purposes of

transaction is made to appear " with the

Van Curler, on the part of the " company, and the sachem named Wapyknowledge of Magaritiune," the Wappinoo chief of Sloop's bay. O'Callaghan,

tween

quart or Tatteopan, chief of Sickenames river, and owner of the Fresh river of

New Netherland, called in their tongue Connetticuck," for the purchase and sale of the lands named, " on condition that all tribes might freely, and without fear or danger," resort thither for purposes of

The Sicke 0"Callaghan,i, 150. names, from whom the title was obtained, " are described as living between the Brownists (the Puritans) and the Hol trade.

"

all the tribes on the landers," and that northern coast were tributary to them."

Sequin denied the validity of their deed and sold to the English. The Dutch quarreled with the Sickenames (Pequots),

and the latter invited the English to settle at

New Haven

with them

;

also,

subsequently quarreled

and were destroyed.

O'Callaghan, i, 157; of Connecticut. a *

De Forest's Indians

Farmington Town Records, De Forest. The tradition is recited by O'Callaghan

that the Sequins had original jurisdiction, but lost it after three pitched battles with

the Pequots. There is a strange mixing up of tribes in the story, and especially in that of the original sale, in which the

" After the overthrow 149, 150, 157. of Sequin, the Pequots advanced along the coast and obliged several tribes to pay tribute, and sailed across the sound and extorted tribute from the eastern inhabit ants of Sewan-Hackey. De Forests History Indians of Connecticut, 61.

that the Sequins had original jurisdiction, but lost it after three pitched battles with

the Pequots. There is a strange mixing up of tribes in the story, and especially in that of the original sale, in which the

" After the overthrow 149, 150, 157. of Sequin, the Pequots advanced along the coast and obliged several tribes to pay tribute, and sailed across the sound and extorted tribute from the eastern inhabit ants of Sewan-Hackey. De Forests History Indians of Connecticut, 61.

i,

Ante, p. 41. The chieftaincy must Ante, p. 41. have borne some other name, but what is not known. Among the Moravians they were known as the Wequehachkes, or the people of the hill country.

Governor Lovelace, in a letter to Go vernor Winthrop of Massachusetts, Dec. 29, 1869 (New Tork Assize Record], u I believe I can resolve writes your doubt concerning what is meant by the The Highland Indians amongst us. :

Wappingers and

TVickeskeck,

etc.,

have

It is always been reckoned so." entirely possible that the tribal name was Wequehachke, or Wickeskeck, or and tkat Wappingcrs is

PPeckquaesgeek,

local. In all however, and in the recognition of Nimham, they were

their official

relations,

known as the Wappingers.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

on the north to Manhattan island on the south. What their family clans were on the north is not known, nor where their

On Van der Donck's map three of their villages or

capital.

castles are located

on the south side of the Mawenawasigh, 01

It is always been reckoned so." entirely possible that the tribal name was Wequehachke, or Wickeskeck, or and tkat Wappingcrs is

PPeckquaesgeek,

local. In all however, and in the recognition of Nimham, they were

their official

relations,

known as the Wappingers.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

on the north to Manhattan island on the south. What their family clans were on the north is not known, nor where their

On Van der Donck's map three of their villages or

capital.

castles are located

on the south side of the Mawenawasigh, 01

Great Wappinger's kill, which

now bears their name.

North

of that stream they appear to have been known as the Indians of the Long Reach, and on the south as the Highland In dians.

Among their

chiefs

Goethals

and Tseessaghgaw are

named, while of their sachems the names of Megriesken and Nimham 1 alone survive. Of their possessions on the Hudson there is but one perfect transfer title on record, that being for the lands which were included in the Rombout patent, in which

u

Sackeraghkigh, for himself and in the

name of Megriesken,

sachem of the Wappinger Indians," and other Indians therein named as grantors, conveyed the tract beginning on the south side of the Matteawan creek and running along the Hudson north to a point five hundred rods beyond " the Great Wapping's kill,

five

by the Indians Mawenawasigh," thence east, keeping hundred rods north of said creek, " four hours' going into

called

the woods," thence south to the south side of Matteawan creek,

name of Megriesken,

sachem of the Wappinger Indians," and other Indians therein named as grantors, conveyed the tract beginning on the south side of the Matteawan creek and running along the Hudson north to a point five hundred rods beyond " the Great Wapping's kill,

five

by the Indians Mawenawasigh," thence east, keeping hundred rods north of said creek, " four hours' going into

called

the woods," thence south to the south side of Matteawan creek,

and thence west " four hours' going a district now embraced in the etc., in

"

to the place of beginning

towns of Fishkill, East Fishkill,

Dutchess county.

Although

it is

so stated

on Van der Donck's map of New

Netherland, and assumed by Gallatin as a fact, there is no evi dence that the Wappingers extended west of the Hudson, but,

on the contrary, the conclusion

is

certain that they did not.

The record of the Esopus wars and the sales of lands show what and who the latter were. The error of Van der Donck's informants was in confusing totemic emblems, and similarity of The totem of the Wappingers dialect, with tribal jurisdiction. as well as that of the

Esopus clans, was the Wolf, as already

stated, while below the Highlands

" Daniel

Nimham,

a native Indian

and acknowledged sachem or king of a certain tribe of Indians known and called by the name of Wappingtrs, represents that the tribe formerly were numerous, at present consists of about two hundred and twenty-seven persons j that they

The error of Van der Donck's informants was in confusing totemic emblems, and similarity of The totem of the Wappingers dialect, with tribal jurisdiction. as well as that of the

Esopus clans, was the Wolf, as already

stated, while below the Highlands

" Daniel

Nimham,

a native Indian

and acknowledged sachem or king of a certain tribe of Indians known and called by the name of Wappingtrs, represents that the tribe formerly were numerous, at present consists of about two hundred and twenty-seven persons j that they

came

the

Turkey of

the

have always had a sachem or king whom they have acknowledged to be the head of the tribe, and that, by a regular line of succession the government of the tribe descended to the said present sachem." New York Land Papers, xvm, 127.

O.P HUDSON'S

RIPER.

Lenapes, constituting a clear distinction from their neighbors on the opposite shore. Gallatin strengthens the error by introduc ing the fact that the Wappingers were a party to the treaty of Easton, but was evidently without knowledge that they were recent emigrants from York. 1

New

III.

The MAHICANS.

The territory of the Mablcans joined the Wappingers and Sequins on the south, and stretched thence north, embracing the head waters of the Hudson, the Housatonic and the Connecti cut, and the water-shed of lakes George and

Champlain.

The

chieftaincies of the tribe have a very imperfect preservation, but its I. The Mahicans, general divisions are indicated by the terms as applied to that portion occupying the valley of the Hudson and :

The MAHICANS.

The territory of the Mablcans joined the Wappingers and Sequins on the south, and stretched thence north, embracing the head waters of the Hudson, the Housatonic and the Connecti cut, and the water-shed of lakes George and

Champlain.

The

chieftaincies of the tribe have a very imperfect preservation, but its I. The Mahicans, general divisions are indicated by the terms as applied to that portion occupying the valley of the Hudson and :

the Housatonic ; 2. The Soquatucks, as applied to those east of the Green Mountains ; 3. The Pennacooks, as applied to those u from Haverhill to the sources of the occupying the territory

Connecticut ;

"

4.

The

Horikans,

who

occupied

the

Lake

George district, and 5. The Nawaas immediately north of the The first of these general divisions Sequins on the Connecticut. was again divided into at least five parts, as known to the au

New York, viz

The Mahicans, occupying the Albany 2. The Wiekagjwks, described Wassenaar as "next below the Maikens ;" 3. The Mechby thorities of

:

I.

country in the vicinity of

;

kentowoons lying above Katskill and on Beeren or Mahican Island ; 4. The Wawyachtonocks* who apparently resided in the

western parts of Dutchess and Columbia counties, and 5. The At the Westenhucks, who held the capital of the confederacy. time of the discovery those embraced in the first subdivision had a castle on what is now known as Haver island, called by

them Cohoes, on the west side of the river, just below Cohoes falls, under the name of Monemius' castle, and another on the east bank and south of the first, called Unuwat's castle. 3 At

western parts of Dutchess and Columbia counties, and 5. The At the Westenhucks, who held the capital of the confederacy. time of the discovery those embraced in the first subdivision had a castle on what is now known as Haver island, called by

them Cohoes, on the west side of the river, just below Cohoes falls, under the name of Monemius' castle, and another on the east bank and south of the first, called Unuwat's castle. 3 At

Johnson Manuscript, iv, 54.

The name is local, and is applied, in

a petition by William Caldwell and others

"

tract of unappropriated 1702, to a lands in ye hands of ye Indians, lying

in

county to ye westward of Westenholks creek, and to ye eastward of Poghkeepsie, called by ye Indians by ye

in

Dutchess

name of Wayaughtanock."

In the proceedings of a convention held at Albany in 1689, the name is applied to the Indians who are called the Wawyachteioks or Wawijachtenocks.

Mapof Rensselaerswyck,0'CW/<2g-fo's

NCIU Netherlfind ary History, in, 43.

Wassenaar, Document-

THE INDIAN TRIBES

near Schodac

or

was Aepjtn's

castle.

Nine

miles

east

of

Claverack was one of the castles of the Wiekagjocks, and on Van der Donck's map two of their villages, without name, are located inland north of RoelofF Jansen's kill. island

towoons.

were for many years

The

villages

Potik and Beeren

Wechkenin the possession of the

of the

Wawyachtonocks

are

without

designation, but it is probable that Shekomeko, about two miles

south of the village of Pine Plains, in Dutchess county, was classed as one of them, as well as that of Wechquadnach or

Claverack was one of the castles of the Wiekagjocks, and on Van der Donck's map two of their villages, without name, are located inland north of RoelofF Jansen's kill. island

towoons.

were for many years

The

villages

Potik and Beeren

Wechkenin the possession of the

of the

Wawyachtonocks

are

without

designation, but it is probable that Shekomeko, about two miles

south of the village of Pine Plains, in Dutchess county, was classed as one of them, as well as that of Wechquadnach or

" Wukhquautenauk, described as twenty-eight miles below where the missionary, Brainerd, Kaunaumeek, Stockbridge." and which he describes as " near miles from

labored, twenty Stockbridge, and near about twenty miles distant from Albany " eastward ; 4 Potatik, located by the Moravians on the Housatonic " seventy miles inland," and Westenhuck or Wnahktakook, the capital of the confederacy, were villages of the Wes-

tenbucks, subsequently known as the Stockbridges.

That their

villages and chieftaincies were even more numerous than those of

the Montauks and Wappingers there is every reason to suppose, but

causes the very opposite of those which led to the preservation

of the location of the latter, permitted the former to go down with so many unrecorded facts relating to the tribe, as well as to their neighbors, the Mohawks, whose four castles only appear on

record instead of seven

& affirmed by the Jesuit missionaries.

But these subdivisions are of no practical importance. In action they were as unknown as the merest hamlet in

causes the very opposite of those which led to the preservation

of the location of the latter, permitted the former to go down with so many unrecorded facts relating to the tribe, as well as to their neighbors, the Mohawks, whose four castles only appear on

record instead of seven

& affirmed by the Jesuit missionaries.

But these subdivisions are of no practical importance. In action they were as unknown as the merest hamlet in

tribal

Brodbead, i, 77 ; Albany Records ; Stockbridge Tradition.

Literally Bear's

County

island, so called

no

doubt from the totem of its occupants. 3 " Shacomico, a place in the remotest part of that county (Dutchess) inhabited chiefly by Indians, where also live three Moravian priests with their families in a blockhouse, and sixteen Indian wigwams round about it." Documentary History ,

in, 1014.

"The place as to its situation, was

sufficiently unpleasant, being encompassed

with mountains and woods." Diary. village site

Brainerd's

The Indians removed from this to Stockbridge, in* 1744. The

of the hut which Brainerd occupied

marked by a pine tree growing up from the centre of what was once his only room, and the bridge near by is called Brainerd's Bridge. Stockbridgc, Past and is

Present, 69.

Westenhuck and Stockbridge were

distinct places. The former was among the hills south of Stockbridge. Sauthier's Map. After the establishment

two

of the reservation and mission at Stockbridge the Indian village was mainly, if not entirely, deserted. Many of the tribe

removed

to Pennsylvania, united with the mission.

marked by a pine tree growing up from the centre of what was once his only room, and the bridge near by is called Brainerd's Bridge. Stockbridgc, Past and is

Present, 69.

Westenhuck and Stockbridge were

distinct places. The former was among the hills south of Stockbridge. Sauthier's Map. After the establishment

two

of the reservation and mission at Stockbridge the Indian village was mainly, if not entirely, deserted. Many of the tribe

removed

to Pennsylvania, united with the mission.

and

others

Local research would, believed, develop forty villages in the territory of the Mahicans. it

is

OF HUDSON'S RIPER.

the voice of a civilized state ; in other respects, as free as the

most perfect democracy. Had the lands upon which they were located been sold in small tracts and opened to settlement at an observation and record early period, they would not have escaped but the wilderness was a sealed book for many years, and there -,

are those who still write that it was without Indian habitations.

Such, too, was the dream in regard to the^lands of the

Iroquois,

until Sullivan's blazing torch lighted the hills and valleys with

the crackling flames of forty burning villages.

On the 8th of

.-ipril,

1680, the Mahicans sold their land, on

the west side of the Hudson, to

much thereof as was " called

Van Rensselaer, or at least so

Sanckhagag," a tract described as

extending from Beeren island up to Smack's island, and in The grantors were Paep-Sikenebreadth two days' journey."

Such, too, was the dream in regard to the^lands of the

Iroquois,

until Sullivan's blazing torch lighted the hills and valleys with

the crackling flames of forty burning villages.

On the 8th of

.-ipril,

1680, the Mahicans sold their land, on

the west side of the Hudson, to

much thereof as was " called

Van Rensselaer, or at least so

Sanckhagag," a tract described as

extending from Beeren island up to Smack's island, and in The grantors were Paep-Sikenebreadth two days' journey."

On the

komtas, Manconttanshal and Sickoussen.

2yth of

same gentleman bought from Cattomack, Nawanemit, Abantzene, Sagisquwa and Kanamoack, the lands

July, following, the

to within lying south and north of Fort Orange, and extending a short distance of Monemius' castle, and from Nawanemit,

one of the last named chiefs, his grounds, " called Samesseeck," stretching on the east side of the river, from opposite Castle island to a point facing Fort Orange, and thence from Poetan-

Seven years later oek, the mill creek, north to Negagonse. he purchased an intervening district " called Papsickenekas," lying on the east bank of the river, extending from opposite Castle island south to a point opposite Smack's island, includ ing the adjacent islands, and all the lands back into the interior, belonging to the Indian grantors, and, with his previous pur chases, became the proprietor of a tract of country twenty-four miles long, and forty-eight miles broad, containing, by estima

over seven hundred Thousand acres,

tion,

now comprising the

counties of Albany, Rensselaer, and part of Columbia.

Seven years later oek, the mill creek, north to Negagonse. he purchased an intervening district " called Papsickenekas," lying on the east bank of the river, extending from opposite Castle island south to a point opposite Smack's island, includ ing the adjacent islands, and all the lands back into the interior, belonging to the Indian grantors, and, with his previous pur chases, became the proprietor of a tract of country twenty-four miles long, and forty-eight miles broad, containing, by estima

over seven hundred Thousand acres,

tion,

now comprising the

counties of Albany, Rensselaer, and part of Columbia.

Deeds of a later period for lands in the same vicinity are re

One is given " in the pre corded in Albany county records. sence of Aepjen and Nietamozit, being among the chiefs of the G Callaghan" s New Net her land, i, 122, 123, 1245 Map of Manor of Rens1

sclacrsvuyck,

Documentary

History,

in,

Map

lagharfs

of

Rensselaersiuyck,

New Netherland,

i,

204.

CfCal-

THE INDIAN TRIBES

Mohikanders ;" another defines the tract conveyed, as " the fast bank where the house of Machacnotas stood," and another " Schotack or conveys an island called Aepjen's island." Two immense tracts were sold to Robert Livingston, July I2th, 1683, and August loth, 1685, and subsequently included in a The grantors were patent to him for the manor of Livingston. the following " Mahican Indian owners :" Ottonowaw, a crip ple Indian ; Tataemshaet, Oothoot, Maneetpoo, and two In dian women named Tamaranchquae and Wawanitsaw, and

Mohikanders ;" another defines the tract conveyed, as " the fast bank where the house of Machacnotas stood," and another " Schotack or conveys an island called Aepjen's island." Two immense tracts were sold to Robert Livingston, July I2th, 1683, and August loth, 1685, and subsequently included in a The grantors were patent to him for the manor of Livingston. the following " Mahican Indian owners :" Ottonowaw, a crip ple Indian ; Tataemshaet, Oothoot, Maneetpoo, and two In dian women named Tamaranchquae and Wawanitsaw, and

The lands between Livingston and Van Rensselaer were taken up in small parcels, some of them others in the deed named. 1

without purchase.

Sales east of the Taghkanick mountains, in the

state of Connecticut, are recorded, and among others that of a

tract to Johannes Diksman and Lawrence Knickerbacker, now

Salisbury, the grantors being Konaguin, Sakowanahook and others " all of the nation of Mohokandas." Al most touching the shore of the southern extremity of Lake in the town of

Champlain,

" Mahican Abraham"

indicating tribal possession

asserted his proprietorship, In miles north of Albany. seventy

view of these records there is no difficulty in determining the value of the assertion that the Mahuans were driven back to the Housatonic " by their implacable enemies, the Mohawks."

The

more important proposition is, how came the former west of the Hudson, if the prowess of their rivals was so supreme ? Reference has already been made to the capital or council-fire That the ori of the nation as having been at Westenhuck. records and at the was affirmed Dutch Schodac is ginal capital by by the traditions of the tribe, and accords with the interpretation Like other tribes, they recoiled before the of the name itself. and sometime between 1664 and 1734, removed their national seat to Westenhuck where it was known

more important proposition is, how came the former west of the Hudson, if the prowess of their rivals was so supreme ? Reference has already been made to the capital or council-fire That the ori of the nation as having been at Westenhuck. records and at the was affirmed Dutch Schodac is ginal capital by by the traditions of the tribe, and accords with the interpretation Like other tribes, they recoiled before the of the name itself. and sometime between 1664 and 1734, removed their national seat to Westenhuck where it was known

incoming

civilization,

to the authorities of Massachusetts, 2 as well as to the Moravian

missionaries.

"In

1744," says Loskiel, "some Shekomeko from Westenhuck, to

February,

Indian deputies arrived at inquire whether the believing Indians would live in friendship

*

Documentary History, in, 612, 617.

Stockbridpe Past and Present.

History of the Moravian Missions.

OF HUDSON'S RIVER. with the

new chief."

In 1751, he writes at Gnadenhutten,

" Two

likewise sent to the

great deputies were Pennsylvania of the Mahikan nation at Westenhuck, with which satisfac they appeared much pleased, and as a proof of their in

:

council

tion made Abraham, an assistant at Gnadenhutten, a captain."

Again

u The

:

unbelieving

Indians

at

Westenhuck, made

several attempts to draw the Christian Indians in Shekomeko "Brother David Bruce," it. is added, "paid into their party."

Westenhuck, by invitation of the head chief of the Mahican nation," of whom it is said " the above mentioned

visits to

great deputies were Pennsylvania of the Mahikan nation at Westenhuck, with which satisfac they appeared much pleased, and as a proof of their in

:

council

tion made Abraham, an assistant at Gnadenhutten, a captain."

Again

u The

:

unbelieving

Indians

at

Westenhuck, made

several attempts to draw the Christian Indians in Shekomeko "Brother David Bruce," it. is added, "paid into their party."

