From that period, which commenced before we had any knowledge of this Province, they have been the terror of all the neighboring tribes, most of which they have subdued ; some they have entirely extirpated. The spirit of conquest carried them far beyond the limits of their own native districts. They have extended their empire over a tract of country twelve hundred miles in length, from north to south, and six hundred in breadth, from east to west.

Their alliance with the English naturally led them to take part with us when at war with France. The French have often severely felt the power of their arms. The Iroquois have more than once defeated the united forces of the French, and their confederate Indians, and have carried fire and sword into the very heart of their settlements, threatening them with utter ruin. They formed a barrier along our frontiers against the French and the savages in their interest; and by this protection, and the lucrative trade we carried on with them, they

1092 MEMORIAL CONCERNING THE IROQUOIS CR

greatly contributed to raise this Province to its present flourishing state.

The Five Confederate Nations are the Mohawks, the Oneidas, the Onondagas, the Cayugas and the Senekas. To these may be added the Tuscaroras, who moved some years ago from the south, were tuken into the confederacy, and incorporated with the Five Nations.

The continual wars in which the Iroquois have been en: gaged, have considerably reduced their number from what it was formerly. This is particularly the case of thé Mohawks. They, by their wisdom in couneil and bravery in the field, had gained an ascendancy over the other tribes which they preserve to this day. In all deliberations which relate to the common interest of the confederacy, and in the execution of every enterprise, the Mohawks generally take the lead.