Ruttenber, E.M. History of the Indian Tribes of Hudson's River; their origin, manners and customs; tribal and sub-tribal organizations; wars, treaties, etc., etc. Albany: J. Munsell, 1872.

Thomas Chambers was of English He settled at Panhoosic, now causes arising between the vassals. birth. of Rensselaersfrom thence re- Troy, in the jurisdiction wyck, in 1651, and moved to the Esopus country in 1652, where he took part in the early Indian wars, became a captain in the Dutch service, and was elected delegate to the His reprovincial assembly in 1664. sidence was …

To this end, his first wife having died without issue, he married a widow Van Gaasbeck and adopted her children. He died in 1698, and was buried in his vault on the site of the residence now or late of His reJansen Hasbrouck, at Rondout. mains, with those of the Van Gaasbeck The family, were removed in 1854. name of the manor and its owner only live in history. THE INDIAN …

when Smith gave orders that the Indians should not be molested. this order, Stol went among the villagers and them to unite in a sortie against the Indian encamp Enlisting some ten or eleven persons in the enterprise, Notwithstanding invited ment. he left the village and stealthily appro'ached the sleeping Indians, who were aroused from their slumbers by a volley fired among …

Ensign Smith, finding his orders disobeyed, and hostilities actually commenced by a people whose movements he could not control, determined to leave the settlers to their fate by Learning returning with his command to Fort Amsterdam. his intention, the settlers frustrated his design by chartering, on their own account, all the sailing vessels that lay at the shore in which he …

meantime, the Indians had gathered in considerable numbers, determined to avenge the attack which had t>een made upon their kindred. Observing the party which had been sent out by Smith, an ambuscade was formed, into which, on their re turn, the company fell and were immediately surrounded by the Indians, to whom thirteen of the party, including the officer in command and six …

The nails of the victims were pulled out, their fingers bitten off or crushed between stones, their skin scorched with fire-brands or torches, pieces of flesh cut from their bodies, and every ; kind of slow torture that savage ingenuity could suggest, in flicted ; and, as one by one they were released by death, their bodies were cast into the blazing fire and consumed. Terror …

island were being ravaged, and another general Indian war was Considerable time was lost in enlisting a company to feared. proceed to the assistance of the Esopus settlers, and it was not until the loth of October, that Stuyvesant set sail. He arrived Esopus on the nth, with a force of nearly two hundred men. at Indian runners had preceded him and apprised their friends of his …

up, with the hope of making a permanent treaty, but the sa chems refused to meet him. conference was finally held on of December, and the Indians persuaded to bring in some supplies in exchange for powder ; but they refused to make the 1 8th peace, denounced the truce which had been binding authority, and retained their made as without young prisoners, having killed all the …

if the kalesecurity can there be for peace, backers desire war ?" asked the director, but Goethals could not Stuyvesant then told him that the Esopus chiefs must him at Fort Amsterdam, if they desired peace. " They are too much frightened and dare not come," was the reply. Believing this to be true, Stuyvesant consented to visit Esopus and hold a conference with the Indians …

sent the prisoners and plunder to Fort Amsterdam, and directed a vigorous prosecution of the war by a formal declaration (March " and all their adherents." 25th) against the Esopus Indians Smith now followed up the advantage he had gained by posting " over the creek (April 4th) forty-three men in ambuscade, among the rocks," but the Indians discovered the snare, and a general …

Laying down four belts of wampum, " these," said Aepjin, the Mahlcan u are a chief that the kalebackers desire sachem, guaranty and that we are authorized to treat in their behalf." peace, Stuyvesant accepted the belts, but told the chiefs that peace would be con- THE INDIAN^TRIBEB eluded only when the Esopus chiefs would present themselves The director was then at Fort …

The next day, Stuyvesant issued chiefs, who departed content. an order banishing the Esopus prisoners to Curacoa " to be em ployed there, or at Buenaire, with the negroes in the company's service." Two or three of the prisoners only were retained at Fort Amsterdam, to be punished " as proper." it should be thought i Meanwhile Ensign Smith pushed hostilities with vigor. On the …

Indians received notice of his approach by the barking of their dogs, and fled, leaving behind them Preummaker, " the oldest their chiefs." The aged sachem met his foes " with the haughty demand, u What do ye here, ye dogs ? aiming and best of He was easily disarmed, and a an arrow at them as he spoke. u As it he held to as how should be disposed of. ^consultation Sager's kil …

neighboring chiefs to secure a permanent peace. Sewackenamo called his warriors together to know their wishes. " We will The chief fight no more," was the brief reply. next assembled the squaws, and inquired " what seemed to them " That we best?" These our fields in answered, plant peace He then assembled the young men, who urged him to make peace with the Dutch, and declared …

" It is the Dutch were disposed for friendship. very strange, then," said the old sachem, whose notions of warfare differed somewhat from his hearers, " that your people were so recently engaged against the Indians, and have slain their aged chief." Stuyvesant replied, that it was customary among white men to exert all their strength until they had conquered a peace. Oritany …

On the yth of July, Stuyvesant arrived at Esopus, accom by Captain Martin Kregier and Burgomaster Van Cortland, and sent messengers to acquaint the sachems of his Three days elapsed and no response came from the arrival. panied Indians. Summoning the chiefs of the Mohawks, Makicans, JVapplngers, Minsls ana Hackinsacks, who had been invited to he addressed them as follows …

They then consented to receive a ransom for the prisoners, but when the ransom was brought out to the gate, they carried away by force, retained our prisoners, and murdered eight or it nine of them afterwards in an infamous manner. it Brothers was that compelled us to take the hatchet. " Brothers On the earnest entreaties of Indian : : friends, this who on behalf of the Esopus …

not permit us to remain here Even ye are tired with waiting, occasion Wisachganio ; Hackinsacks, Oritany, Cars- Mohawks, Adogbegnewalquo, Requesecade, Ogknekeltj Mahicans, Aepjin, Aupamut; ATfltt^7/,Kefe-weig,Machacknemenu; Minsis, Onderis Hocque, Kas- 'Callatanghj Staten island, Warehan. ghan, n, 419. Stuyvesant carefully avoided allusion to the immediate cause of the war …