Westenhuck, by invitation of the head chief of the Mahican nation," of whom it is said " the above mentioned

visits to

:

chief of Westenhuck, who had long been acquainted with the This chief was Konapot, whose brethren, departed this life."

name has been preserved in the records of the Stockbridge " the principal mission, and who is described by Hopkins as man among the Muhhekaneok of Massachusetts." By the appears that, in 1736, the Wes Boston, accompanied by the chiefs

records of Massachusetts,

tenhuck sachem

from Hudson's

visited

it

when

river, as one people, while the former,

known as the Stockbridges, came to Albany in 1756, and were received as the actual representatives of the Mahicam, instead York. of those known as such to the authorities of Tl\e

New

fact that Westenhuck was the point selected for missionary labor,

by the Societyfor the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, is additional proof of its importance, though the extremities of the nation withered under the adverse influences by which they

were surrounded, the heart remained in vigor long after that of its rivals had been consumed. IV. ist.

known as the Stockbridges, came to Albany in 1756, and were received as the actual representatives of the Mahicam, instead York. of those known as such to the authorities of Tl\e

New

fact that Westenhuck was the point selected for missionary labor,

by the Societyfor the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, is additional proof of its importance, though the extremities of the nation withered under the adverse influences by which they

were surrounded, the heart remained in vigor long after that of its rivals had been consumed. IV. ist.

The chieftaincies of the UNAMIS were The Navisinks or Neversincks. This chieftaincy :

habited the Highlands south of Sandy Hook. that

Hudson had

York.

It

in

was with them

intercourse after entering the bay of

New

He describes them as civil in their deportment, and

disposed to exchange such products of the country as they had It was at their hands, for knives, beads and articles of clothing. also, that John

Coleman, one of Hudson's crew,

Abraham, whose Indian name was Schabash, was one of the chiefs of SheHe was converted by the komeko. Moravians and removed with them to

lost

his life

Pennsylvania, from whence he returned He subsequently became the head of the Mahicans of Pennsylvania. Mem. Morav. Chnrch. as stated.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

Passachquon was sachem in

on the 6th of September, 1609. 1663.

The Raritans, who occupied the valley and river which still bears their name. They were first called Sanhikans, or Fire-workers. They were divided, it is said, in two sachemdoms 2d.

Abraham, whose Indian name was Schabash, was one of the chiefs of SheHe was converted by the komeko. Moravians and removed with them to

lost

his life

Pennsylvania, from whence he returned He subsequently became the head of the Mahicans of Pennsylvania. Mem. Morav. Chnrch. as stated.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

Passachquon was sachem in

on the 6th of September, 1609. 1663.

The Raritans, who occupied the valley and river which still bears their name. They were first called Sanhikans, or Fire-workers. They were divided, it is said, in two sachemdoms 2d.

and about twenty chieftaincies. From their title deeds it would and Matappear that the two sachems were Appamanskoch included Hudson the Their territory on tano or Mattenon. The the sea. to the valley of the Raritan, and from thence

Dutch had some difficulties with .them in 1641, but soon after that year they removed to the Kittateny mountains, and were subsequently known in Dutch history only through the deeds which they gave to their lands. They were not a warlike race, but peaceable in disposition, as became the traditional totem which they bore. Their treatment under the English of New Jersey, was liberal and just.

No bloodshed or violence was

permitted, nor occupation of their lands without purchase. Their possessions finally dwindled down to about three thousand acres in the township of Eversham, Burlington county, on which a church was erected. This land they obtained permis sion to

sell, in

1802, when the remnant of the clan removed

lake, N. Y., and from thence, in 1824, to a tract on Lake Michigan, where they united with the Brothertons.

Their treatment under the English of New Jersey, was liberal and just.

No bloodshed or violence was

permitted, nor occupation of their lands without purchase. Their possessions finally dwindled down to about three thousand acres in the township of Eversham, Burlington county, on which a church was erected. This land they obtained permis sion to

sell, in

1802, when the remnant of the clan removed

lake, N. Y., and from thence, in 1824, to a tract on Lake Michigan, where they united with the Brothertons.

to

Oneida

3d.

The Hackinsacks.

The territory occupied by this chief

embraced the valley Their number, in 1643, is stated at a thousand souls, of whom about three hundred were called Ack-kin-kas-hacky, and

taincy was of the Hackinsack and Passaic rivers.

warriors.

Their council-fire was kindled

aboriginal

took

for

Communipau.

Deed for Raritan meadows, 1651; Deed to Denton and others, 1664. 3 " a nation The district inhabited

by

Raritangs, is situated on a fresh water river, that flows through the centre of the low lands which the Indians

called

This vacant territory lies between two high mountains, far distant This district the one from the other. was abandoned by the natives for two reasons ; the first and principal is, that

cultivate.

finding themselves unable

to

resist

the

They

at

Gamoenapa, the

prominent part

in

Southern Indians, they migrated further inland 5 the second, because this country

was flooded every spring." Documentary Some of our historians, History, iv, 29. with characteristic zeal for the Mohawks, ascribe the removal of the Raritans to It is not the incursions of the former. " Southern possible to determine who the Indians" named in the text were, but it

This vacant territory lies between two high mountains, far distant This district the one from the other. was abandoned by the natives for two reasons ; the first and principal is, that

cultivate.

finding themselves unable

to

resist

the

They

at

Gamoenapa, the

prominent part

in

Southern Indians, they migrated further inland 5 the second, because this country

was flooded every spring." Documentary Some of our historians, History, iv, 29. with characteristic zeal for the Mohawks, ascribe the removal of the Raritans to It is not the incursions of the former. " Southern possible to determine who the Indians" named in the text were, but it

not an improbable supposition that they were Shawanoes. is

O.P HUDSON'S

RWER.

events of 1643-44, but subsequently appear only as mediators in the person of their sachem Oritany, who enjoyed to a rare old age the confidence of his people and of the surrounding He is spoken chieftaincies, as well as that of the Europeans.

of in

1687, as very aged, and as delegating his authority in a The lands of the chieftaincy embraced

measure to Perro. Jersey City,

Hoboken, a

part of Staten

island,

Wehawken,

Newark, Passaic, etc.

The Aquackanonks.

Their sachem, in 1676, was CapTheir territory, or at least a portion of it, was called Haquequenunck or Acquackanonk, and included the 4th.

tahem or Captamin.

of the present city of Paterson. 3 They are also described as occupying a considerable portion of the centre of New Jersey.

site

The relations existing between this 5th. The Tappans. chieftaincy and the Hackinsacks were very intimate, so much so as to lead some to suppose that they were a part of Oritany's sachemdom.

Their sachem, in 1676, was CapTheir territory, or at least a portion of it, was called Haquequenunck or Acquackanonk, and included the 4th.

tahem or Captamin.

of the present city of Paterson. 3 They are also described as occupying a considerable portion of the centre of New Jersey.

site

The relations existing between this 5th. The Tappans. chieftaincy and the Hackinsacks were very intimate, so much so as to lead some to suppose that they were a part of Oritany's sachemdom.

Their separate authority and jurisdiction, how

Their territory extended from the ever, is clearly established. De Vries pur to the Highlands. 4 vicinity of Hackinsack river chased lands from them in 1640, which he describes as "a beautiful valley under the mountains, of about five hundred acres,

within an hour's walk of

village of the Hackinsacks.

Gamoenapa," the

principal

On some of the early maps their

attempt, on the

some miles back from the river, but in the part of the Dutch governor, to collect tribute

from them,

1640,

village

is

located

in

it

appears

access could

that

be

had

to them by sending up a sloop, indicating that in the summer at In the least they had a representative position on the Hudson. treaty of 1745, Sessekemick represented

them and appears to

have acted under the counsel of Oritany.

In the sale of Staten

island, Taghkospemo

1 '*

I,

appeared

Oratum, am sagamore, and sole

as

their

ing on the main land over against the Deed to Edward Isle of Manhattans."

that

be

had

to them by sending up a sloop, indicating that in the summer at In the least they had a representative position on the Hudson. treaty of 1745, Sessekemick represented

them and appears to

have acted under the counsel of Oritany.

In the sale of Staten

island, Taghkospemo

1 '*

I,

appeared

Oratum, am sagamore, and sole

as

their

ing on the main land over against the Deed to Edward Isle of Manhattans."

March

is

der Cappellen, 1659.

proprietor of Hackingsack, lying and be-

Cove, Oct. 5, 1664. Staten island, by the Indians called Eghquaous, appears to have been owned in partnership by the Raritans, the HackDeed to Van insacks and the Tappans.

sachem, and there

Deed

to

25,

Hans Diderick and others, 1676.

Oritany,

who was

then living, had no part in this deed. 4 " Within the first reach, on the western bank of the river, where the land is low, there dwells a nation of savages, named Tappans." De Laet y Nc<w York Hist. Soc. Co//., idseries,!, 298.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

much earlier date. Their which Tappan bay, probably bounded their on the Hudson. possessions North of the Tappans and inhabiting 6th. The Haverstraw s. evidence that his sachemship had

name

survives in

a territory, the westward boundaries of which are not clearly defined, were the Haverstraws, so called by the Dutch, but

whose aboriginal name appears to have been lost. 2 They took some part in the early wars, but would seem to have been absorbed by the Tappans after the supremacy of the English. Stony point was the northern limit of their territory, as indi cated by the deed to Governor in the

name

survives in

a territory, the westward boundaries of which are not clearly defined, were the Haverstraws, so called by the Dutch, but

whose aboriginal name appears to have been lost. 2 They took some part in the early wars, but would seem to have been absorbed by the Tappans after the supremacy of the English. Stony point was the northern limit of their territory, as indi cated by the deed to Governor in the

Evans

patent.

Dongan subsequently embraced In a deed to Balthazar De Hart, July

31, 1666, confirmed to him by letters patent from Cateret, and Council of Jersey, April 10, 1671, and subsequently by

New

New

York, the tract conveyed is patent from the Governor of described as " all the land lying on the west side of Hudson's Haverstraw, on the north side of the hills called Verdrietinge hook, on the south side of the highlands, on the

river, called

east of the mountains, so that the same is bounded by Hudson's

river and

round about by the high mountains." 3

This descrip

embraces precisely the western boundary of Haverstraw The deed was executed by Sackewaghgyn, Roansameck, bay. tion

Kewegham, and Kackeros.

By deed to Stephen Van Cortlandt in 1683, it would appear that they had either moved fur ther north or had more northern territory, the tract conveyed

being described as lying opposite Anthony's nose, from the u south side of a creek called Senkapogh, west to the head thereof, then northerly along the high hills as the river runneth to another creek called Assinapink, thence along the same to

embraces precisely the western boundary of Haverstraw The deed was executed by Sackewaghgyn, Roansameck, bay. tion

Kewegham, and Kackeros.

By deed to Stephen Van Cortlandt in 1683, it would appear that they had either moved fur ther north or had more northern territory, the tract conveyed

being described as lying opposite Anthony's nose, from the u south side of a creek called Senkapogh, west to the head thereof, then northerly along the high hills as the river runneth to another creek called Assinapink, thence along the same to

Hudson's river."

The deed was executed by " Sackagkemeck,

sachem of Haverstraw, Werekepes, and Kaghtsikoos."

Named by our people Haverstroo."

De Laet. " O'Callaghan gives the name of Sessegehout, chief of Reiucghnomc, of Haverstroo," but it is not clear that that was the name of the chieftaincy, although the

presumption is strongly in its favor. G Callaghan s New Net her land, n, 509,

Don-

This purchase covered what were sub" the Christian Patented sequently called lands of Haverstraw," and by that title formed the boundary in part of several The original grant from Caterpatents. et was predicated on the supposition that the tract was within the limits of New Jer-

sey.

OF HUDSON'S RIVER.

gan's purchase in 1685 covered this tract, and had as one of its grantors Werekepes, who was also a grantor to Van Cortlandt.

From Verdrietig hook to

Stony point may be assumed

as the territory of the Haverstraws.

The chieftaincies of the MINSIS were The Waoranecks. This chieftaincy has been variously Van der Donck places them in the Highlands on the located. V.

This purchase covered what were sub" the Christian Patented sequently called lands of Haverstraw," and by that title formed the boundary in part of several The original grant from Caterpatents. et was predicated on the supposition that the tract was within the limits of New Jer-

sey.

OF HUDSON'S RIVER.

gan's purchase in 1685 covered this tract, and had as one of its grantors Werekepes, who was also a grantor to Van Cortlandt.

From Verdrietig hook to

Stony point may be assumed

as the territory of the Haverstraws.

The chieftaincies of the MINSIS were The Waoranecks. This chieftaincy has been variously Van der Donck places them in the Highlands on the located. V.

:

ist.

east

side

of the river and south of Matteawan creek, and

De Laet on the west side as occupants of the Esopus country. Wassenaar agrees with De Laet in locating them in the Fisher's hook. 2 The territory which was inhabited by them on the Hudson

may be regarded as described with sufficient accuracy in what known as Governor Dongan's two purchases (i684~'85), the

is

first

of which extended from the

Paltz tract

to

the Danskammer, and the second from Dans-kammer to Stony point. In the first, the limits of the Esopus Indians, or Warranawon,

kongs^ are defined as terminating at the Dans-kammer, and in the second the jurisdiction of what are therein called " the Murderer's kill Indians," is admitted as from the Dans-kammer

to Stony point. factorily defined.

Their western boundary cannot be so

may be regarded as described with sufficient accuracy in what known as Governor Dongan's two purchases (i684~'85), the

is

first

of which extended from the

Paltz tract

to

the Danskammer, and the second from Dans-kammer to Stony point. In the first, the limits of the Esopus Indians, or Warranawon,

kongs^ are defined as terminating at the Dans-kammer, and in the second the jurisdiction of what are therein called " the Murderer's kill Indians," is admitted as from the Dans-kammer

to Stony point. factorily defined.

Their western boundary cannot be so

satis

From the fact that the same names, in

art,

appear as grantors of the Dongan tract, of the Cheesecock tract, and of a tract to Sir John Ashhurst, 3 the latter covering sixteen miles square, commencing at a point eight miles from the Hudson on the south side of "the Murderer's kill," it may be inferred that that boundary terminated with the natural water Were not De Laet's location sufficiently shed of the Hudson. clear, there are other reasons for assuming that the

" This reach (the Fisher's) extends narrow pass, where, on the

to another

west side of the river, there is a point of land that juts out covered with sand, opposite a bend in the river, on which another nation of savages, the Waorantch, DeLaet. have their abode."

At Fisher's hook are Packany, Warenockcr,

Warraiuannankonckx.

Documen-

" Murderer's

and the subsequent signatures classed as " inferior owners." Thus in the Haverstraw

purchase, Sa'ckagkemeck appears sachem or principal, and Werepekes " In the inferior owner." as an

to another

west side of the river, there is a point of land that juts out covered with sand, opposite a bend in the river, on which another nation of savages, the Waorantch, DeLaet. have their abode."

At Fisher's hook are Packany, Warenockcr,

Warraiuannankonckx.

Documen-

" Murderer's

and the subsequent signatures classed as " inferior owners." Thus in the Haverstraw

purchase, Sa'ckagkemeck appears sachem or principal, and Werepekes " In the inferior owner." as an

as

Dongan

purchase, Werepekes

signed as sachem,

In and Sackagkemeck as an inferior. the Cheesecock and Ashhurst deeds

Moringamaghan,

or

Moringamack,

is

cates

the principal, while in the Dongan deed he appears in a subordinate position, These overlapping boundaries entered very

principal owners, are generally so stated,

largely into consideration in fixing the limits of the Dongan purchase.

tary History, in, 28.

The duplication of signatures indiwhat may be called overlapping The grantors, who were boundaries.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

kill

Indians" of 1685, were the Waoranecks of 1625.

name by which they were last designated was that of the creek now called " Murderer's " their first name from

; disappears the early records almost simultaneously with the appearance of the latter, 1 and with the general classification of " Esopus Indians," while the territory assigned to them had no

other known occupants, rich though it was in all the ele ments of favorite hunting grounds. The Waoranecks parti cipated in the Esopus wars, if not in the wars at Fort Am sterdam, and at the Dans-kammer celebrated those frightful orgies called kinte-kaying,

name by which they were last designated was that of the creek now called " Murderer's " their first name from

; disappears the early records almost simultaneously with the appearance of the latter, 1 and with the general classification of " Esopus Indians," while the territory assigned to them had no

other known occupants, rich though it was in all the ele ments of favorite hunting grounds. The Waoranecks parti cipated in the Esopus wars, if not in the wars at Fort Am sterdam, and at the Dans-kammer celebrated those frightful orgies called kinte-kaying,

regarded

by the

Dutch as devil worship. Their

relations

with

Indians 2

the

Esopus were such that there can be no hazard in classing

them as one

"five tribes," so called, of the Eso

of the

pus

Their

country.

sachem

in

1685, was

Werekepes, or Wereand Moringa3 maghan and Awessepekes,

Maringoman's Castle.

wa principal chiefs. 2d.

The WarranawonkongsS

of the Esopus chieftaincies.

This was the most numerous Their territory extended from the

This creek is first called Murderer's on Van der Donck's map, 1656, and was so called doubtless from events occurring

during the first Esopus war. Esopus is supposed to be derived from " Sopus Seepus, a river. Reichel says Indian, or a lonvlander" :

" castle" and

house where John McLean now (1756), He subse dwells, near the said kill."

removed to what is called a " wigwam," which stood on the north bank of Murderer's creek, where Col. Matthews lives." The location is in Hamptonburgh, on the point of land quently

This creek is first called Murderer's on Van der Donck's map, 1656, and was so called doubtless from events occurring

during the first Esopus war. Esopus is supposed to be derived from " Sopus Seepus, a river. Reichel says Indian, or a lonvlander" :

" castle" and

house where John McLean now (1756), He subse dwells, near the said kill."

removed to what is called a " wigwam," which stood on the north bank of Murderer's creek, where Col. Matthews lives." The location is in Hamptonburgh, on the point of land quently

"

Maringoman's Maringo man's " wigwam" are spoken of in dif ferent deeds. The first was on the north end of the Schunamunck mountain on

formed by the junction of the Otter kill and the Grey Court creek, by which Murderer's creek is formed, and which

the south side of Murderer's creek, in the present town of Bloominggrove, and is par

some dark memory was

ticularly described as being

"

opposite the

takes

its

name at that point,

as

though

associated with

the name of its owner.

" A little

beyond, on the west

side,

OF HUDSON'S RWER.

Dans-kammer to the Katskill mountains, or more properly perhaps to the Saugerties, and embraced the waters of the Shawaugunk, the Wallkill and the Esopus rivers. Their principal castle was in the

Shawangunk country, although a very consi The derable one was on the Esopus river, known as Wiltmeet.

" oldest and best of their

chiefs," Preummaker,

the war of 1663, as was also Papequanaehen.

" A little

beyond, on the west

side,

OF HUDSON'S RWER.

Dans-kammer to the Katskill mountains, or more properly perhaps to the Saugerties, and embraced the waters of the Shawaugunk, the Wallkill and the Esopus rivers. Their principal castle was in the

Shawangunk country, although a very consi The derable one was on the Esopus river, known as Wiltmeet.

" oldest and best of their

chiefs," Preummaker,

the war of 1663, as was also Papequanaehen.

was killed in

In their treaty

with Stuyvesant, in 1664, they were represented by SewackeIn namo, sachem, and Onackatin and Powsawagh, chiefs. the 'subsequent treaty of 1669, the five sachemdoms of the

Esopus country were represented in the persons of Onackatin, In Napashequiqua, Sewackenamo, Shewotin, and Calcop. the Dongan purchase of 1684, Pemerawaghin appears as chief sachem. 3d.

The Mamekotings.

The district inhabited by the Mamekotings was west of the Shawangunk mountains and is still known as the Mamakating valley. Their history is so intimately blended with that of the Esopus Indians that identification is impossible further than by title. They were evidently one of the " five as the third. be and

tribes,"

may

designated

aw arsinks* The fourth of the Esopus chieftain 4th. The cies, the TVawarsinks, inhabited the district of country which bears their name. have no history.

Separate from the Esopus Indians they

The Katskills.

The fifth and last of the Esopus chief

still

5th.

taincies J inhabited the territory

north of Saugerties, forming

the eastern water-shed of the Katskill mountains, 2 including the Sager's creek, the Kader's creek, and the Kats kill, from which " " they took their name. They were the loving people

The cies, the TVawarsinks, inhabited the district of country which bears their name. have no history.

Separate from the Esopus Indians they

The Katskills.

The fifth and last of the Esopus chief

still

5th.

taincies J inhabited the territory

north of Saugerties, forming

the eastern water-shed of the Katskill mountains, 2 including the Sager's creek, the Kader's creek, and the Kats kill, from which " " they took their name. They were the loving people

latter

described by Hudson ; a neutral and not very courageous peowhere there is a creek, and the river becomes more shallow, the Warrana<won-

De Laet. "These following Esopus Indians."

kongs reside."

