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ONOJfDAGA; OB REMINISCENCES OP MELIER AND lATER TIMES; =™» . ,.,., „, „,„„„„, ^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^ ^^ ^ XOIES on THE SBVEEAL TO,V»S ,„ THE COMir, AND OSWEGO. By JOSHUA V. a CLARK, A. M. CORRESPONDINO MEMBER OF THE ? NEW YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. I. SYRACUSE: STODDAJiD ANDBABCOCK, 1849. f"'/' 109 ; I Entered according to Act of Congress, in tiie year 1849, by JOSHUA V. H. CLARK, A.M. Ill the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Northern District of New-Yorli. STEREOTYPED BY BAKER & TIERNAX. Syracuse, N. Y. r f I i 115521) PllEFACE The collection of raatorials for tho.^ volumes was f5rst su<v.c9ted to tho author, by tho members >of Ma.dius Lycou.n, before whom, in the wnter of 18 1 l~i2, ho was solicitoa to ddivor a Lecture upon tho Early History and Settlement of tho town of Munlius anxl vicinity-tho task was reluctantly accepted. In entering upon a subject, at first thought to lx> unfruitful in inci- dent and barren of interest, materials multiplied and tacts accumulated to such an extent, that instead of asinglo Lecture, two was tho result, • Ihe held of hu-estigation already entered, was found to bo unex- p ored, and the author was borne on involuntarily, if not irresistably, to glean tresh materials from sources the most prolific. la viewing tho ancient fortifications, burying grounds and relics, so numerous in this county, and becoming satisfied that tho history of these works was imperfectly understood, and that the materials for bnngu,g it to light, were widely scattered-although unqualified, in many respects, to do ju.tico to so important a subject, nevertheless, the author telt it a duty to proceed. The success which has attended tho undertaking, in the collectiou ot a mass of materials, has greatly e.vcoeded anticipation. The matter for this work, has been digested and arranged amidst he cares and perplexities, toils and trials, incident to tho life of a la- bormg man. It has been only in leisure moments, snatched at inter- vals when tho plow was at rest, and tho sytho and sickle were sus- pended, that the n.aterials have been gathered and put in order for the press. Since the time these labors first commenced, tho Libraries of Cam- bridge University, Mass.; lirown University and Athenan.m, of Provi- iy PREFACE. Jonco, R. I.; and .ho New-Y„,k n«i„ri,„ Society. NowVork S^ty L^™«ofNc» York and tl,oS.„.„Li,.™r,,,.Alba,,,,hnvol.e„vi' « , to each ,„d,vi,lual Libraria,, of „l,ic|,, ,h„ „o,t grateful acknowl. .<lge,„„„t,aroduc, for the go„.i„ ,„ycourt.,y a.u. ki„d„e.,, afforded to tljo aiitlior iii Ids rcscarclics. To tl,o lion. ,J„|,„ Carter Urowa, of rrovidence, R. I., the most ..ufe,g„ed tha„k» are tendered, for Ids partial favor, in placing at tl "uthor, d.„»al, the «J.a„„ „„.„.„.,,.. relative t^ onr "count/ ^^tory Mr. Hrowa ha, a rare collection of these work, published about two hundred year, ago, at Paris, in the French language. IhoBO IWationsareto a considerable extent, our history, a Jas such, tl,c,r ,„,rod„ct,on is |,ardo„abie_yea, necessary to its perfection. In tho progress of this nndertaking, the author has consulted, and in «..ne mstancos, (for which he hopes to be pardoned,) has drawn largely ta>m the ollowing works, vi. :-Charlav„i.x' 1 listorie do Nouvillo Fran- ca.; Charievoix- letters to tho ] ,„cl.ess IWcsdigaiorcs ; Francis Crenxins' U.slora, Nov,e Franci. ; Father llenepin's Travels in North America; •fes„,t he at,„ns fron, 1 0-12 to 1 T02 ; Loskiel's, La Ilontan's and Hceke- welJe,-s ndian Histories; CoKlen's Five N.ations ; Sn,i.hs llisU^ry of .New-\ork; JJroJhead's London Doenmcnts ; Mai-shalrs Lifo of Wash- .-.gton; Snrollcfs Uistory of Kugland; Stone's Life of Brant; .School- crafts Ao.es; Kip's .lesuits; Natural History of New-York; Canal I^ocuinuiiLs ; Balloting Book, d'c. To numerous individuals, .ho to a greater or less extent have aided .a tins undertaking, the author is under peculiar ..Ui,ations, ^.r hints «n^ostions and the lumishing uf n.aterials. An.ong those, he takes pleasure in nanung Professor AVillian, Gannndl, of 1 5ro wn University^ acob 1^. Moore, Es^., Librarian of the X.nv-^'ork Ilbtorioal Sooiet; ^ Hon. Archibald Can.pbell, l.eputy Secretary of State; Mr. Van Kens' selaer, Assistant Surveyor (General ; Aln-ed B. Street Esq., State Libra- rian; and E. B. O'Callaghan, M. ])., Albany. Totliellev. Messrs. Saltorn Givens, A,hun Eiliott and Abraham Nelles, Missionaries among the Mohawks, Onondagas and Oneidas, in Canada \^ est, respecting iheir interesting missions and also to tho v-York Society , have been vis- iteful acknowl- diioss, afforded '. I, the most )Iaciiin^ at the our county's rks, published iguago. ',andas such, 'rfection. suited, and in Irawn h'lrgely ouville Fran- K'is Creuxius' 'th America; s and Hocke- 3 History of ifo of Wash- ant ; School- ork; Canal • have aided IS, for hints, K', h(j takes University ; 'al Society ; Van liens- state Libra- Abraliam Oneidas, in xlso to the PREFAOB. Kov, Elczor Willi,,,,,,, l„„ij ,i„,„ . Ml.,io„Hry a,„o„g l|,„ 0„ondag« mi 0„e,Ja., „l Onoid, d Uroen I)„y, „„d to Iholiov. E,.ki,l (J Gear, Cl,a,,l„i„ U. S. A., K„,t Snclling, tho „,c«t .i„c«ro tl,„„b a«' due far valuable co,i„n„„icatio„n, Abo to the late lto». J„l„, C, liudd, IX I).. „f Utica; Eov. Ilenrv Gregory D. U.. of Sy,,,e„,e; Kov. Jol„, I. f;,,,, ofManlius, and Rev Geo. ... Dolevan, oO.a Kay..,to. Abo, to Harvey Baldwi,,, Jol,„ Wilkin- .o„, W,s II Kedfeld, Tl„„.,a, S,,e„„,, a„,« v. G™ge, Phare. Go,dd, E. W. Leavcawurtl, „„d U„f,„ Stanton, K,qr»., of Syracuse. Al- »o, to t.o Clerk of Cayuga County, a,.d to V. W. S,„i.l,, E,,., Clerk, a.d L. J. C.U ne,,„ty Clerk of Onondaga County; ,Io„. Squire M. Brow,, of Elbndge ; JI„„. r,,„,.g, „Mo,, Hon. David Munro and B. l^T^' "'^^^^'f'""'"-' "-- "»l<''v-™a l%do,v,of Lysao- der fho„u„VVl,eele,,I.i,,.,of Salina; Si„,e„„ Clark, of Otiseo ; Cl.a', 0, Roundey. of .Sp,,,,,,, Wa,,,„ „,„„,_ ^,^^ „, ^^^ ^^_ Lev, S. l„r,ou,, of Marcellu,; II. c. V.an Sol,aack, E,,., of M„„,i„,; Jerem,al. Gould .„d I,,,ae Keeler, B.,rs., of La Layette; Hon. DaJ Moseleyand Oliver U. Strong, Es,., of Ono„d,ga; Asa Eastwood and W,n Steven,, Esqrs., of Cieero. Also, to Edwin W. Clarke, B B Burt and Matthow McSai,., E„,r,, of Oswego, and A. G. Hull a,,,, Pete, »cl,eaek, 11,,,.., of Falton, the author is under speeial obligations for miJortaut suggestions .and ,nateri.als. The na,ues of M„. O'BIenni.,, of g,ali„a, and Mrs. Wood, of Onon- d»ga noUow, should not be omitted, both of whom have resided in tie eounly fro,,, its earliest settlement, and whose vigorous minds are stored w,tU an ahnost unli,„iled stoek of valuable information U,t .,re .,eknowledged the MSS. and papers furnished by the Eev J. W. Adams, D D, who for several years, had been engaged upon . s,m, „r wor... These had been eolleeted by the Rev. Dr., with a view ult,n,ate publiealion, but hisparoehial duties, and other nneontrol.- ble e,reun,,,a„ces interposed, and the idea was abandoned. So far a. ava,lable, these papers have been drawn from In acWiH,., ,0 the aeknowledgements already made, there are hut., dreds of „.J,v,d„al, throughout the eounty, who have been scareeiy ^ PREFACE. I«.ervi«blc l„ f„n,W,i„g ,„,„. , f„, „,, „„k, „„j ,,,„^j ^ ^c.r nan.o, re«v„ a pl.«, wo ,houla U te„„a u, ^vo a couple,. mu..cr roll of .h„ „,«,. .p„ .„...„,,„ „„,^,^^,_ __^^^_^ P U^«., »h„ ,.„ve ,,,„«, „, ,„ , „„,„„.„ .,„,^,,.^,^ littio progress. With those prohminary remarks and explanations, the followinrr pages nro submitted to tho public. wiiowmg Jotv, 1849. ». THE AUTHOR. ^ il I It CONTENTS, VOL. I. CHAPTER I. INDIANS. %1L% T '"•" J"'"""-, ^'"»°'' '"■ 'J'"-ercnt tribe, once inhabiting New-York. cZlTt ^"*^'";'^"-^^-"-'--y- Mohawks. Oaeidas. OnondoKM Cayugag. Senecus. General Remarks ^ . j. CHAPTER II. TRADITIONS OF THE ONONDAGAS. "^SeTn'ent "" O^"''" ""l"": by Tao^n-ya-wat-ha. llin slaughter of a Mo„«rou, Serpent. Opening of the chnnnel of OnondoKu River. The Enchantress Featherea Mon.ter.s. Great l.^le. Allusion to other tJmo^^uZ and Wuard. Evd Spirit. Tradition of a Colony. Helief in Thunder and L.ghtnmg. Marnage. Fan.ily Discipline. Treatn.entof the Sick. Bur^I. 37 CHAPTER III. PAGAN RITES AND CEREMONIEa Religious Belief Annual Feasts. Sacrifices. Dances. Eemark* 53 CHAPTER IV. PAGAN RITES AND CEREMONIES. Compared with those of the Jews, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. (59 CHAPTER V. LIVES OF DISTINGUISHED ONONDAGA CHIEFS. Dekannissora. Garangula. Kanahjeagah. Sadekanahto. Canassetago. Oundi- ago. Conyatauyou. Ossahinta. Tatotah. Dehatkatons. Council Fire. 79 CHAPTER VI. FRENCH MISSIONS. Introduction of French Roman Catholic Missionaries to Onondaga. Father Si. ••• Vlll CONTENTS. Father Paul Ra-uencau n-JT? "'" ^"'"^ '° ^he Onondagas, by Moyne with th/o ^.s el "i" nT""!." o'" """•• ^^''''"^'°" °^ ^' Account of u Colony oaf Jan.^v l^r °'V '° ''''• ^^^ ^'" ^''"'°«'« y Janie^vjlle, ICOG. Relalions from 1668 to 1709. 126 CHAPTER VII. LWGLISII, GERMAN AND AMERICAN MISSIONS Sanson Oce.; nSO. B^Z!]^:::^^:'^!:;^^ T ■ ^- • 210 CHAPTER VIII. -mY HISTORY OF THE ONONDAGAS, AND INCIDENTALLY THAT OF THE SIX NATIONS '^'"'''^^^^^^ of the Iroquois with the French. Irr val of Mo n . ^"^'''/"'^''=°"'«« «»„ f„. Peace. F„„e„ P^p^^t trit I:e po t" ^..."^a Attack and Dissappointment of the French Wnr Ton.- i ^"^'"'"S^'*- ^^^ wicMC97. Enghsh Negotiations witutF^NaS:;:"^'- ^"""f^i^" CHAPTER IX. EARLY HISTORY CONTINUED. Council at Onondaga. Council at A Ihamr i 7nn v i- ■ * at Onondaga. I^rl Belo^ont'^^^S:?^ C^" kI .^1^°^' " ^ T turn and Report. View, of the Five Nations. A ^cl Lnt t ^h"^^^^^ Iroquo,s join Col. Schuyler in an Expedit.on against e Fr nch 17^0 rf cessful. Aflairs of the Five Nuions .,,,1 .i ,,"' "^ '^'^«"'=''. 1 '09- Unsuc- Gov. Hunter and the Fi.!: N^C ^ B rneT"t:d' 'h"''" '"''^"^• at Oswego. Extract fro„. the Journal of Con d Weil^ S ""T ""' ^T tions Incorporated with the Ironuois f)no J, . \. ^''^'"' ^*- liam Johnson's Journal. Col. Brad-Street pn,1 cL «i • > .7 ""'" ui. urdusirett and Gen. Shirley at Oswego, 1775-76 t Relation 1655-6. , and their Return le Onoiidagas, by Reception of Le t)e Witt Clinton's 36Stol709. 126 5I0NS. • German Mis- "d, 17tJG. Rev. IC. Missionary and Onondaga, - 210 [DENTALLY cient and Mod- rst Intercourse • His Visit to aldiers. Early • Jiivasion of 1- Deputation i witli the Five ns of the Five wis. Negoti- Ciidaga. The Peace of R,ys- • 246 Build a Fort Romer's Re- tho English. 709. Unsuo- ern Indians. )se and Fort Several Na- estern Fron- •om Sir Wil- go, 1775-76 ■I s CONTENTS. ix Loss of Oswego, i-all of Quebec. Peace. Approach of the Revolution. Course Pursued by tiio Indian Nations During the Revolution. War of 1S12. Present Condition of the Onondagas. •■-.... 286 CHAPTER X. REMINISCENCES. Aboriginal Names. E.\))o<Jition of Col. Van Schaick against the Onondagas, 1779. Revolutionary Incident, 1 7i0. Biographical Sketch of Ephraim Webster. Trea- ties with tlie Onondagiis. Military Tract. .... 333 CIIAPJ^ER XI. ONONDAGA COUNTY. Comfort Tyler, Esq. Lessee Coanpany. Property Line. Burr Conspiracy. Organ- zation of Onondaga County. Roads. General View of the County. Organi- zation of Courts. .Tudges. Surrogates. Clerks. Sherids. Treasurers. Mem- bers of Congress, Senators, Members of Assembly. First Boards of Super- visors, V'aJuatioiis, Census, Early Military Apiwintments, 365 Q I i !* ILLUSTRATIONS, VOL. I. Page Map of Onondaga County and contiguous territory. Portrait of the Onondaga Chief, Ossahinta, Fron- tispiece. Biographical notice of do. do. do. . . 109 Biograpical notice of Epiiraim "Webster, Esq., . . 887 Biographical notice of Col. Comfort Tyler, with por- trait, 866 'i If '1 U t' ^v ii INTRODUCTION. Peruaps there is no subject, which has been in all ages, so much a labyrinth of perplexity and philosophical speculation, as the continual changes that are going on in respect to dif- ferent nations and races of men, conquering and supplanting those of other nations and other climes. Almost from the creation of m:in, the world has exhibited these changes ; and none, pcrhapt:, in the whole catologuc, would take higher rank, or have been more fruitful of consequences than the changes wrought on the continent of North America. Three hundred and sixty years ago, America had no place or name among the nations of the civilized world. Three hundred and sixty years ago, the voice of the white man had not been heard in this land. Since then, he has gradually extended his dominion over the whole of our wide-spread country. Two hundred years o.q-o, the voice of the '' Blach Mobes" was first heard in the wilds of Onondaga : before them was borne the bough of peace ; their only ornaments were the cowl and cassock— their only arms, the cross and crosier. Rude chapels of barks and brushwood arose at their desire, and the deep-toned bell, called forth their untutored proselytes, to vespers, mans and matins, and for the first time the red man utters in chaunts and songs, and hymns cf praise, the glories of the Redeemer. A century ago, the hills which surround us were shaded with lofty trees ; bogs and swamps, wore more extensive then than now ; the beaver and the flood, made the only dams that impeded the streams ; the trout, pickerel, and salmon, glided through them unmolested ; the hawk and eagle towered in their pride of height, far above the lofiiest crags ; and the partridge and turkey whirred low amoi .^ iic trees. The fox I XIV INTRODUCTION. •f •• and wild door roamed in perfect froodom tln-ougU the dark forest, and the panther, the wolf and boar, i,roAvlod about our hills, unheeded and unharmed. Tho kingly savage, pure and untanitcd aa the Great Spirit formed him, swayed his mild sceptre in peace. A change comes over this scene; tho rod man is proscribed banished, hunted as it were from tho home of his fathers, and IS doomed to roam, spirit broken and disconsolate, in a strange land, beyond tho influences of civiliication, and his degraded offspring creep here and there, upon the soil, where onc'^o their proud ancestors stalked abroad in majesty sublime.. His hunt- ing grounds, once his own domain, how changed ! Tho white man settles on them ; farms become cultivated ; the hum of business is heard; settlements soon become tho depots of produce ; these rapidly increase to cities. Tho wilderness is changed to busy and neat villages, redolent witii wealth and comfort, adorne<l with temples for Christiaai worship, and made cheerful by, the halls of scieuce. Scarce sixty years have rolled around, since the very gromnl, beneath and about us, was one Avide, unbroken wilderness. Mark the contrast now,-aU around wo see, hill and valley, checkered with glado and woodland, beautified witli comfortable dwellings, rejoic- ing in all the blessings civilisation can bestow. There is probably no portion of the United States whose Indigonal annals are of so much importance as those of Onon- daga, and the region contiguous ; and strange as it may appear, the history of this important country, which of all others is the most interesting, will only attract tho attention it demands in the remote periods of future ages. Tho records of memory are fast fading away. The remnant of a once mighty nation 18 rapidly disappearing. Indian tradition, with allks Vivacity and interest, is fearfully becoming extinct. A few short years and nothing new can possibly be gleaned. It is certain that the French traders and Jesuit priests visited Onondaga as early as im, and continued their labors among the natives for a period of near one hund.