Towards evening Kaelcop, Sewackenamo, and Nasbabowan, Pemmyraweck appeared before the gate of the village. Immediately on their arrival, a grand council of attend the council. all the inhabitants of Esopus, held. both Christians and Indians, was The Esopus sachems and the sachems of the tribes in " under the blue attendance, and the villagers, being seated sky of heaven," …

must return home weeping." " Out of respect for the intercession of Stuyvesant replied our friends here present, we consent to a peace, if the : Mo all hawks and Minsis, and all the other chiefs will be security that shall be faithfully observed." it The Mohawk chief, Adogbegnewalquo, then addressed the " The whole Esopus chiefs country is now convened in be : half of you, who …

Tread it so deep into the earth that it shall never be taken up again." He then presented them with a white belt, and, turning to the Dutch, he warned them not to renew this trouble, nor to beat the Esopus Indians in the face and then laugh at them. Then taking an axe from the Esopus sachem, he cast it on the ground, and trampled it in the earth " Now saying, they will never …

Further, the director-general promises to pay for the ransom of the captive Christians eight hundred schepels of maize, the half next harvest when the maize is ripe, the other half, or value, in the harvest of the following year. "4. The Esopus Indians promise that they will keep this peace inviolate, and will not kill any more of our horses, cattle its Should such occurrence …

trade, unarmed as before. " 7. Whereas the last war owes its origin to drinking, no Indians shall be permitted to drink brandy or any spirituous liquors, in or near any Dutch plantations, houses, or concentra tions, but shall do it in their country or deep in the woods, at a great distance. " 8. In this peace shall be included, not only the aforesaid all others who are in …

concluded, near the concentration of Eso under the blue pus, sky of heaven, in the presence of the Hon. Martin Kregier, burgomaster of the city of Amsterdam in New Netherland ; OlofF Stevensen van Cortland, old burgomaster ; Arent van Curler, commissary of the colonie of Rensselaerswyck, and all the inhabitants of Esopus, both Christians and Indians, on the I5th of July …

already disposed of the prisoners in his hands, replied that they must be considered " as dead." The answer deeply grieved the sachem, the memory of their banished brethren was graven on the hearts of his people. But though sufferers by the war, their losses were not without some compensation. Among the pri soners held by them was the son of Evert Pels, one of the men who had …

town and secure their pel Their remuneration depended on the amount of property they secured for their principals, and to increase their gains they often had recourse to violence, wresting from the Indians their the Indians before they reached the tries. property against their will, after inflicting on them, in addition, The evil continued, despite the efforts of the personal …

long harangue, in which he stated his complaint against the runners and the difficulty experienced by the Indians in negotiating the sale of their beavers without restraint, and demanded their ancient freedom of trade. They would no longer submit to being locked up by the Dutch, or kicked by those who wished to have their Several beavers, untij "we know not where our eyes …

beaver, and that it may be understood and henceforward be a rule, that we shall receive thirty yards of black and sixty yards of white zeawan for one beaver. erto. Ye have been sleeping hith We We have a With these three beavers we now open your eyes. require sixty handsful of powder for one beaver. vast deal of trouble collecting beavers through the enemy's We ask to be …

We know nothing of this.' ' ; THE INDIAN TRIBES " for the first Stuyvesant replied, that when the chiefs were, time at the Manhattans, some two or three years ago," the tobacco was forgotten, but a roll would now be given to them to make them remember their agreement when they returned " made peace with the In dians at Esopus, at the solicitation of the Mohawks, the Mabito …

maltreat any of the Indians, and that if the latter caught them " to beat them on the head until doing so, they were at liberty could no longer be seen where their eyes stood." it The price of cloth, however, he could not regulate, as it was brought from " beyond the great lake." With these assurances the chiefs departed to renew their conflict with their savage foes. Three …

vesant instructed the magistrates to announce that he would soon visit Esopus, give them presents and renew the peace ; but this promise he failed to fulfill with that promptness that was On the 5th necessary to satisfy the Indians of his sincerity. of June, the promise was renewed, but the Indians still doubted, and replied that " if peace was to be renewed with them, the The …

Suddenly they attacked the inhabitants -of the " Some people on destroyed the .buildings. " horseback" escaped and reached the old village, crying out, new village, and * The Indians have destroyed the new village to attack the signal to the Indians ' " This was the ! old village ; " the war whoop in their houses with rang out, and the people were murdered axes and tomahawks …

The gun at the mill-gate was cleared and discharged with effect, and the settlers coming in from the fields, soon drove the In dians out. By evening all was still again, and the bereaved in habitants kept mournful watch, during the night, along the bas tions and curtains. were wounded, and was " village one Twenty-one lives were lost, nine persons forty-five entirely …

bodies were most frightful to behold. woman lay burnt, with her child at her side, as if she were just dians. burnt delivered, of which I Other women lay The houses were converted into was a living witness. burnt also in their houses. We c are made heaps of stones, so that I might say with Micah, ' in his forth wail desolate ;' Mid with Jeremiah, piteous may go our in in all …

in the wilderness. massacre ; but was it not terribly provoked ? condition. They On the morning commanded to ride down and returned with the statement that the Indians had not been seen there ; that fugitives from the new village had reached there, but the soldiers had not dared to venture to the assistance of the settlers. On the 1 6th, a troop of soldiers was sent to the …

commissioner, however, found that the Mahicans and the Mo hawks were at war, and that the Senecas had taken the field From them no concerted action could be against the Minsis. the while expected, people of Beaverwyck were in alarm lest the assistance which they had rendered to the Senecas should recoil upon their own heads. u The farmers fled to the patroon's Cralo, at …

