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,