-ed years as their "Relations" in the succeeding pages will show ' ' INTRODUCTION. XV The Onondagas are by them described as a powerful nation, of the confederacy of the Iroquois, who held tlie ascendency over all the North American tribes, and with their colleagues could furnish over three thousand warriors for the field. The Dutch, through their traders at New-Amsterdam and Fort- Orange, secured a profitable traflic with the natives — pushed boldly into their country, and by acts of moderation and kind- ness, won their confidence and esteem. A new era succeeds — the dynasty of the Dutch is super- seded by the English ; the French are bereft of their titles and claims to any portion of the then United States and Canada, and the arms of Bri.aiii are Everywhere triumphant. After the war of the American Revolution, the Onondagas, with the otlier Indian Nations, by the treaty of Fort Stan- wix, in 1788, become subject to the jurisdiction of New-York. Directly after this commences the settlement of Onondaga County. We shall see that om* beautiful fields were first purchased, by the services, and sufferings, and blood of our fathers, the soldiers of the Revolution, very few of whom now linger amono- us. To those who survive, and to the memory of those who are departed, we should never be ungrateful. In our prosperity let us never forget the energy, generosity and privations of that hardy, industrious race of pioneers, to whose enterprise and perseverance, we arc mainly indebted for the bountiful blessings we so richly enjoy. Where we find one of these solitary sojourners, sliould we not make smooth his path, and cherisli his momorv? For only here and there, lingers one and another, like an arrod oak, to inform us where, and when, the forest first gave wav, and where, was the red man's lonely path. fam -f A: 1^ '/// \\'<<s/un«jt(>n . O'iO mmmmm i. ONONDAGA I CHAPTER I. ORIOm OF THE TKRM 1m,.M-NAV«, or n.PK.RKNT TRIBES ONCE .NHAB.TINO New Y0RK~P,VE NaMonS-Orioin op the CoNKEr.ERACV-Mo,IAWKS-ONElDAS- ONONDAOA»-CAYUGA..i-SKNECAS-GKNERAL Re,,ARK3. In commencing our reminiscences of Onondaga, we are met m the outset by a people who from time immemorial have oc cupied our soil-a nation who have hitherto held a conspicu- ous place and an important position among the aboriginal inhabitants of North America. Finding thorn .0, it is but just to give them a passing notice. At the time the scheme of discovery was most strongly agi- tated and urged by Columbus, it was supposed that by sailing westward from Europe he would arrive at the eastern coast of India. And it was confidently believed even at the period of the discovery of the islands and continent of America, that he had actua ly discovered a western passage to the continent ot India. Many of the navigators who followed Columbus were of the same erroneous opinion. Hence it was, that the people of America, found here by Europeans, were at first "nproperly ca led Indians. The truth was not clearly asce ! tamed until the name had been so long in use that it could not well be changed. By Americans, the term is seldom used except as applying to the aborigines of the country. But among Europeans, in the correspondence between peLns of different countries, it oftentimes produces confusion and incon- venience. When the first Europeans visited this continent, thoy ,.ere great y surprised to find a race of beings so entirely different from themselves, m complexion, dress, language, manners, and oode of hvmg. Savage, indeed, in many respects, they ap- ./f^?-?^ 0^.,^^^ijjm:^M^\ .$■>•/<//■ lUiifioniUnii ONONDAGA COUNTY & ADJACENT TERRITORY DF.SKixtux TO .iryoA/r.W'v CLARK'S HISTORY OF ONONDAGA ruhlishcd l)v Slodoinl^v IuiIh-ocR . SN'racii.vt hil/i 1)/' 'S'urony S- Mtt/nr //7 /''itZ/oii <S'/.*(c Jht-Ar O" .Of wmmmm /,ofni,/n,.'r /■,,..•/ \- Ur./ /'rrUll r<fS//hlrf/Off ■ ilBillg^"**^ l'V#/y*/„,0 SI \l li Sf 44 it'^r. r '.1/ .1.'/ o 'iil/ii'an •fj V.J / /.» rf:» I . U)tiiiin.\' •'"> OO' >'tfk 40 tl'. rih/lfl I.^AFAYK r ()\.I V ' nmp\i »/( it ?/ I JJ «» i^*. /1<^? I i ^ ?<i'l ^/' .»/ ?^: > •r— [ffi^/ .^.J* i«. i </) *.« v-f-' CORT L| ^COTT ,i> :■«!' ; f/ >'ro»' r<fshhi<f/»f'. fr/o' ■1:x- i- AND l)KJ\l'VTRR >^/J< A>/y/e/- Eu; X CHENANGO LIXKLAEN CO. I 18 ONONDAGA. peared to be — yet the kindest hospitality, from the purest motives, was always most readily extended to their foreign guests. And perhaps would forever have remained unbroken the golden cord of friendship, had the red man been the first to try his strength upon it. " Welcome, Englishmen; tvel- come, Englishmen,'' are words intimately associated with early American history. These were the first accents our Pilgrim Fathers heard on the American strand, and ever have the same grateful sounds greeted the ears of the whites, upon their first interview with the rude sons of the forest. Had the dis- position of the aborigines been any other than friendly, the feeble colonies first planted on American soil would have been speedily annihilated. At the time of the settlement of New- York by the Dutch, in 1610, there were in their immediate vicinity, numerous tribes of Indians denominated from their weakness and inferi- ority ^'■the Bushes," by their more powerful neighbors the Five Nations. As many as thirteen difierent tribes, all of whom are now extinct, are supposed to have had their allotted territories on Long Island, and exercised exclusive jurisdic- tion and control over their several portions of domain. They were known by the name of Canarsees, Rockaways, Merricks, Massapequas, Mantinecocks, Nassaquakes, Setaukets, Cor- chaugs, Manhassets, Secatogues, Patchogues, Shinecocks and Montauks. In 1786, the remnants of the two last named tribes took up their abode among the Oneidas, whither they had been invited. The Manhattoes occupied the Island of New- York. The Nyacks inhabited in the vicinity of the Narrows below New- York, and about Westchester county. The Moheakenunks inhabited a large portion of country, from the Nyacks up the Hudson near to Albany. The Scagh- takooks, occupied a large tract of country north of Albany ; one of their principal villages was near where the city of Troy • now stands. Other tribes of obscure origin and inferior note, undoubtedly occupied other localities within the state of New- York, some of which will be noted in their proper place. Many of these Indian tribes, during the years immediately suo- 1 t — ?^ INDIANS. om the purest y their foreign lined unbroken 1 been the first flishmen; tcel- ated Avith early its our Pilgrim ever have the ,tes, upon their Had the dis- a friendly, the ould have been by the Dutch, ity, numerous ess and inferi- neighbors the tribes, all of I their allotted usive jurisdic- Dmain. They ays, Merricks, itaukets, Cor- hinecocks and last named whither they the Island of cinity of the ester county, country, from The Scagh- li of Albany ; 3 city of Troy • inferior note, itate of New- aroper place, aediately suo- 19 ceeding the arrival of tlio first colonists among them, evinced a hostile disposition towards their new neighbors, and were contmual sources of alarm to the white inhabitants; never- theless, they were all tributary, and otherwise subject to the powerful confederacy of the "Five Nations." These distinguished nations, firmly bound and concentrated m one, held the ascendency over all the North American tribes. Their territory proper extended from Hudson's river on the cast, to the Niagara on the west; from lake Ontario on the north, to the Alleghanies on the south. At one time their actual domain extended from the Sorel, south by the great lakes to the Mississippi west, thence east to the Santee and coastwise back to the Hudson. They occupied a wide- spread country, comprising a greater body of more fertile lan< , combined with a temperate and healthy climate, greater facilities for water communication, not only within their own territory, but extending from it in all directiona. with more ex- tensive hunting grounds and fisheries, than any other tract of tlie same extent in the world. They were called by the IVeiich ''Iroquois," by the English " The Cov federates;' or ''Five Nations;' by the Dutch " Blaquas;' and by themselves " Mi^i- !-/oes;' meaning by all, " United People:' The Eno-lish re- tained the name Maquas for the Mohawks, for a lo'ncr time after the Dutch had relinquished the country. The*' name Iroquois, according to Charlevoix, is purely French * and is .lerivedfrom"^zVo," signifying I have said it-answering to the Latin dixit~^ccox,\mg to the words most frequently made * Le nomdiroqnois e.si purement Frangois, et a ^te forme du terme Hiro ou Hero q,u .gn,fie I'ai dit : et par quel ces sauvages finissent lous leurs discours' cor.n.e le,s Lat.n.s fa.soient autrefois par leur Dixi ; et do Koue. qui est un cr antot de tr.tesso, lor.quW le prononce e„ trainar... et tantot de jove, quand o^ ie prononce plus court. Leur no,, propre est Agonnonsionni, qui veu; dire fZ eurs de Cabannes; parce qu'ils les batissent beaucoup plus solides, que la pld- part des autres sauvages."— Charlevoix, I. 270—1 . 4 pm "Ces barbares ne sont qu'uue seule nation, et qu'un seul interet public. On pourrou les nommer pour la distribution du terrain, les Suisses de ce continent Les Iroquo.s sont partager en cinq cantons, sgavcr les Tsonontouans, les Goyo goans, les Onnotagues, les Onoyouts et les Agnies."-Lahontan T 35 ^ 20 ONONDAGA. 1 = uae of at the close of all Indian speeches, and " Koue" a term denoting sadness when spoken slowly, and joy when spoken rapidly. The term Aquinuschioni, according to the same author, is translated ^' Faiseurs de Cabannes," or Makers of Cabins or Wigwams, which they supposed they themselves built stronger than any other people. Another name by which they always boastfully termed themselves, was Ongwe Honwe, signifying SI people surpassing all others. As the term Aquinuschioni is usually accepted, it means the people of the long cabin or long house, but when used in a national sense it means a Uni- ted People. The limits of this imaginary house, was of the same area as their territory proper, and may be considered the broadest, longest and highest cabin as yet erected by human hands. At what period or for what purpose this league was origi- nally formed, is a matter wholly speculative, as the records of history and Indian tradition arc alike uncertain, and throw but feeble light upon the subject. It is supposed, however, that anciently, they wei-c separate and independent nations ; and probably warred with an equal relish upon each other as upon their neighbors, and perhaps finally united themselves for purposes of greater strength and security, thereby enlarg- ing their power and importance at home, enabling them to prosecute more vigorously their conquests abroad. Common danger or a desire for conquest were the motives, rather than a far-seeing policy, which must have actuated these people to form a league of consolidation. By some authors the time of the foi-mation of the great league of confederation, was about the life of one man before the Dutch landed at New- York. By others, about an hun- dred years before that period. Webster, the Onondaga inter- preter, and good authority, states it at about two generations before the white people came to trade with the Indians. But from the permanency of tlieir institutions, tlie peculiar struc- ture of their government, the intricacy of their civil affairs, the stability of their religious beliefs and the imiformity of I I INDIANS, nd "JTowe/'a and joy when lame author, is 8 of Cabins or ! built stronger ch thoy always iwe, signifying Aquinuschioni ; long cabin or means a Uni- sc, was of the be considered et erected by gue was origi- .3 tlio records lin, and throw )sed, however, ident nations ; each other as ed themselves lereby enlarg- bling them to id. Common s, rather than lese people to of the great te man before bout an hun- londaga inter- generations ndians. But »eculiar struc- * civil affairs, miformity of 21 their pagan ceremonies, differing from other Indian nations in important particulars, we are inclined to the opinion that their federative existence must have had a much longer dura- tion. And from the following tradition, we are inclined to the opinion, that the period is unknown, and the time lost, in the clouded uncertainties of the past. Hundreds of years ago, Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha, the Deity who pre- sides over fisheries and streams, came down from his dwelling place in the clouds to visit the inhabitants of the earth. He had been deputed by the Great and Good Spirit Ha-wah-ne-u, to visit the streams and clear the channels from all obstruc- tions, to seek out the good things of, the country through which he intended to pass, that they might be more generally disseminated among all the good people of the earth, especial- ly to point out to them the most excellent fishing grounds, and to bestow upon them other acceptable gifts. About this time two young men of the Onondaga Nation were listlessly gazing over the calm blue waters of the " Lake of a Thousand Isles." During their revery, they espied, as they thought, far in the distance, a single white speck, beautifully dancing over the bright blue waters— and while they watched the object with the most intense anxiety, it seemed to increase in magnitude, and moved as if approaching the place where they were con- cealed, most anxiously awaiting the event of the visitation of so singular an object, for at this time no canoes had ever made their appearance in the direction from whence this was approaching. As the object neared the shore, it proved in semblance to be a venerable looking man, calmly seated in a canoe of pure white, very curiously constructed, and much more ingeniously wrought than those in use among the tribes of the country. Like a cygnet upon the wide blue sea, so sat the canoe of Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha upon the " Lake of a Thou- sand Isles." As the frail branch drifts towards the rushing cataract, so coursed the wMte canoe over the rippling waters, propelled by the strong arm of the god of the river. Deep thought sat upon the brow of the grey-haired mariner ; pene- tration marked his eye, and deep, dark mystery pervaded his 22 ONONDAGA. ,iv' m countenance. With a single oar he silently paddled his light- trimmed bark along the shore, as if seeking a commodious haven for rest. He soon turned the prow of his fragile vessel into the estuary of the ^'double river," and made fast to the western shore. He majestically ascended the steep bank, nor stopped till he had gained the loftiest summit of the western hill. Then silently gazing around as if to examine the coun- try, he became enchanted with the view; when, drawing his stately form to its utmost height, he exclaimed in accents of the wildest enthusiasm, Osh-wah-kee ! ! Osh-wah-kee !