Deed to Wm. Lo-veridge.

In giving the boundaries of the Coeyman's purchase, O'Callaghan states that the line followed Coxackie creek to its head ; then ran west until it struck the head of the waters falling into the Hudson, all the land on which belonged to

the Katskill Indians ; the waters flowing west to the Schoharie creek being the property of the Mohawks. History of

New Nether/and,

Brodhead

i,

435.

locates here

some

families

of Nanticokes, and it is possible that when that nation " disappeared without glory," some of its members were induced thither either as recruits of the Minsis or the Mohaiuks, but their more considerable emigration was to Pennsylvania.

*

THE INDUN'TRIBES

pie, as may be inferred from Kregier's account of them.

1663, was known as Long Jacob.

chief, in

sachem in i682. 2

Above the

Katskills

Their

Mahak Niminaw

i,

435.

locates here

some

families

of Nanticokes, and it is possible that when that nation " disappeared without glory," some of its members were induced thither either as recruits of the Minsis or the Mohaiuks, but their more considerable emigration was to Pennsylvania.

*

THE INDUN'TRIBES

pie, as may be inferred from Kregier's account of them.

1663, was known as Long Jacob.

chief, in

sachem in i682. 2

Above the

Katskills

Their

Mahak Niminaw

came the Mechkentowoons of the Mahicans, but with boundary undefined.

The Minnisinks.

West of the Esopus country, and in the Delaware and its tributaries were the Minsis proper habiting 6th.

of whom a clan more generally known as the Minnisinks held the south-western parts of the present counties of Orange and

New

Van der Donck de Ulster, and north-western Jersey. scribes their district as " Minnessinck of 'tLandt van Bacham," and gives them three villages

:

Schepinaikonck, Meochkonck, and

Macharienkonck, the latter in the bend of the Delaware oppo site Port Jervis, and preserved perhaps in the name Mahackemeck. 3

On Sauthier's map, Minnisink, the capital of the clan, New Jer

located some ten miles south of Mahackemeck, in

is

sey.

Very little

is

known of the history of the clan as distin

guished from the tribe of which they were part, although the au thorities of New York had communication with them, and the Tradition gives to them missionary, Brainerd, visited them. the honor of holding the capital of the tribe in years anterior to

On Sauthier's map, Minnisink, the capital of the clan, New Jer

located some ten miles south of Mahackemeck, in

is

sey.

Very little

is

known of the history of the clan as distin

guished from the tribe of which they were part, although the au thorities of New York had communication with them, and the Tradition gives to them missionary, Brainerd, visited them. the honor of holding the capital of the tribe in years anterior to

Defrauded and maltreated, they subsequently exacted a terrible compensation for their wrongs. VI. The IROQUOIS. The territory occupied by the Mohawks ist. The Mohawks. the advent of the Europeans.

has already been sufficiently described, as well as that of their The Mohawks associate tribes of the Iroquois confederacy.

had no villages immediately upon the Hudson, although they

" Examined the

Squaw prisoner and

inquired if she were not acquainted with some Esopus Indians who abode about

She answered that some Katskill Indians lay on the other side near the Sager's kill, but they would not fight Documentary Hisagainst the Dutch." here ?

/cry, jv,

48.

" Mahak

Niminaw

shall

have,

as

being sachem of Katskill, two fathoms of duffels and an anker of rum when he Deed to Wm. Loveridge. comes home." On the cast bank of the Neversink river, three miles above Point Jervis, on the farm now or late of Mr. Levi Van Etten, exists an Indian burial ground, the

graves covering Skeletons have

an area of six acres, been unearthed, and

She answered that some Katskill Indians lay on the other side near the Sager's kill, but they would not fight Documentary Hisagainst the Dutch." here ?

/cry, jv,

48.

" Mahak

Niminaw

shall

have,

as

being sachem of Katskill, two fathoms of duffels and an anker of rum when he Deed to Wm. Loveridge. comes home." On the cast bank of the Neversink river, three miles above Point Jervis, on the farm now or late of Mr. Levi Van Etten, exists an Indian burial ground, the

graves covering Skeletons have

an area of six acres, been unearthed, and

found invariably in a sitting posture, surrounded by tomahawks, arrow-heads, In one grave was found a sheet iron etc. tobacco box containing a hankerchief covered with devices, employed doubtless to preserve the record of its owner's services. Not far from the grounds is the Willehoosa, a cavern in the rocks on the side of the Shawangunk mountain. It contains three apartments, each about the Indian imsize of an ordinary room. plements of various kinds have been found there.

OF HUDSON'S RIVER.

claimed title to the lands north of the Mohawk river. principal villages or castles, in 1677, were

Their

on the north side of

the Mohawk, in the present counties of Montgomery and Herkimer, and were

:

I.

Cahaniaga, or Gandaougue, by the Dutch

called Kaghnewage, and more modernly known as Caghnawaga ; 2. Gandagaro, or Kanagaro 3. Canajorha, or Canajoharie, and 4. Tionondogue or Tionnontoguen. The first contained ;

twenty-four houses ; the second, sixteen ; the third, sixteen, and the fourth thirty. 1 Tionondogue was the capital of the tribe. destroyed by the French in 1667, and rebuilt about one mile further west. It was again destroyed by the French in It was

Cahaniaga, or Gandaougue, by the Dutch

called Kaghnewage, and more modernly known as Caghnawaga ; 2. Gandagaro, or Kanagaro 3. Canajorha, or Canajoharie, and 4. Tionondogue or Tionnontoguen. The first contained ;

twenty-four houses ; the second, sixteen ; the third, sixteen, and the fourth thirty. 1 Tionondogue was the capital of the tribe. destroyed by the French in 1667, and rebuilt about one mile further west. It was again destroyed by the French in It was

1693, but does not appear to have been rebuilt, as soon after " upper Mohawk Canajoharie is spoken of as the

that time castle." 2

It

was at the latter that Hendrick and his brother The house occu

Abraham resided, as well as Joseph Brant.

pied by the former, and also by the latter, was situated near what is now known as u Indian castle church," in Danube, Herkimer county. Caghnawaga was the scene of early conflict

between the Mohawks and the Mahlcans ; it was destroyed by the French in 1693, an ^ subsequently by the Americans. It was known as the " lower Mohawk and the castle," occupied of the present village of Fonda, Montgomery county. Gandagaro passed out of existence with the second French in

long site

In 1690, a vasion, or at least is lost to the records after 1693. new castle was erected at the mouth of Schoharie creek and

Tiononderoge, after the name of the ancient capital of the tribe, but was more generally known as " the castle of

It was known as the " lower Mohawk and the castle," occupied of the present village of Fonda, Montgomery county. Gandagaro passed out of existence with the second French in

long site

In 1690, a vasion, or at least is lost to the records after 1693. new castle was erected at the mouth of Schoharie creek and

Tiononderoge, after the name of the ancient capital of the tribe, but was more generally known as " the castle of

called

It was situated on the site of what was

the praying Maquas."

known

Fort Hunter. Its occupants were subsequently called the Schoharie Indians. It was among them that several families of

as

Esopus Indians were

settlers in

After the

1756.

revolution the Mohawks had neither castles nor villages in their

ancient territory. 2d.

town,

The

Qneldfls,

etc.

" the old Oneida

The

Colonial History, in, 250 ; Brodhead's

New York, 11, 129.

Oneidas

had,

in

1677,

one

castle," as it was called, containing one

Pierron, the Jesuit missionary, it is said, visited every week

seven Mohawk villages, but they are not located,

Colonial History, vi, 850.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

hundred houses the Onondagas, a palisaded town of one hun dred and forty houses, and a village of twenty-four houses ; x the ;

Cayugas three towns, and the Senecas four. The capital of the confederacy was the village of Onondaga,

on the lake of that name, the principal settlement of the OnonBishop Cammerhof, who visited it in 1751, says, Onondaga, the chief town of the six nations, situated in a very pleasant and fruitful country, and consisting of five small towns and villages, through which the river Zinochsaa dagas.

hundred houses the Onondagas, a palisaded town of one hun dred and forty houses, and a village of twenty-four houses ; x the ;

Cayugas three towns, and the Senecas four. The capital of the confederacy was the village of Onondaga,

on the lake of that name, the principal settlement of the OnonBishop Cammerhof, who visited it in 1751, says, Onondaga, the chief town of the six nations, situated in a very pleasant and fruitful country, and consisting of five small towns and villages, through which the river Zinochsaa dagas.

"

runs."

In the Relations of the Jesuit missionaries it

" The word

Onnota^ which

signifies

is

said

:

in the Iroquois tongue, a

mountain, has given the name to the village called Onnontae, or as others call it, Onnontague, because it is on a mountain ;

and the people who inhabit it consequently style themselves Onnontae-ronnons, or Onnontague-ronnons."

The great villages of the Onnontagues

consists

of one hundred cabins.

Colonial History, ix, 375. Colonial History, in, 250.

This was

the

number then known.

It

is

subsequently stated that forty towns existed in the three western cantons. Journal of Sullivan s Expedition.

Indian Fort.

ONONDAGA, THE CAPITAL OF THE FIVE NATIONS 1609.

O.F HUDSON'S

RIVER.

THE INDIANS UNDER THE DUTCH THE MANHATTAN WARS FROM THE DISCOVERY TO THE PEACE OF 1645.

ROM the

first hour of Hudson's appearance in the waters of the Mahicanituk, to the last of the domina

tion of Holland, there was an antagonism between

the Dutch and the Indians with whom they came in

subsequently stated that forty towns existed in the three western cantons. Journal of Sullivan s Expedition.

Indian Fort.

ONONDAGA, THE CAPITAL OF THE FIVE NATIONS 1609.

O.F HUDSON'S

RIVER.

THE INDIANS UNDER THE DUTCH THE MANHATTAN WARS FROM THE DISCOVERY TO THE PEACE OF 1645.

ROM the

first hour of Hudson's appearance in the waters of the Mahicanituk, to the last of the domina

tion of Holland, there was an antagonism between

the Dutch and the Indians with whom they came in

contact in the vicinity of Manhattan island, and a conflict which

was apparently irrepressible. Hudson met " hicans

While in the territory of the Maproper loving men," 'in that of the Waphe the and Minsis, dyed the waters of the river which pingers the blood of those who were encouraged he had discovered with his

by

overtures to a violation of laws to which they were was amid the terrifying war-cries of a

strangers, and his exit

people enraged by the slaughter of kindred, and clouds darkened by their quivering arrows.

Subsequent events in no degree mitigated the hostility which

When the traders followed Hudson they until not had reached the jurisdiction of those with paused they

was then awakened.

whom his intercourse had been friendly.

There they main

tained kindly relations with the Indians, and around their

trading

Nassau, and subsequently Fort Orange, hed neu tral ground between the contending Mahicans and Mohawks*

posts, Fort

But this alliance of friendship did not relieve the Dutch from apprehended attacks on the part of those whom Hudson had Hudson's Journal; ante, p. n. The first, or Fort Nassau, was erected on what was called Castle island, now known as Boyd's island, a short dis1

There they main

tained kindly relations with the Indians, and around their

trading

Nassau, and subsequently Fort Orange, hed neu tral ground between the contending Mahicans and Mohawks*

posts, Fort

But this alliance of friendship did not relieve the Dutch from apprehended attacks on the part of those whom Hudson had Hudson's Journal; ante, p. n. The first, or Fort Nassau, was erected on what was called Castle island, now known as Boyd's island, a short dis1

*

tance

below the Albany

ferry.

It

was

twenty-six feet wide and thirty-six feet long, enclosed by a stockade fifty-eight feet square, and the whole

a

building

surrounded by a moat eighteen feet wide, Its armament consisted of two large guns and eleven swivels, and the garrison of ten or twelve men. The location proved

unfortunate, in consequence of the exposure to the spring freshets, and in 1618

was removed to the banks of the Tawalsontha creek, now called the Norman's kill, from whence it was soon after removed further north and located in the vicinity of what is now South Broadway, Albany, and called Fort Orange, by which name, and that of Beaverwyck, the small settlement which gathered around it, it was known until 1664. it

Ante^ p. 54.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

it was deemed prudent to erect a fort on what was then known as Prince's island, and to garrison it with six

offended, and

teen men for the defense of the river below." 1

Contemporaneous circumstances contributed to keep alive One Jacob Eelkins, 2 who had been in superintend ence of the trade at Fort Nassau, in the summer of 1622 this feeling.

was removed to the banks of the Tawalsontha creek, now called the Norman's kill, from whence it was soon after removed further north and located in the vicinity of what is now South Broadway, Albany, and called Fort Orange, by which name, and that of Beaverwyck, the small settlement which gathered around it, it was known until 1664. it

Ante^ p. 54.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

it was deemed prudent to erect a fort on what was then known as Prince's island, and to garrison it with six

offended, and

teen men for the defense of the river below." 1

Contemporaneous circumstances contributed to keep alive One Jacob Eelkins, 2 who had been in superintend ence of the trade at Fort Nassau, in the summer of 1622 this feeling.

ascended the Connecticut to

traffic,

and while there treacher

ously imprisoned the chief of the Sequins on board his yacht, and would not release him until a ransom of one hundred and

The offense was more so than by the To appease them, Eelkins was discharged, and Mai?icons. in further overture to them, Krieckbeck, the Dutch apparently commander at Fort Orange, in 1626, joined them, with six men, on a hostile expedition against the Mohawks.* Other causes of grievance were not wanting. The sale of fire-arms to the Mahlcans and Mohawks at Fort Orange and forty fathoms of

wampum had been exacted.

resented by

the tribes, and by none

all

the refusal to sell to the chieftaincies in the vicinity of Fort

The offense was more so than by the To appease them, Eelkins was discharged, and Mai?icons. in further overture to them, Krieckbeck, the Dutch apparently commander at Fort Orange, in 1626, joined them, with six men, on a hostile expedition against the Mohawks.* Other causes of grievance were not wanting. The sale of fire-arms to the Mahlcans and Mohawks at Fort Orange and forty fathoms of

wampum had been exacted.

resented by

the tribes, and by none

all

the refusal to sell to the chieftaincies in the vicinity of Fort

sterdam 4 was a constant

to allay which the

irritation,

Am

Dutch

traders treated the Indians at the latter place with great fami them to their liarity, invited them to their houses, admitted

and gave them wine,

tables,

civilities as their

until

they

came

to

due and to resent their absence.

regard such Then the

Dutch roamed at large, " without a herdsman," frequently came into the corn of the Indians, which was

cattle of the

and "

unfenced on led to

all sides,

complaints on

committing great damage there. their part and

Wassenaar, Documentary History , in, The location of this fort has never been positively ascertained. 35.

Wassenaar, Documentary History t

m,

45 j Brodhead, i, 146, 1 68.

Brodhcad,

was not

i,

168.

The

expedition

Krieckbeck and men were killed, and the

successful.

three of his

The Mohawks

Mahicans put

to flight.

did not resent

the alliance further than

to roast and eat one of the Dutch soldiers,

committing great damage there. their part and

Wassenaar, Documentary History , in, The location of this fort has never been positively ascertained. 35.

Wassenaar, Documentary History t

m,

45 j Brodhead, i, 146, 1 68.

Brodhcad,

was not

i,

168.

The

expedition

Krieckbeck and men were killed, and the

successful.

three of his

The Mohawks

Mahicans put

to flight.

did not resent

the alliance further than

to roast and eat one of the Dutch soldiers,

a

man named Tyman Bouwensen

but ; it prudent, during the continuance of hostilities, to remove the Dutch families to Fort Amsterdam, and to direct the garrison at Fort Orange to

Minuit deemed

finally to

This

revenge on the

observe strict neutrality in the future.

Precisely to what extent the Indians in the vicinity o*f Fort Amsterdam were

supplied

with arms in

1643, does not

It is said by the Eight Men, appear. in October of that year : " These Indians

are, on the contrary, strong and mighty ; have, one with the other, made alliances with seven different tribes, well supplied with guns, powder and ball." (Colonial History , i, 190) ; yet there is not a single case of the use of fire arms by the InEven in their most dians recorded. desperate defenses bows and arrows are alone spoken of as their weapons.

OF HUDSON'S RWER. cattle,

without sparing even the horses."

In 1626, a Wecknephew, who was a by on their way to the while and another savage, boy," fort to trade, were met and robbed by men in the employ of

are, on the contrary, strong and mighty ; have, one with the other, made alliances with seven different tribes, well supplied with guns, powder and ball." (Colonial History , i, 190) ; yet there is not a single case of the use of fire arms by the InEven in their most dians recorded. desperate defenses bows and arrows are alone spoken of as their weapons.

OF HUDSON'S RWER. cattle,

without sparing even the horses."

In 1626, a Wecknephew, who was a by on their way to the while and another savage, boy," fort to trade, were met and robbed by men in the employ of

quaesgeek

" small

his

Indian, accompanied

Minuit, the Dutch director, and in the melee the Weckquaes-

The act was unknown to the Dutch at the geek was killed. a revenge which he forgot not to but the treasured time, boy exact in manhood.

As the Dutch settlers took up lands on Long Island and the

New Jersey shore, they made frequent complaints that their cattle were stolen

aggressors in all

by the Indians. Regarding the latter as the Director Kieft, who had in the mean cases,

time succeeded Minuit, determined, in 1639, to demand from them tribute, not only as compensation, but to aid in establishing over them, and for that purpose sent an armed sloop to the Tappans to exact contributions of corn and wam pum. The Indians expressed their astonishment at this pro

his government

"

" the sakema of the fort for daring ceeding, and denounced Sneers and reproaches followed. to attempt such exactions.

Regarding the latter as the Director Kieft, who had in the mean cases,

time succeeded Minuit, determined, in 1639, to demand from them tribute, not only as compensation, but to aid in establishing over them, and for that purpose sent an armed sloop to the Tappans to exact contributions of corn and wam pum. The Indians expressed their astonishment at this pro

his government

"

" the sakema of the fort for daring ceeding, and denounced Sneers and reproaches followed. to attempt such exactions.

" The

sakema," they said,

not invited them to

" must be a mean fellow

come and live

;

he had

here, that he should

now

take away their corn." formal conference was held with the Indians, but the latter refused to yield the contributions asked.

An open rupture soon followed. Some pigs were stolen from De Vries's plantation on Staten island, as it subsequently appeared

"

by the servants of the company, then (1640) going to the South river to trade, and who landed on the island to take in wood and water ; " but, as Kieft professed to believe, by the Indians. He accused the Raritans of the offense, and, on the sixteenth of July, commissioned Secretary Van Tienhoven to proceed, with one hundred men, to their territory and demand satisfaction.

The Raritans denied the commission of the offense,

and satisfied the secretary ; but the troops under him were bent

on mischief, and scarcely had he left them when they made an attack, killed several of the Indians, took one of their chiefs

by the servants of the company, then (1640) going to the South river to trade, and who landed on the island to take in wood and water ; " but, as Kieft professed to believe, by the Indians. He accused the Raritans of the offense, and, on the sixteenth of July, commissioned Secretary Van Tienhoven to proceed, with one hundred men, to their territory and demand satisfaction.

The Raritans denied the commission of the offense,

and satisfied the secretary ; but the troops under him were bent

on mischief, and scarcely had he left them when they made an attack, killed several of the Indians, took one of their chiefs

De Fries, New York Historial Society

Collections,

ad series, i, 263 j Breeden

Racdt, Documentary History y iv, 101, 102.

7HE INDIAN TRIBES

captive,

and mangled

retaliated by attacking

the body of another.

De Vries's plantation,

The Raritans killed four of his

burned his dwelling and tobacco house. Kieft followed with a proclamation announcing the policy of exter mination, and offering a bounty of ten fathoms of wampum for planters and

the head of every Raritan

which should be brought to him.

Holding their own grievances in abeyance,

some of the Long

Island warriors took up the hatchet against the Raritans, and brought in at least one head for the director's gratification, but the great body of the Indians refused the tempting offer.

Meanwhile the Weckquaesgeek boy had grown to manhood, and determined to exact

long meditated atonement for

his

Kieft followed with a proclamation announcing the policy of exter mination, and offering a bounty of ten fathoms of wampum for planters and

the head of every Raritan

which should be brought to him.

