In the controversy in reference to the Hardenbergh tract, in 1769, one Dr. Shuckburgh stated that he was present at a conference in 1734, in which the chiefs of Schoharie, Seth and Hance, " told the Esopus or Delawares that if they ever attempted to sell lands west of the Kats-

An hills, they would kill them." Oneida Indian, whose father was chief sachem of Oneida, " and their oracle in kill

of

matters

all

" father often

antiquity," heard his say that the lands on the

east of the Delaware was the property of the River Indians or Delawares." John son Manuscripts,

xvn, 159.

The capital of the nation was subse

quently removed to Shamokin, and from

thence to Wyoming. No value whatever attaches to these traditions.

That which

is

here recited

gives to them a western origin, in face of their eastern name.

"

It is generally believed that the Allcgcwi, or AlleghanS) were of Welsh This belief rests on the supposed origin. voyage of Madoc to this continent in the twelfth century. The Welsh tradition is,

THE INDIAN TRIBES

In this country the Lenape, on their arrival, asked to settle. This request was denied by the Allegewi, but permission was granted to pass through the territory, and seek a settlement

No sooner had they commenced to cross further eastward. the Mississippi, however, than the Allegekui, perceiving the vast numbers of the Lenape, furiously attacked them.

The result of

long and bloody war between the Lenape and their allies the Mengwe, on the one side, and the Allegewi this treachery was a