ing empire and exacting homage through a vast extent of territory. These nations were the Mohawks, whose principal towns were adjacent to the Mohawk river the Oneidas, in the vicinity of Oneida lake; the Onondagas, near the Onondaga lake; the Cayugas, on Cayuga lake; and the Senecas, whose territory in the state of New York comprehended all that part of the state which lies west of Seneca lake, and which was formerly denominated the Genesee country. These nations were called by the French the Iroquois, by the English the Five Nations, and sometimes, on account of their union with each other, the Confederates.
     It would require a volume to set forth distinctly and in sufficiently bold relief, the extent of dominion, the absolute sovereignty, the profound policy and the imperial sway of this once proud, ambitious, warlike people. Rome in the zenith of her power, did not exercise dominion as empress of the earth with more dictatorial and absolute sway, than the Iroquois Confederacy.
     In the year 1712, the Tuscaroras, a tribe of Indians whose residence was in North Carolina, being driven from their possessions by a hostile tribe, emigrated northward, and were hospitably received by the Confederates, and adopted as the sixth nation in the Confederacy, and territory was given them by the Iroquois.
     At the time of the settlement of New York by the Dutch in 1610, there were in that immediated vicinity numerous tribes of Indians, denominated from their weakness and inferiority "the Bushes," by their more powerful neighbors, the Five Nations. In 1786, the remnants of two of these tribes took up their abode among the Oneidas, whither they had been invited.
     A statement of some general conclusions arrived at by eminent students of Indian archaeology will be found to have a bearing upon the origin of the aboriginal tribes. Wilson, in his work entitled Prehistoric Man, concurring in an opinion advanced long before his time observes: "Some analogies confirm the probability of a portion of the North American stock having entered the continent from Asia by Behring's Strait or the Aleutian islands, and more probably by the latter than the former." But Morgan, in his Indian Migrations, emphasizes this opinion by cogent arguments, which tend to prove that the aboriginal peopling of North America began at the Northwest coast and spread by degrees southward and eastward, till in process of time the remotest portions of the continent were occupied. That this race was of Tartar origin, many analogies and evidences seem to prove, - "physical considerations, and the types of man in northeastern Asia point to this section of Asia as the source and to the Aleutian islands as the probable avenue of this antecedent migration." But again, "the systems of

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consanguinity and affinity of several Asiatic stocks agree with that of the American aborigines." This remarkable fact bears with equal force upon the original identity of the North American tribes, affording, says Morgan, "the strongest evidence yet obtained of the unity of origin of the Indian nations within the region we have defined." And this is further strengthened by the uniform agreement in the structure of their languages and their stage of development, - through the languages themselves form many dialects, of which the Algonquin and Iroquois are taken as the two principal representative groups.
     At what period and for what purpose the league was originally formed, is a matter wholly specuulative, as the records of history and Indian tradition are alike uncertain, and throw but feeble light upon the subject. It is supposed, however, that anciently, they were seperate and independent nations, and probably warred with and equal relish upon each other as upon their neighbors, and perhaps finally united themselves for purposes of greater strength and security, thereby enlarging their power and importance at home, enabling them to prosecute more vigorously their conquests abroad. Common danger or a desire for conquest were the motives, rather than a far-seeing policy which must have actuated these people to form a league of consolidation.
     The time of the formation of the great league of confederation is very uncertain, as the periods given by various authors differ materially. From the following tradition, we are inclined to the opinion that the period is unknown, and the time lost in the clouded uncertanties of the past.
     Hundreds of years ago, Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha, the diety who presides over fisheries and streams, came down from his dwelling place in the clouds to visit the good inhabitants of the earth. He had been deputed by the great and good spirit Na-wah-ne-u, to visit the streams and clear the channels from all obstructions, to seek out the good things of the country through which he intended to pass, that they might be more generally disseminated among all the good people of the earth; especially to point out to them the most excellent fishing grounds and to bestow upon them other acceptable gifts.
     Of the events which succeeded his adventure we have not time nor disposition to write, only that many of them were truly marvelous, and worthy a place only in the pages of Indian mythology.
     Pleased with the success of his undertaking, the spirit man now resolved to lay aside his divine character, and to make his abode among the children of men. After awhile he totally relinquished his divine title of Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha, and in all respects assumed the character and habits of man. The name of Hi-a-wat-ha, signifying very wise man,