Mahican chiefs arrived from Fort Orange, on whose mediation a portion of the Dutch captives were restored but to proposals for peace the Indians would not listen unless they were paid " for the land, named the Great Plot," and rewarded with pre ; sents at their Shawangunk castle within ten days. Scouting parties were then sent out by the Dutch, who succeeded in bringing in a …

An expedition for the reduction of this castle was at once " organized, consisting of ninety-one men of Kregier's company ; thirty men of Lieutenant Stillwell's company ; Lieutenant Couwenhoven with forty-one Long island Indians," acting under * Ante, p. 60; Brodhcad, i, 711. Documentary History, iv, 49. Appendix. THE INDIAN TRIBES 1656 ; six Manhattan Indians ; thirty-five vo …

When of u wagons and cannon up and down with ropes." about six miles from the castle, the expedition halted and one sixteen men were sent forward to surprise it. This force soon captured a squaw in a corn-field, who told them About that the Indians had deserted the fort two days before. hundred and six o'clock the entire expedition reached its destination, but found no foe to …

another mountain, but as the Dutch had had quite enough of marching, and as it had become apparent that the Indians were of their movements, they returned to the castle. In the afternoon the corn-fields were cut down, and the maize fully advised and beans, which had been preserved in pits, were destroyed. Three days were spent in ravaging the country. " Nearly one " hundred …

were preparing to attack the fort that the Indians " who lay there about on the river side made a great uproar every night, the woods rang again." firing guns and kinte-kaying, so that Davids himself had been on shore and slept one night with the ; who had four captives with them, one of whom, a female, informed him that the Indians were in force watching the reapers on the …

was instructed to " endeavor to detain them on shore by means of intoxicating liquors," or by such other mode as he should deem expedient, until word could be con captives, he " tc veyed to the fort, and arrangements made to surprise and seize them." The mission was not successful. The Indians took all the powder and brandy which were offered them, and called for more ; but …

Considerable difficulty was experienced in the march, the streams ther than their first fort." being swollen and heavy rains prevailing. noon, the first On the 5th, about maize field was reached, and two squaws and a Dutch woman discovered gathering corn. Passing these with out alarming them, the fort was discovered about two o'clock, " situate on a The force was divided for …

accompanying his captors about half an hour, would go no " his last meal." further, and who was then taken aside and given Twenty Dutch prisoners were recovered, among whom was Mrs. DuBois and her children, around whose captivity tradition has thrown the story that at the time of the attack preparation was being made for her sacrifice at the stake, which was only delayed by …

when surprised, the Indians " were busy at the The Dutch found plunder in abundance, such as finished, and, third angle." bear skins, deer skins, blankets, elk hides, etc., sufficient indeed have well filled a sloop. Twenty-five guns were found, about twenty pounds of powder, thirty-one belts and strings of wampum, and indeed, all the movable wealth of the fugitives. to …

" showed no however, signs of submission," and a new expedi tion was sent out against them. This expedition consisted of a force of one hundred and two soldiers, forty- six Marsapequas antl six freemen. Leaving Wiltwyck on the ist of October, arrived at the castle destroyed on the 2d. The Indians had, returned to it and the of their dead thrown bodies meanwhile, it comrades …

but the facts do not In the attack warrant the conclusion. of 1 659, "the savages, estimated at four or five hundred warriors, harassed the virtually destroyed, Dutch day and night j" in that of 1663, " their numbers were estimated at about two hundred." Their losses subsequently could not have reduced them to the sixty The Dutch had no confidence stated. in such a state of …

whom he had purchased. This captive woman woman he brought in on the 3th, and received in exchange a Wapplnger, called Splitnose, and one of the captive squaws and her child. On the 2Qth, the Wappinger again appeared and after satisfying himself that of the Indians in the hands of the Dutch none had died, said that six of the captives held by the Indians were then at the river …

when the Amsterdam chamber instructed Stuyvesant to con tinue the war until the Indians were exterminated. But Stuy vesant had on his hands a contfoversy with the English towns on Long island, in which was involved the jurisdiction of the West India Company, and was under the necessity of hus banding his strength for emergencies in which he might possibly be placed. Besides …

Sewackenamo, sachem of the Warranawonkongs, arose, and calling several times in a loud voice on his God, BACHTAMO, prayed unto him to conclude something good with the Dutch, of, and that the treaty about to be formed, in the presence of the sachems assembled, 1 should be like the stick he grasped in his hand, firmly united, the one end to the other. Sigpekenano, a Long island …

the Indians to return thither to plant, nor to visit the village of Wiltwyck, nor any remote settlement, with or without arms. They were permitted, however, to plant near their new castle, and for the then present year only by their old castle, where To prevent collisions in they had already planted some seed. the future no Indian was to approach places where the Dutch farmers …

Should a Dutchman kill an Indian, or an Indian a Dutchman, but a complaint was to be lodged ; war was not to be declared against the murderer, who should be hanged in the presence of All damages by the killing of both the contracting parties. were to be paid for, and the treaty of presents. For the faithful annually the Hackinsack and Staten island the of observance treaty the …

The day of thanksgiving was a day of peace through out the settlements of New Netherland. the 24th. But the brooding clouds of war were not dispelled. While yet the Esopus conflict was pending, the Mahicans had been sum the peace of Narrington was broken by moning their clans the AbenaquiSy who murdered the Mohawk embassadors, "insti ; gated " the war was by the English ; the …

they renewed the fight the next morning at break of day, but were Filled with alarm, the colonists at repelled with great loss." Fort Orange sent in hot haste to request the presence and ad vice of the director ; but he had other duties to perform the guns of the English bay fleet a more formidable were echoing over the waters of the enemy was knocking at the doors of New …

