Towns & Symbols from wch however little can be understood. and leaving this Confederacy we shall find that the Nations to the North West tho they have their Symbols, _ they are not able to Explain to any degree of Satisfaction, for as they scatter more in quest of a livelyhood they have not the same _opportunitys or inclination to Cultivate & Explain oral Tradition. To the South West the Indians are better versed in those matters but this is a field too large for wt I now propose, tho' by other opportunitys I shall mdst willingly assist your Enquiries therein.

[ With respect to your questions concerning the chief magistrate, or sachem, and how he acquirés his authority, &c. I ara to acquaint you, that there is in every nation, a sachem, or chief, who appears to have some authority over the rest, and it is greatest among the most distant nations. But in most of those bordering on our settlements, his authority is scarcely discernible, he seldom assuming any power before his people. And indeed this humility is judged the best policy; for wanting coercive power, their commands would perhaps occasion assassination, which sometimes happens., The sachems of each tribe are usually Ghosen in a public assembly of the chiefs and warriors, whenever a vacancy happens by death or otherwise; they are generally chosen for their sense and bravery, from among the oldest warriors, and approved of by all the tribe; on which they are saluted sachems. There are however' several exceptions; for some families have a kind of inheritance in the office, and are called to this station in their infancy.