Holding their own grievances in abeyance,

some of the Long

Island warriors took up the hatchet against the Raritans, and brought in at least one head for the director's gratification, but the great body of the Indians refused the tempting offer.

Meanwhile the Weckquaesgeek boy had grown to manhood, and determined to exact

long meditated atonement for

his

Taking with him some beaver skins to " a harm barter, he stopped at the house of one Claes Smit, less Dutchman," and while he was stooping over a chest in which he kept his goods, the savage seized an axe and killed him by a blow on the neck then quickly plundering his the death of his uncle.

;

Kieft demanded satisfaction, but abode, escaped to the woods. the Weckquaesgeeks refused to deliver up the murderer. He

then

summoned all the heads of families of Manhattan to a

meeting and. laid the matter before them, especially -asking if it

was not just that the murder should be avenged, and if in case the Weckquaesgeeks would not surrender the murderer, it would not be "just to destroy the whole village" to which he belonged and if so, in what manner, when, and by whom such chastise The meeting referred the pro ment should be inflicted. " twelve select to men," who, with greater discernment position ;

meeting and. laid the matter before them, especially -asking if it

was not just that the murder should be avenged, and if in case the Weckquaesgeeks would not surrender the murderer, it would not be "just to destroy the whole village" to which he belonged and if so, in what manner, when, and by whom such chastise The meeting referred the pro ment should be inflicted. " twelve select to men," who, with greater discernment position ;

of the consequences of an open rupture with the Indians than the director, reported that while the murder should be avenged they thought

" God and the

consideration," and that

in

opportunity should be taken into the meantime the director should

make suitable arrangements for sustaining an attempt at inflicting punishment.

In case

hostilities

thought the director should nity should

" follow his

should be inaugurated, they van," while the commu

" lead the

steps and obey his commands."

They

advised, however, as an offset to this quiet bit of sarcasm, that

before anything else was done the director should send up a shallop to the Weckquaesgeeks to demand of them

"

once, twic e, yea for

OF HUDSON'S RIVER.

a third time," the surrender of the murderer in a " friendly

manner." Offended and bent on war, Kieft " would not listen."

Re

maining inactive until November, he consulted each of the " twelve" separately on the question of immediate hostilities ; but the latter remained firmly opposed.

In the winter he repeated

before anything else was done the director should send up a shallop to the Weckquaesgeeks to demand of them

"

once, twic e, yea for

OF HUDSON'S RIVER.

a third time," the surrender of the murderer in a " friendly

manner." Offended and bent on war, Kieft " would not listen."

Re

maining inactive until November, he consulted each of the " twelve" separately on the question of immediate hostilities ; but the latter remained firmly opposed.

In the winter he repeated

this consultation, and

Indians were absent from

urged that the

on hunting expeditions, and

that arrangements The "twelve" con should be made at once to destroy them. sented, unwillingly, and on assurances that an attack should their village

only be made after repeated solicitations had failed to secure the surrender of the murderer. Kieft did not long delay an

In March (1642), attempt to execute his atrocious design. he dispatched a company of eighty men, under command of

Ensign Hendrick Van Dyck, with instructions to fall upon the Weckaquaesgeeks,

" who

and punish them with

lay in their village suspecting nothing,"

and sword. Fortunately the guide missed his way, and the expedition was compelled to' return to Fort Amsterdam " in all the mortification of failure." The re fire

however, was that the Indians, on discovering the trail of Kieft's men, and detecting his intention, became alarmed

sult,

and asked that peace might be maintained. Kieft consented on condition that the murderer of Smit was delivered up, and

and punish them with

lay in their village suspecting nothing,"

and sword. Fortunately the guide missed his way, and the expedition was compelled to' return to Fort Amsterdam " in all the mortification of failure." The re fire

however, was that the Indians, on discovering the trail of Kieft's men, and detecting his intention, became alarmed

sult,

and asked that peace might be maintained. Kieft consented on condition that the murderer of Smit was delivered up, and

on this basis a treaty, as it was called, was concluded with them. But it was not fulfilled by either of the contracting parties ; the arrest of an Indian, whose action had been in strict accordance with the laws and customs of his difficult

tribe,

was a process of very

accomplishment.

Soon after this occurrence the Dutch were terribly frightened. " " of the Narragansetts^ principal sachem

Miantonomo, the

having a controversy pending with Uncas, visited the Manhat tans with an hundred men, and passed through all the Mablcan villages to secure their alliance for'the destruction of his rival.

The Dutch, however, gave to him a different mission.

From a

whispered suspicion it grew to public clamor, that the embassy had no less an object than to secure the union of all the Indians in a

"

general

war against both the English and the Dutch."

The story spread to New England, where its falsity was demon-

THE INDIAN TRIBES

strated ; x but in the meanwhile the inhabitants at

New Amster

having a controversy pending with Uncas, visited the Manhat tans with an hundred men, and passed through all the Mablcan villages to secure their alliance for'the destruction of his rival.

The Dutch, however, gave to him a different mission.

From a

whispered suspicion it grew to public clamor, that the embassy had no less an object than to secure the union of all the Indians in a

"

general

war against both the English and the Dutch."

The story spread to New England, where its falsity was demon-

THE INDIAN TRIBES

strated ; x but in the meanwhile the inhabitants at

New Amster

dam saw the hand of hostile Indians in every thing

;

believed

that they had attempted to destroy the settlement by setting fire to its powder-magazine,

and the director by poisoning him " or

enchanting him by their deviltry." The storm passed over only to be succeeded by another.

The

Hackinsacks and Tappans had hitherto escaped special irritating collisions with the Dutch. True, the Tappans had resisted the

attempt to place them under tribute, but this attempt appears to have been abandoned. De Vries 3 had settled among the latter, after the

disaster

which

him on Staten

befel

kindly treatment had won their confidence. however, forced them to take up the hatchet.

and by Circumstances, island,

Contrary to the

advice of the director, and in .opposition to the wishes of a ma jority of the Hackinsacks^ one Myndert Van der Horst pur chased a tract near Communipaw and made settlement thereon.

attempt to place them under tribute, but this attempt appears to have been abandoned. De Vries 3 had settled among the latter, after the

disaster

which

him on Staten

befel

kindly treatment had won their confidence. however, forced them to take up the hatchet.

and by Circumstances, island,

Contrary to the

advice of the director, and in .opposition to the wishes of a ma jority of the Hackinsacks^ one Myndert Van der Horst pur chased a tract near Communipaw and made settlement thereon.

While visiting this settlement a Hackinsack warrior became in toxicated, and was robbed of his beaver-skin coat.

stupor passed off

When the

and he became conscious of the imposition

which had been practiced upon him, he vowed he would go home for his bow and arrows and shoot the " roguish Swanne" kin (as the Dutch were called), who had taken his things, and he keep his vow. Watching his opportunity, he shot one of the colonists, Garret Jansen Van Voorst, as he was

faithfully did

thatching the roof of one of

Van der Horst's

houses.

The

chiefs of his tribe, anxious to keep unbroken friendly relations Vries to secure his counsel and with the Dutch, hastened to

De

They dared not go to Fort Amsterdam for fear Kieft would keep them prisoners, but they were willing to make " the " blood atonement of money customary among the tribes,

intercession.

and offered two hundred fathoms of wampum* to the family of

HubbarcTs Indian JVars^ 44. The superstitious fears of the Dutch and the English were alike strongly worked upon by the skill of the Indians

chiefs of his tribe, anxious to keep unbroken friendly relations Vries to secure his counsel and with the Dutch, hastened to

De

They dared not go to Fort Amsterdam for fear Kieft would keep them prisoners, but they were willing to make " the " blood atonement of money customary among the tribes,

intercession.

and offered two hundred fathoms of wampum* to the family of

HubbarcTs Indian JVars^ 44. The superstitious fears of the Dutch and the English were alike strongly worked upon by the skill of the Indians

in jugglery.

De Vries purchased from the Tappans

a tract of about five

April,

;

hundred acres in

made settlement thereon

the subsequent year, and gave to it the name of Vriesendael.

Myndert Myndertsen Van der Horst

" within purchased and located on a tract an hour's walk of Vricsendael." His plantation extended from Archer Cul bay north towards Tappan, and included The the valley of the Hackinsack river. head quarters of the settlement were about five or six hundred paces from the principal village of the Hackinsacks.

the murdered

OF HUDSON'S RWER.

man as the price of peace.

Persuaded by De

Vries, who became answerable for their safe return, the chiefs visited the fort with him, and there repeated their offer.

Kieft refused to accept the wampum, and demanded the mur The chiefs could not comply ; the murderer had sought

derer.

refuge among the Tankitekes, and besides he was the son of a chief and could not be surrendered. They then renewed their expiatory offer, but it was again refused, and they returned to their homes hopeless of effecting reconciliation.

Vries, who became answerable for their safe return, the chiefs visited the fort with him, and there repeated their offer.

Kieft refused to accept the wampum, and demanded the mur The chiefs could not comply ; the murderer had sought

derer.

refuge among the Tankitekes, and besides he was the son of a chief and could not be surrendered. They then renewed their expiatory offer, but it was again refused, and they returned to their homes hopeless of effecting reconciliation.

These collisions and causes of grievance culminated in the winter of 1643, when Director Kieft threw off all disguise and disgraced even savage modes of warfare by a blackening hypo crisy and a massacre more terrible than any of which their

In February of that year a party of eighty shoulder," made a descent

annals bear record.

" each with a musket on his

Mahicans, on some of the old Manhattan

chieftaincies,

for the purpose of

which had been withheld. 1 Surprised, and from unable wholly inferiority in arms to cope with their adver

collecting tribute

the assailed Indians fled to Fort Amsterdam for protec tion, leaving seventeen of their number dead and a considerable saries,

portion of their their

enemies.

women and children prisoners in the hands of The Dutch kindly cared for the fugitives and

supported them for fourteen days ; but, again alarmed for their safety, they scattered themselves among the Hackinsacks and

Tappans, while others fled to Vriesendael to beg assistance and De Vries promised to do all in his power for them,

the assailed Indians fled to Fort Amsterdam for protec tion, leaving seventeen of their number dead and a considerable saries,

portion of their their

enemies.

women and children prisoners in the hands of The Dutch kindly cared for the fugitives and

supported them for fourteen days ; but, again alarmed for their safety, they scattered themselves among the Hackinsacks and

Tappans, while others fled to Vriesendael to beg assistance and De Vries promised to do all in his power for them,

protection.

and accordingly went,

in a canoe, through the floating ice, to Fort Amsterdam, to ask Kieft to assist him with some soldiers.

The director, however, claimed that he had none to spare ; and the next day the Indians left Vriesendael, some going to

Brodhead and others

foray was by Mohawks.

sis

those regarded as their own people, and .that the Mohawks alone were armed,

ary proof, however, is that it was made " The Mahican Inby the Mahicans. dians,

who, surprising, slew full seventy

them" Colonial History, i, 151. *' The Mahicanders dwelling below Fort Ibld.^ 184. Orange, who slew," etc. " The Indians, the Mayekandcrs, who of

came

that the Mahicans would not attack

assert that this

The documentfrom Fort Orange

"

De

Vries.

The conclusion that it was by the Moha*wks is apparently based on the hypothe-

The fact distinctly appears, however, that not only were the Mahicans armed, but " had neglected to pay them the tribute due from conquered tribes. That no other chieftaincies than those of the Weckquaesgeek district that the " old Manhattans

" The Indians, the Mayekandcrs, who of

came

that the Mahicans would not attack

assert that this

The documentfrom Fort Orange

"

De

Vries.

The conclusion that it was by the Moha*wks is apparently based on the hypothe-

The fact distinctly appears, however, that not only were the Mahicans armed, but " had neglected to pay them the tribute due from conquered tribes. That no other chieftaincies than those of the Weckquaesgeek district that the " old Manhattans

were visited, is additional proof that was by the Mahicans.

it

THE INDIAN TRIBES

Pavonia J

among the Hacklnsacks, who were

" full a thousand

strong," and others to Rechtauck (now Corlear's hook) where they occupied some cabins which had been erected by the

Reckawancks.

Made acquainted with these facts, the people of New Amster dam were divided in opinion as" to the proper policy to be pur sued.

The majority, under the lead of De Vries, counseled

patience, humanity and kindness, such as had been extended to the fugitives when they first fled thither for protection.

Another party, headed by Van Tienhoven, provincial secretary, masking their action under professions of indignation at the shedding of innocent Christian blood, clamored for the extermi nation of the Indians. A petition was circulated by the latter, and obtained some signatures, reminding the director that God had now supplied the " opportunity " which the " twelve " had suggested should be awaited, and asking permission to " attack and destroy the enemy which had been delivered into" their hands, and " that one party, composed of freemen, and another of soldiers, be dispatched to different places against them." 2 The petition was resisted by De Vries and others,

A petition was circulated by the latter, and obtained some signatures, reminding the director that God had now supplied the " opportunity " which the " twelve " had suggested should be awaited, and asking permission to " attack and destroy the enemy which had been delivered into" their hands, and " that one party, composed of freemen, and another of soldiers, be dispatched to different places against them." 2 The petition was resisted by De Vries and others,

who warned the director against so gross a breach of Indian and civilized laws of hospitality; but Keift, who had long before taken his position on the subject, readily complied with the request of the petitioners, and issued an order that the Indians should be attacked by two divisions, one at Pavonia and the other at Corlear's hook, the former to be by the soldiers under the command of Sergeant Rodolf, and the latter by the

burghers headed by Maryn Andriaensen.

Michael Pauw purchased from the Indians the tract now included in Hoboken and Jersey City, and established there a colony to which he gave the name of Pavonia. i,

Brodbcad, i, 203.

Colonial History, in, 1465 0' Callaghan,

266 ; Brodbead,

tive is principally by

" 3

We,

i,

349.

The Narra-

De Vries.

therefore,

hereby

authorize

his request, with to attack a party of sa-

Maryn Adriansen, at his

associates,

vages skulking behind Corlear's hook, or plantation, and act with them in every such manner as they shall deem proper

Michael Pauw purchased from the Indians the tract now included in Hoboken and Jersey City, and established there a colony to which he gave the name of Pavonia. i,

Brodbcad, i, 203.

Colonial History, in, 1465 0' Callaghan,

266 ; Brodbead,

tive is principally by

" 3

We,

i,

349.

The Narra-

De Vries.

therefore,

hereby

authorize

his request, with to attack a party of sa-

Maryn Adriansen, at his

associates,

vages skulking behind Corlear's hook, or plantation, and act with them in every such manner as they shall deem proper

and the time and opportunity shall permit. Sergeant Rodolf is commanded and authorized to take under his command a troop of soldiers and lead them to Pavonia, and drive away and destroy the savages being behind Jan Evertsen's, but to spare, as much as possible, their wives and children, and to take the savages * The exploit to be exeprisoners.* cuted at night, with the greatest caution and prudence. Our God may bless the Done Feb. 24th, 1643." expedition. O'Callaghan, i, 267, 268.

OF HUDSON'S RWER.

The plan was executed on the night of the 25th of February. The Indians had gathered behind Pauw's settlement at Pavonia, unsuspicious of attack from those to whose shelter they had fled, and were sleeping in conscious security when the work of death

commenced. Loud shrieks first announced to DeVries, who was watching at Fort Amsterdam, that the slaughter had begun, but these shrieks were succeeded by the stolid indifference with which the red man always met his fate, and nothing was heard but the report of fire-arms. Neither age nor sex were spared. Warrior and squaw, sachem and chief, mother and babe, were alike massacred. DeVries describes the terrible tragedy in Children were taken from the arms of their pointed language. mothers and butchered in the presence of their parents, and

Loud shrieks first announced to DeVries, who was watching at Fort Amsterdam, that the slaughter had begun, but these shrieks were succeeded by the stolid indifference with which the red man always met his fate, and nothing was heard but the report of fire-arms. Neither age nor sex were spared. Warrior and squaw, sachem and chief, mother and babe, were alike massacred. DeVries describes the terrible tragedy in Children were taken from the arms of their pointed language. mothers and butchered in the presence of their parents, and

" Other mangled limbs thrown into the fire or the water. sucklings had been fastened to little boards, and in this position Some were thrown in the river, and they were cut to pieces. their

when the parents rushed in to save them, the soldiers prevented

The next landing and let parents and children drown." morning some of the Indians, who had escaped the midnight

their

slaughter, came to the fort begging for shelter, but instead of receiving it, were killed in cold blood or thrown into the river.

Continues DeVries, " some came running to us from the coun having their hands cut off; some lost both arms and legs ; some were supporting their entrails with their hands, while others were mangled in other horrid ways, to.o horrid to be conceived. try,

And these miserable wretches, as well as many of the Dutch, were all the time under the impression that the attack had pro ceeded from their Indian enemies " were unwilling to believe that

Continues DeVries, " some came running to us from the coun having their hands cut off; some lost both arms and legs ; some were supporting their entrails with their hands, while others were mangled in other horrid ways, to.o horrid to be conceived. try,

And these miserable wretches, as well as many of the Dutch, were all the time under the impression that the attack had pro ceeded from their Indian enemies " were unwilling to believe that

men professing the Christian name could be guilty of so

gross a violation of Christian principles. With an aching heart, DeVries returned to his home, and

had scarcely arrived when some of the fugitives gathered around him.

" The Fort Orange Indians have fallen upon us," said " and we have come to hide ourselves in u It fort."

your no time to hide yourselves in the fort; no Indians have done

they, is

" I am

told for a fact that a certain

skipper, Isaac Abrahamsen, having saved a boy, and hidden him under the sails, in

order to give him to one Cornelius Me-

towards morning the poor child, overcome with cold and hunger, made some noise, and was heard by the soldiers, eighteen Dutch tigers dragged (him) from lyn,

THE INDIAN TRIBES

it is the work of the Swannekens," answered De he and led the fugitives to the gate, " where stood no Vries, sentinel," and bade them seek shelter in the forest depths.

deed ;

this

Meanwhile the victorious expeditions returned to Fort Amster

order to give him to one Cornelius Me-

towards morning the poor child, overcome with cold and hunger, made some noise, and was heard by the soldiers, eighteen Dutch tigers dragged (him) from lyn,

THE INDIAN TRIBES

it is the work of the Swannekens," answered De he and led the fugitives to the gate, " where stood no Vries, sentinel," and bade them seek shelter in the forest depths.

deed ;

this

Meanwhile the victorious expeditions returned to Fort Amster

dam and reported, as the result of their work, that eighty Indians had been slaughtered at Pavonia and thirty at Corlear's hook, while with them were thirty prisoners. Kieft received his free booters and soldiers with thanks, rewards and congratulations j while Van Tienhoven's mother, forgetful of the finer feelings

which do honor

to

her sex, amused herself,

it is

stated,

by

kicking about the heads of the dead men which had been brought in as trophies

of the midnight slaughter. 1

The first notes of triumph had barely faded from the air, however, ere the hand of revenge was made red with the blood of the Dutch. Kieft, in the exultation of the moment, sent out

One of these expeditions foraging expeditions to collect corn. seized two wagon loads from the Long Island Indians, who lost number in endeavoring to save their property. Montauk and the Hackimack and Tappan made common cause with the Weckquaesgeeks*

three of their

In

retaliation, the

chieftaincies

who had suffered i-n the February attack, and who had learned that the

The first notes of triumph had barely faded from the air, however, ere the hand of revenge was made red with the blood of the Dutch. Kieft, in the exultation of the moment, sent out

One of these expeditions foraging expeditions to collect corn. seized two wagon loads from the Long Island Indians, who lost number in endeavoring to save their property. Montauk and the Hackimack and Tappan made common cause with the Weckquaesgeeks*

three of their

In

retaliation, the

chieftaincies

who had suffered i-n the February attack, and who had learned that the

fully

Dutch, and not the Mahicans, had been the massacre of their kindred, and the toma

principals in the

hawk, the scalping knife and the firebrand executed the work of " From and thickets the

swamps vengeance. mysterious enemy made his sudden onset. The farmer was murdered in the open

women and children, granted their lives, were swept off into long captivity ; houses and bouweries, hay-stacks and grain,

field ;

cattle and crops, were all

destroyed."

under the sails, in spite of the endeavors of the skipper, cut (him) in two and Breeden Raedt. threw (him) overboard."