Following this change came a conference with chiefs of the Mohawks and Senecas, representing the Five Nations, and the conclusion with them, and with the Mabicans of New York, and of a treaty of peace existed with the Dutch. alliance, similar to that which had By the terms of this treaty the inde pendence and equality of the nations parties to it, was recognized, " under the …

"i. Imprimis. It is agreed that the Indian princes above named and their subjects, shall have all such wares and com- OF HUDSON'S RIVER. modifies from the English for the future, as heretofore they had from the Dutch. " 2. That if any English, Dutch or Indian (under the pro tection of the English) do any wrong, injury or violence to any of ye said Princes or their subjects in …

made to ye Sachims and the persons be discovered who did the injury, then the person so offending shall be punished and all just satisfaction shall be given to any of His Majesties subjects in any colony or other English plantation in America. "4. The Indians at Wamping and Espachomy and all below the Manhattans, as also all those that have submitted themselves under the …

" 2. That the English do make peace for the Indian Princes with the Nations down the River. 2 " 3. That they may have free trade, as formerly. The Abenequis, or Eastern Indians. The Minquas, Esopus and Navison clans of JLenapes. THE INDIAN TRIBES " 4. That they may be lodged in houses, as formerly. "5. "That if they be beaten by the three nations above mentioned they may …

were included in the treaty under the terms, " the Indians of Wamping and Espachomy, precisely as were those of Long " as island, who had recognized treaties, and who were specified below the Manhattans ;" but the Massachusetts Mabicans required no such recognition, the change in the government not having affected the treaty which existed between them and the English. The fact …

1609, and to have renewed that treaty with the English, but as " linked being together in interest with the Five Nations," and consulted with and treated as allies of the government in the capacity of an independent nation. Colonial History, m, 67. The war which was pending at the time this treaty was made was instigated by the English. 0'Ca//agAan,u, 519. The governor of New …

passed through and subdivided the Mahicans and the Lfnapes, court districts and county lines were added. Indians of the same tribal families, who had hitherto been held responsible to and had their treaty relations with different governments and provinces, while consolidated in some respects, were further separated by special assignment to the charge of different court Thus …

of population and treaty intercourse under the Dutch, they sub sequently added materially to the disintegration of the river much of that character of independent tribes, and gave to them cantons which has been assumed as representing their political From this disintegration the Five Nations escaped, with status. results to their consolidated recognition which cannot be too …

THE INDUN TRIBES condition of the Indjans. The frictions which had prevailed during the Dutch administration were very largely removed by a law declaring that "no purchase of lands from the Indians, " esteemed a day of March, 1665," should be good title without leave first had and obtained from the governor and after leave so obtained ; " that purchasers should bring be " fore …

to sell guns, powder, bullets, lead, shot, or any vessel of burthen or row boat (canoes excepted)." The sale or gift to the Indians of " rum, strong waters, wine and brandy," without license, was forbidden under penalty of " forty shillings for each To prevent difficulties arising so sold or disposed of." from cattle straying upon the unfenced lands of the Indians, and pint …

ment, and the fact that such alliance secured the friendship of the "great sachem." Tranquillity was soon established, and although the Mohawks and the Mahicans and Abenaquis, at the east, and the Senecas and Minsis, at the south, continued their struggle, the conflict was not around the centres of civilization. Gradually the Minsis, more immediately represented on the Hudson …

to happen either party to the Corn, Cattle, Horses,. Hoggs, be done by Houses, or any other goods whatever of the other party, from the goods of the other party shall return be given upon demand for the same. " 2. That if any Christian shall wilfully kill an Indyan, or a hee shall bee put to death. And the Christian, any Indyan said Sachems do promise on their part, to bring …

which case the Indyans are to give is brought to punishment, the said shall receive no other punish Hostage to be kindly treated and ment but imprisonment. Com pare with synopsis of treaty of The statement that Nicolls made 1664. the treaty the occasion for the purchase of additional lands, apparently indicated by the fifth section, appears to have been the expression in …

claim or demand to a certain Parcell of Land, lying and being to the west and south west of a certain creek or River, called by the name of Kahanksen, and so up to the head thereof, where the old Fort was ; the And so with a direct line from thence through woods and crosse the Meadows to the Great Hill, lying and being to the west or south west thereof, which Great Hill is to …

in the name of the Indyans their subjects, one of the subjects do deliver two other round small sticks, in token of their assent to the said agreement. And the said Richard Nicholls does deliver as a present to their Sachems three laced redd coates. " 6. The said Sachems doth engage to come once every and of their some year, bring young People, to Acknowledge every .part of …

In consideration of the premises, the said Richard Nicolls doth farther give and pay to the said Sachems and their subjects, forty blanketts, knives, six Kettles, twenty Pounds of Powder, twenty Twelve Barrs of Lead, which payment we acknowledge to have received, in full satisfaction, for the pre mises, and do bind ourselves, our heirs and successors forever, to perform every …

was witnessed by " Jeremias Van Rensleiar, Philip Pieterson Schuyler, Robert Nedham, S. Salisbury and Edw. Sackville," " and by the following " Esopus young men Pepankhais, Robin : Cinnaman "a Pekoct sachem," Ermawamen, and Rywackurs. One of the chieftaincies was apparently without a sachem the number was completed in 1670, when, on the nth of ; full April, " a new made sachem …

was one of accommodation on the part of the Abenaquis and their many of whom sympathized with King Philip and eagerly Nor were they disheartened when, on the I2th allies, shared his fate. of August, 1676, that great leader gave up his life. In that re markable struggle for the restoration of the Indians to independ ence, one of the branches of the formidable alliance, the …

encouraged by the French to invite their brethren of New York, The as well as their old Mahican allies, to unite with them. result of these efforts was the organization of what was known as the St. Francis Indians. Meanwhile an element other than introduced to divide the Indian tribes. that of war had been With the French, reli gious zeal and commercial ambition walked hand in …

of the elements of which the were composed, is distinctly stated by Earl Bellomont, the governor, " Our Skackoor or river Indians in 1 698 and which river Indians having been formerly driven out of those eastern parts by the people of New England." ColColonial History, iv, 380, 715. den fixes the date of their settlement as 1672, while one of their chiefs, speaking in 1700 …