•' * During the observations of the spirit-man, (for so' he was afterwards called,) the two men who had lain concealed, cau- tiously Avatching all his movements, discovered themselves, la-oun-ya-wat-ha very civilly approached them, and after the greetings usual at the first meeting of strangers, very gravely' made inquiries of them respecting their country and its advan- tages, of their fisheries and hunting grounds, and of the im- pediments in the way of the prosperity of the nations round about. To all of which the hunters, (for so they were,) could give no very favorable answers, but briefly stated to him the disadvantages they had ever been doomed to labor under, and the sufferings they had borne in consequence. A degree of familiarity and mutual confidence had by this time become awakened in the bosoms of the parties, and the greatest freedom of conversation proceeded without restraint. The hunters provided for their venerable guest a repast of roast venison, who received it in thankfulness; they smoked the calumet together and were refreshed. Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha disclosed to the hunters the spirituality of his character and the object of his mission, after whiHl he mvited them to proceed with him up the river, as he M * It is known, perhaps, to comparatively few, that Lake Ontario and the outlet of Oswego nver was anciently, and is now known to most Indian nations e" 'e cially the remnant of the Five Nations, as the Osh-wah-kee wh.Vh h .' ^ ted hterally, signifies from the circun.stance here Itedl^/ 1 ''^'"^""'-P-; see ,....,. From this our English name for theUtoswe^irSvI ^"' " ■■-rr^:;i 1 INDIANS, 23 )addled his light- ? a commodious his fragile vessel nado fast to the steep bank, nor i of the western amine the coun- len, drawing his d in accents of ah-kee !■ ! * (for so ho was concealed, cau- •ed themselves. 1, and after the. •s, very gravely ' and its advan- and of the im- nations round sy were,) could ted to him the bor under, and ce had by this arties, and the hout restraint. St a repast of ; they smoked lie spirituality , after wliicli, ver, as ho luul irio and the outlet lian nations, espe- ch being inlerpre- !ee evety where and ;o is derived. important business to transact, and should need their services. After a moment's consultation together, the hunters consented to accompany him, and forthwith joyfully attended him to his canoe. Of the events which immediately succeeded, we have not now time or disposition to speak, only that many of them were truly marvellous, and worthy a place only in the pages of Indian Mythology. From this, Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha ascended all the lesser lakes and explored their shores, placing all things in proper order, for the comfort and sustenance of all good men. He had taught the people of the various tribes the art of raising corn and beans, which had not before been cultivated among them. He also encouraged them to a more faithful observance of the laws of the Great and Good Spirit. He had made the fishing grounds free, and opened to all the uninterrupted pursuit of game. He had distributed liberally among mankind the fruits of the earth, and had removed all obstructions from the navi- gable streams. Pleased with the success of his undertakings, the spirit-man - now resolved to lay aside his divine character, and in after years to make his abode among the children of men. He accordingly selected for his residence a beautiful spot on the shore of the Cross Lake, (Te-ungk-too, as called by the Na- tives). After awhile, he totally relinquished his divine title of Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha, and in all respects assumed the character and habits of a man. Nevertheless, he was always looked up to as an extraordinary individual, as one possessing transcend^ ent powers of mind and consummate wisdom. The name Hi-a- wat-ha, (signifying very wise man) was spontaneously awarded him, by the whole mass of people who now resorted to him from all quarters for advice and instruction. The companions of the spirit-man, at a subsequent council, were rewarded by a seat in the councils of their countrymen, and became eminently distinguished for their prowess in war and dignified bearing in the council room. After a quiet residence of a few years at his new location. 24 ONONDAGA. 1 the country became greatly alarmed, by the sudden approach of a ferocious band of warriors, from north of the great lakes. As they advanced, indiscriminate slaughter was made, of men, women and children. Many had been slain and ultimate de- struction seemed to be the consequence, either of bold resist- ance, or of a quiet relinquishment of absolute right. During this signal agitation of the public mind, people from all quarters thronged the dwelling place of Hi-a-wat-ha, for advice m this trying emergency. After a deep and thoughtful contemplation of the momentous subject, he informed the prin- cipal chiefs that his opinion was, to call a grand council of all the tnbes that could be gathered from the east and from the west, that the advice of all might be received; "for" said he " our safety is in good counsel,and speedy, energetic action." Accordingly, runners were dispatched in all directions, noti- fying the head men, of a grand council to be held on the banks of the lake Oh-nen-ta-ha. This council is supposed to have been held on the high ground where the village of Liverpool now stands. In due time the chiefs and warriors from far and near were assem- bled, with great numbers of men, women and children, to hold this important council, and to devise means for the general safety. All the principal men had arrived, except the vene- rable Hi-a-wat-ha. The council-fire had been kindled three days, and he had not yet arrived. IVIessengers were dispatched, who found him m a most melancholy state of mind. He told them that evil lay in his path ; that he had a fearful foreboding of ill- fortune, and that he had concluded not to attend the great council at Oh-nen-ta-ha. But, said the messengers, we have delayed the deliberations of the grand council on account of your absence, and the chiefs have resolved not to proceed to business, until your arrival. The White Canoe had always been held as a sacred treasure, and next to the wise man himself, was regarded with awe and reverence. li had been deposited in a lodge, erected especial- ly for its security, to which none but the most worthy and noted r< v5 ■—,::.Zi^ t INDIANS. 25 dden approach he great lakes, made, of men, d ultimate de- of bold resist- ■ight. d, people from i-a-wat-ha, for md thoughtful rmed the prin- council of all and from the "for" said he getic action." -ections, noti- held on the i on the high ids. In due ' were assem- dren, to hold ' the general ;pt the vene- and he had , who found Id them that oding of ill- id the great ers, we have I account of > proceed to ed treasure, ith awe and ed especial- y and noted of the chieftains could have access. Hither on tliis occa- sion Hi-a-wat-ha repaired, and in the most devout and humil- iating manner, poured out his soul in silence to the Great Spirit. After a protracted absence, he returned with a coun- tenance beaming with confidence and hope. Being over per- suaded by his friends, he reluctantly yielded to their ear- nest solicitations. The White Canoe was carefully removed from its sacred resting place, and reverently launched upon the bosom of the river. The wise man, once again took his accus- tomed seat, and bade his darling and only daughter (a girl of some twelve years of age) to accom^jany him. She unhesita- tingly obeyed, took her place beside her venerable parent in the devoted vessel, and directly, they made all possible speed to the grand council ground. On the approach of the aged and venerable Hi-a-wat-ha, a general shout of joy resounded throughout the assembled host, and every demonstration of respect, Avas paid to this illustrious sage and counsellor. As ho landed and was pass- ing up the steep bank towards the council ground, a loud sound was heard, like a rushing and mighty wind. All eyes were instantly turned upwards, and a dark spot was discover- ed rapidly descending from on high among the clouds. It groAv larger and larger as it neared the earth, and was de- scending with fearful velocity into their very midst. Terror and alarm seized every breast, and every individual seemed anxious only for his own safety. The utmost confusion pre- vailed throughout the assembled multitude, and all but the venerable Hi-a-wat-ha, sought safety by flight. He gravely uncovered his silvered head, and besought his daughter, to await the approaching danger with becoming resignation; at the same time reminding her of the great folly and impropriety of attempting to obstruct or prevent the designs or wishes of the Great Spirit. "If," said he, "He has determined our destruction, we shall not escape by removal, nor evade his decrees." She modestly acquiesced in her kind parent's sug- gestions and advice, and with the most patient submission wait- ed the coming event. All this was but the work of an instant ; 26 ONONDAGA. for no sooner had the resolution of the wise man become fixed and h. last words uttered, than an immense bird, vi la W and pon.ted beak, with wide extended wings, eame d n w"h vvitli such toice did the monster fall, and so great was the ommotion o the air, that when it Struck th! ^oZ 1 ^vhol. assembly were forced violently back severah-or ' H^ ajat-ha alone remained unmoved and silently witnessed the mdancholy catastrophe of his child's dissolution. H,s darlmg daughter had been killed before his eyes in a marvellous manner, and her destrov<>v ' i • . i • 7 TI.o ,i; 1 . atstioytT liad perished with her e™.;::;; ■;':'; " 'r''i "/ '«^''°' -""-^ *'' » ereiy ,i.,n,o as J,e a,lvancc,l, ,,luclc«l a ,,l„,„e f,.„„, ,|,i ,;,, fn ;;;:;;' ;,,:; ""'V-: "''"'™'' '-^ "'■'™ ■• -i «- ^ indent, (he Ij raves of the cenfe.lerate nations forever after made cl.o.ce of the ,,)„,„„» of the white heron as t e mZ -P -nate „„litar, ornament, while „„„„ the war"" "' Upon the ren,oval of the oareass of the monster, 'th body of the „,„o«„t g,rl was found to he eompletely ground to atoms .Nothmg could be seen of her, thit would inTca 1.0 had ever een a human being. At this appearan tt bereaved and d.seonsolate parent gave himself up to th los potgnant sorrow. Hollow moans and distre.«i„l ..ief to, too plaudy the bitte™e.ss of hi., heart. He spnr.L? 1 'p „" fora of consolatton and yielded to the kee,>est feelings of at guish and unbounded sorrow. He became an object of perfect despair, and threw himself down upon lus face to the earth, dejected and diseonso Th shatered fragments of the innocent girl were carefully gathered ogether, and interred in all the tenderness and ! emn, y of b.tter grief. Every one seemed to partieipateta the affl,et,o„s ef the aged and venerable counsellor, and to sym pathtze m h,s sufferings and woe. Still, no com or tc™ " INDIANS. 27 n become fixed I'd, with a long line down with 1 to tlie eartli. !,'reat was the e ground, the I'ul rods. Hi- witnessed the 1. his eyes in a hed with lier. the spot and I upon exauii- letely buried ground. It y white, and "rom this sin- nd from this ^orever after s their most ir-path. ?r, the body ' ground to ild indicate ^arance, the to the most grief, tohl 5d ail prof. ings of an- 3W liimself sconsolate. 3 carefully !ss and so- ticipate in id to sym- t came to his soul. lie rem'-incd in this prostrate situation three whole days and nights ui moved. The fears of the assembled chiefs were awakened lest ho might become a willing victim to his own melancholy and misfortune. Nothing had been done as yet, in the Council, and such had been the causes of delay that many began to despair of accomplishing any thing of consequence. Some even thought seriously of returning to their homes without an eflbrt. At length a few of the leading chiefs consulted together, as to what course it was most expedi- ent to pursue. It was at once resolved, that nothing should bo attempted, without the voice of the wise man could bo heard. A suitable person was thereupon dispatched to ascertain whether he breathed. Jlejjort ennie that he was yet alive. A kind hearted, merry chief, named Ilo-see-noke, was directed by the council to make to the prostrate mourner a comforting speech, to whisper kind words in his ear, and if possible arouse him from his revery. xYfter a deal of formal ceremony and persuasion, he gradu- ally recovered from his stupor and conversed. After several messages had passed between the assembled chiefs and Ili-a- wat-ha, he arose and manifested a desire for food. He ate and drank of such as was hastily prejiared for him, and ac- knowledged himself strengthened and refreshed. lie was conducted to the presence of the council, a con- spicuous place was assigned him, and all eyes were turned towards the only man who could with precision foretell their future destiny. The subject of the invasion was discussed by several of the ablest counsellors and boldest warrio)-s. A^ari- ous schemes were proposed for the repulsion of the enemy. Ili-a-wat-ha listened in silence till the speeches of all were concluded. His opinion Avas gravely and earnestly sought by many of the surrounding chiefs. After a brief reference to the calamity which had so re- cently befollen him, the wise man said :— " This is a subject that requires mature reflection and deliberation. It is not fitting that one of so much importance should be treated lightly, or that our decision should be hasty and inconsider- k 28 ONONDAGA, ■ (! »tc. I,ot m postpone our .leliboratiorw for ono day that » ,.„,] "" ^ ""> confii ent will succeed and ensure our safety." ouwtea, After another day's deh.y, the council again assembled and 1 were anx.ous to hear the words of Hi-a-^vat-ha. 7b ith «<. ™.ous. voutr;-:eT::::yr;^^^^^ chs anee from your homes, ^V. bave eonv'e nod C one com men purpose, to promote ono cou,mon interest ,nd tZ 7 provule for our mutual safety, and bow i si ■! 