Callaghan, i, 269.

" It is a scandal

Even Vriesendael did

only three remained on the Manhattes, and two on Staten island, and the greater Whatpart of the cattle were destroyed. ever remained of these had to be kept in

for our nation," says the author of Brtca very small enclosure, except in

den

laer's colonie, lying

Raedt,

under the sails, in spite of the endeavors of the skipper, cut (him) in two and Breeden Raedt. threw (him) overboard."

Callaghan, i, 269.

" It is a scandal

Even Vriesendael did

only three remained on the Manhattes, and two on Staten island, and the greater Whatpart of the cattle were destroyed. ever remained of these had to be kept in

for our nation," says the author of Brtca very small enclosure, except in

den

laer's colonie, lying

Raedt,

remedied

it,

" and if silence would have

should never have mentioned it."

The

Rensseon the North river,

the neighborhood of Fort Orange, which experienced no trouble and enjoyed

in

speaks of the Weekpeace, because they continued to sell firequaesgeeks, the Sint-Sings, and the Klcktawanes in different places.

arms and powder to the Indians even during the war against our people."

narrative

"Almost all the BrodAead,i, 354. bouweries were also destroyed, so that

Report, etc., Colon ial History, i, 151.

O.P HUDSON'S

RIVER.

.

The outhouses, and crops DeVries and his colonists, however, escaped into the manor house or fort, which had been constructed with loop-holes for musketry, and were standing on their defense, when an Indian whom DeVries had" sheltered on the morning not escape the general calamity.

and cattle were destroyed.

of the massacre came up to the besiegers, related the occurrence and told them DeVries was "a good chief." The Indians at once raised the siege, and expressed their regret that they had destroyed the cattle ; they would let the little brewery of their

The outhouses, and crops DeVries and his colonists, however, escaped into the manor house or fort, which had been constructed with loop-holes for musketry, and were standing on their defense, when an Indian whom DeVries had" sheltered on the morning not escape the general calamity.

and cattle were destroyed.

of the massacre came up to the besiegers, related the occurrence and told them DeVries was "a good chief." The Indians at once raised the siege, and expressed their regret that they had destroyed the cattle ; they would let the little brewery of their

Dutch friends stand, although they longed for the copper kettle to make barbs for their arrows. 1 The Dutch were thrown into great consternation and fled to Fort Amsterdam for protection, with bitter upbraidings on their He met them defiantly at first, and lips against the director. professed to have been controlled by the wishes of Andriaensen ; but the latter denied the assertion, and carried his determination to escape the popular condemnation into an attempt upon the life

of the director. 2

But the accumulating evidences of desolation

brought ruler and people to repentance.

For that mercy which

he had refused to extend to the helpless Indians, Kieft besought the people to ask of the Most High, and to that end appointed a day of fasting and prayer, in his proclamation

confessing that

them was doubtless owing While people had committed.

the calamities which had overtaken to the

sins

which he and

his

the latter humbled themselves before God, they had little

But the accumulating evidences of desolation

brought ruler and people to repentance.

For that mercy which

he had refused to extend to the helpless Indians, Kieft besought the people to ask of the Most High, and to that end appointed a day of fasting and prayer, in his proclamation

confessing that

them was doubtless owing While people had committed.

the calamities which had overtaken to the

sins

which he and

his

the latter humbled themselves before God, they had little

charity

in their hearts for the direct author of their calamities, and asked

one another, u Did ever the Huke of Alba do more " Netherlands ?

evil in the

Matters assumed a more favorable aspect in the spring.

The

Long Island Indians, although previously rejecting the overtures

made by the director for peace, and denouncing him as a " corn thief," became more tractable when the planting season came " their on, and sent from the wigwams of Penhawitz, great three to Fort chief," Amsterdam, desiring that nego delegates tiations might be opened.

De Fries, 269

Society

;

Collection,

De Vries and Alferton were at once

New York Historical ad

series,

i,

269 ;

he was arrested."

Brodhead, i, 255.

" What devilish lies

ing of me ? but by the promptness of the bystanders the shot was prevented, and

art thou report-

184.

Colonial

History,

i,

.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

appointed to accompany them, and setting out on the 4th of March, came to Rechquaakie or Rockaway, where they found

Society

;

Collection,

De Vries and Alferton were at once

New York Historical ad

series,

i,

269 ;

he was arrested."

Brodhead, i, 255.

" What devilish lies

ing of me ? but by the promptness of the bystanders the shot was prevented, and

art thou report-

184.

Colonial

History,

i,

.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

appointed to accompany them, and setting out on the 4th of March, came to Rechquaakie or Rockaway, where they found

Penhawitz, surrounded by nearly three hundred warriors and The next day they were village of thirty wigwams.

a

conducted into the woods about four hundred yards off, where they found sixteen chiefs of the Montauks, with whom the con ference was conducted in the Indian form. 1 De Vries invited "

the chiefs to accompany him to Fort Amsterdam, under the assurance of presents and peace. The latter embraced the offer,

and, to the number of eighteen, embarked in a large canoe in the evening. After some days spent

and reached the fort

in negotiation a treaty was concluded on the 25th, and the chiefs dismissed with presents and solicited to bring to the fort the

chiefs of the river families " who

number.

had

lost

so many

"

of their

The Long Island sachem accordingly went to Hackinsack and Tappan, but weeks elapsed before negotiations were concluded. Oritany, sachem of the Hackinsacks, after consulta tion with his allies, finally appeared at Fort Amsterdam, clothed

with authority to conclude a peace both for his own and the

in negotiation a treaty was concluded on the 25th, and the chiefs dismissed with presents and solicited to bring to the fort the

chiefs of the river families " who

number.

had

lost

so many

"

of their

The Long Island sachem accordingly went to Hackinsack and Tappan, but weeks elapsed before negotiations were concluded. Oritany, sachem of the Hackinsacks, after consulta tion with his allies, finally appeared at Fort Amsterdam, clothed

with authority to conclude a peace both for his own and the

The opportunity was embraced by neighboring chieftaincies. the director and the following treaty agreed to :

" This

day, the twenty-second of April, 1643, between Wil liam Kieft, director general and the council of Netherland,

New

on the one side, and Oratatum, sachem of the savages residing at Ack-kinkashacky, who declared that he was delegated by and for those of Tappaen, Reckawawanc, Kitchawanc, and SintSinck^ on the other side, is a peace concluded in the following

1 " were awakened and led by one of the Indians in the woods upwards of 400 paces from the house, where we found sixteen chiefs from Long Island, who placed themselves in a circle around One of them had a bundle of small us. sticks. He was the best speaker, and

We

commenced his speech.

He related that

when we first arrived on their shores, we were sometimes in want of food ; they gave us their beans and corn, and let us eat oysters and fish ; and now for recomHe pense we murdered their people. here laid down one little stick j this was

1 " were awakened and led by one of the Indians in the woods upwards of 400 paces from the house, where we found sixteen chiefs from Long Island, who placed themselves in a circle around One of them had a bundle of small us. sticks. He was the best speaker, and

We

commenced his speech.

He related that

when we first arrived on their shores, we were sometimes in want of food ; they gave us their beans and corn, and let us eat oysters and fish ; and now for recomHe pense we murdered their people. here laid down one little stick j this was

one point of accusation. in your first trips

The men whom

you left here to barter

your goods till your return, these men have been treated by us as we would have done by our eye-balls. gave them our daughters for wives, by whom they

We

There are now several Indians, who came from the blood of the Swannekins and that of Indians ; and these their own blood were now murdered He laid down in such villainous manner. had children.

New

De Vries, York Historical Society Collections, ad series, i, another stick."

271.

OF HUDSON'S RIVER. " All

injustices

committed by the

'

natives against the

said

Netherlander, or by the Netherlanders against

said natives,

and forgotten forever, reciprocally promising, one the other, to cause no trouble, the one to the other ; but shall be forgiven

whenever the savages understand that any nation not mentioned in this treaty, may be plotting mischief against the Christians,

De Vries, York Historical Society Collections, ad series, i, another stick."

271.

OF HUDSON'S RIVER. " All

injustices

committed by the

'

natives against the

said

Netherlander, or by the Netherlanders against

said natives,

and forgotten forever, reciprocally promising, one the other, to cause no trouble, the one to the other ; but shall be forgiven

whenever the savages understand that any nation not mentioned in this treaty, may be plotting mischief against the Christians,

then they will give to them a timely warning, and not admit such a nation within their own limits."

This peace was one of necessity on the part of the Indians.

The Hackinsack sachem received his presents, but complained of their insufficiency, saying that his young men would only regard

them as

a trifling atonement ; and such they not onjy

At were, but they were received as the sachem had indicated. midsummer the sachem visited Vriesendael and stated that the young men of his people were urging war

;

that some

had lost

fathers and mothers in the February massacre, and all were mourning over the memory of friends ; that the presents which

had been given to them were not worth the touch, and that At the request of De Vries, they could be no longer pacified. the sachem accompanied him to Fort Amsterdam, where, on repeating his complaint, Kieft replied that he should cause his

young Indians who wanted war, to be shot. Kieft then offered him two hundred fathoms of wampum, but the sachem spurned the bribe, and, after promising to do his best to pacify his people,

had been given to them were not worth the touch, and that At the request of De Vries, they could be no longer pacified. the sachem accompanied him to Fort Amsterdam, where, on repeating his complaint, Kieft replied that he should cause his

young Indians who wanted war, to be shot. Kieft then offered him two hundred fathoms of wampum, but the sachem spurned the bribe, and, after promising to do his best to pacify his people,

went his way.

With the renewal of difficulties in New England, in Septem ber (1643), war again broke out at

New Amsterdam.

"

Pachem,

a crafty man, ran through all the villages, urging the Indians to

a general massacre." The first aggressive act was by the Wappingersf who seized a boat coming from Fort Orange, killed two men and

Others

took four hundred beaver skins.

" so that

they seized two boats more," but were driven off, with the loss of six of their number, in followed this example,

De Pries, ColO'Callaghan i, 277. New York Historical Society, ad It will be observed that series, I, 270. neither the Ffeckquaesgeeks or Manhattans are mentioned in the treaty, a fact which indicates the local character of both titles,

lections

Doc. Hist., iv, i z.

The Dutch were

surprised at the attack by the affingers, and protested that they had never had any

trouble

with them.

mistaken, nearly all tribe.

In

this

they were

the testimony shows that their troubles were with that as

'

New York Historical Society, ad It will be observed that series, I, 270. neither the Ffeckquaesgeeks or Manhattans are mentioned in the treaty, a fact which indicates the local character of both titles,

lections

Doc. Hist., iv, i z.

The Dutch were

surprised at the attack by the affingers, and protested that they had never had any

trouble

with them.

mistaken, nearly all tribe.

In

this

they were

the testimony shows that their troubles were with that as

'

THE INDIAN TRIBES

" Nine Christians, including two attacking the fourth boat. women," were killed in these captured boats, one woman and two children remaining prisoners. " The other Indians," con " so soon as their maize was tinues the followed narrative,

ripe,

example, and through semblance of selling beavers, killed an old man and woman, leaving another man with five wounds , this

who, however, fled in a boat with a little child on his arm, who, in the first outbreak had lost father and mother, and

now grand

father and

grandmother, being thus twice rescued from the hands of the Indians, first when he was two years old." Nor

Under the pretense of warning from approaching Indians the visited dwellings and killed the inmates, danger, The few and applied the brand to factories and outbuildings. was this all.

families who had settled in the Esopus country abandoned their farms in alarm, and universal fear pervaded the province.

Kieft now called his people together again, and a committee

of "eight

grandmother, being thus twice rescued from the hands of the Indians, first when he was two years old." Nor

Under the pretense of warning from approaching Indians the visited dwellings and killed the inmates, danger, The few and applied the brand to factories and outbuildings. was this all.

families who had settled in the Esopus country abandoned their farms in alarm, and universal fear pervaded the province.

Kieft now called his people together again, and a committee

of "eight

men "was appointed to consult with him

defense of the colony.

for the

Before any arrangement had been made,

however, the Weckquaesgeeks attacked the plantation of Ann Hutchinson, killed that extraordinary woman and her married daughter and son-in-law, and carried off captive her youngest

daughter.

Throgmorton's settlement

was next attacked and the build

Eighteen ings burned, the inhabitants escaping in their boats. victims, however, were added to the revenges of the Indians.

Pavonia was attacked and four bouweries burned under the very guns of

The

" two

ships of

history of Ann Hutchinson

pretty generally

known.

war and a privateer." is

With Roger

Williams, she was banished from Massachusetts, as "unfit for the society" of She followed Wilher fellow-citizens. liams to Rhode Island, but fearing the power of Massachusetts would reach her there, removed, in 1642, to Manhattan and settled on a point now known as

Pelham's neck. "The Indians set upon them and slew her and all her children, save one that escaped (her own husband having died before), a dreadful blow Some !

war and a privateer." is

With Roger

Williams, she was banished from Massachusetts, as "unfit for the society" of She followed Wilher fellow-citizens. liams to Rhode Island, but fearing the power of Massachusetts would reach her there, removed, in 1642, to Manhattan and settled on a point now known as

Pelham's neck. "The Indians set upon them and slew her and all her children, save one that escaped (her own husband having died before), a dreadful blow Some !

write that the Indians did burn her to

death with

fire,

her

home and all the

From the

belonged unto her, but I am not able to affirm by what kind of death Wild's Rise, Reign and they slew her." Ruin of the Antinomiani. "The daughter of Ann Hutchinson remained a prisoner four years, when she was delivered to the Dutch governor at Fort Amsterdam, who restored her to her friends. She had forgotten her'native tongue, and was unwilling to be taken from the Inrest that

dians."

O^Callaghan.

Throgmorton was another refugee His settlement was from Massachusetts. a few miles west from that of Ann Hutchinson, and included the point now

known as Throg's neck.

O^ HUDSON'S RIPER.

Hudson to the highlands of the sea, the warat a blow " from the Neverhighlands of the

whoop was reechoed, and

single

New

the valley of the Tappans, the whole of Jersey once more in the possession of its aboriginal lords." 1

sincks to

was

Fort Amsterdam afforded the only place of shelter, and thither the colonists fled.

Throgmorton was another refugee His settlement was from Massachusetts. a few miles west from that of Ann Hutchinson, and included the point now

known as Throg's neck.

O^ HUDSON'S RIPER.

Hudson to the highlands of the sea, the warat a blow " from the Neverhighlands of the

whoop was reechoed, and

single

New

the valley of the Tappans, the whole of Jersey once more in the possession of its aboriginal lords." 1

sincks to

was

Fort Amsterdam afforded the only place of shelter, and thither the colonists fled.

" There women and children

in straw huts, while their

lay concealed

husbands and fathers mounted guard

on the ramparts above." The whole force of the Dutch was scarce two hundred and fifty men, while the Indians were repre sented by fifteen hundred of their most expert warriors, includ ing the Wappingers of the Connecticut river, under the lead of Mayane, with whom the Dutch claimed they had never had any

who then learned " for the first time that he and his Indians had done" them " much injury." 2 The position of the Dutch was perilous in the extreme. The Indians literally hung " upon their necks with fire and sword." 3 Had they known their own strength, the last refuge of the colonists would have fallen before them, but judging from their own modes of warfare, difficulty, but

they feared to attack the fort and contented themselves with sweeping off the exposed plantations and with the terror which their presence inspired. 4

who then learned " for the first time that he and his Indians had done" them " much injury." 2 The position of the Dutch was perilous in the extreme. The Indians literally hung " upon their necks with fire and sword." 3 Had they known their own strength, the last refuge of the colonists would have fallen before them, but judging from their own modes of warfare, difficulty, but

they feared to attack the fort and contented themselves with sweeping off the exposed plantations and with the terror which their presence inspired. 4

Director Kieft now solicited aid from New England, offering " for one hundred and fifty.men, twenty-five thousand guilders and as a further consideration that New Netherland should be

"

mortgaged to the English for the payment of the sum offered. Relief was also solicited from Holland ; but these applications

were attended with only partial success, and the Dutch were thrown on their own resources, aided by a few English volun teers

command of Captain John Underbill. 5

under the

The prowess of the Iroquois is affirmed in that they once placed Quebec in siege,

yet

Fort

Amsterdam,

more formidable

than Quebec, was twice laid waste by the Indians in its vicinity. *

Documentary History, iv, 14. Colonial History, i, 182.

"

They

rove

in

parties

continually

around day and night on the island of Manhattans, slaying our folks not a thousand paces from the fort, and 'tis now arrived at such a pass, that no one dare move a foot to fetch a stick of fire wood

The prowess of the Iroquois is affirmed in that they once placed Quebec in siege,

yet

Fort

Amsterdam,

more formidable

than Quebec, was twice laid waste by the Indians in its vicinity. *

Documentary History, iv, 14. Colonial History, i, 182.

"

They

rove

in

parties

continually

around day and night on the island of Manhattans, slaying our folks not a thousand paces from the fort, and 'tis now arrived at such a pass, that no one dare move a foot to fetch a stick of fire wood

without a strong escort.

Col.

Two Hist.,i,

206, 211. This Underhill wa$ a terrible scourge to the Indians. Engaged in New England wars, he spared neither the aged nor " the young. He could justify putting the weak and defenceless to death, for ' the Scripture declareth women says he, and children must perish with their pa' rents we had sufficient light from the word of God for our proceedings.'" Trumbull. '

THE INDIAN TRIBES

companies were soon organized, one of sixty-five and one of seventy-five men, and the work of retaliation commenced.

The second company was composed of forty burghers under Captain Pietersen, and thirty-five Englishmen under Lieutenant This Baxter j Councillor La Montagne acting as general.

company passed over to Staten island

who had

fallen

previously,

;

but found that the Indians,

vicinity of the fort some abandoned their houses. Five or

back from the

had also

time six

hundred skepels of corn rewarded the invaders, but nothing was accomplished beyond

companies were soon organized, one of sixty-five and one of seventy-five men, and the work of retaliation commenced.

The second company was composed of forty burghers under Captain Pietersen, and thirty-five Englishmen under Lieutenant This Baxter j Councillor La Montagne acting as general.

company passed over to Staten island

who had

fallen

previously,

;

but found that the Indians,

vicinity of the fort some abandoned their houses. Five or

back from the

had also

time six

hundred skepels of corn rewarded the invaders, but nothing was accomplished beyond

its

company was increased sent to the

Returning to the fort, the one hundred and twenty men and

removal. to

Weckquaesgeek country.

Landing at Greenwich

in the evening, from three yachts, they marched the entire night,

but found nothing.

Retreating

through Stamford, they were

were Indians in that vicinity. Scouts were sent out who returned with the location of an In dian village. Twenty-five men were at once dispatched thither, and succeeded in killing a number and in capturing an old man, told

by the English

that there

One of the captives offered the castles of the Weckquaesgeeks. expedition men him and were sent with three castles found, but Sixty-five

two women and some to

lead the

children. to

Two of them were burned, and, after " some having marching thirty miles, the expedition returned, killed only one or two Indians, taken some women and children prisoners, and burnt some corn." Meanwhile Underbill, 1 with a company of Dutch and English, they had no tenants.

One of the captives offered the castles of the Weckquaesgeeks. expedition men him and were sent with three castles found, but Sixty-five

two women and some to

lead the

children. to

Two of them were burned, and, after " some having marching thirty miles, the expedition returned, killed only one or two Indians, taken some women and children prisoners, and burnt some corn." Meanwhile Underbill, 1 with a company of Dutch and English, they had no tenants.

had passed over to Long Island to attack the Canarsees under After landing, the force was divided; Underhill Penhawitz.

and fourteen Englishmen were to attack a small village at Hempstead, and Captain Pieter Cock, and General La Mon tagne, with eighty men, were to reduce the more considerable Both were successful; one hundred and village of Me%path. twenty Indians were reported as having been killed, with a loss to the attacking forces of one man killed and three wounded.

Seven prisoners were turned over to Underhill by the English Hempstead. They had been arrested for

minister, Fordam, at

stealing pigs and had been confined in Fordam's cellar.

*He held the rank of sergeant-major.

Documentary History, iv, 16.

