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 ;