11 b' M Plished, To oppose these ifo'rdes „ ft ■! t tT" tun wiaKC no nrfXTiviuu in +i.r.<. ' into on. . P^''^^^^'^ '^ tliat way; wo must unite ourselves into ono common bant of brothoiN On,. • wouM surely repel these vJ^ ^ '''"'' ""'*«^^' "ur borders 'n,i ,'''']' '''''''^''' '>"<l ^^nve them from You t AT ? ' ^^'"' ''^"^^ ^^'^ «^^^" be safe. i ou-the Mohawks, sittin . un.Ier the shadow of the - Great T^ee whose rootB sink deep into the earth and whose branZ •spread over a vast country; shall be the first IT 7 vou are warlike and mi^lit; ''''"' ^'''''''' ^Zi::^C^:r:^ '-'' '-''''^ ^-'- ^-^-^ ^^-st f ". "W'^'"'"' that cannot be moved shnll 1?„ »l,„ second nation, because you give wise counsel! ' ° "'" ••e™VT;:«°:v*'"^^^^^^ """ '-r ^»"" ''^''■'«- »' «>o na.o„ ; b of your .-perior^cunniVin i™4 '°""' ^>.' Xsir:;: :£'rr ;: f 7r '- because you understand bett r ^h art of • "'"""" beans, and making cabins. °^ '""''"S '^"" ""'» Hi. — ^■^>:^ INDIANS. 29 •no day, that we nd warriors who {on my phm for nt will succeed, assembled, and •ha. A breath- er began ; of many tribes f you, a great d for one com- and that is to host be accom- focH by tribes, struction ; wo mite ourselves rriors united, ve them from '0 safe. )f the " Great hose branches tion, because •odies against shall be the ition at the crags, shall !d in speech, ' the fourth ting. Open Conn- fth nation; I corn and You, Five great and powerful nations, must unite and have but one common interest, and no foe shall be able to disturb or subdue you. And you — Manhattoea, Ni/acks, Montauks and others, who are as the feeble ^^ Bushes"; and you, Narafjansetts, Mohe- f/ans, Wampanoags and your neighbors who are a ^^ Fishing People" may place yourselves under our protection. Be with us and we will defend you. You of the South, and you of the West, may do the same, and we will protect you. We earnestly dosire your alliance and friendship. Hrothers — if we unite in this bond, the (jreat Spirit will smile upon us, and we shall l)e free, prosperous and happy. But if we rcuuiin as we are, we shall be subject "to his frown ; we shall be enslaved, ruined, perhaps annihilated forever. We shall perish and our names be blotted out from among the nations of men. Brothers ; these are the words of lli-a- wat-ha — let them sink deep into your hearts — 1 have said it." A long silence ensued, the words of the wise man had made a deep impression upon the minds of all. They unani- mously declared the subject too weighty for immediate deci- sion. Let us, said the brave warriors and chiefs, adjourn the Council for one day, and then we will respond. On the mor- row, the Council agiiin assembled. After due deliberation, the speech of the wise man was declared to be good and wor- thy of adoption. Immediately upon this was formed the celebrated Aquinus- cliioni or Amphictyonic league of the great confederacy of Five Nations, which to this day remains in full force. After the business of the great Council had been brought to a close, and the assembly were on the eve of separation, lli-a-wat-ha arose in a dignified manner, and said : '^ Friends and Brothers :— I have now fulfilled my mission upon earth, I have done every thing which can be done at pre- sent for the good of this great people. Age, infirmity and distress, sit heavy upon me. During my sojourn Avith you, I have removed all obstructions from the streams. Canoes can now pass safely everywhere. I have given you good fishing 80 ONONDAGA waters an.l good Iniufm^ ^rrourwls. 1 luivo tau^M.t you the tuanner of cultivntin^r ,orn and beans an<l IvnvuM you the art of maki,,;,^ cal.i,.s. Many other blessings I have liberally bestowed u|)on you. Lastly I have now assisted you to form an ovorlastin-r loajrne and covenant of stren^^^th and friendship for your future safety and protection. If you preserve it, without the adnuH- Hion of other people, you will ,.lw;,ys be free, nunuM-ous and m^Uty. ^ Jf other nations are admitted to your councils, they wdl sow jealousies amon^^ yo.,, and you will become enslave.l few and feeble. Kemember these words, they are the lust you wdl he^tr from the lips of lli-a-wat-ha. Listen my friends, the Great Master-of-Breath, calls me to go. I have patientl^ waited his summons. I am ready ; farewell." As the wise man closed his sjieeeh, there burst upon the ears of the assembled multitude, the cheerful .soun.ls of myri- ads of the most delightful singing voices. The whole sky seemed filled with the sweetest melody of celestial music ; and Heaven's high arch, echoed and re-echoed the touching strains till the whole vast assembly were completely absorbed in rap' turous ecstacy. Amidst the general confusion which now prevailed, and wlule all eyes were turned towards the ethereal regions, lli-a-wat-ha was seen majestically seated in his white canoe, gracefully rising higher and higher above their heads through the a.r, until he became entirely lost from the view of the asseml)led throngs, who witnessed his wonderful ascent m mute and admiring astonishment— while the fascinating music gradually became more plaintive and low, and finally'' It sweetly expired in the softest tones upon their ears, as the' wise man Ili-a-wat-ha, the godlike Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha retired from their sight, and quietly entered the mysterious re^rions inhabited only by the favorites of the Great and Good S^nirit Ha-wah-ne-u.* ♦ The substance of the foregoing tradition may be fo^iiidVthe "NoteT^e roquo. - pp. 271 to 283. It is but .simple justice to the author of thi wo k to «ay that the art.cle ,n the "Notes." was framed from a MS. furnished by th^ author of th.s, to the Editor of the Connnercial Advertiser of New Lk fur'p, > Iication in that paper. ' ^^ F \ f) r A \ R . t!Ui;,'lit yoii tho •iiiiM'd ymi tho I liuvo liberally ail overlastin;: for your futiiro lout the admia- niiiiioroiiH and ('oinu;ils, tlioy :oiiio ouHliivod, r are the last en my fVlends, liave piitiontly irst upon the iiids of niyri- 10 whole aky 1 music ; and oiling strains, orbed in rap- » which now 3 the ethereal I in his white 'i their heads oin the view erful ascent, I fascinatinj: and finally, cars, as the t-ha retired ious regions Good Spirit ' "Notes on the of this work to rnished by the ' York, for piil}- 31 Such is tho traditionary account of the Onondagas, of the origin of tho very ancient and honorable league first formed by the illustrious Kivo Nations, given to tho author by tho late Captain Frost, and La Fort, head chiefs of the Ononda- gas, (Jth February, iHlf). This tradition, like all others, proves nothing positively, fur- ther than that the lro<(uois themselves know little of their own (U'igin, history, or the anticpiity of their most prominent char- acteristics and institutions. These being orally transmitted from generation to generation, and their minds ever deeply imbued with superstiti(m, events are magnified to miracles, distinguished men are deified, and every circumstance of note is mystified and mingled with ignorance, barbarism and ex- travagance. By the early French writers, the Mohawks and Oneidas were styled the lower or inferior Irocpiois ; while the Onon- dagas, Cayiigas and Senecas, were denominated the upper or superior Iroquois, because they were located nearer the sour- ces of tho St. Lawrence. Tlie Mohawks who are commonly supposed to be the first nation in the confederacy and were consi.lered the most "warlike people in the land," were also styled elder brothers, of the other nations, and so esteemed themselves. Like their brethren of the Five Nations, they have a tradition that their forefathers came from the far north. However this may be, they occupied the valley of the Mohawk, at the time of their first intercourse with the whites. Charicvoix thus speaks of them as they were in 1646: ''J)am h Canton d'ArpiUqui autems dont nous par- Ions, c'toit leplus peuple de tons; une jolie riviere serpente agreeahlement Vespace de sept aliuit lieus entre deux belle Praincsr* Other early historians give the same locality." To the Mohawks was always accorded the high consideration of furnishing the war captain or " Tekarahogea" of the con- ♦Trans at.on-In the Canton of the Mohawks, of which several authors speak, he mo. numerous population of all; a beautiful river winds agreeaMv through Ihe.r country for seven or eight leagues, between two handsome meadows. *5 ONONDAGA. fcderacy, which distinguished title was retained with them, till the year 1814, when the celebrated Ploa-ho-a-quah, an Onon- daga, was chosen in general council at Buffalo, to fill that important station. [Sec close of Political History.) The Oneidas were considered the second nation, and a faded tradition once existed, that they were a branch of the Onon- dagas, to whom they were always nearly allied, by relation- ship and language. Their earliest recollected residence, was on the southern shore of Oneida lake, neiu- the mouth of Oneida creek. They afterwards took up tlieir abode higher up the valley, and tlie famous " OxXeota," or Oxeida Stonk became their talisman and the centre of their attractions They were a people less warlike than the Mohawks, but many of them were distinguished as orators and statesmen. They were usually considered more susceptible of instruction from the missionaries who early visited them, and were often first resorted to in negotiations with the confederate nations, to win them, and thus prepare the minds of the remaining cantons. The Onondagas were considered the third nation. They be- came, from their central position and numbers, their strength of mind, skill in diplomacy and warlike bearing, the head^'or leading nation of the confederates. The grand council-fire of the union was usually kept with them. They kept the key of the great council house of the Five Nations ; the Mohawks holding the door on the east, as did the Senecas on the west. No business of importance, touching the interests of the Five Nations, was transacted elsewhere but at Onondaga. This nation is divided into eight several tribes or clans, "called bv themselves, the Wolf, the Bear, the Beaver and tiie Tortoise. These are called superior clans, and from these may be se- lected the chiefs of the nation. The inferior clans are the Deer, the Eagle, the Heron and the Eel ; from which civil chiefs, may not be elected. Individuals belonging to these latter clans are not considered eligible to office. Though there formerly were instances where, by great individual merit a^ warriors, they have occasionally been selected as war chiefs ; eonsidered the lowest class of officers known to their laws. INDIANS. with them, till [uah, an Onon- lo, to fill that tory.) >n, and a faded I of the Onon- 3, by relation- residence, was the mouth of abode higher )neida Stokk ir attractions. rks, but many ?smen. They itruction from ore often first lations, to win ling cantons, on. They be- ■heir strength , the head or d council-fire kept the key the i\Iohawks on the west. 3 of the Five idaga. This as, called by tlie Tortoise. ! may be se- lans are the 1 which civil ing to these ^liough there iml merit as i war chiefs ; heir laws. 33 The duty of this dignitary was to attend to all the mili- tary affairs of the nation, and to conduct the warriors in bat- tle. He was also allowed a seat in the national and confede- rate councils. The term tribe, as understood by the Onon- dagas, applies only tc these clans separately ; and they, when taken collectively, comprise the nation. There is nothing will sooner excite the indignation of a chief, than the appli- cation of the term tribe, to the nation. Tribe, to them, is diminutive — nation conveys to them the idea of greatness and magnificence. Among the Onondagas, the line of descent is emphatically in the female branch of the family. For instance. La Fort was the son of a chief, but on that account had no claim to chieftainship, and had not his mother been the sister of Oun- diaga, (or a relation of some other chief) he would have been excluded, not having any hereditary right to an election. The son or grandson of a chief's daughter or sister, is eligible to office, but his own son would not be eligible. The inference to be drawn from this is, that the sun is certainly derived from the mother, but may not be from him whom he ac- knowledges as father. Among the Onondagas, are five civil chiefs and one war chief; all of whom are subject to removal at any annual na- tional council which may be fully represented by a majority of those entitled to seats in council, or in other words, by the voice of the nation. Anciently they had a greater number of chiefs, sometimes as many as twelve or fourteen, with as many sub or vice-chiefs, who acted as advisers, but took no direct or active part in the management of great councils. The Pagan party being the most numerous, bear rule on questions where they are united ; consequently, the Christian party are at this time excluded. For example, David Hill, who is now the leader of the Christian party, and an exem- plary man, who was lately a chief of influence, has been re- moved, and his place supplied by one who still adheres to the ancient customs and principles of their primitive institutions. Among the earliest traditions of the Onondagas, it is noted, i ili mi 84 ONONDAGA. that they at first came from the North, many hundred moons ago and once inhabited a region along the northern banks ol the St. Lawrence, and that straggling parties of hunters, isolated themselves in the country since occupied by the Six Nations. That in process of time, the remaining part of their nation followed, and set themselves down in the valley and on the hills of Onondaga. The Onondagas have also a tradition that the Bear and Wolf tribes originated or sprung from the ground near the Oswego Falls; that the Eel and Tortoise tribes sprung from the same source on the banks of the Seneca river; that the Deer and Eagle tribes first had existence on the hills of Onondaga; and that the Beaver and Heron tribes, sprung from the earth, on the shores of lake Ontario. Whatever of truth may attach to the foregoing tra- ditions, only goes to show, that on those localities, they may at first have received their distinctive appellations, or there assumed their respective titles. It is not uncommon amon.