Under-

OF HUDSON'S RWER. hill

killed three of the

seven in the cellar ; two were towed in

the water until they were drowned, and two were taken to Fort

Amsterdam, where, after a short time, they were turned over to the soldiers " to do as

they pleased with," and by whom they

were dispatched in the most brutal manner. 1

stealing pigs and had been confined in Fordam's cellar.

*He held the rank of sergeant-major.

Documentary History, iv, 16.

Under-

OF HUDSON'S RWER. hill

killed three of the

seven in the cellar ; two were towed in

the water until they were drowned, and two were taken to Fort

Amsterdam, where, after a short time, they were turned over to the soldiers " to do as

they pleased with," and by whom they

were dispatched in the most brutal manner. 1

The third and last expedition was now organized.

Underbill

having visited Stamford and learned that a large number of In dians had assembled in one of their villages in that vicinity, a force of one hundred and thirty men was dispatched under his command to destroy them. Passing up the sound in .three

yachts, he landed at Greenwich, where he was compelled to remain over night, in consequence of a severe snow storm. Piloted by an Indian, he marched in the morning to the north

west " up over stony hills over which some must creep," and arrived in the evening about three miles from the village^ Halt

ing until ten o'clock, the

march was resumed, and the

reached about midnight.

Says the narrator

:

village

" The order was

given as to the mode to be observed in attacking the Indians ; they then marched forward towards the houses, being three

rows set up street fashion, each eighty paces long, in a low recess of the mountain, affording complete shelter from the north-west wind. The moon was then at the full, and threw a strong light against the mountain so that many winter days were not brighter than it then was. arriving there the In

given as to the mode to be observed in attacking the Indians ; they then marched forward towards the houses, being three

rows set up street fashion, each eighty paces long, in a low recess of the mountain, affording complete shelter from the north-west wind. The moon was then at the full, and threw a strong light against the mountain so that many winter days were not brighter than it then was. arriving there the In

On

dians were wide awake, and on their guard ; so that ours deter

mined to charge and surround the houses sword in hand. They demeaned themselves as soldiers and deployed in small bands,

"

The first of these savages having received a frightful wound, desired them to permit him to dance what is called the kinte-kaye, a religious use observed among them before death j he received,

however, so many wounds, that he dropped down dead. The soldiers then cut strips from the other's body, beginning at the calves, up the back, over the shoulders and down to the knees. While this was going forward Director Kieft and

Jan De la Montagne, a Frenchman, stood laughing heartily at

his councillor,

the fun, and rubbing his right arm, so

much delight he took in such

scenes,

He then ordered him to be taken out of

the fort, and the soldiers bringing him to the beaver's path (he dancing the kintekaye all the time), threw him down, cut thrust them into mouth while still alive, and at last, placing him on a millstone, cut off his * * There stood at the head. same time some twenty-four or twentyoff his partes genitales, his

the fun, and rubbing his right arm, so

much delight he took in such

scenes,

He then ordered him to be taken out of

the fort, and the soldiers bringing him to the beaver's path (he dancing the kintekaye all the time), threw him down, cut thrust them into mouth while still alive, and at last, placing him on a millstone, cut off his * * There stood at the head. same time some twenty-four or twentyoff his partes genitales, his

five

female savages, who had been taken

prisoners,

and when they saw this bloody

spectacle, they held up their arms, struck their mouths, and in their language ex* claimed For shame For shame such unheard of cruelty was never known " among us.' Documentary History t iv, 105. :

!

!

THE INDIAN TRIBES

we got in a short time twelve dead and one wounded. so hard pressed that it was impossible for one to were They a brief space of time there were counted one hun In escape. dred and eighty dead outside the houses. Presently none durst so that

come

forth,

keeping

through the holes.

within

the

houses,

discharging

arrows

The general (Montagne) remarked that

nothing else was to be done, and resolved, with Sergeant Major Underbill, to set the huts on fire, whereupon the Indians tried every means to escape, not succeeding in which they returned

back to the flames, preferring to perish by the fire than to die by

Massacre of the Weckquaesgeeks.

What was most wonderful is, that among this vast collection of men, women and children, not one was heard to our hands.

The general (Montagne) remarked that

nothing else was to be done, and resolved, with Sergeant Major Underbill, to set the huts on fire, whereupon the Indians tried every means to escape, not succeeding in which they returned

back to the flames, preferring to perish by the fire than to die by

Massacre of the Weckquaesgeeks.

What was most wonderful is, that among this vast collection of men, women and children, not one was heard to our hands.

According to the report of the Indians them cry or to scream. selves the number then destroyed exceeded five hundred j some

among whom there were also twentyour God having collected together the're the to celebrate one of their festivals, 1 greater part of our enemies from which escaped no more than eight men in all, of whom

say full seven hundred, five IVappingers,

even those were severely wounded."

The Indians had doubtless assembled

for their annual festival of the first moon

The work of sword and

following that at the end of February.

Antct p. 27.

O^ HUDSON'S RIPER.

of fire having been completed in a manner so satisfactory to the equally pious Monto Stamford the returned bearing with them expedition tagne, reached Fort the force fifteen wounded. days after,

humane and Christian Underhill and the

Two

Amsterdam, where joy bells rang their welcome. The Indians now solicited peace, and a treaty was brought

about through the intervention of Underhill. Mamaranack, chief of the Sint-Sings^ Mongockonone of the Weckquaesgeeks, Pappenoharrow from the Nochpeems, and the Wappingers from Stamford, presented themselves at Fort Amsterdam, in the early part of April, 1644, and having pledged themselves that they

of fire having been completed in a manner so satisfactory to the equally pious Monto Stamford the returned bearing with them expedition tagne, reached Fort the force fifteen wounded. days after,

humane and Christian Underhill and the

Two

Amsterdam, where joy bells rang their welcome. The Indians now solicited peace, and a treaty was brought

about through the intervention of Underhill. Mamaranack, chief of the Sint-Sings^ Mongockonone of the Weckquaesgeeks, Pappenoharrow from the Nochpeems, and the Wappingers from Stamford, presented themselves at Fort Amsterdam, in the early part of April, 1644, and having pledged themselves that they

would not henceforth commit any injury whatever on the in habitants of New Netherland, their cattle and houses, nor show themselves, except in a canoe, before Fort Amsterdam, should the Dutch be at war with any other chieftaincies ; and having further promised to deliver up Pacham, the chief of the Tankipeace was concluded, the Dutch promising, on their part, not to molest the Indians in any way.

tekes,

The Long Island chieftaincies were not included in this aN rangement, and the Dutch determined to employ some of the friendly Indians there against those who were hostile.

Whiteneymen, sachem of the Matinecocks, with forty-seven of his warriors, was secured and dispatched with a commission to do " to beat and The all in his power destroy the hostile tribes." sachem's diplomacy, however, was better than his commission, and he returned to Fort Amsterdam in a few days empowered by the Long Island chiefs to negotiate a treaty of peace, which was at once concluded and pledges exchanged of eternal amity. Gonwarrowe, a chief of the Matinecocks, who was present, became surety for the Hackinsacks and Tappans, for whom he solicited peace, which was granted, on the condition that neither canton should harm the Dutch, and that they should not afford shelter to hostile Indians.

Whiteneymen, sachem of the Matinecocks, with forty-seven of his warriors, was secured and dispatched with a commission to do " to beat and The all in his power destroy the hostile tribes." sachem's diplomacy, however, was better than his commission, and he returned to Fort Amsterdam in a few days empowered by the Long Island chiefs to negotiate a treaty of peace, which was at once concluded and pledges exchanged of eternal amity. Gonwarrowe, a chief of the Matinecocks, who was present, became surety for the Hackinsacks and Tappans, for whom he solicited peace, which was granted, on the condition that neither canton should harm the Dutch, and that they should not afford shelter to hostile Indians.

Director Kieft then visited Fort Orange and solicited the negotiation and mediation of the Mohawhand Mabicans to secure a<<

A thanksgiving was proclaimed on

their arrival." History, iv, 17.

Neiv York Documentary

to be patched up last spring, by a foreigner

with one or two north.

tribes

Col. Hist, i,

A semblance of peace was attempted New Netbcrland,

i,

of savages to the '

ziOj 302.

Callaghari's

THE INDIAN TRIBES

peace with the remaining insurgents, and on their advice the latter agreed to conclude a treaty of which the record is in these

words

"

:

Aug. 30, 1645.

Amsterdam

Fort

at

This day, being the 3Oth August, appeared before the director and council in the

presence of the whole commonalty, the sachems in their

own

Orabehalf, and for sachems in their own neighborhood, viz chiefs of and Sesekennick chief of Willem, Ackkinkeshacky, tany, :

peace with the remaining insurgents, and on their advice the latter agreed to conclude a treaty of which the record is in these

words

"

:

Aug. 30, 1645.

Amsterdam

Fort

at

This day, being the 3Oth August, appeared before the director and council in the

presence of the whole commonalty, the sachems in their

own

Orabehalf, and for sachems in their own neighborhood, viz chiefs of and Sesekennick chief of Willem, Ackkinkeshacky, tany, :

Tappaans and Reckgawawank, Pokam and Pennekeck, who were here yesterday, and did give their power of attorney to the former, and took upon them the responsibility for those of

Ouany and its vicinity, viz those of Majauwetumemln, those of Marecbhourtck, Nyeck and their neighbors, and Aepjen, who personally appeared, speaking in behalf of the Wappinex, Wiquaeshex, Sint-Slngs and Kitcbtawangbs. :

" i.

They conclude

with

us

a

solid

and durable peace,

sincerely, as we oblige ourselves

which they promise to keep to do in the same manner.

* 2. And if (which God in his mercy avert), there should c

arise any difficulty between us

and them, war shall not be re

newed, but they shall complain to our governor, and we to their sachems ; and if any person should be murdered or killed, shall be directly administered on the murderer, henceforth we shall live together in amity and peace.

justice

and

"3. They may not come on the island Manhattan with their arms in the neighborhood of Christian dwellings ; neither will we approach their villages with our guns, except we are con ducted thither by a savage to give them warning. "4. And whereas there is yet among them an English girl,

newed, but they shall complain to our governor, and we to their sachems ; and if any person should be murdered or killed, shall be directly administered on the murderer, henceforth we shall live together in amity and peace.

justice

and

"3. They may not come on the island Manhattan with their arms in the neighborhood of Christian dwellings ; neither will we approach their villages with our guns, except we are con ducted thither by a savage to give them warning. "4. And whereas there is yet among them an English girl,

whom they promise to conduct to the English at Stamfort, which they yet engage to do

;

and if she is not conducted there,

be guided here in safety, while we promise to pay ransom which has been promised by the English. the them she shall

" All which we promise to keep religiously throughout all New Netherlands. Done in Fort Amsterdam, in the open air, the whole by the director and council in New Netherlands, and in the presence this purpose for called together commonalty, been the daughter of Ann Hutchinson. to have Supposed ;

OF HUDSON'S RIVER.

*

of the Maquas ambassadors, who were solicited to assist in this negotiation, as arbitrators, and Cornelius Anthonisson, their in Done terpreter and arbitrator with them in this solemn affair. as above."

The original was signed with the mark of Sisindogo, the mark of Claes Norman, the mark of Oratany, the mark of Auronge, the mark of Sesechemis, the mark of Willem of Tappan, the

Done in Fort Amsterdam, in the open air, the whole by the director and council in New Netherlands, and in the presence this purpose for called together commonalty, been the daughter of Ann Hutchinson. to have Supposed ;

OF HUDSON'S RIVER.

*

of the Maquas ambassadors, who were solicited to assist in this negotiation, as arbitrators, and Cornelius Anthonisson, their in Done terpreter and arbitrator with them in this solemn affair. as above."

The original was signed with the mark of Sisindogo, the mark of Claes Norman, the mark of Oratany, the mark of Auronge, the mark of Sesechemis, the mark of Willem of Tappan, the

mark of Aepjen, sachem of the Mahicans, and William Kieft,

La Montagne, and other Dutch officials and witnesses. Thus terminated a war which had been waged for over five years.

Both parties had suffered severely. is said, perished,

Sixteen hundred Indians, it

while the Dutch pointed to " piles of ashes from

the burnt houses, barns, barracks and other buildings, and the bones of the cattle," and exclaimed: " Our fields lie fallow and

waste ; our dwellings and other buildings are burnt ; not a handful can be planted or sown this fall on all the abandoned places.

All this through a foolish hankering after war ; for it these Indians

known to all right thinking men here, that

is

have lived as lambs among us until a few years ago, injuring no one, and affording every assistance to our nation."

Collections of the

the burnt houses, barns, barracks and other buildings, and the bones of the cattle," and exclaimed: " Our fields lie fallow and

waste ; our dwellings and other buildings are burnt ; not a handful can be planted or sown this fall on all the abandoned places.

All this through a foolish hankering after war ; for it these Indians

known to all right thinking men here, that

is

have lived as lambs among us until a few years ago, injuring no one, and affording every assistance to our nation."

Collections of the

New York Historical

Society, ad series, I, 275 .

Colonial History y i, 210.

Col. Hist, i, 21 o.

The mark *mm^g**r

of Aepjen

sachem of the Mahicans.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

THE ESOPUS WARS.

FROM THE PEACE OF 1645 TO THE PEACE OF 1664.

|CARCELY had the peace of 1645 been concluded before the Dutch resumed their former intercourse

with the Indians, as well as their former modes of

The town of New Amsterdam

promoting trade.

was largely given up and Indians were

to the sale of brandy, tobacco and beer,

daily seen

u

running about drunk," through

Every advantage was taken by the Dutch. The Indians were employed as servants, and defrauded of their wages they were induced to drink, and while intoxicated were robbed of their furs or of the goods which they had purchased ; they had standing complaint in regard to the sale of arms at Beaverthe streets.

;

wyck, and found cause of grievance in the value which the Dutch attached to the lands which they had sold, which led

Every advantage was taken by the Dutch. The Indians were employed as servants, and defrauded of their wages they were induced to drink, and while intoxicated were robbed of their furs or of the goods which they had purchased ; they had standing complaint in regard to the sale of arms at Beaverthe streets.

;

wyck, and found cause of grievance in the value which the Dutch attached to the lands which they had sold, which led

them to believe that they had not been paid a sufficient price

The Minsis were especially aggrieved, and when for them. the Swedes made their appearance on the South river and offered them arms and ammunition in exchange for their furs, their con tempt for the Dutch was openly expressed. The Dutch, on the other hand, protested their innocence of the causes of complaint charged against them, and made up in their own justification. quite a formidable bill of grievances The Indians " without any cause," so far as they knew, had

"

not only slain and killed many animals, such as cows, horses and hogs," to the immigrants belonging, but had " cruelly mur dered ten persons," one in the second year after the peace had

been concluded, one in the year 1651, four in the year 1652, The mur three in the year 1653, and one in the year 1654. derers had been demanded under the treaty of 1645, but the Indians had refused to give them up, and the government,

not only slain and killed many animals, such as cows, horses and hogs," to the immigrants belonging, but had " cruelly mur dered ten persons," one in the second year after the peace had

been concluded, one in the year 1651, four in the year 1652, The mur three in the year 1653, and one in the year 1654. derers had been demanded under the treaty of 1645, but the Indians had refused to give them up, and the government,

" for

the sake of peace and out of consideration for the good and ad-

OF HUDSON'S RIVER.

vantage of the country and its people," had not attempted to enforce redress. 1 Granting that the offenses recited had been

committed, they only prove that they were in retaliation for in all simi outrages inflicted on the Indians, for the testimony lar cases is that the

The

not wanton murderers. 2

latter were

found no

the fitting wrongs which they suffered hands of the Dutch, but their acts of retaliation were detailed with horror, and were exceeded, when opportunity offered, in the cold-blooded vengeance which was inflicted upon them.

record

at

were not long delayed. A squaw, detected in from the garden of Hendrick Van Dyck, at New Amsterdam, had been killed by him, and her family deter mined to avenge her death. Availing themselves of the or Hostilities

stealing peaches

ganization of a war party of Wappingers, then about to make descent upon some neighboring tribe, they prevailed upon them

the fitting wrongs which they suffered hands of the Dutch, but their acts of retaliation were detailed with horror, and were exceeded, when opportunity offered, in the cold-blooded vengeance which was inflicted upon them.

record

at

were not long delayed. A squaw, detected in from the garden of Hendrick Van Dyck, at New Amsterdam, had been killed by him, and her family deter mined to avenge her death. Availing themselves of the or Hostilities

stealing peaches

ganization of a war party of Wappingers, then about to make descent upon some neighboring tribe, they prevailed upon them

New Amsterdam, and aid them in enforcing the "blood atonement," which their laws demanded. On the " sixty-four canoes morning of the fifteenth of September, 1655, " before full of Indians," were beached on the shore, and, " five hundred scarcely any one had yet risen," their occupants,

to storf at

men, all armed," 3 scattered themselves throughout the town, and, "under the pretense of looking for northern Indians," force and " searched the entered with dwellings by zeal of

more than the

premises"

modern

officers in quest of fugitives.

They offered no personal violence, however, and their sachems readily attended a conference, called by the authorities, But promised to take their departure in the evening. failed to do so.

complished.

In the evening they were joined " by two hun-

Dutch Petition of October, 1655, Manuscripts^ vol. iv, office of secretary of state, Albany, as translated by Dr. O'Callaghan in Indian War of 1655.

more than the

premises"

modern

officers in quest of fugitives.

They offered no personal violence, however, and their sachems readily attended a conference, called by the authorities, But promised to take their departure in the evening. failed to do so.

complished.

In the evening they were joined " by two hun-

Dutch Petition of October, 1655, Manuscripts^ vol. iv, office of secretary of state, Albany, as translated by Dr. O'Callaghan in Indian War of 1655.

The Indians promptly confessed their

wrong in the first of the cases

recited,

and sent a deputation to the director to solicit forgiveness and renew their covenant of peace. They wished to live in friendship, but were sorely provoked by

The director Dutch neighbors. that he would surely punish offenders against them if the Indians their

promised

they

The object for which they came was not ac

and

would complain accepted their

to him. He and made them predirectly

gifts

sents in return, and they departed

"

very

much satisfied."

Brodhead says the Indians were supposed to number nineteen hundred men, of whom from five to eight hundred were armed. The text of the Dutch manu-

"

five hundred," and however, is even that number was a large complescript,

ment for sixty-four canoes. Councillor La Montagne, upon whose " opinion," Brodhead evidently bases

his

statement,

THE INDIAN TRIBES

Indians," and with them renewed the search. About eight o'clock, they detected Van Dyck, and an arrow was almost instantly winged to his breast. One Leendertsen, x in attempting to protect him, was " threatened with an axe." The cry of murder was raised by the Dutch, and the burgher " without guard rushed from the fort, any orders, some through the gate, others over the walls, so that they came into conflict

THE INDIAN TRIBES

Indians," and with them renewed the search. About eight o'clock, they detected Van Dyck, and an arrow was almost instantly winged to his breast. One Leendertsen, x in attempting to protect him, was " threatened with an axe." The cry of murder was raised by the Dutch, and the burgher " without guard rushed from the fort, any orders, some through the gate, others over the walls, so that they came into conflict

dred armed

with the Indians."

The latter were "lying about the shore,"

evidently preparing to take their departure as they had promised.

In the attack upon them two of the guard were killed and three wounded, while of their own number three were left dead. " Meanwhile they had embarked in their canoes, and, taking their course across the river, landed on the western side ; and commenced the work of retaliation for the attack which had been made upon them and for the loss which they had suffered. A house at Hoboken was soon in flames, and those at<lPavonia

Every family, with the exception of one, was destroyed every man killed, " together with all his cattle," and a large number of women and children taken into captivity.

speedily followed. ;

Staten island was next

visited,

and its ninety colonists and

flourishing bouweries shared the fate of those at Pavonia.

For

three days the carnage continued, and at its close " full fifty" of the Dutch had been " murdered and put to death ; over one

Every family, with the exception of one, was destroyed every man killed, " together with all his cattle," and a large number of women and children taken into captivity.

speedily followed. ;

Staten island was next

visited,

and its ninety colonists and

flourishing bouweries shared the fate of those at Pavonia.

