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