England Indians by which an exodus of this kind would be made necessary prior to the downfall of Philip in 1676, and as Colonial History, iv, 380, 902. 715, 744 OF HUDSON'S RWER. Lawrence than he was found declaring, that while the aggrand izement of France was earnestly to be desired, yet " the salvation of a soul was worth more than the conquest of an empire." At his …

from among the enemies of the Five Nations ; the latter regarded them as foes, and in their incursions upon the Hurons, spared The fate of the missionary village of St. Joseph and of Fathers Daniel, Lallemand and Brebeuf, and the captivity of them not. Father Jogues, are but types of the toil and sacrifice which attended their labors, and of the heroism with which they met …

beyond the three rivers which they claimed, the conversion of the Indians scarcely received from them a thought. 2 sessions The missionaries improved their ad vantage, and in 1654, appeared in the territory of the Onondagas, where they found many Huron captives who had formerly received their instruction. Bancroft, in, 122. Domine Megapolensis, who came over in 1643, under an …

The pos session of these privileges, however, was not destined to be The Oneidas murdered three Frenchmen (1657), permanent. and the French retaliated by seizing Iroquois. Two years later the missionaries had abandoned the country, and the French and the Five Nations were again at war. Finding success hope stronger military support, the aid of the king of France was invited …

no protection. were enabled to advise the governor of Canada, that circum stances had materially changed that they were now accustomed to the woods, were acquainted with all the roads through them, and that the French could, from Fort Frontenac, fall on the Senecas in forty hours and crush them by an unexpected blow. ; When Colonel Dongan came over, in 1683, as governor of New …

Dongan gave to his Iroquols allies medals showing were British subjects, and caused the arms of the they Duke of York to be erected in all their castles. The French invited their converts to Canada ; Dongan solicited them to remain, and obtained a promise from those who had already possession ; that gone to return. He would give them lands and priests and built them a church …

Nations," said he, between us and the French and all other Indians. This go vernment has always been, and still is, at a great expense to keep them peaceable and annexed to this government, which is of that moment that upon any occasion I can have three or four thousand of their men upon call." The interests of trade also required this alliance, in his opinion, not less than …

The Senecas trading canoes, and after organizing a considerable force to proceed against them, he had fallen back without conflict, terrified at the rumor that Dongan had promised " them the aid of u four hundred horse and four hundred if La Barre's administration attacked some French foot THE INDIAN TRIBES The only fruit of his expedition was a they were attacked. concluded …

but would prowl everywhere, For the conflict they " " had received with the intelligence that were ready ; nay, joy be confident that in to such an event they were attacked, they found " in their villages or forts, killing without if possible being killed." would be able to strip, roast and eat the French. The result of the affair was the removal of La Barre, the appointment …

religion," which could not otherwise be successfully prosecuted. " " Merit in the possession of an em eyes of God," and the pire of " more than a thousand leagues in extent," from which great commercial advantages" would eventually be derived, demanded the effort and the expense which it involved. The king responded with an addition to the French Torce gave his ; entire …

" The " two Iroquois force," by his own authority, consisted of thousand brave, active men, more skillful in the use of the gun than the Europeans, and all well armed ; besides twelve hun dred Mahicans (Loups), another tribe in alliance with them as brave as they," 2 to say nothing of the English whom he expected to assist them. In July, 1687, he marched into the territory of …

The latter appealed to Dongan, who supplied them with powder, lead and arms, and The number taken was twenty-seven, of whom " Taweeratt, the chief warrior of Cayouge," was one. Colonial History , in, 560, 579. Father Millett was charged with being a party to their capture. Ib. The French account is that forty 621. chiefs were taken prisoners, one of whom is called Orehaoue, " …

In 1684, it is hundred Mohegans said " six or seven were preparing to go to the assistance of the Iroquois, as the Ottaivas were aiding The number of their the French." warriors stated in the text is no d<Wbt exaggerated, but there is no question that they could at any time bring more warriors to the field than the Mohaiuks. Colonial History , ix, 259, 460, 466, etc. THE …

French fall upon them in winter ; that they be settled, some at Katskill, and along the river," where they would be in security and in readiness to assist in the old men, lest the who come common defense should it be necessary. Every tenth man of the militia was ordered to Albany, and other measures taken " I will do what is for defensive war. possible for me to save the …

with five hundred warriors sat down before Quebec. hundred warriors remained within call. Twelve If in four days the French would concede to Dongan's terms, the place would be spared ; The French governor it 'would be overwhelmed. on the and sixth of September following abandoned Fort yielded, if not, Niagara and the possession of the country south of the great The imprisoned …

on the south side of the island of Montreal, burned the houses, sacked the plantations, and put to the sword all the men, women and children without the fortifications. " In less than an hour, two hundred people met death under forms too hor Approaching the town of Montreal, they made an equal number of prisoners, and after a severe skirmish became masters of the fort, and of …

To retain possession of the territory was their only expectation, coupled with a determination to injury as they could. inflict such Under these instructions Count de Fronte nac was appointed governor-general, and with a considerable force landed at Quebec within forty days after the attack of the Iroquois on Montreal, and the first news he met, on entering He determined to …

They were subsequently restored to their people, THE INDIAN TRIBES New England, and the third, to proceed by water for the re duction of Fort James. Count de Frontenac was to conduct the land expedition against Fort James, where he was to be met by the fleet under the command of Caffiniere, while the De Callieres, was to conduct the expedition against governor, Albany. The …

of the savage burst upon the air, and the implements of death and the blazing torch completed the work of destruction. No house were spared in the town, except one belonging to Major Condre (Sanders), the commandant, who, with his men, sur rendered to the French division on the promise of quarter, and that of a widow and her six children, in whose care the French commander …