For

three days the carnage continued, and at its close " full fifty" of the Dutch had been " murdered and put to death ; over one

hundred, mostly women and children," were in captivity ; " twenty bouweries and a number of plantations" had been

burned with " full twelve to

fifteen hundred "skepels of grain,"

and five or six hundred head of cattle either killed or driven ofF. In addition to those killed and captured, three hundred colonists

were ruined in estate, and the aggregated damages were com puted at two hundred thousand guilders or eighty thousand dollars.

At the time of

this

occurrence, Director Stuyvesant,

who

had succeeded Kieft, was absent with his soldiers on an expedi tion to South river, and a messenger his return.

disagrees with all of his

contemporaries,

and was apparently determined to give good reason for the great fright which he suffered.

was immediately sent for

Meanwhile, as the tidings of the disaster spread, the Neither

Van Dyck nor Leendertsen

appear to have been killed, Opinion of Fiscal Van Tienhoven, (fCallaghans Indian War of 1655, 40.

OF HUDSON'S RIPER.

The

inhabitants fled in terror to the fort as to a city of refuge.

had succeeded Kieft, was absent with his soldiers on an expedi tion to South river, and a messenger his return.

disagrees with all of his

contemporaries,

and was apparently determined to give good reason for the great fright which he suffered.

was immediately sent for

Meanwhile, as the tidings of the disaster spread, the Neither

Van Dyck nor Leendertsen

appear to have been killed, Opinion of Fiscal Van Tienhoven, (fCallaghans Indian War of 1655, 40.

OF HUDSON'S RIPER.

The

inhabitants fled in terror to the fort as to a city of refuge.

had

English villages on Long Island sent word that the Indians threatened to kill the Dutch who resided there, and that the

English themselves would share the same fate if they offered any assistance to the Manhattans, even to the extent of sending

them

Lady Moody's house at Gravesend was again at

food.

tacked.

The settlers at Esopus abandoned their farms, lest they

should be cut

off.

Even New Amsterdam was not secure

;

bands of Indians wandered over the island, destroying all who

came in their way.

Ten Frenchmen were enrolled to guard

the house and family of the absent director, while the Dutch themselves kept within the fort.

In the midst of the terror which prevailed, Stuyvesant and his soldiers returned,

restored.

and the confidence of the colonists was soon

Soldiers were sent to the out settlements, an embargo

was laid on vessels about to sail, and passengers able to bear arms were ordered not to depart " until it should please God to

Ten Frenchmen were enrolled to guard

the house and family of the absent director, while the Dutch themselves kept within the fort.

In the midst of the terror which prevailed, Stuyvesant and his soldiers returned,

restored.

and the confidence of the colonists was soon

Soldiers were sent to the out settlements, an embargo

was laid on vessels about to sail, and passengers able to bear arms were ordered not to depart " until it should please God to

change the aspect of affairs." plank curtain was thrown up, to prevent the Indians scaling the city walls, and no persons, on

any account, were to go into the country without permission, nor unless in numbers sufficient to ensure their safety.

The fury of the Indians, however,

had spent its force and

whom

they retreated, after dividing their prisoners, a portion of

were taken to the highlands, and the remainder retained with the Hackinsacks.

The latter,

finding them an

incumbrance, sent

Captain Pos, who had been taken at Staten island, with propo sals for their ransom. Not returning as soon as was expected, the Indians sent another messenger with word that

all

the pri

soners should be brought to Paulus hook in two days. Pos returned, and in a few days brought from the chief of the Hack insacks fourteen

u men, women and children," as a " in return for which he some

prisoners,

token of his good will,

requested

powder and ball. Stuyvesant sent him a Wappinger and an Esopus Indian in exchange, and also some ammunition, of which he promised a further supply when other prisoners should be Pos, accompanied by two influential citizens, con brought in.

Pos returned, and in a few days brought from the chief of the Hack insacks fourteen

u men, women and children," as a " in return for which he some

prisoners,

token of his good will,

requested

powder and ball. Stuyvesant sent him a Wappinger and an Esopus Indian in exchange, and also some ammunition, of which he promised a further supply when other prisoners should be Pos, accompanied by two influential citizens, con brought in.

veyed this message, and soon returned with twenty-eight of the captives and another message that from twenty to twenty-four

THE INDIAN TRIBES

others would be restored on

the receipt of a proper quantity of

friezes, guns, wampum and ammunition, but they would not exchange the prisoners for Indians, ransom was the order of

" for all Stuyvesant then asked the ransom price the prisoners en masse, or for each individually," and received

their laws.

the answer, " seventy-eight pounds of powder and forty staves This offer was accepted, of lead, for twenty-eight persons."

and

thirty-five

pounds of powder and ten staves of lead addi more prisoners were returned, the highland

tional sent, but no

No chieftaincies having determined to retain them as hostages. The Dutch were measures were taken to punish the Indians.

clearly at fault, in the opinion of Stuyvesant, and he turned deaf ear to those who clamored for war, and who in return

a

" at this infraction of the peace." charged him with winking The settlers gradually returned to their avocations, but under restraints

pounds of powder and ten staves of lead addi more prisoners were returned, the highland

tional sent, but no

No chieftaincies having determined to retain them as hostages. The Dutch were measures were taken to punish the Indians.

clearly at fault, in the opinion of Stuyvesant, and he turned deaf ear to those who clamored for war, and who in return

a

" at this infraction of the peace." charged him with winking The settlers gradually returned to their avocations, but under restraints

which were more conducive to personal

comparative quiet prevailed. The Long Island tribes under Tackapousha,

safety, and

who had been

Dutch under the treaty with 1650, came forward and repudiated

assigned to the jurisdiction of the

the English at Hartford in connection with the outbreak which

all

had occurred.

Not

only were they innocent of participation in it, but since they had withheld tribute from the Wappingers, they had been repeat " Our chief has Said their speaker edly attacked by them. been twelve years at war with those who have injured you, and :

though you may consider him no bigger than your fist, he would He has hitherto sat, his head prove himself strong enough. drooping on his breast, yet he fyet

show what he could achieve."

still hoped he should be able to Henceforth the western Montauk

were the friends of the Dutch, and soon renewed with them their treaty of alliance. 2 chieftaincies

We

lu concur in the general opinion that the Indians had, on their first arrival,

though you may consider him no bigger than your fist, he would He has hitherto sat, his head prove himself strong enough. drooping on his breast, yet he fyet

show what he could achieve."

still hoped he should be able to Henceforth the western Montauk

were the friends of the Dutch, and soon renewed with them their treaty of alliance. 2 chieftaincies

We

lu concur in the general opinion that the Indians had, on their first arrival,

their purpose]

no other intention than to wage war on the east end of We have come to this conclusion from various reasons too long be detailed here j and that a culpato ble want of vigilance, and a too hasty rashness on the part of a few hot-headed spirits, had diverted the Indians [from

losses."

against the savages Long Island.

dreadful

after

and been the cause of the

and enormous consequences O'Callagbans Indian War of

1655.

The following is the treaty referred to

:

" Articles of agreement betwixt the governor of New Netherland, and Tackapausha, March ye 12, 1656 " i. That all injuries formerly passed in the time of the governor's predecessors, :

OF HUDSON'S RIPER.

But there was no general peace. The conflict was remem bered, and the Indians, as well as the Dutch, stood on guard.

The scene of combat, however, was changed. The settlers at Esopus, who had returned after the panic of 1655, continued

for some time unmolested ; but, as in other places, they soon devoted the largest portion of their time and means to the pur

That all injuries formerly passed in the time of the governor's predecessors, :

OF HUDSON'S RIPER.

But there was no general peace. The conflict was remem bered, and the Indians, as well as the Dutch, stood on guard.

The scene of combat, however, was changed. The settlers at Esopus, who had returned after the panic of 1655, continued

for some time unmolested ; but, as in other places, they soon devoted the largest portion of their time and means to the pur

poses of trade.

The examples of th^traders at New Amster

dam were readily copied.

Familiarity, brandy and other liquors,

were called to their aid, and with results similar to those which had already disgraced the Dutch character. The Indians suf fered wrongfully, and in retaliation (1657) "one of the settlers was killed, the house and out buildings of another were burned, and the settlers were forced, by threats of arson and murder, to plow up the patches of land where the savages planted their maize." 2

The white population consisted, at that time, of

between sixty and seventy persons, who were in no condition for defense. They wrote at once to Stuyvesant, imploring him to send " forty or fifty soldiers to save the Esopus." The shall be forgiven and forgotten, since ye sd year 1645.

z.^That Tackapausha being chosen

house or forte to be furnished with Indian trade and commodities. " 6. The inhabitants of Hempsteede

ye chief sachem by all the Indian sachems from Mersapege, Maskahnong, Secatong, Meracock, Rockaway and Canorise, with ye rest, both sachems and natives, doth

They wrote at once to Stuyvesant, imploring him to send " forty or fifty soldiers to save the Esopus." The shall be forgiven and forgotten, since ye sd year 1645.

z.^That Tackapausha being chosen

house or forte to be furnished with Indian trade and commodities. " 6. The inhabitants of Hempsteede

ye chief sachem by all the Indian sachems from Mersapege, Maskahnong, Secatong, Meracock, Rockaway and Canorise, with ye rest, both sachems and natives, doth

according to their patent, shall enjoy their purchase without molestation from ye sachem or his people, either of person or estate j and the sachem will live in peace

take ye governor of ye New Netherland to be his and his people's protector, and in consideration of that to put under ye

with

sd protection, on thiere lands and territoryes upon Long Island, so far as ye

live in peace his people.

"

Dutch

line doth runn,

September

last,

sachem in ic. " That 4.

likewise to

include the

"

7.

That in case an Indian doe wrong

to a Christian in his person or estate, and complaint be made to the sachem, hee

make full satisfaction likewise if Dutchman or Englishman shall wrong an Indian the governor shall make satis

shall

;

a

faction according to Equity."

Tackapausha shall make no

peace wh ye sd Indians, without ye con sent and knowledge of the governor, and sd sachem doth promise for himself and his

people to give no dwelling place, enter tainment nor lodging to any of ye govern or's, or thiere

to a Christian in his person or estate, and complaint be made to the sachem, hee

make full satisfaction likewise if Dutchman or Englishman shall wrong an Indian the governor shall make satis

shall

;

a

faction according to Equity."

Tackapausha shall make no

peace wh ye sd Indians, without ye con sent and knowledge of the governor, and sd sachem doth promise for himself and his

people to give no dwelling place, enter tainment nor lodging to any of ye govern or's, or thiere

ye English and Dutch within And the governor doth

promise for himself and all his people to with the sd sachem and all

according to the

agreement made att Hartforde. " governor doth promise to 3. The make noe peace with the Indians that did the spoile at ye Manhattans the I5th

all

this jurisdiction.

owne enemies.

"5. The governor doth promise, be tween this date and six months, to build a house or forte

upon such place as they shall show upon the north side, and the

The precise time at which settlement

was made at Atkarkarton, now Kingston, is not known, although it is assumed that a fort or trading post was erected there as early as 1614. to the first

The reference in the text known European settlers

who removed

thither, in

is

company with

Capt. Thomas Chambers, from Panhoosic,

now Troy, in 1652. '

Documentary History, iv.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

governor responded by immediately visiting the scene of dis turbance with a company of soldiers, where he arrived on the

was made at Atkarkarton, now Kingston, is not known, although it is assumed that a fort or trading post was erected there as early as 1614. to the first

The reference in the text known European settlers

who removed

thither, in

is

company with

Capt. Thomas Chambers, from Panhoosic,

now Troy, in 1652. '

Documentary History, iv.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

governor responded by immediately visiting the scene of dis turbance with a company of soldiers, where he arrived on the

The following day, being Ascension Thursday, 3Oth of May. the settlers assembled at the house of Jacob Jansen Stol for The governor met them there and- explained religious service. to them the difficulties under which they were placed, by their isolated positions, and

once

in

a

village,

recommended

which could be

attacks of the Indians.

that they should unite at easily

defended from the

To this they objected on the ground

of want of time to give care to their crops and to remove their dwellings and erect palisades ; and asked that the soldiers be

This request Stuyvepermitted to remain until after harvest. but promised that if they would agree to palisade sant refused ;

at once the ground to be selected for a village, he would

remain

with them until the work was completed.

While these proceedings were being held, some twelve or fifteen Indians, accompanied

by two of their chiefs, arrived at

the house of Stol, where the director was staying, with word that other sachems were deterred from coming to the conference

This request Stuyvepermitted to remain until after harvest. but promised that if they would agree to palisade sant refused ;

at once the ground to be selected for a village, he would

remain

with them until the work was completed.

While these proceedings were being held, some twelve or fifteen Indians, accompanied

by two of their chiefs, arrived at

the house of Stol, where the director was staying, with word that other sachems were deterred from coming to the conference

which he had invited through fear of the soldiers. Stuyvesant gave his assurance that no harm should befall them, when about fifty

additional Indians, with a few women and children, made

their appearance,

and seated themselves beneath an aged tree

which stood without the fence, " about a stone's throw from the house." Accompanied only by an interpreter and two of his followers, Stuyvesant went out and seated himself in the " and made midst of the when one of, the chiefs

Indians, arose, a long harangue," detailing the events of the war waged in Kieft's time (1645), and how many of their tribe the Dutch

had then slain, adding, however, that they had obliterated these things from their hearts and forgotten them. 1

all

Stuyvesant replied to this address, that those things had oc curred before his time, and that the recollection of them had

been u all thrown away" by the subsequent peace.

He asked

them, however, if any injury had been done them, in person or The Indians property, since he had come into the country. remained silent.

had then slain, adding, however, that they had obliterated these things from their hearts and forgotten them. 1

all

Stuyvesant replied to this address, that those things had oc curred before his time, and that the recollection of them had

been u all thrown away" by the subsequent peace.

He asked

them, however, if any injury had been done them, in person or The Indians property, since he had come into the country. remained silent.

Stuyvesant then proceeded to enumerate the

G'Callagbari New Ncthtrland, n, 358. 's

OF HUDSON'S RIVER.

various offenses which the Indians had committed on the Dutch.

" Your

"

is known. overbearing insolence at Esopus," said he, I come to make to and not this war, pro matter, investigate

vided the murderer be surrendered and all damage repaid.

The

Dutch never solicited your sachems for leave to come here. Your sachems have requested us, over and over again, to make

We have not had a foot of your land

a settlement among you.

nor do we desire to have any more compensation therefor. Why then have you committed this murder ? Why have you burned our houses, without paying you for

without making

it,

full

killed our cattle, and continue to threaten our people ?"

To this harangue the sachems made no reply, but " looked on At length one of them arose and responded " You Swannekins have sold our children the botsson" It is you who have given them brandy and made them cachens^ intoxicated and mad, and caused them to commit all this mis the ground."

Why have you burned our houses, without paying you for

without making

it,

full

killed our cattle, and continue to threaten our people ?"

To this harangue the sachems made no reply, but " looked on At length one of them arose and responded " You Swannekins have sold our children the botsson" It is you who have given them brandy and made them cachens^ intoxicated and mad, and caused them to commit all this mis the ground."

chief.

:

The sachems cannot then control the young Indians nor

This murder has not been committed prevent them fighting. of our but tribe, by any by a Minnisink, who now skulks among It was he who fired the two houses and then For ourselves we can truly say, we did not commit the We know no malice, neither are we inclined to fight, but

the Haverstraws. fled.

act.

we cannot control our young men." Stuyvesant

young braves.

immediately arose, and hurled defiance at the " If any of your young people desire to fight, let

man against man. Nay, I or place twenty against thirty forty of your hot heads. But it is not time. is Now, then, your manly to threaten far

them now step forth.

I will place

will

If this mers, and women and children who are not warriors. be not stopped, I shall be compelled to retaliate on old and

This I can now do by killing young, on women and children. and little ones captive and destroying wives you all, taking your I expect you will repair not do it. maize but lands will ; your all

But it is not time. is Now, then, your manly to threaten far

them now step forth.

I will place

will

If this mers, and women and children who are not warriors. be not stopped, I shall be compelled to retaliate on old and

This I can now do by killing young, on women and children. and little ones captive and destroying wives you all, taking your I expect you will repair not do it. maize but lands will ; your all

damages, seize the murderer if he come among you, and do " u The Dutch," he continued, are now

no further mischief."

It is desirable that going to live together in one spot. you should sell us the whole of the Esopus land, as you have often

proposed, and remove farther into the

interior ;

for

it is

not

THE INDIAN TRIBES

good for you to reside so near the Swannekins, whose might eat your maize and thus cause fresh disturbances."

cattle

The sachems promised to take the matter into consideration, While they were absent the and departed with their followers. settlers agreed that it would be for the best to adopt the counsel of the director, arid left the selection of the site of the village

He " accordingly chose a spot at the bend of the kill,

to him.

where a water front might be had on three sides and a part of the plain, about two hundred and ten yards in circumfer * The erection of a stockade was ence, was staked out." ;

The sachems promised to take the matter into consideration, While they were absent the and departed with their followers. settlers agreed that it would be for the best to adopt the counsel of the director, arid left the selection of the site of the village

He " accordingly chose a spot at the bend of the kill,

to him.

where a water front might be had on three sides and a part of the plain, about two hundred and ten yards in circumfer * The erection of a stockade was ence, was staked out." ;

immediately commenced, the Dutch, in this particular, adopt ing the mode of the Indians and drawing from them lessons in defensive warfare.

On the ist of June, the sachems returned and solicited peace, expressing sorrow for what had passed.

They felt deeply the

shame that Stuyvesant had challenged their young men, and they had not dared to accept the wager, and hoped trie fact would not be spread abroad. Presents were distributed to them in exchange

for the

wampum

with which they had accompanied but they were told a second time that

their proposals for peace ; they must surrender the murderer, and make good the damages To these requirements they demurred ; they had committed. finally agreed that they should make compensation for damages, and sell the land for the projected village.

and it was

They

then retired, but returned again on the 4th with a final reply, which was that they would give the director the land he asked,

with which they had accompanied but they were told a second time that

their proposals for peace ; they must surrender the murderer, and make good the damages To these requirements they demurred ; they had committed. finally agreed that they should make compensation for damages, and sell the land for the projected village.

and it was

They

then retired, but returned again on the 4th with a final reply, which was that they would give the director the land he asked,

u to visit

grease his feet with, as he had taken so long a journey to They then renewed the assurance that they had

them."

thrown away all malice, and that hereafter none among them

would

injure a

Dutchman.

The director responded with like The work at the village

assurances ; and the Indians departed.

now went forward rapidly.

After three weeks' labor, the lines

all the buildings removed ; a feet sixteen guard-house, by twenty-three, built in the north-east

of palisades were completed ;

corner ; a bridge thrown over the kill, and barracks erected for

Brodhcad, i, 6495 'Callaghan , u, The village located by Stuyvesant 361. was about three miles north-west from the centre of the present village of Kingston, at a bend in the Esopus creek near the residence now, or late, of Benjamin The Indians were probably resiSmith. dents of the castle of Wiltmeet!

OF HUDSON'S RWER.

the soldiers, of whom Stuyvesant detailed twenty-four to guard the infant settlement, and then returned to Fort Amsterdam.

corner ; a bridge thrown over the kill, and barracks erected for

Brodhcad, i, 6495 'Callaghan , u, The village located by Stuyvesant 361. was about three miles north-west from the centre of the present village of Kingston, at a bend in the Esopus creek near the residence now, or late, of Benjamin The Indians were probably resiSmith. dents of the castle of Wiltmeet!

OF HUDSON'S RWER.

the soldiers, of whom Stuyvesant detailed twenty-four to guard the infant settlement, and then returned to Fort Amsterdam.

Stuyvesant visited Esopus again in the fall of 1658, in order Indians a transfer of the remainder of their

to obtain from the

Calling the chiefs together, he thus addressed them : year and a half ago you killed two horses belonging to

lands.

" A

Madame de Hulter, and attacked Jacob Adriaensen in his own house with an axe, knocked out his eye, mortally wounded his infant child, and not satisfied with this, burnt his house last You, moreover, robbed him of his property, and killed spring. a Dutchman in one of his sloops. You compelled our farmers to plow your land ;

threatened, at the same time, to

fire

their

Bouses, and repeatedly extorted money from the settlers, who have already paid you for their farms. You have added threats

and insults, and

finally

forced the colonists, at

much expense,

to break up their establishments and concentrate their

dwellings.

