both by the Indians and the Europeans, as the ruling family of the island. They were indeed, the head of the tribe of Montauks, the other divisions

as in

the

case

named being simply clans or groups,

of other

tribes.

DeRasieres and

Donck class them as " old Manhattans."

Van

der

They were consi

derable in numbers ; distinguished for the hosp^plity which they extended to the Dutch traders and early settlers, and no less so for their subsequent

Holding in their posses the Indian nations, they were especially exposed to invasion by the more powerful tribes bor sion the treasure

chest of

hostility. all

At the time of the discovery they were dering on the sound. a part of or under tribute to the Mahlcans. Wyandance, their sachem, was also the grand sachem of Paumanacke, or Sewanhackey, as the island was called. Nearly all the deeds for lands were confirmed by him. His younger brothers, Nowedonah

and Poygratasuck, were respectively sachems of the Sbinecocks and the Mankassets. His residence was upon Montauk, and

Metowacks, Brodhead ; Matuwacks, fates & M.oulton ; Montauks, Thompson.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

Dur the body of his followers lay in the immediate vicinity. the the Montauks were the of wars Mahicans, subjugated by ing or compelled to pay tribute to the Pequots.

After the destruc

tion of the latter nation in 1637, the Mahicans again asserted their authority, but about that time the Montauks accepted the pro

tection of the English and paid tribute to the governor of