They were pur sued by the Mohawks, who fell upon their rear and harassed them until they reached Montreal. The second expedition reached Salmon Falls, in New Hampshire, which place was burned ; but the attack on New York was abandoned. The people of New York were divided in sentiment in regard to the claims of William and James. Immediately following OF HUDSON'S RIVER. * the …

compelled a return. In the meantime, Quebec had been strengthened by the French, and bade defiance to the English fleet, which soon returned to Boston. In 1691, Colonel Sloughter was appointed governor of the province, and, immediately on his arrival, Governor Leisler and his son-in-law Milborne, were arrested and executed for treason. This, with the renewing of the covenant …

The tide of war then rolled along the frontiers of New England, and the settlements at Oyster river in New Hampshire, and Haverhill in Massachusetts, were destroyed, Hatfield and Deerfield, on the Connecticut, shared the same fate. In 1696, Frontenac invaded the territory of the Onondagas, but without much success, 2 while Indians in detached bands warred for the respective …

Through a feeling from this in in and result, part part from the antago springing nisms which had been engendered by the part which they had taken in the war, the assembly of New York, in 1700, made a law for hanging every Catholic priest that should come voluntarily into the province. The part which the Makicans and Minsis of the Hudson took The alliance between in this war …

The MoAawks never forgot 20, 22. their punishment, but in after years reondaga, Feb. 18, 1694-5, brought this message The whole Five Nations send seven hands of wampum to inform the Mahikandcrs, or River Indians, that the Count Frontenac would fall upon the to peated that they knew what it was be whipped and scourged by the French." Onondagas in the spring. They desired the …

among the OttawasJ- had joined the French Governor Dongan asked the aid of the Iroquois to " One of " is worse than them," said he, bring them home. six of the others, therefore all means must be used to bring them home." The confederates accepted the mission, and in duced a considerable number to return. 2 Governor Andros was alliance. not less positive in his personal …

ployed as scouts or otherwise." a The Ottaiuas occupied the southwestern part of Canada at this time. They were almost constantly at war with the Five Nations, and also with the Mahicans. Their relations with the Esopus Minsis were intimate and friendly, and many of them came thither to trade with the In 1691, a cornEnglish at Kingston. pany of them, while visiting the Esopus …

nigh the river called Kingstone ; he cornmanded them to demean themselves quietly towards the Christians their neighbors, invited such as were gone elsewhere to return with their families, and that if they wanted land it should be laid out for them in convenient places." Colonial History, m, 568. * a map On History plied accompanying Freud's of Pennsylvania, Katsban is …

Mohawk and Scahook Indians, 2 to go to Canada and fight the enemy." This force made the successful attack on the French beyond Lake Champlain, already .noticed, and returned to Al bany with nineteen prisoners and six scalps. The Wappingers, or " Indians of the Long Reach," as they were called, accepted the invitation to unite in the war, and with their head sachem and " all …

to consult with Governor Dongan The Indian Sachems April 5, 1690. of Kightoiuan, Wossccamcr, Pfescavvanus, did promise to send six men to go against the French." Documentary History, 11, 237. " The sachems of April 19, 1690. Tappan, called Mendoassyn, and a captain called Wigworakum, said that they had sent, fifteen days ago, twelve men to ye Maquase and Sinnekas, and when …

Colonial History, in, The 562, 563. governor of Canada, in 1 698^99, demanded of the Five Nations, among other " a Mahikander conditions, the return of Indian who is at Onondaga, a prisoner." These Indians had joined Ib., iv, 498. the French prior to or during the war. OF HUDSON'S RIVER. matter. 1 They subsequently contributed their quota, however, and rendered important …

Assimi lating with the They French in come located, drew to subsequently. " Ordered, that a message be sent to Minnisinks to order them to send up their young men to Albany to join with the Five Nations against the French." Council Minutes, May 6, 1688. "This includes only those residing in The fol the then county of Albany. lowing return made to Gov. Fletcher in 1698, gives …

of New York, m, 836. the last war the clandestine trade to Mon treal began to be carried on by Indians from Albany to Montreal. This gave rise to the Konuaga or Praying Indians, who are en tirely made up of deserters from the Mo hawks and river Indians, and were either enticed by the French Priests or by our mer chants in order to carry goods from Albany to Montreal, or run …

drew several off to go and Canada, and laid the foundation of that formidable and fatal reductiog which now forms the Cagnawaga nawar gave the, French intelligence of all Golden, Co designs here against them." " lonial History, v, 732. They became a thorn to the frontier towns and settle ments of New England during the whole of the French war, and of the American est, actually …

At the outbreak of the war the Shawanoes were con Virginia. the advance of the Iroquois in the south, and were also testing In the latter they suffered engaged in war with the Cherokees. and but for the aid of the Mahicans, would severely, timely have been destroyed. The Lenapes invited them to remove to their country ; the invitation being accepted, the Minsis brought New …

" in all a thou intelligence that seven nations or chieftaincies, Confirmation came also from sand souls," were on their way. The leader of the Caghnaivagas was known to the French by the name of A party led By him was promiment in the attack on Schenectady, and On their return also on Salmon Falls. Kryn. sion to that end. Council directed that the Shawanoes, must first make …

application to you last fall for protection, and that you sent them hither to endeavor a peace with us 5 also, that you have been pleased to send Christians along with them to their country to conduct them back again. We wish they were come the Jesuits hoped that through his influto assist us against the common enemy." ence all the New York Mohawks would B^odeventually be …

and the Minns of the Hudson as well as those of the Delaware received to their embrace "the second son of their grand father," after having given their pledge of the king." " to be faithful subjects At the time of the incorporation of the Shawanoes with the Minsis, the latter were at the lowest point in their history. Broken by their long wars with the Senecas and Mohawks, and …

that six days ago three Christians and two Shawans Indians, who went about fifteen months ago, with Arnout Vielle, into the Shawans country, were passed by the Mennissincks going for Albany to fetch powder for Arnout and his company and further told them that said Arnout intended to be there with seven hundred of the said Shawans Indians, loaden with beaver and pelteries, at …