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was awarded him by the whole mass of people, who now resorted to him from all quarters for advice and instruction.
     After a quiet residence of a few years within territory afterward the domain of the Onondaga tribe, the country became greatly alarmed by the sudden approach of a ferocious band of warriors from the north of the great lakes. As they advanced, indiscriminate slaughter was made of men, women and children. Many had been slain, and ultimate destruction seemed to be the consequence, either of bold resistance, or of a quiet relinquishment of absolute right.
     During the agitation of the public mind, people from all quarters thronged the dwelling place of Hi-a-wat-ha, for advice int his trying emergency. After a deep and thoughtful contemplation of the momentous subject, he informed the principal chiefs that his opinion was to call a grand council of all the tribes that could be gathered from the eas and from the west, that the advice of all might be received, "for," said he, "our safety is in good counsel, and speedy, energetic action." Accordingly, runners were dispatched in all directions, notifying the head men of a grand council to be held on the banks of lake Oh-nen-ta-ha.*
     In due time the chiefs and warriors from far and near were assembled, with great numbers of men, women and children, to hold this important council and to devise means for the general safety.
     Hi-a-wat-ha was conducted to presence of the council, a conspicuous place was assigned to him, and all eyes were turned toward the man who could, with precision foretell their future destiny. The subject of the invasion was discussed by several of the ablest counsellors and boldest warriors. Various schemes were proposed for the repulsion of the enemy. Hi-a-wat-ha listened in silence till the speeches of all were concluded. His opinion was gravely and earnestly sought by many of the surrounding chiefs.
     The wise man said: "This is a subject that requires mature reflection and deliberation. It is not fitting that one of so much importance should be treated lightly, or that our decision should be hasty and inconsiderate; let us postpone our deliberations for one day, that we may weigh well the words of the wise chiefs and warriors who have spoken. Then I will communicate to you my plan for consideration. It is one which I am confident will succeed and ensure our safety."
     After another day's delay, the council again assembled, and all were anxious to hear the words of Hi-a-wat-ha. A breathless silence ensued, and the venerable counsellor began:

*Onondaga Lake.

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     "Friends and Brothers: - You are members of many tribes and nations. You have come here, many of you a great distance from your homes. We have convened for one common purpose, to promote one common interest and that is to provide for our mutual safety, and how it shall be accomplished. To oppose the hordes of northern foes by tribes, singly or alone, would prove our certain destruction; we can make no progress in that way; we mus unite ourselves into one common band of brothers. Our warriors united, would surely repel these rude invaders and drive them from our borders. This must be done and we shall be safe.
     You - the Mohawks, sitting under the shadow of the "Great Tree," whose roots sink deep into the earth and whose branches spread over a vast country; shall be the first nation because you are warlike and mighty.
     And you - Oneidas, a people who recline your bodies against the "Everlasting Stone," that cannot be moved, shall be the second nation because you give wise counsel.
     And you - Onondagas, who have your habitation at the "Great Mountain," and are overshadowed by its craigs, shall be the third nation because you are greatly gifted in speech, and mighty in war.
     And you - Cayugas, a people whose habitation is the "Dark Forest" and whose home is everywhere, shall be the fourth nation; because of your superior cunning in hunting.
     And you - Senecas, a people who live in the "Open Country" and possess much wisdom, shall be the fifth nation; because you understand better the art of raising corn and beans, and making cabins.
     You, five great and powerful nations, must unite and have but one common interest, and no foe shall be able to subdue you.
     And you - Manhattoes, Nyacks, Montauks and others, who are as the feeble "Bushes;" and you - Narragansetts, Mohicans, Wampanoags and your neighbors who are a "Fishing People," may place yourselves under our protection. Be with us and we will defend you. You of the south, and you of the west, may do the same and we will protect you. We earnestly desire your alliance and friendship.
     Brothers - If we united in this bond, the Great Spirit will smile upon us, and we shall be free, prosperous and happy. But if we remain as we are we shall be subject to his frown; we shall be enslaved, ruined, perhaps annihilated forever. We shall perish and our names be blotted out from among the nations of men.
     Brothers - These are the words of Hi-a-wat-ha - let them sink deep into your hearts - I have said it."
     A long silence ensued, the words of the wise man had made a deep impression on the minds of all. They unanimously declared the sub-