^ Indian nations to declare, that wherever they have long resided" there they have sprung from the earth, or there first had exis- tence. • It is a fact well established by the Jesuit Fathers, that the Onondagas had considerable villages at Oswego Falls • on the shores of lake Ontario ; on the banks of the Seneca ' and on the hills of Onondaga, and at those places may havJ originated the several clans agreeably to their traditions. On a celebrated land trial held at the Court House in this County some five years ago, one of the chiefs testified, that the Onondagas first came to Onondaga by way of Oriskany where they had previously resided for several years. Upon the cross examination, counsel being rather hard upon him hj expressing doubt upon the subject, he indignantly replied ' "i>o you think I would lie !" These are the accounts these people give of their own origin. The history of the Cayugas is the most obscure and unsa- tisfactory of any of the Five Nations. Although they were never deemed deficient in native energy, or inferior in intel- lectual capacity, and have also produced warriors, orators and ' statesmen of the greatest ability, yet their course has been INDIANS. hundred moons northern banks •ties of hunters, pied by the Six laining part of 'n in the valley, gas have also a lated or sprung it the Eel and )n the banks of tribes first had the Beaver and shores of lake e foregoing tra- ities, they may itions, or there !ommon amonjr ve long resided, 3 first had exis- fesuit Fathers, Oswego Falls ; f the Seneca ; ices may have traditions. House in this testified, that ' of Oriskany, years. Upon ird upon him, antly replied : iccounts these ure and unsa- igh they were erior in intel- s, orators and irse has been 85 .signally marked by decay and desolation. Logan, the prince of Indian orators, was a Cayuga. His father, Shikellimus, was a noted chief of this nation, who aided Count Zinzendorfif and Bishop Zeisberger, in the establishment of a mission at Shamokin in 1747. Distinguished chiefs of this nation were almost universally present at all the conferences of the Five Nations, with the Dutch, English and French, during the early periods of their history ; and in the campaign of General Sullivan, in 1779, the extent of their settlements, and their determined resist- ance, in their defense, shows that they were by no means a despicable people. Very few now linger about their ancient hunting grounds. Civilization has made sad inroads upon them. The Senecas, from the earliest times, have been the most numerous and powerful of the Five Nations. They have al- ways been farther advanced in agriculture and the arts than their neighbors, and if oratory, statesmanship, and determined opposition to the encroachments of the whites, be taken into account, they may be said to stand in the foremost rank. With their neighbors, the Tuscaroras, they have yielded more readily to the advantages of education. Several of their young men and maidens have entered the schools of the whites, and become noted for their scholarship and learning. They are sometimes styled the People of the Hill, from a tradition that they originated from a liill at the head of Canandaigua lake.* The tradition is, that the Senecas anciently encamped on this hill, upon which they had a fort surrounded with pali- sades. An enormous serpent encircled the fort, with his head and tail joined at the gateway, through which none could pass without being destroyed. " When famine raged within their guarded hold, And wan distemper thinned their numbers fast." At length all fell a prey to famine, pestilence, or the de- vouring jaws of the monster, except a youth and his sister. Il ♦See Hosmer's Poem, before G. O. I., 1845. J^ 36 ONONDAGA. The young warrior dreamed that should an arrow be directed to the monster's heart, beneath "The rounded scale that wall his side," he would slay him and secure himself from further harm, and thus prevent the total annihilation of his nation. It was done as he had been forewarned, the monster was slam, and the nation was finally established on the western shore of the Seneca lake. The Senecas have always been noted for the talents of their orators and statesmen. Corn- Planter, Red Jacket, Farmers Brother, Handsome Lake, and others of scarcely less distinction, during the last century have wielded a power and influence among the Indian nations, that will long cause them to be remembered as a noble and illustrious nation. The government of the Iroquois in their palmy days, when their power was supreme, and their prosperity unbounded was a sort of Oligarchy mixed with democracy ; having a re' presentative and popular voice. It consisted of a republican and hereditary form combined. Business transactions of a national character, were carried on by the head chiefs of the nations, and were ratified or rejected in general councils. De- cisions made by the chiefs of a nation, only aftected that particular nation. But all decisions of the united chiefs of the confederacy, when rejected in general council, became decrees from which there could be no appeal. The organic laws of the Indians, are little understood. Few persons can have the patience or opportunity, to study the polity and government of these mysterious people, as con- ducted in their councils, in a language almost totally unin- telligible. None can know all the intricacies and details where so much obscurity and circumspection exists. Everythin<^ is dark and mysterious. They prefer, rather to mystify than explain ; to darken the understanding rather than enlighten It. Their habitual distrust gives but the slightest opp^'ortu- mty to study their unwritten code. Even those who have enjoyed their confidence longest, and who have been on terms of the most perfect intimacy with them, but feebly and un- certainly elucidate and explain the genius of their institutions. tlm i"\ -,: :^, TRADITIONS. •ow be directed scale that wall f from further f his nation, e monster was >n the western D always been !smen. Corn- )me Lake, and ; last century ndian nations, IS a noble and ly days, when y unbounded, having a re- ' a republican sactions of a i chiefs of the ouncils. De- affected that ;ed chiefs of mcil, became understood, lity, to study eople, as con- totally unin- details where Everything mystify than an enlighten ;est opportu- ie who have sen on terms 3bly and un- institutions. 87 4'S: CHAPTER II. TRADITIONS OF THE ONONDAGAS. Ascent of the Seneca River ity Ta-oi-n-ya-wat-ha— His Slaughter of a Mon- s TRofs Serpent— Opexing of the Channel of Onondaga River— The Enchan- tress — Feathered Monsters— Great Eagle — Allusion to other Tradi- tions— Witches and Wizards— Evil Spirits— Tradition of a Colony— Be- lief IN Thunder and Lightning — Marriage— Family Discipline— Treat- ment of the .Sick — Burials. In the annals of the \vorld, perhaps there never was a peo- ple whose true history has been so completely wrapt in mys- tery and so wonderfully mingled up with false traditions, many of which may have had foundation in fact, interspersed with fables, fictions, types, symbols and allegories, as that of the aborigines of our land.- In tracing the progress of their ancient history, we find no distinctive lines, whereby to dis- tinguish what may be true from what is actually false. There is no discrimination made by themselves, and among them, the most extravagant fictions pass for truth. The Indian is acted upon by his superstitions and fears. Seeing some things mysterious and incomprehensible, he believes all things he cannot explain by the evidence of his senses to be so. Thus we find him drifting about without a system or without direc- tion, on the broad ocean of ignorance, driven omvard by the accumulating waves of superstition. " He sees God in clouds and hears him in the winds," every strange event is mag- nified into a miracle, and is transmitted from sire to son, as the work of an invisible hand— the doings of the Great Spirit. His credulity impels him to believe everything marvellous that he hears, and the basest fabrics of the imagination, and the simplest truths, enter alike into his systems of history, Am 88 ONONDAGA, philosophy and theology. Although exceedingly extravagant, and perhaps unworthy of credence, we here would insert a few of the most prominent traditions and beliefs held in repute among the Onondagas. They have a tradition that Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha, the deity who presides over fisheries and hunting-grounds, came down from above in his White Canoe, and selected a couple of war- riors from among the Opondagas, who met him at Oswego. They together passed up the Oswego river, removed all ob- structions to navigation at the falls, so that canoes could pass m safety without carriage. As the tradition goes, the devoted trio proceeded up the river until they had passed (Te-u-ung- hu-ka) Three-Kiver-Point. They here came to a place where the water was perfectly still for a long distance. The channel was straight, the water deep and unruffled. Looking far ahead, they distinctly saw an object lying directly across the stream, apparently like the trunk of a large tree. As they advanced, It seemed gradually to heave and fall; the waters became strangely agitated, and rolled in large waves from the sides of the obstraction. Upon a nearer approach, the object proved to be an enormous serpent, whose body lay across the stream, and such was his unparalleled length, that his head was not in view, but extended far into the country on one side of the river, while his tail was far out of sight on the other. The god of the rivers bade him retire, but the reptile would not obey. Then said Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha, die, thou dread- ful beast, and know that the Great Spirit rules. He then raised his paddle, which in its descent cleft the hideous beast in twain. So firmly had the extremities of the monster be- come fixed, that the separation was accompanied with a ter- rific sound, like a startling peal of thunder. The earth trembled and shook with a rumbling noise, the waters ran red and were violently agitated, while the sudden contractions of the dissevered parts were so violent, that each portion imme- diately disappeared, and was never heard of more. But the print of the place where the fell destroyer had lain, was plain ■'nB :t.-i;Ki! TRADITIONS. 39 ;ly extravagant, would insert a fs held in repute t-ha, the deity ds, came down couple of war- im at Oswego, amoved all ob- loes could pass •es, the devoted ised (Te-u-ung. > a place where The channel king far ahead, )ss the stream, ;hey advanced, waters became From the sides 5h, the object lay across the that his head )untry on one sight on the )ut the reptile ie, thou dread- es. He then hideous beast J monster be- d with a ter- . The earth aters ran red ntractions of lortion imme- 're. But the lin, was plain to be seen through all succeeding generations, till the white man came and leveled the ground with his plow. The canoe again passed on without interruption. It was the first that had ever moved over the waters, past this ap- palling spot. All who had before this attempted the passage had been killed and devoured. A few miles further up the stream, they met with another obstruction of a like nature, which was removed with similar consequences and results. Upon a more critical examination of the space in the river between the positions of these huge monsters, it was found to be richly stored with an abundance of eels and other delicious fish ; the taking of which had not been enjoyed by the na- tives, because of these terrific spoilers who had constantly guarded it and destroyed all who dared to approach — under the auspices of the wicked spirit, 0-nees-hoo-hugh-nu. After Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha, had vanquished the huge serpents, he gave all good people permission to fish there without hindrance or molestation, which beneficent privilege they have so richly enjoyed to the present day. Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha and his companions now proceeded on- ward, to where the Seneca river makes its greatest bend to the south. They here made a landing on the southern shore. At this place they were much surprised at hearing an inces- sant screaming of wild birds. " This," said Ta-oun-ya-wat- ha, "is portentous of some remarkable event — let us exa- mine and see." They proceeded south a short distance, and behold, a great lake lay beautifully spread out before them, extending far away to the south. It had no visible outlet — no communication with the river. " We must open a free passage here," said Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha, "for the canoes of good people to pass. Our business is to remove all obstructions to their prosperity and to make them happy." Then the spirit of the rivers took the magic paddle which he had carried with him, and with it made a mark or furrow, from the lake to the river, through which at first the water gradually flowed and in time wore the channel sufficiently deep for canoes to pass B tj3l '3-' t' < 4k 1 1^ m1 1 1 F w m 1 1 M Hi 1 40 v: !■ ONONDAGA. "i;n with ease and facility. This, according to Indian tradition, was the first outlet of the Onondaga Lake. Previously to this, the lake extended the whole length of the Onondaga valley.* Year succeeded year, and this channel became broader and deeper, and as time rolled on, the lake les- sened in size, the water became shallow which before was deep, and trees soon appeared where once the earth was over- spread with water; and finally the boundaries of the lake gradu- ally subsided to the ordinary limits of the water, and left the salt springs on its shores bare, which previous to this event, had been covered by fresh water, and were before entirely unknown ; so that by this special kindness and interposition of the Great Spirit, salt was introduced for the health and comfort of the Indians, and has ever since been considered by them an inestimable blessing. After the removal of this barrier, the party again moved up the river a few miles, and at a distance, discovered in a beautiful chesnut grove, a single cabin, from which the smoke ascended in graceful curls, while every appendage about it looked cheerful and inviting. Here was the residence of a wicked enchantress, called Oh- cau-nee, who had hitherto prevented the gathering of nuts, which were every where abundant around her dwelling. After a protracted and violent struggle between the enchan- tress and one of the followers of Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha, in which she was slain, the god of the rivers, waved the paddle of his magic canoe over the trees, which were literally covered with nuts, and the rich and tempting fruit came rattling to the ground in the greatest profusion. The party regaled them- selves merrily, gathered in the sacred harvest, and Ta-oun- ya-wat-ha, with his hand scattered the hard earned treasure broadcast among all the nations of the earth, thus dissemina- ting this rich blessing every where, which previously had not * It may be well to remark, that there are evidences along the acdiviues from the valley, that this tradition may have its origin in truth. ''^ "vf es from TRADITIONS. 