An entire company of Ottaivas visiting there Garneau's His were among its victims. 228 , New York His tory of Canada, I, torical Collections, Los/Kiel's 2d series, Moravian Miss. n, 249; 1 1 7. The Mennissinck sachems further said that one of their sachems and other In to fetch beavor and which they had hunted, and having heard no news of them are afraid that the Sinneques …

from their enemies the name of Satans. On terms of peace with, but unsubdued by the Iroquois, their presence inspired the Minsis, and opened up to them a future in which their united war cry challenged the best efforts of their English and Indian foes. Half a century later they could say to their former rulers, the Senecas : " have once been women and ashamed to look down at …

Ahenaquis* through their representatives smoked together the Beside their ancient river the Mabican warriors pipe of peace. hunted the deer, and their hand-maidens cultivated the fields, wove wampum in the woods, and chanted their maternal songs. " tree of welfare" Large numbers of them gathered around the which had been planted for them, and their dispersed New England …

now come to renew. this government, and do protect us." This chain we are We are resolved to live and die here in " I thank pray that our father will support and you for your kind expressions," replied Bellomont ; " and you may be sure I will do every thing to maintain the covenant chain firm and steadfast. I should be Peace was established between the Abenaquis and the Five …

We have been so happy and fortunate that our number is increased to that degree that we cannot all be shaded by one tree, and therefore desire that another tree, besides that at Skachkook, may be planted for us, for we are in hopes that our number will daily increase from other parts. It is now ninety years ago since the Christians first came here, when there was a covenant …

You know now by the experience of ninety years that we have the best laws and government in the world.,. upon it You may depend that I will do every thing to maintain the covenant chain firm and inviolate." 3 Similar were the addresses delivered at a conference held by Governor Cornbury, on his first visit to Albany after his appoint ment " You desired," said Soquans, " to …

governor of this province, planted a tree of welfare at Skachkook, and invited us to come and live there, which we very luckily complied with, and we have had the good fortune ever since, that we have increased that tree, and the very leaves thereof have grown hard and strong ; the tree is grown so thick of leaves and boughs that the sun can scarce shine through it, yea the …

They only land assigned them gratis, but a fort shall be built of stockadoes to secure you and them from any sudden attempts of the enemy ; your land is tough and hard, I will order next spring a plow to break up the ground for them to plant in, and they shall be pro tected and secured as well as any other Indians under the queen of England's protection. If they are inclined …

make intercession for his murderers. " Upon his death-bed," " our great sachem Soquans, mission, performing desired that no revenge should be taken, saying that he forgave said in this the offenders, and prayed that they might be reprieved." " Since blood was shed, blood must be shed again," replied Cornbury, and on the iQth of August the principal offender was executed in …

than whom the Mahicans had no more sincere friend tary to as secre the commissioners of Indian affairs, under instructions, " upon any message from any or all of the Five Nations of Indians, or from the nation of Schakook or river Indians," to " to keep a immediately call the commissioners together, and record of all proceedings in reference thereto." The faithful ness of this …

I was I ever endured in my whole life. shut up in a close chamber with fifty sachems, who besides the stink of bear's grease, with which they plentifully daub'd themselves, were continually either smokColonial History, iv, ing or drinking." 714. OF HUDSON'S RWER. Yet judged by this standard, their ancient rivals, the Mohawks, were not their peers. Zinzendorf writes of the lat …

The death of King William followed The in March, 1702, and Anne was declared his successor. successor to the throne. war which followed, and which was known in Europe as the war of the Spanish succession, was called in America, Queen Anne's war. It continued until the peace at Utrecht, New York scarce knew of its existence, 1713. The the was province put in condition for …

Blenheim, or Ramillies, but only one sad narrative of rural The Indians stealthily approached towns dangers and sorrows. in the heart of Massachusetts, as well as along the coast, and on the southern and western frontiers. Children, as they gamboled on the beach ; reapers, as they gathered the harvest ; THE INDUN TRIBES .mowers, as they rested from using the scythe ; mothers …

to have the Indians in the field as part of an expedition for the reduction of Quebec, which he had planned and in which he hoped to win unfading laurels. To promote the ends of both, and at the same time contribute to the relief of New England, he sailed for Europe, taking with him Colonel Peter Schuyler and On their representative chiefs of the Mohawks and Mahicans. arrival …

New England and New France or Canada, The best and most methodical account who lately came over with the West Inof the visit of these chiefs was published in the great annual history by Mr. Bo" The Annals entitled of ^ueen yer, dia fleet, and were clothed and entertained Anne's Reign, for 1 710," from which the "On the 1 9th following is an extract of April …

were hurried home with this promise fresh on their lips, and started on their mission of war. Events moved slowly in the wilderness at that time, and a full year elapsed before the response came. On the iyth of August, 171 1, the chiefs met Governor Hunter, with their war riors. The sachem of Schaticook brought thirty-eight men ; the Mabicans, fifty-eight under Wampasa, whom …

New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, with their Indian allies, under the walls of Quebec. 2 Roasted colonial forces of oxen, barrels of beer, the firing of cannon, and some " private presents" to the proper chiefs, completed the work, and all pro fessed their readiness to march at the queen's command. The French were not idle spectators of these preparations, and in their …

was held at Albany, Aug. 10, 1711, of which the record says : "Some of ye sachems of ye Five Nations and river Indians, particularly those lately come from Great Britain, waited upon His ExcelGov. Hunter," &c. Colonial lency, History, v, 217. Colonial History, v, 267, etc. a Bancroft, in, 221, etc. THE INDIAN TRIBES * From the far west the response was even more enthusiastic …