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ject too weighty for immediate decision. "Let us," said the brave warriors and chiefs, "adjourn the council for one day, then we will respond." On the morrow the council again assembled. After due deliberation, the speech of the wise man was declared to be good and worthy of adoption.
     Immediately upon this was formed the celebrated Aquinuschioni or Amphyctionic league of the great confederacy of the Five Nations.
     After the business of the great council had been brought to a clase, and the assembly were on the eve of separation, Hi-a-wat-ha arose in a dignified manner, and said:
     Friends and Brothers: - "I have now fulfilled my mission upon earth, I have done everything which can be done at present for the good of this great people. Age, infirmity and distress sit heavy upon me. During my sojourn with you, I have removed all obstructions from the streams. Canoes can now pass safely everywhere. I have given you good fishing waters and good hunting grounds. I have taught you the manner of cultivating corn and beans and the art of making cabins. Many other blessings I have liberally bestowed upon you.
     "Lastly, I have now assisted you to form an everlasting league and covenant of strength and friendship for your future safety and protection. If you preserve it, without the admission of other people, you will always be free, numerous and mighty. If other nations are admitted to your councils, they will sow jealousies among you, and you will become enslaved, few and feeble. Remember these words, they are the last you will hear from the lips of Hi-a-wat-ha. Listen, my friends, the Great Master-of-Breath calls me to go. I have patiently waited his summons. I am ready; farewell." *
     The government of the Iroquois, when their power was supreme, and their prosperity unbounded, was a sort of Oligarchy mixed with Democracy; having a representative and popular voice. It consisted of a republican and hereditary form combined. Business transactions of a national character were carried on by the head chiefs of the nations, and were ratified or rejected in general councils. Decisions made by the chief of a nation only affected that particular nation. But all decisions of the united chiefs of the confederacy, when not rejected in general council, became decrees from which there could be no appeal.
     The Iroquois tribes, the original inhabitants of Western New York, were nearly the sole occupants here until a period subsequent to the war of the revolution. At this time the country was an unbroken wilderness with the exception of some small tracts cultivated by the Indians for the raising of corn and a few other vegetables, in the vicinity

*Clarke's Onondaga.