41 ulian tradition, Previously to the Onondaga lannel became , the lake les- ;ch before was 3arth was over- the lake gradu- )r, and left the i to this event, before entirely I interposition he health and sen considered ■ again moved iscovered in a ich the smoke dage about it iss, called Oh- jring of nuts, iwelling. II the enchan- >ha, in which paddle of his covered with ittling to the egaled them- and Ta-oun- led treasure is dissemina- usly had not ! ncdivities from been known beyond the grove of Oh-cau-nce the enchantress, who had always been their keeper. After this event, all good people were permitted to come to this place without fear or hindrance, to gather chesnuts. The country about Cross Lake, (Te-ungk-too) was so invi- ting in appearance, that Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha resolved to explore it. While upon the water he observed in all directions skele- tons of men, swimming about on the surface. "Some mur- derous monster" ho exclaimed "must be stationed near the stream above and must be destroyed." When they had ar- rived at a spot some distance above where the Skaneatelcs empties itself into the Seneca river, they discovered two mon- strous red feathered animals Avith long and arched necks. One was stationed upon one side of the river and the other on the opposite bank. Their long and pointed beaks crossed each other like two sharpened swords, suspended over the centre of the stream. Whenever canoes passed underneath, the occupants were sure to become food for tliese rapacious monsters, who, after picking off the flesh Avould send their carcasses down the stream, most of Avhich lodged in Cross Lake. "These destroyers of our race must be removed," said Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha, " or the braves of our nations will be devoured, and their Avives and little ones slain. We must be wise and cautious, or we shall be overcome. I am aware that the Wicked Spirit has placed these obstructions in our way and is determined good people shall not navigate these waters. But if we are wise and prudent and reverently keep the Great and Good Spirit ever in view, we shall conquer these monsters, overcome all obstacles and finally come oif triumphant in all our undertakings." The White Canoe was paddled to the shore, and Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha, after invoking the blessing of the Great and Good Spirit, raised his magic paddle and smote one of these monsters, which brought him to the ground. After a furious struggle he succeeded in killing him. Com- posing himself and taking rest, Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha crossed the river with a view of attacking the remaining one, but he could no where be found. The god of the rivers, placed his ^1 42 ,:,! O N O N D A (; A . a e y. Th, sagacity of Ta-oun-ya-.-a.-ha, .,oo„ 'iLovered he course he had take,,, a„.l directly proceeded in p„,. „ , He d,l,ge„tly traced the monster by his tracks through v„; to the place fro,,, whence he had departed. Tl,e frightened an,mal now took wing and never rested till he can,c to ,"„ rtaga, w en he alighted on the sandy plain, between t c 0„„„. daga v,llage and the lake. His tracks where he rested were pla.n to be seen many years afterwards, and to tl,is day the pot ,s pomted out with particular precision. 'ZZt wat-ha ,n fuU pursuit soon overtook him at this spot, and fhc natives. l|,e strange animal again started, nor rested till he had arr,ved at Oneida, when becoming m'uch fat lued h agam settled down near the Oneota or sacred stonf of the »at.o„. Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha, still pursuing, again came up ^A he monster and both pnahed forward with great carneCe* towards the w«t. The winged monster at lengtrbegl ^ overtaken on the sandy grounds north of Salina. After a desperate struggle, he w,as finally slain,a„d the sand k „ „ so frequent in that neighborhood,werc thrown up by his drin: cxert,ons. So swiftly had the monster flown, and so clo'ey had he been pursued, that the whole transaction had ccnp J but a very short space of time. At length he began to decay and myriads of musketoes were the offspring of the d com pos,ng m,.s, which completely filled the country. A dst greeable efllu™ arose from it which spread far and wMe and was frequently the ea„.e of fatal ani violent disels the decaying matter also discolored the water in the swamps'and ever smce they have been considered unfit for drinking Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha and his companions again ascended the beneea r.ver and cleared the channel of all obstructions, till he came to the Cayuga marshes. When near them, they became greatly alarmed by a constant humming sound, and a loud 3 TRADITIONS. 43 tancc, treading i(lin<5 pl'ico for oon discovered ded in pursuit. s through vari- 10 came around rhe frightened came to Onon- fccn the Onon- he rested were this day the Ta-oun-ja- spot, and the d place by the or rested till h fatigued, he atone of the came up with It earnestness gth began to tt last he was na. After a sand knolls, by his dying nd so closely bad occupied ;an to decay, ' the decom- y. A disa- nd wide and liseases ; the swamps and nking. scended the tions, till he ihey became and a loud and continual cackling of ducks, geeso and other aquatic birds. The pai-ty wore surprised to find their course obstruc- ted by two enormous Eagles, who had long been the guardi- ans of the water-fowl, which were in the habit of congregat- ing in the marshes. Such had been their watchfulness, that none could escape, and all people had hitherto been prevented from taking them for food. These monstrous Eagles were also slain and the wild fowl, now no longer restrained by thoir rapacious guardians, arose on their wings in all direc- tions, and scattered themselves abroad in all the surrounding lakes and streams, and became ever afterwards a precious article of food for man. These were some of the principal deeds of Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha, the god of the fisheries, rivers and hunting grounds, as held in estimation among the traditions of the Onondagas. Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha afterwards took up his abode at Cross lake and assisted to form the great league of the Five Nations as related in a former chapter. The tradition of the flying heads, which greatly disturbed their quiet, and defied all human power successfully to com- bat, may be enumerated among their singular fancies. These heads of monstrous size, enveloped in beards and hair of flam- ing fire, rushed through the air like shooting stars or falling meteors, threatening the destruction of their nation. The priests, prophets and medicine-men were alike unsuccessful in subduing these supernatural monsters. They were at last dis- pelled by the machinations of an old woman. The Quis-quis, or great hog, was another monster which gave the Onondagas great trouble, as did also the great bear, the horned water-serpent, the stone giants and many other equally fabulous inventions, bordering so closely upon the truly mar- vellous, that the truth would suffer wrongfully if related in full ; but nevertheless are found among the wild and unseem- ly traditions of the race. A belief in witches and wizards prevailed extensively throughout the Six Nations, and in none of the Iroquois can- tons was the belief more prevalent, than among the Ononda- 44 ONONDAGA. m hat It Hooraod .J, effect, ,voula ,l„»„l,uc the wh„]e country affect ,he,r p„pu|„t,„„ „„,1 p^p^Hty. The.e witche, and w.^ar,l, wore apposed to hold nightly meetings, to devi" the nation. il,„y were »upp„,e,l to he bonnd hy a solemn oath of secrecy; could change thomselvc, to various ™ an,n,als, as ..Ives, foxes, hawk, .„„! turkeys, and to » , p of vanou, substances, a, tree,, rock, and log, ; eouid be nre sent and invisible in the a„emblie, and coundl, of t „„;„': could mfu« poison and di,ea,c a.nong the people, and Z In feet, there was scarce anything however hulicrous or ex- M.. Webster, .n h,s conversation, with the old settlers ,iid that an old Indian of the Onondaga, used to relate « an anccnt penod, when a portion of the Onondagas' a„ extensu^ ,e tlo.nent and populous village on the flat, east oj one e,enu,g, he sunk down deep into an immense, cavern, which wa, bnlhantly illuminated with flaming torches. N ooner had he reached the floor, than he found him,elf in,tart! ly surrounded by hundreds of witches and wizards, who rather uneeremon.ously ejected him. The circumstance lay heavy upon Ins heart. Early the next morning he proceeded to the cncl-honse and Laid the matter before the Lemhlcd chief^ T^,ey asked h,m, , he could identify a„y „f .,,0 persons he had seen. lo rephed that he thought he could. lie straight- way proceeded through the village and pointed to this and that one whom he thus signified a, delinquent,. They were at once doomed for execution, and without trial or ceremony, upon the evdence or whim of a single individual, numbers of both sexes were kdled. According to the tradition the slaugh- ter was nnmense ; it seemed there could be no end to the alarm- ".g panic ; many of the people dispersed, and for a season it «as feared the nation would be completely broken up. It i, TRADITIONS. 45 )motimo8 carried, ) whole country, , it did seriously leso witches and Btings, to devise md trouble upon iiul by a solemn to various wild J, and to shapes 3 ; could be pre- s of the nations; eople, and even } of individuals, ludicrous or ex- not accomplish. )ld settlers, said ' relate, that at iidagas had an he flats east of )ut of his cabin imense, cavern, ; torches. No limself instant- ■ds, who rather nee lay heavy occeded to the iembled chiefs, (le persons he He straifrht- 3d to this and . They were or ceremony, 1, numbers of on the slaugh- to the alarm- 3r a season it en up. It is said that more than half of those who remained at home were killed, amounting in all to hundreds. Other and similar in- stances are still related among their traditions of witchcraft. Sometimes these witches were burned and sometimes summa- rily dispatched with a tomahawk. Usually, however, they were permitted to speak in their own behalf, freciuently own- ing the charge, thus becoming voluntary victims to the gross- est infatuation and superstition. They believed that the witches and wizards had power to send fireballs, a ball of hair, or a dog, or cat, to inflict some punishment upon any person, upon wliom they chose to practice their deception, and if the principal persons of the nation were satisfied of their guilt, they were instantly sentenced to death. Upon this, some of the most influential men would proceed to a high ledge of rocks, roll some of them out sufficient to make a large and deep hole ; they would then return to the Castle and inform those whom they intended to execute, of what they had done, and that they must forthwith depart for the place of execu- tion. If it was a female who was to suffer, she instantly drew her blanket over her head, and without a murmur or word of repining, repaired to the place already prepared. The Indian women understanding the import of tliese pro- ceedings, immediately left the village and were not seen again on that day, and long afterwards continued their demonstra- tions of grief and mourning. After the victim had departed for the place of execution, the men followed after. "When they arrived at the spot, the doomed one was found ready for the execution of her sentence, standing upon a rock at ine edge of the hole, with her blanket drawn closely over her head. One of the men would walk deliberately up to her, remove her blanket and let it fall to the ground. At this instant two Indians with tomahawks would step forward and cleave the victim's head in twain, being careful to direct her fall into the opening in the rocks already prepared. They then rolled rocks upon the slain one till she was deeply buried. They after this raised the cry, "thus perish all witches." The mode of executing wizards was the same, but when the 1 H -L 11 fi\'' m 46 ONONDAGA, '■■ I *i Wizard was singled out ard informed of his fate, he uttered a deafening yell, and then ran with all his might to the place of execution and his executioners after him. Several instan- ces of the above mode of punishment have occurred since the first settlements were made by the whites, and have been re- lated to the author by the older inhabitants, some of when, were witnesses. As late as 1803, four squaws were accused of witchcraft at the Castle, three of them were executed ac- cording to their customs. One of them agreed to deliver up all her implements of incantation, and requested the Indians to assemble at a place near the Castle. She then directed them to build a fire of white-ash wood, to set up some crotches ^nd lay poles across. This being done, the supposed witch suspended from a pole a roll of white cotton cloth wound tight around with cords. It soon took fire, and then followed several explosions in quick succession, similar to a loaded musket Several white people were present, who exerted their influence without effect, to prevent disaster. The three who were executed acknowledged all that was alleged against them, but not promising reformation, were therefore disposed of m a summary manner. The ground upon which one of the three was condemned was like this : the Indians had pur- chase a beef of Mr. Webster, for the purpose of making a great feast. During the transaction, a young man who was master of ceremonies, was charged by an Indian woman with partiality, in the distribution of the good things which were served. The following night the young man rose in great agony, saying, this woman had choked him, and that if she did so the following night, it would surely kill him The succeeding night he was heard to utter a terrible cry, and as he screamed, his friends rushed in, but he was dead. No one was discovered in the room who could have effected his death It has been said that Mr. Webster himself saw the prints of fingers upon his throat. The supposed witch, when asked if she was guilty, acknowledged she was. She was taken to the top of the hill east of the Castle, killed with an axe and buried among the rocks. i^ A ^ TitADITIONS. 