Various other injuries you have committed since that time, not

For all this we demand compen withstanding your promises. sation ; to enforce which, efficient measures will be taken, unless the terms we now propose be acceded to."

Bouses, and repeatedly extorted money from the settlers, who have already paid you for their farms. You have added threats

and insults, and

finally

forced the colonists, at

much expense,

to break up their establishments and concentrate their

dwellings.

Various other injuries you have committed since that time, not

For all this we demand compen withstanding your promises. sation ; to enforce which, efficient measures will be taken, unless the terms we now propose be acceded to."

The demand was a bold attempt at extortion the terms of The Indians were required to make a free peace not less so. ;

surrender of all the Esopus lands so far as they had been ex plored by the Dutch, as indemnity for the expenses which the settlers

had incurred in removing their dwellings and fortifying by the In

their village ; the relinquishment of all claims held

dians against the settlers for labor or furs, and the payment to the latter of several hundred fathoms of wampum for damages.

The Indians regarded the terms as hard, and stated that they had already been deprived of many of their maize fields without Such a demand was unexpected, and as many compensation. of their sachems were absent, they asked time for consultation. Stuyvesant generously agreed to allow them one night to con sider what course they would pursue.

The next day (Oct. 16), the council again assembled, and the sachems expressed a willingness to make reasonable com pensation for injuries. They would relinquish part of their claims against the settlers, and give some lands to those who had

The Indians regarded the terms as hard, and stated that they had already been deprived of many of their maize fields without Such a demand was unexpected, and as many compensation. of their sachems were absent, they asked time for consultation. Stuyvesant generously agreed to allow them one night to con sider what course they would pursue.

The next day (Oct. 16), the council again assembled, and the sachems expressed a willingness to make reasonable com pensation for injuries. They would relinquish part of their claims against the settlers, and give some lands to those who had

THE INDIAN TRIBES

Then but they were poor and had no wampum. the principal sachem reminded a beaver down skin, throwing been injured

;

the director that he could well afford to be generous from the Senecas. Offering prospect of largely increased trade with the a wampum belt, he concluded

" A horse

belonging to Jacob and into our corn-fields broke destroyed two of Jansen One of our boys shot it, for which we gave our plantations. :

Stol

Stol seventy guilders in

wampum. But this belt we now pre may let us go in peace, and not beat

sent, so that the soldiers

us when we visit this place."

untouched

Stuyvesant's proposition in relation to land was left " What do you intend by the sachem, and the director asked :

to propose about the land ?

"

The sachem

replied,

that

" it

belonged to the chiefs who were not here to-day, and we can He 'promised, not, therefore, come to any conclusion on it."

But this belt we now pre may let us go in peace, and not beat

sent, so that the soldiers

us when we visit this place."

untouched

Stuyvesant's proposition in relation to land was left " What do you intend by the sachem, and the director asked :

to propose about the land ?

"

The sachem

replied,

that

" it

belonged to the chiefs who were not here to-day, and we can He 'promised, not, therefore, come to any conclusion on it."

however, that they would return the next day and give their The morrow came, but the chiefs did not return. answer. Stuyvesant dispatched messengers to their wigwams to inquire " the chiefs

their intentions, who returned with the answer that

had made fools of them."

Stuyvesant had overreached him

self by his extravagant demand, and, chagrined and disappointed,

departed for Fort Amsterdam, leaving Ensign Dirck Smith with soldiers under instructions to guard the village properly, fifty

and not allow any Indians within the palisades to act purely on the defensive, and to detail, from day to day, a proper guard to protect the husbandmen. A ronduit, or small fort, was also ;

projected at the mouth of the Walkill, and the work of its con Several chiefs came in, shortly after struction commenced.

Stuyvesant's departure, and made a present to Stol as further The offering was indemnity for the injuries he had sustained.

accompanied by a renewal of their request for the removal of the soldiers, and an exchange of presents. The former was to the latter the settlers had " and in declined,

A ronduit, or small fort, was also ;

projected at the mouth of the Walkill, and the work of its con Several chiefs came in, shortly after struction commenced.

Stuyvesant's departure, and made a present to Stol as further The offering was indemnity for the injuries he had sustained.

accompanied by a renewal of their request for the removal of the soldiers, and an exchange of presents. The former was to the latter the settlers had " and in declined,

response

to grease the Indian's breasts.

nothing So the meeting was a dry one."

Notwithstanding the threatening aspect of Indian affairs, the settlement continued prosperous, and its occupants, increased in numbers and enjoying the protection of an armed force,

became more and more disregardful of the rights of the red men.

OF HUDSON'S RI7ER.

During the summer of 1659, mutual distrust and suspicion pre vailed. The settlers were disturbed by reports that the Indians intended a general massacre when the

work of harvest should

begin ; while the Indians regarded the presence of the soldiers as a menace, doubted the director's desire for peace, and feared that it was his intention to attack and destroy them, as he had

not yet sent the presents he had promised them.

A conference

was held with the

chiefs Aug. 17, but they denied that they " had any hostile intentions. patiently submit," said they,

We

" to the blows which have been inflicted on us

still

yet the Dutch small sticks, down seventeen Laying

begin ; while the Indians regarded the presence of the soldiers as a menace, doubted the director's desire for peace, and feared that it was his intention to attack and destroy them, as he had

not yet sent the presents he had promised them.

A conference

was held with the

chiefs Aug. 17, but they denied that they " had any hostile intentions. patiently submit," said they,

We

" to the blows which have been inflicted on us

still

yet the Dutch small sticks, down seventeen Laying

plunder our corn."

the sachem added

:

" so

;

many times have the Swannekins struck

and assaulted us in divers

places.

We are willing to live in

peace, but we expect your chief sachem will make us some pre.sents.

Otherwise he cannot be sincere."

The conference was

broken up without removing the feeling which existed between the parties ; and fresh rumors disturbed the settlers that the Indians were preparing bows and arrows and concentrating their strength for an attack.

Familiar as the

Dutch were with

the customs of the Indians and the periods of their annual return

from their hunting expeditions, and their almost constant pre paration of the implements of the chase, they nevertheless now

saw in them nothing but impending destruction.

Nor were the general relations existing between the Indians and the Dutch more favorable. Two soldiers, who had de serted from Fort Orange, were murdered by the Mahicam, and some of the Rarltans had destroyed a family of four persons, at Mespath kil, in order to obtain possession of a small roll of wampum which, in an unguarded moment, had been exhibited to them, and excited their The Mohawks, suffering cupidity.

saw in them nothing but impending destruction.

Nor were the general relations existing between the Indians and the Dutch more favorable. Two soldiers, who had de serted from Fort Orange, were murdered by the Mahicam, and some of the Rarltans had destroyed a family of four persons, at Mespath kil, in order to obtain possession of a small roll of wampum which, in an unguarded moment, had been exhibited to them, and excited their The Mohawks, suffering cupidity.

under the blows of the French, had complaint against the Dutch, and sent a delegation to Fort Orange, where, on the sixth of September, 1659, the second official conference was held with The Mohawk speaker charged that the Dutch called them. his people brothers,

and asserted that they were bound to them

by a chain, but that this continued only so long as they had beavers, after which they were no longer thought of. They had favors to ask, however, and were not disposed to quarrel.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

They were engaged in war with the French, and, finding them selves crippled by the liquor which the Dutch sold to their war riors, asked

that the sale be

stopped, the liquor kegs plugged

up 'find the dealers punished. The gunsmiths refused to repair their arms when they had no wampum this was not generous, The nor was it generous to deny to them powder and lead. ;

French treated

their Indians more liberally,

and their example

principal request, however, was for thirty men with horses, to cut and draw timber for the forts

They were engaged in war with the French, and, finding them selves crippled by the liquor which the Dutch sold to their war riors, asked

that the sale be

stopped, the liquor kegs plugged

up 'find the dealers punished. The gunsmiths refused to repair their arms when they had no wampum this was not generous, The nor was it generous to deny to them powder and lead. ;

French treated

their Indians more liberally,

and their example

principal request, however, was for thirty men with horses, to cut and draw timber for the forts

should be considered.

Their

which they were building.

The commandant at Fort Orange could give no reply, but would submit the requests which had been made to the director, whose arrival was daily expected. But Stuyvesant did not ar rive, and, after

waiting several days, the authorities at Fort

Orange, now thoroughly alarmed, resolved to send embassadors to the Mohawks to reply to their requests. At Caughnawaga,

on the twenty-fourth, was held the first formal council with the Iroquois in their

own country.

The professions of friendship

on the part of the Dutch were warm, and no doubt sincere, in view of their relations with other tribes. They would remain the brothers of the Mohawks for all time, and would neither fight against them nor leave them in distress when they could help them ; but they could not force their smiths to repair " brothers' fire arms without their pay, for they must earn food

own country.

The professions of friendship

on the part of the Dutch were warm, and no doubt sincere, in view of their relations with other tribes. They would remain the brothers of the Mohawks for all time, and would neither fight against them nor leave them in distress when they could help them ; but they could not force their smiths to repair " brothers' fire arms without their pay, for they must earn food

The sale of brandy could not be stopped so long as the Indians would buy it.* The director was angry that such sale was made, and had forbidden it ; let

for their wives and little ones."

the chiefs also forbid their people.

u Will

ye," they asked,

" that

we take from your people their brandy and their kegs ? Say so Aid to build the Mohawk forts before all those here present." could not be given ; the Dutch were all sick, and the hills were

But to aid so steep their horses could not draw the timber. them in their work they gave them fifteen new axes and to assist them in their wars, seventy pounds of powder and a hun ;

dred weight of lead were added to their stores.

It

was

at

this

conference

that the

Dutch speaker asserted that it was " now sixteen years" since an alliance had been formed with the Mohawks. Reference

has already been made to this treaty. It will also be observed that the Minsis were not subjugated at that time but were in con dition to ask the alliance of the Mohawks.

But to aid so steep their horses could not draw the timber. them in their work they gave them fifteen new axes and to assist them in their wars, seventy pounds of powder and a hun ;

dred weight of lead were added to their stores.

It

was

at

this

conference

that the

Dutch speaker asserted that it was " now sixteen years" since an alliance had been formed with the Mohawks. Reference

has already been made to this treaty. It will also be observed that the Minsis were not subjugated at that time but were in con dition to ask the alliance of the Mohawks.

OF HUDSON'S RWER.

The ambassadors made no efforts to control the Mohawks in nor cared with whom they fought so long as the Dutch escaped ; while the Mohawks cared as little for their

their wars,

white neighbors, their sole object being to obtain the munitions

of war to continue their conflict with the French and their

The request of the embassadors for the release of the

Indians.

French prisoners, the Mohawks would not grant

They had

refer the matter to their castles.

;

but they would

little

faith in the

French, however, for they made treaties and did not observe them ; and when hunting parties of the Mohawks were abroad, they were attacked by the French Indians, among whom a number of Frenchmen were always skulking to knock them on

In their request that the Mohawks would not aid the Esopus clans in an attack upon the Dutch, the embassadors

refer the matter to their castles.

;

but they would

little

faith in the

French, however, for they made treaties and did not observe them ; and when hunting parties of the Mohawks were abroad, they were attacked by the French Indians, among whom a number of Frenchmen were always skulking to knock them on

In their request that the Mohawks would not aid the Esopus clans in an attack upon the Dutch, the embassadors

the head.

were more successful, the chiefs promising that they would re fuse their belts and have nothing to do with them. 1

In the meantime

had broken out

hostilities

in the

Esopus

Chambers 2 had employed a number of Indians to husk

country.

corn, and, on the night of the termination of their labor, they had asked for and obtained some brandy. carouse followed,

in the course of

which another bottle of brandy was procured.

When the debauch was at its height, one of them discharged his gun, loaded only with powder,

the village.

which had the effect to alarm

One of them, more wise than his associates, de

plored the act of his companion, and proposed that they should

*

(yCallaghan, n, 389, etc.

courts and

Thomas Chambers was of English He settled at Panhoosic, now

causes arising between the vassals.

birth.

of Rensselaersfrom thence re-

Troy, in the jurisdiction

wyck,

in

1651, and

moved to the Esopus country in 1652, where he took part in the early Indian wars, became a captain in the Dutch service, and was elected delegate to the His reprovincial assembly in 1664. sidence was near the confluence of the Walkill with the Hudson, and was built for the fort,

Thomas Chambers was of English He settled at Panhoosic, now

causes arising between the vassals.

birth.

of Rensselaersfrom thence re-

Troy, in the jurisdiction

wyck,

in

1651, and

moved to the Esopus country in 1652, where he took part in the early Indian wars, became a captain in the Dutch service, and was elected delegate to the His reprovincial assembly in 1664. sidence was near the confluence of the Walkill with the Hudson, and was built for the fort,

double purpose of a house and

being

musketry.

a

and loop-holed for commercial and other

square

By

he acquired a considerable Gov. Lovelace, in 1672, into the manor of Foxhall, with power to hold certain

speculations,

tract of land, which was erected, by

to appoint a steward

to try

Not

satisfied with these honors, he

to perpetuate his

name

determined in another form,

and accordingly passed his estate to his The heirs by the most intricate entail. manor and title was to be held only by heirs bearing the name of Chambers. To this end, his first wife having died without issue, he married a widow Van Gaasbeck and adopted her children. He died in 1698, and was buried in his vault on the site of the residence now or late of His reJansen Hasbrouck, at Rondout. mains, with those of the Van Gaasbeck The family, were removed in 1854. name of the manor and its owner only live in history.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

at once leave the place,

urging that all be killed." that would they body

To this end, his first wife having died without issue, he married a widow Van Gaasbeck and adopted her children. He died in 1698, and was buried in his vault on the site of the residence now or late of His reJansen Hasbrouck, at Rondout. mains, with those of the Van Gaasbeck The family, were removed in 1854. name of the manor and its owner only live in history.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

at once leave the place,

urging that all be killed." that would they body

u he felt

a sensation in his

His companions, however,

laughed at his alarm. They had never harmed the Dutch But the speaker still cherished should they kill us ?" u his fears, and replied heart feels heavy within me ;" and

"

Why

:

My

again he entreated his companions to depart, but they refused, and, in conscious security, lay down upon their blankets to sleep.

Meanwhile Ensign Smith had yielded to the request of the villagers by dispatching Sergeant Stol to reconnoitre and report the

cause of the disturbance.

Stol, on his return, stated the

facts,

when Smith gave orders that the Indians should not be molested. this order, Stol went among the villagers and them to unite in a sortie against the Indian encamp Enlisting some ten or eleven persons in the enterprise,

Notwithstanding invited

ment.

he left the village and stealthily appro'ached the sleeping Indians,

who were aroused from their slumbers by a volley fired among Jumping up to escape, one was knocked on the head with an axe, a second was taken prisoner, a third fled, and a fourth, too deeply intoxicated to awake, " was hewn on the head with

when Smith gave orders that the Indians should not be molested. this order, Stol went among the villagers and them to unite in a sortie against the Indian encamp Enlisting some ten or eleven persons in the enterprise,

Notwithstanding invited

ment.

he left the village and stealthily appro'ached the sleeping Indians,

who were aroused from their slumbers by a volley fired among Jumping up to escape, one was knocked on the head with an axe, a second was taken prisoner, a third fled, and a fourth, too deeply intoxicated to awake, " was hewn on the head with

them.

a cutlass," which roused him to consciousness and he made ofF. Stol

and

his valorous associates

then returned to the

village

and recounted their deeds of noble daring, justifying their pro ceedings by the assertion that the Indians first attacked them, an assertion subsequently proved to be without foundation.

Ensign Smith, finding his orders disobeyed, and hostilities actually commenced by a people whose movements he could not control, determined to leave the settlers to their fate by Learning returning with his command to Fort Amsterdam. his intention, the settlers frustrated his design by chartering, on their own account, all the sailing vessels that lay at the shore in

which he and his men intended to embark.

The only alterna

tive that remained to him was to send an express to the director,

detailing the state this purpose in

of affairs and requesting his presence.

With

view he sent an armed party, eighteen or nine-

Ensign Smith, finding his orders disobeyed, and hostilities actually commenced by a people whose movements he could not control, determined to leave the settlers to their fate by Learning returning with his command to Fort Amsterdam. his intention, the settlers frustrated his design by chartering, on their own account, all the sailing vessels that lay at the shore in

which he and his men intended to embark.

The only alterna

tive that remained to him was to send an express to the director,

detailing the state this purpose in

of affairs and requesting his presence.

With

view he sent an armed party, eighteen or nine-

His associates were Jacob Jansen Van

Thomas Higgins, Gysbert Phillipsen Van Velthuysen, Evert Pels, Stoutenberg,

Jan Arentsen,BarentHarmaensen, Martin Hoffman, Gilles de Wecker, Abel DirckO'Callasen, and James the mason.

gban, n, 396. a

A full investigation into this affair by

the proper authorities attached the blame entirely upon the men engaged in the foray,

OF HUDSON'S RIPER. teen

in

number,

to

the

shore to forward dispatches.

In the

meantime, the Indians had gathered in considerable numbers, determined to avenge the attack which had t>een made upon their kindred. Observing the party which had been sent out

by Smith, an ambuscade was formed, into which, on their re turn, the company fell and were immediately surrounded by the Indians, to whom thirteen of the party, including the officer in

command and six soldiers, surrendered without any resistance, and were borne off -into captivity.

Open war was now declared.

meantime, the Indians had gathered in considerable numbers, determined to avenge the attack which had t>een made upon their kindred. Observing the party which had been sent out

by Smith, an ambuscade was formed, into which, on their re turn, the company fell and were immediately surrounded by the Indians, to whom thirteen of the party, including the officer in

command and six soldiers, surrendered without any resistance, and were borne off -into captivity.

Open war was now declared.

The Indians, justly incensed

against their Dutch neighbors, burned all the houses, barns, and

harvests within their reach, and killed all the horses and cattle that fell in their way.

Four or

five hundred Indians invested

the village, and, after vainly attempting to set it on fire, avenged

themselves by burning at the stake eight or ten of the prisoners in their hands, among

whom was Stoutenberg who had taken

part in the attack on the sleeping Indians.

It was a horrid cere

The victims were fastened naked to stakes, placed at

mony. some distance from each other encircling a large fire their heads ornamented; their bodies painted. The dance of death was then held, and the work of torture commenced. The nails of the victims were pulled out, their fingers bitten off or crushed between stones, their skin scorched with fire-brands or torches, pieces of flesh cut from their bodies, and every ;

kind of slow torture that savage ingenuity could suggest, in flicted ; and, as one by one they were released by death, their bodies were cast into the blazing fire and consumed. Terror folded her wings in the hearts of the people who beheld the spectacle which they could not prevent j fathers gathered upon

The nails of the victims were pulled out, their fingers bitten off or crushed between stones, their skin scorched with fire-brands or torches, pieces of flesh cut from their bodies, and every ;

kind of slow torture that savage ingenuity could suggest, in flicted ; and, as one by one they were released by death, their bodies were cast into the blazing fire and consumed. Terror folded her wings in the hearts of the people who beheld the spectacle which they could not prevent j fathers gathered upon

the ramparts, and mothers pressed their children to their arms, not knowing how soon the frail palisades might yield, and themse Ives be exposed to the pitiless mercy of the frenzied children

of the forest.

For three weeks the village was held in siege, the little stock ade fort on the brow of the hill resisting the skill of Indian war Relief at length came. The express to Stuy vesant reached Fort Amsterdam on the 23d of September ; but everything there was in the greatest consternation. The settlements on Long

fare.

7HE INDIAN TRIBES

island were being ravaged, and another general Indian war was Considerable time was lost in enlisting a company to feared.

proceed to the assistance of the Esopus settlers, and it was not until the loth of October, that Stuyvesant set sail. He arrived

Esopus on the nth, with a force of nearly two hundred men.

at

Indian runners had preceded him and apprised their friends of his approach, and, a few hours previous to his arrival, the siege

island were being ravaged, and another general Indian war was Considerable time was lost in enlisting a company to feared.

proceed to the assistance of the Esopus settlers, and it was not until the loth of October, that Stuyvesant set sail. He arrived

Esopus on the nth, with a force of nearly two hundred men.

at

Indian runners had preceded him and apprised their friends of his approach, and, a few hours previous to his arrival, the siege

was raised and the beleaguering forces melted