The national obligation was imperative, and treason to the decisions of a council was punished with death. Each nation had its emblem, or totem, which served the purpose of the flag of a civilized nation. These were used in times of war, and were drawn upon trees and rocks to indicate that the tribes had taken up the hatchet and had gone upon the warpath. The Mohegan totem was a wolf, and in declaring war the animal was represented with its dex-

THE INDIANS.

ter paw raised in a tlireatening manner. The name Mohegan meant " Enchanted Wolf." Their military forces had regular forms of orgainization and discipline. The companies from the local tribes had their commanders, who were selected for their prowess and achievements in arms. The united forces were commanded by chiefs who had obtained military distinction, and these stood in rank according to their services and their reputation for bravery, prudence, cunning and good fortune.

There was but little need for civil government, as their chief possessions were held in common, and where personal property existed, the owner's rights were recognized.

It is probable that these local tribes were communities of blood relations, who readily recognized the patriarchal authority of their sachem and who held their lands in common. Doubtless, they closely resembled the clans and septs of Gi'eat Britain and Ireland, without the land being held either by tanistry or gavel-kind. The sachems received their support by the free contributions of the community. The ownership of land depended upon conceded original occupation or upon conquest. If obtained by conquest, all original rights became vested in the conquerors, and if it was re-conquered, these returned to the original owner. They had but little idea of title to land. They valued only its occupation and use. The game that filled the forests and the fish that swarmed in the waters gave a value that they well appreciated, and they also prized their cultivable tracts.