Subsequent investigation having proved that the loca among them could be greatly promoted by availing themselves of the aid of the Society for the Propaga charter.

tion of a minister

tion of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, and that the prospect of improving the condition of the Mahicans by direct association

was better than through the intercourse had with them at the forts, where missionaries had been stationed, it was determined to make application to that society for a missionary. The application was granted, but on condition that the consent of the Mahicans should be first obtained. committee accord

ingly visited them at Westenhuck in July, 1734.

The relations

existing between the Mahicans and the Massachusetts govern ment being intimate and friendly Konapot, the Mahican chief,

having been commissioned captain, by Governor Belcher, and

Umpachenee, his subordinate, made a lieutenant, in the colonial In September fol this consent was readily obtained. service the was Rev. John Sergeant appointed to the mission lowing, and entered upon its duties in October.

In 1735, the mission

the W-nahk-ta-kook, or the Great definitely located on council the chamber of the nation, where a Meadow, great

was

township six miles square was laid out by the legislature as a reservation under the name of Stockbridge, by which name the

Mahicans who were then located there, as well as those who subsequently removed thither, were known to the authorities of Massachusetts and New York. 1 Following closely upon the establishment of the Stockbridge mission, the Moravians began their labors in the Mahican coun try.