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of their towns or places of residence. The remainder of the land was wholly unoccupied by them, except as a ground for hunting. In the war of the revolution, the only tribe of the Six Nations remaining friendly to the Americans was the Oneida tribe - the others were persuaded to join the British.
     After the peace with Great Britain had been established and our national independence secured, measures were taken to establish a lasting peace with the Six Nations. Accordingly, a commission was appointed to negotiate a treaty with them, which met the Indians at Fort Stanwix - now Rome - on the Mohawk river, and on October 22, 1784, a treaty between the Six Nations and the United States was established.
     Through the negotiation of subsequent treaties and for various considerations, most of the territory of the state of New York east of the pre-emption line, with the exception of certain reservation, was deeded to the state by the Six Nations, the original owners of the soil.
     This territory had been for centuries subject to the authority of the confederacy, and their domineering spirit is spoken of and incidents are related showing thier assumption of power over surrounding tribes and a vast additional territory.
     In 1669 there was a war between the Mohawks and Massachusetts Indians, which had raged for several years. Six or seven hundred warriors under the command of a great chief, Chikataubutt, a wise and stout man, were led out two hundred miles to attack a Mohawk fort. They were repelled and ambushed on their retreat, and a great fight ensued. "What was most calamitous in this disastrous expedition," says the historian, "was the loss of the great chief Chikataubutt, who, after performing prodigies of valor, was killed in repelling the Mohaws in their last attack, with almost all his captains." The overthrow of this six or seven hundred warriors was manifestly total. It is evident that long before this period (1669), the Mohawk power had been established, probably for centuries. No date has ever been given when the neighboring nations were finally subdued. The Mohawks claimed, not that now they had conquered the Massachusetts Indians, but that for an indefinate period they had been their vassals. In the history of New England Indians, at a period thirty years previous to the defeat and death of Chikataubutt we have an account of a great sachem of the Narragansetts who was slain by the Mohawks. "In the beginning of July, 1676, these Indians, who were known by the name of Mangauwogs, or Mohawks - i.e., man eaters - had lately fallen on Philip - the renowned Narragansett chief, whose Indian name was Pometacom - and killed forty of his men."
     The New York historian, Smith, sets forth: "When the Dutch began the settlement of New York, all the Indians on Long Island and

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the northern shore of the Sound, on the banks of the Hudson, Delaware and Susquehanna rivers, were in the subjection to the Five Nations." The same author asserts that within the memory of persons then living, a small tribe on the Hudson paid an annual tribute of twenty pounds to the Mohawks.
     In August, 1689, the Iroquois sent out an army of twelve hundred warriors, who attacked Montreal, burned the houses, sacked the plantations, and slew great numbers of the French.
     Smith further says, in 1756, "These Indians (Iroquois) universally concur in the claim of all lands not sold to the English, from the mouth of Sorel River, on the south side of lakes Erie and Ontario, on both sides of the Mississippi, and on the north side of those lakes," etc.
     "Charlevoix, long since described the Wyandots, as the nation of all Canada, the most remarkable for its defects and virtues. When Jacques Cartier ascended the St. Lawrence he found them established near Hockelega, now Montreal; and when Champlain entered the same river their war with the Iroquois had already commenced, and that enterprising officer accompanied one of their parties in a hostile expedition against their enemies. The events of the war were most disastrous, and they were driven from their country to the northern shore of Lake Huron. But distance afforded no security, and the Iroquois pursued them with relentless fury. Famine, disease and war made frightful havoc among them, and the account of their sufferings given by the old missionaries, who witnessed and shared them, almost tasks the belief of the reader. * * * They were literally hunted from their resting place, and the feeble remnant of this once powerful and haughty tribe owed their preservation to the protection of the Sioux, in whose country, west of Lake Superior, they found safety and tranquility."*
     Surely, that nation must have been tremendous in its power and terrible in its wrath, that could thus nearly exterminate a powerful tribe, hunting them through twenty degrees of longitude. Nor can it be doubted that the western Indians as far as Lake Superior, must have been obedient allies or trembling vassals of this mighty confederacy.
     "In war concerns," says Heckewelder, speaking of the Iroquois, "they assumed an authority over many other nations, so that they only had to dictate, and others to obey. Not only those inhabiting Pennsylvania, but those dwelling within the limits of other provinces, and the adjacent country, together with the Western, or Lake Indians, were

*A paper by Governor Cass, published in the "North American Review," April 1827.

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called upon by the Six Nations to join the conflict, and such among them as were averse to war, were threatened with destruction if they did not join them."
Illustrative of the point in question, we may here related, that Mary Jameson was taken prisoner from the lower part of Pennsylvania, in 1755, by a band of Senecas. Many years after, she married Hiokatoo, an Indian warrior in the Seneca tribe. Relating to her the events of his youth, Hiokatoo stated, that in 1730, then about twenty years of age, he was appointed a runner to collect an army to go against the Catawbas, Cherokees, and other southern Indians. He told of a battle in which twelve hundred of the enemy were slain, spoke of adventures on the Mobile, and of being two years upon one expedition.