The inquiry has its specific form in the alleged subjugation of the Mahicans and in the period assigned to the subjugation of the Lenapes as having been anterior to the advent of the

Europeans. The Mahicans were the most formidable com Equal in courage, equal in numbers, petitors of the Iroquois. equal in the advantages of obtaining fire-arms from the Dutch

and in their subsequent alliance with the English, they marched When unsubdued by the boasted conquerors of America. the Dutch first met them they were in conflict with the Mohawks,

and that

conflict was maintained for nearly three-quarters of a

century, and until the English, who were in aWiance with both,

were able to effect a permanent settlement. " Judge Smith, upon this subject, says

Gallatin, writing

his History of Tork, published in 1756, says, that 'When the Dutch began the settlement of this country, all the Indians on Long :

New

in

OF HUDSON'S RWER. Island and the northern shore of the sound,

on the banks of

Delaware, and Susquehanna rivers, were in subjection to the Five Nations, and, within the memory of persons now living, acknowledged it by the payment of an Hudson's,

Connecticut,

annual tribute

:

" He

Dutch with

gives no authority for the early date he

The subsequent protracted wars of the

assigns to that event.

the Manhattan and

the Long Island Indians, and

the continued warfare of the Mohawks against the Connecticut Indians,

are inconsistent with that account,

which

is

clearly

respect to the Mohikander River Indians, or Laet as the mortal These are mentioned by