47 fate, he uttered a ^ight to the place ■ Several instan- occurred since the tnd have been re- ts, some of whom aws were accused were executed ac- eed to deliver up ested the Indians ihe then directed up some crotches e supposed witch ton cloth wound md then followed ilar to a loaded nt, who exerted ster. The three s alleged against lerefore disposed on which one of Indians had pur- ose of making a ig man who was ian woman with ings which were n rose in great and that if she kill him. The ible cry, and as dead. No one ected his death. w the prints of when asked if as taken to the axe and buried Another of the three was accused of killing five persons. They said she plucked deer's hairs and made them sharp like arrows, and sent them deep into their flesh, in an invisible manner, which finally found their way to the heart and pro- duced death. Although exhorted to retire out of the way, she voluntarily went to the usual place of execution, and was dispatched with a tomahawk. Tlio last one, had been suspected for a long time of deal- ing with the wicked spirit. Flaming heads and fiery serpents, had been seen to enter her wigwam for several successive nights. . Strange noises were heard after their entrance, as if persons were struggling for life. Whereupon she was accused, ad- judged guilty of witchcraft, and sentenced to death, which sentence was executed like the former. In all these cases, there seemed to be a desire in the accused persons to receive the accorded sentence, and they invariably courted death, wuh all the fortitude of martyrs to a holier cause. The Indians had a practice to which they sometimes re- sorted for conquering witches, or " laijmg" the evil spirit, the father of them. The wicked spirit, they believe to be a great serpent under ground. Where he was present, there would rise a knoll, and whenever he moved away, the place would sink again to a level. The reason why they never destroyed rattle-snakes was, because they believed them the offspring of the great serpent, the devil, and if they destroyed any of his offspring, they could have no success in hunting. Hence they always passed them unharmed. The mode of allaying the wrath of the great serpent, the father of wizards and witches, was, for a number of the most resolute warriors to proceed to the spot where it wns most likely he then inhabited, climb a small sap- ling, lay hold of the topmost branches and bend it down to the ground, binding the branches around the body of the tree quite down to the root, making all the time a peculiar noise! a they met with no interruption and succeeded in fastening the top of the tree securely to the bottom, the devil was allayed and the power of the witches dispelled. 48 ONONDAGA. snj!i^'' \ '^ '^''''°" P''^"''"' '^"^'^^g t^^""' that the evil to the body. As an instance in point, an Indian woman came into the house of a white neighbor one day trS frightened ; she ran to the hearth, spat upon her hands, di' pad hem m the ashes and with her finger made a cross up!n her face; then turning suddenly round exclaimed, '^ there <lefy you " If we mistake not, here is a relic of ;ncient Ko man Catholic teaching, two hundred years ago^epentl' ashes,— remember the cross. ^ ^ " On the authority of some of the older inhabitants of Onon- daga It IS stated that on a ledge of rocks, about a mile south ot Jamesville, is a place which used to be pointed out by the Indians as the spot where the Great Spirit once came down and sut and gave good advice to the chiefs of the Onondagas. Ihat there, are the prints of his hands and his feet left in the rocks still to be seen. In former years the Onondagas use.l annually to offer at this place, tobacco and pipes, and to burn tobacco and herbs as a sacrifice to the Great Spirit, to con- cihate his favor and which was a means of preventing diseases. Ihere is a tradition among the Onondagas, that some twenty years before the revolutionary war, about thirty fami- lies came from Canada and settled among them. Some of these people settled along the hill west of the Castle and oth- ers m the present town of La Fayette. After a while the In- dians became dissatisfied with them and drove them away Pretending to fill their sacks Avith pounded corn, they only put in them ashes, covering the mouth of the sacks with meal Ihe company all miserably perished on the shores of lake Ontario. The colonists had brought out a blacksmith with them, who refused to return with his countrymen to Canada. His stay among the Indians, was in no way agreeable to them. They took him and bound him to a tree, heated a large chain, with an axe attached to it, hung it around his neck and roasted mm to death. Their notions of thunder and lightning are peculiar. Thun- i 4 TRADITIONS. 49 iCuHar. Thun- <ler, they call Ec-soot-a-haut, which means the grandfather of tlio power of tlie Great Spirit, and they believe he manifests his power by the r- ng, and by shaking the earth, thereby commaiuling his chii...en, the people of the earth, to reverence his power and to obey him. Liglitning, they call Oc-hees-taw, which they say, shows how quick he can send his power and destruction among those who are disobedient. The Indians seem to have no true knowledge of the origin or cause of the phenomena of lightning and thunder, but judge of them entirely as they appear to their senses. The ceremony or institution of marriage, among the In- dians scarcely deserves a name. Marriage of near kindred is however prohibited, and those of the same clan may not in- termarry. An Eagle may not marry an Eagle male or female ; a Bear may not marry a Bear, and so of the rest. Mar- riages among the superior clans of a different name is en- couraged, and so of the inferior; but intermarriage between I the superior and inferior clans, is by no means interdicted. The different nations frequently intermarry, and these mar- riages are also encouraged. Thus the league itself is more strongly cemented, and by the due observance of these rules, the clans are more elosely united, intermixture of blood is prevented and their whole system magnified and firmly es- tablished. Whatever of sanctity may attach to the contract of marriage in the outset, the simple covenant is easily bro- ken, and the wife or husband is often repudiated on the slight- est cause, and the family usually left to follow the fortunes of the mother. Rights of property are not conveyed by marriage. The husband only retains his own, and has no claim upon that of his wife ; and if separation takes place, each individual retires with his or her original fortune. If the connection is not a happy one, or difliculties arise between parties, they resolve to separate. Neither is marriage or divorce subject to any particular form or ceremony or restraint. They follow the inclination of their own uncontrolled will and pleasure ; and 7 m ONONDA(iA. disgrace is no concomitant of marriage, repudiation or di- vorce. Notwithstanding the laxity of the laws of marriage, a great majority of instances are crowned with happy results. The wife enters the cabin of her lord, prepared, according to custom, to fill her allotted station, which is to do all the drudgery and labor of the cabin, and much of that of the field — a hewer of wood and drawer of Avater to him who is only to be employed as a warrior, a hunter, or counsellor. At the present time the labors of the women are not as slavish or arduous as formerly ; but even now, the female is not only sometimes engaged in the culture and harvest of corn, but in the more laborious occupation of gathering and preparing fuel for the cabin. Among the Indians, family discipline is exceedingly lax and not often resorted to. Among them, one of the most common methods of correcting children, is in the application of water. If a child is disobedient and will not heed reproof, the parent often takes water in the mouth and spurts over the child, if the child still remains refractory, it is divested of its clothes and plunged into cold water until it yields and become submissive. The Indians have a singular practice in cases of extreme sickness, especialy among persons of distinction. In the case of the illness of the wife of Ca-whic-do-ta, which occurred in 1793, fearing she would die, the Indians gathered eight or ten bu&nels of ashes and placed them in a pile near the hut in which she lay. They then rolled one of their number closely in blankets, sewed them firmly around her, then plac- ing her at a corner of the cabin in which the sick patient lay, they expected the Great Spirit would communicate to the one wrapped in blankets, whether the patient would recover or die. Ashes were then scattered all around the cabin high in the air. By these manoeuvres they hoped to call down some guardian spirit, who should inform the person wrapi)ed in blankets of a speedy recovery of the patient. At this time the enveloped prophetess gave answer that the patient would recover, which eventually took place. The same practice still TRADITIONS, ol prevails to some extent, though occurrences of this kind are far less frequent. The most ancient mode of burial by the Iroquois, says La Fort, was first to place the corpse upon a scaffold some eight feet high, made by setting crotches and laying poles across, attached or near to one corner of the cabin of the nearest friend of the deceased. There the body was left exposed till the flesh had completely fallen off. After this, the skeleton was buried, placing the bones of the feet first, crowning the pile with the skull. This method is said to be practised at the present day among some of the far western nations. When numbers were slain in battle, the same authority ob- serves, they were gathered and laid in tiers one above ano- ther and a high mound raised over them. How late the practice of letting the corpse remain exposed, till the flesh disappeared from the bones, prevailed, we have not the means of knowing. But the practice pursued when the whites first came among the Indians at Onondaga, was like this : They dressed the corpse (if a man) in a shirt, a coat and leggings, sometimes made of skins, at other times of cloth, as Avas most convenient. A pair of deer-skin moccasins covered the feet, and a cap of fur the head. The corpse was then ready for the burial. Their graves were usually dug about three feet deep. Barks were cut and pealed, of the length of the grave, pieces were fitted for the bottom, sides and ends, and then placed in the grave ; a single broad piece was fitted for a covering. The corpse was then brought to the grave on poles bound together for a bier. He was then lowered into his bark coflSn, when an Indian woman approached with a ket- tle of provisions, a pair of moccasins, with pieces of deer-skin, and with sinews of the deer to sew the patches on the mocca- sins which it was supposed the deceased would wear out on hia journey to the land of spirits. These were carefully deposited in the bark coffin. Then came an Indian with bows and ar- rows, (or sometimes, if a distinguished person, a rifle,) a toma- hawk and knife. These also were ceremoniously laid in the cofl5n, and were considered indispensable to a prosperous and 62 ONONDAGA. happy journey, in procuring provisions on the way to the bliss- ful regions of Ha-wah-ne-u. After these things were deposi- ted, the final covering was carefully placed over the whole and the grave closed with earth. This done, the Indian wo- men kneeled down around the grave and wept. The men for a time were silent, but after a while they set up a doleful cry chaunted the death dirge, and all silently retired to their homes. In former years, after the burial of a friend, the Ononda- gas used to visit the grave for twelve successive days, before sunrise and after sunset, and there with sighs and moans make great lamentation over it. Whenever they lost a dear friend away from home, they buried him with great solemnity, set- ting a mark upon the grave, and ever after, when they passed that way, visited the spot, usually singing a mournful son-, and casting stones upon it. '^ At this day their burials are conducted similar to those of the white peoph' The Indians themselves speaking the eu- logy of the deceased as they are moved before burial. Father Henepin, Lib. II, page 115, speaking of Indian bu- r'.als in 1678, says : " The savages bury their dead with the greatest magnificence they can devise; especially their rela- tives, and more particularly their captains or heads of tribes. They place them in a sort of coffin made of the barks of trees and they polish the outside neatly with pummice stones, and they form the place in which they bury them in the manner of a mausoleum, which they encompass with palisadoes twelve or thirteen feet high. They bury with tlie deceased whatever IS esteemed valuable, sometimes to the amount of two or three hundred crowns. If a man, they bury with him a gun, pow- der and balls. But those that have no fire-arms are content with putting in the coffin their bows and arrows, a potful of sagamite or pottage of Indian corn and some fat meat." This agrees with what other early French writers say upon this subject. RITES AND CKREMONIES, 58 CHAPTER III. PAGAN RITES AND CEREMONIES. mom-nful soriir, Religious Beuef-Annuai, Feasts-Sacrifices-Dances-Remarks. It is not at all surprising, that a people as wise, warlike, and sagacious, as were the Iroquois, should be marked by pe- culiar religious institutions. From time immemorial, having been shut out from the lights of civilization and the influences of pure religion, with the traditionary faith of their forefa- thers always orally transmitted ; it is not to be wondered at, tliat their religious opinions are implicitly believed, most scru- pulously adhered to, and practiced with a zeal and fidelity worthy of all commendation. Among the Pagan portion, there is no difference of opinion in religious matters. They ure agreed in sentiment ; their aim is the public good. In- dividual virtues are cultivated, and these are explained and illustrated in their Pagan ceremonies. They believe in one Croat and Good Spirit, styled in the language of the Onondagas, Ila-wah-ne-u, who is the Crea- tor of the World ; the Holder of the Heavens ; tho Master of Breath ; the maker of men and useful animals. He is the controller of events; He rules the destinies of men; sup- plies them with the comforts and conveniences of life ; makes abundance of game in the hunting grounds, and supplies the streams with fish and the air with birds. He is believed to be the peculiar Deity of the red man, and they are his pecu- liar people. To this Great and Good Being they address their prayers, render thanks for success in hunting, and for victories in war.' H ONONDAGA. To him they offer sacrifices, and chaunt their songs of praise Those things they do mth a regularity, devotion and rever- ence, in the midst of a Christian people, within the influences ot he G ospel ; and adhere to them with a tenacity that should make their Christian neighbors ashamed. In each year, they hold five stated festivals, for a general assembling of their clans. Upon these occasions, all join in thanksgiving to the Great and Good Spirit, for blessings received at his beneficent hand ; and the old men converse upon the best means of meriting his favors, and of continuing them in future. ^ The first of these festivals is held in spring, directly after the season for making sugar is past. They give thanks for the abundance of sap, and for the quantity of sugar they have been permitted to make. The aged chiefs harangue the people in expressions of thankfulness, urging the necessity of national gratitude, describing the course which the young men ought to pursue, in order to merit a continuance of the favors of Ha-wah-ne-u. A straight line is pointed out, upon which all good people are directed to walk, by placing one foot directly before the other, and so proceed until they come to the end. They are admonished that there should be no deviation to the right hand or to the left, into the paths of vice, but keep straight forward in the ways of rectitude and virtue, which m the end leads to the mansions of Ha-wah- ne-u. This festival is usually closed with dances, singing and games. o & " " The second festival is immediately after corn-planting, at which time they return thanks for the fair weather they have had during the preparation of the ground, for the good seed- time, and are instructed by the aged men, in the means to be used to secure an abundant harvest, and invoke the Great Spirit to promote a rapid and luxuriant growth, and that the green corn may come early to maturity. When the green corn becomes fit for use, and directly after the first ears are broken off, they hold the third festival, called the green corn feast. RITES AND CEREMONIES. 