The land forces were moved to the sup " On the port of the fleet. 2Qth of August," says Governor " I left them all Hunter, upon their march beyond Albany towards the lakes, completely armed, clothed, accoutred and victualled, to be followed next day by eight hundred Indians of the Five Nations and their allies from Albany." How march extended does not appear it was arrested by …

They were located immediately west of, and in juxtaposition to, Colonial History, v, 2771 promise to live peaceably among us, and At a conference at Albany, Sept. 25, since there is peace every where, we have 1714, the Five Nations, in their address to "We acquaint you that the Tuscarore Indians are come to shelter themselves among the Five Nations. They were of us and went …

At the conference ing great indulgence in intoxicating liquors. of 1720, the commissioners specially commended their faithful ness to their covenant, as distinguished from the Five Nations, who had " suffered themselves to be deluded by the French and their emissaries," but did not hesitate to ascribe the poverty of which they complained to " drinking and laziness," and to ad …

that sensible that you are much deal of harm. in the We approve of all point, but the matter is this, when our people come from hunting to the town or plantations and ac quaint the traders and people that we want powder and shot and clothing, they first give us a large cup of rum, and after we get the taste of it we crave for more, so that in fine all the beaver and peltry we …

our people will drink it. We acknowledge that our father very much in the right to tell us that our Indian corn, but one great cause of is we squander away is that many of it our people are obliged to hire land of the Christians at a very dear rate, and to give half the corn for rent, and the other half they are tempted by rum to sell, and so the corn goes, and the poor women …

No promise did he give, he and appreciated however, ^would enforce the divine " Lead us not into command, temptation," by preventing the and the of rum sale consequent plunder by which the Christian that name was reproached. Commanding them to distribute their presents equally between those living above Albany and those he dismissed them. living below Albany, The New England …

This overture was not to the Five were there entertained with a feast and Nations alone, but embraced the Mahlpresents, as was customary in such negoNiks' History, Massachusetts cans and Schaticooks. Delegates from the., tiations. Historical Collections^ v, 347. tribes named were invited to Boston, and OF HUDSON'S RIVER. and charged that they had not only laid the hatchet by …

open between this place and Canada, and trade te free both going and coming, and so the way is open between this place and Albany and the Six Nations, and if a war should break out is and we should use the hatchet that lays by our side, those paths which are now open would be stopped and if we should make war it would not end in a few days as yours doth, but it must last till …

Their last conflict had been at. least a drawn battle, and having formed a peace with them as well as with the governor of Canada, whose allies they were, they declined, as they did in 1704, to reopen a conflict which might involve their own existence. The name of Mohawk ! if it once had terror 2 for the fugitive Pequot, upon whose head a price was set, had none for those who …

being caused by debts which they had incurred and were unable to pay, or the payment of which they wished to escape. 1 this explanation was While not without some truth, the overtures made by the French, and the entreaties of their relatives, were pro Houses, lands, pro bably the predominant impelling motives. tection, and a more complete recognition by the government, were …

Whether he was the Wood founder of the Pennsylvania organization or not does not appear ; but the organization itself maintained a separate and recognized existence in all the changes of the Lenapes and their confede In those changes Keeperdo shared rates. accepted, with his " associates, the reproach of women," joined in the ceremonies of its removal, and, in 1771, was found …

and embraced what was known as Skenesborough, now Whitehall, in the present county of Washington . Skene located thirty families on it in 1761, The Mahicans at Stockbridge claimed the ownership, but it does not appear that The letter to sell a certain tract of land lying above the tract was ever paid for. Albany, from the mouth of Wood creek upwards." This sale he requested to …

one of his hunting excursions, he came to the summit of a Look in the present county of Kent, Connecticut. he the Housatonic saw eminence down from this ing winding mountain through a narrow but fertile valley, shut in by wooded hills.Delighted with the scene, he returned to his wigwam, packed up his to this property, and journeyed with his family and followers new found land …

this generations. organization sustained to the Mabicans does not appear, although the authority of the latter was no doubt recognized, so far as With the authori recognition was customary under tribal laws. of New York, Mauwehu had no direct connection. Almost simultaneously with the appearance of Mauwehu in ties the valley of the Housatonic, the axe of the pioneer was heard …

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 …

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 …

Cherokees of Georgia, in 1735. Driven thence by the political troubles with the Spaniards, they established a colony at Bethle hem, on the Delaware, and, in 1740, founded a mission in the The pioneer in the latter field was present county of Dutchess. Christian Henry Rauch, who arrived in New York, in July of that year, seeking missionary labor, and where he soon after met a …

now known as Pine plains, on the i6th of August, and immediately commenced a work which was not without en " the couraging reward. Tschoop, known as greatest drunkard district among his followers," was converted Schabash joined him soon At the end of two years thirty-one baptized Indians after. ; attended his ministrations, " all of the Mabikander tribe," and in 1743, the …

He was a man of remarkable powers of mind, and in whose mien "was the majesty of a Luther." He died of small pox at Bethlehem, Aug. 2,7, 1746. and Pisgachtigok, Loskiel, n, 93, 94. mission Schabash received in He was baptism the name of Abraham. subsequently elected chief or king of the Mahicans on the Delaware, and died at Wyoming in December, 1762. Memorials Moravian Church^ …

rum was mate rially abridged by their teachings, lost no opportunity to misre present them and accuse them falsely ; finally, they were ejected from the lands at Shekomeko under a claim that they belonged to the white people and not to the Indians. rest at After a temporary Wechquadnach and Pisgachtigok, they removed, with many of their followers, to Pennsylvania, where they …