65 3, for a general isions, all join it, for blessings men converse il of continuing , directly after jive thanks for of sugar they 3 harangue the the necessity ich the young nuance of the ited out, upon •y placing one ntil they come should be no ' the paths of rectitude and i of Ha-wah- s, singing and i-planting, at ler they have le good seed- ! means to be ^e the Great and that the lircctly after ird festival, ■■3 At this festival thanks are rendered for the peculiar gift of this inestimable blessing. Large quantities of corn are pro- vided, both boiled and r, isted, upon which all partake with unscrupulous relish. Songs and dances enter largely into the ceremonies on this occasion, and the famous succotash dance concludes the whole. The pipe of peace is usually smoked on these festival days by the head men of the nation, from the eldest to the younger, in succession to the last. This is one of the most joyous and merry-making festivals in the Indian calendar. The women are engaged, days beforehand, in making preparation, and have the principal management of the feast. The aged matron and the coy maiden are alike active and busy in procuring materials, and in distributing the contents of the kettles in which the corn has been boiled, and it is truly amusing to ree with what cunning, archness and address they will palm off an ear of hot corn upon an unsus- pecting youth. Their fourth festival is celebrated immediately after corn harvest ; usually about the first of November. At this time, they return thanks for the harvest, and the usual festivities are gone through with, of music, singing and dancing. The whole concluding with the peace dance. The four preceding festivals occupy but one day each. In former times, three days were allotted to each. The fifth or last festival, the crowning one of the year, and the one to which most importance is attached, is celebrated late in the month of January, or early in the month of Feb- ruary, according to the phasis of the moon. The Indian year is reckoned by moons, and this great national festival is held in the old moon nearest to the first of our month February. The hunters having all returned from the chase, and having brought in their venison and skins that have been taken, and a portion of these trophies having been deposited in the coun- cil-house, two sets of managers are appointed, numbering from ten to twenty young men on a side. These are chosen to superintend all the concerns relative to the grand festival, thanksgiving and sacrifice, which are immediately to take place! 56 ONONDAGA. Arrangements are made at the council-house for the reception and accommodation of the whole nation. This being done, the managers arc ready to commence their appropriate duties,' (luring the whole of which they act with great formality, order and decorum. On the first day a select number from each party of the managers, some four or hve, start from the council-house, and run with all pos'^ible speed to every cabin in the nation, knocking on the doors and sides of the houses, informing the people that all things are now ready, and that they must im- mediately repair to the council-hor o aiiu paiiake of the festi- vities of the occasion. At this time, this portion of the commit- tee of arrangements, are nearly naked, covered only by a waist- cloth girded about the loins reaching down nearly to the knee, with moccasins on their feet, their faces and bodies painted' and plumes upon their heads. The fire is now extinguished in every cabin, the committee enter the dwellings {the inmates expecting them,) and with a small wooden shovel scatter the ashes about in every direction. The hearths are made clean ; new fire is struck from the flint and rekindled ; thus they proceed from house to house till every one is visited and puri- fied. During these proceedings, the remaining part of the managers are engaged at the council-house, in firing guns, hallooing, shouting &c., to inform the people, that the^'cere- monies have commenced. They meet all those who come to the festival, greet them most cordially and conduct them into the council-house. This is the course pursued on the first day. The second day, the managers assemble early at the -ouncil-house, and receive from the master of ceremonies, instructions for the day. When ready to depart, several guns are usually fired accompanied by shouting and hallooing. On this day the managers are fantastically dressed, and proceed from house to house A h baskets, collecting the gifts of the people witli which to grace the festival. These gifts consist of pork, beef, bread, beans, peas, ears of corn, tobacco, savory herbs, small handfuls of straw nicely bound, and every article is received, RITES AND CEREMONIES, 57 )r the reception lis being done, :opriatc dutiea, •eat formality, li party of the ncil-house, and in the nation, informing the tliey must im- ce of the festi- of the commit- nly by a waist- y to the knee, odies painted, extinguished s (the inmates el scatter the B made clean ; d ; thus they ited and pur?- ; part of the I firing guns, hat the cere- who come to net them into The second iil-house, and tions for the usually fired this day the I from house ! people with f pork, beef, herbs, small ; is rccci\ ("1, 1 that \d useful for food, for incense or for sacrifice. Every one is bound to give something, or he is not to be included in the general absolution. Each manager in his round of alms-gathering, carries a large rattle made of dried tortoise- shell, in which are small stoiK's, peas or beans. These they rattle violently in the several cabins, earnestly inviting the people to bestow their gifts. These proceedings are continued for several days, according to the time allotted for the con- tinuance of the festival. During all this time, the people who are assembled at the council-house, are engaged in leap- ing, running, dancing and their native sports. On the first of the last three days, the committee cover their faces with masks, dress themselves in old blankets, frag- ments of old buff'alo robes, kc, bedaubing themselves with soot and grease, in which frightful and ludicrous appearance they run from house to house with baskets, crying, " give, give." Every individual who refuses to comply with this reasonable request, is saluted with a rub from these solicitors, which leaves a mark of disgrace not easily eff'aced. While these things are going on, it is supposed they are collecting the sins of the people, and concentrating all the evils of the nation within themselves, which are to be expia- ted by the approaching sacrifice. On the evening of this day, they hold a most ludicrous dance, called by the whitf people " the devil's dance," in which they " dance off the witches." Notliing can appear more loathsome and abhor- rent than do the participators in this dance. Covered with grease, coal-dust ad soot, dressed in old worn out rags of blankets, tattered buffalo noes, hair side oui, with masks of paper, bark, and i.nsks of corn; add to this the yells and rude music of the savage, and indeed it may well be styled "a dance of devils." On the day precedin the last, the managers having gath- ered all the ills of the nation to themselves, and mane a full report of all their proc( -dings to the »erson who officiates ;' high pn. t or master of ceremonies, the day is spent in prep- aration for the great day of sacrifice which is to take place on '•I! 58 ONONDAGA. the morro.-. This day is condudod .vith demonstrations of joy, lostivity mid (hincing. The last day and the one to which mo«t consequen.-n is at- tached, bong the great day of Hacrifico, the poo do assombh- at the counod-houso in great numhors. The exorciscH com- mence 1>7 bu. .hng htrgo fires early in the morning, by firi„. guns and loud hallooing. The wood for the sacrificial offorin: cordT' h "T f" ^^""^"■>'--' b^ '-y'»o- "oar half I cord, in alternate layers crosswise. This is done by a select committee of the managers, who proceed with considerable ceremony. •«o.»un, A house near the council-house is selected as a place in ■vhich to make preparation. To this the managers procee.l and prepare themselves for the occasion. One from each' party „ solectod as a loader. They are dressed in long loose sh,rts of wh.te, and others are appropriately dressed, as manu- gers &c according to the duties they are expected to per. orra. The gran.l master of ceremonies or high priest t'.ke, ■s station at the cnmcil-house, and to him, r:p„,';;::: ^at rec ion, "m" P™"»°'''»S'' »'' <>« '« t"™ gives „e. di- rection.,. Messengers are continually passing and renassinff from the conncil-house to the house of preparation. On h? occasion at wh.oh notes for this article were taken, the veno able Capta,n lonncs, fOh-he-nu) presided with great ,li™„i,v Having arnved at an early hour, we found this gray-hluled h,ef, gravely seated near the centre of the c^moil-house discoursing to his people, receiving messages .and givi„rdi ections. One of these messengers, a femai; particTri; at tractea attention. She was dressed throughout in a new »". of fine blue woolen cloth. Her legging" (pantalets) w mo t fancifully adorned with small white beads and brooches and the lower part of the skirt, which came below the knee' was ornamented in the same manner. Over the whole was' an ample covering of plain blue cloth, sweeping the ground at every step. Dp„n her, seemed to devolve, he'dutylif ,, pe mtending the feast. She had as asseciates, two vlnn. ma - ens dressed precisely like herself. To tiieso evjry oile .,ave 4 t I RITES AND CEREMONIKS. 59 oraonstrations of onseqiionce is at- pcoplo asHcinblc exorcises coin- ornin^, hy firing acrificial offerin«» ing near half a ilonc by a solect ith considerable 1 as a place in lagera proceed, Jne from each 3d in long loose esaed, as mana- pected to per- ;h priest, takes ports are made 1 gives new di- and repassing ttion. On the ken, the vene- great dignity. 3 gray-headed council-house, md giving di- irticularly at- in a new suit ntalets) were ind brooches, low the knee, ho whole was he ground at ity of puper- yoiing maid- 'I'J one gave 1 I uiiy, and throughout the cerenionie» they were treated with I he greatest deference and respect. About nine o'clock, the managers rushed out of the house of preparation, and two white dogs fantastically painted with red figures and adorned with small belts of wampum, feathers and ribbons tied around their nocks, legs and tails, followed thciu. A long rope with a single knot in the centre was in- stantly passed over the head of one of them, when some eight or ten of the managers seized the ropo on either side, com- menced pulling lustily, each party occasionnlly yielding to the other, as if to give greater force to their operations. After ;i few struggles, the dog Avns suffocated and hung up on a lad- der which leaned against the house. The other dog was dis- posed of in precisely the same miinner, and hung beside his fellow. Guns were now fired, and some thirty or forty per- sons rushed out of the council-house, gave three tremen- dous yells, and retired. After about half an hour, the dogs were taken down and carried into the house of preparation. To this house spectators were not admitted, and what particu- lar ceremonies were there performed, M'e have no means of knowing. These dogs are always white, or as nearly so as they can procure them ; spot or blemish renders them unsuitable for sacrifice. A wound producing an effusion of blood, would be productive of the same consequences. By some peculiar manoeuvering, the sins of the people which had become concentrated in the managers arc now transferred to the two individuals who arc clad in the white giirnients. These by some peculiar ceremony, again work them off into the dogs. These animals, thus laden with the sins of the nation, are raised upon the shoulders of two per- sons appointed for the purpose, (their legs being tied so as to admit of their being slung like a pack). A procession is formed in ranks of double files, preceded by the two men dressed in Avliite, and others of the mantigers, followed by as many others as may choose to join them. The procession moves slowly and silently with measured step, around the m 60 ONONDAGA. house of preparation, through the council-house which has two doors, one opposite the other, and around it. After which, they are brought in, and the dogs laid upon a plat- form about a foot from the floor. As they enter the council- house for the last time, they break into single file. While these ceremonies were going on at the house of preparation and out of doors, others of importance were observed in the council-house. The offerings which had been collected were disposed of upon pins around the council-room. The master of ceremo- nies, during the whole progress of proceedings, rcmai.ied sta- tionary, seated in the centre of the council-room. To him were brought, at different times, at intervals of about two minutes, every article which had been deposited. Every per- son who brought a piece of pork, a paper of tobacco, a bunch of herbs, or handful of straAv, stopped about three paces from him, holding it towards him, looking him full in the face with Che greatest attention. After he liad said a few words, the old chief took it in his hands, over which he uttered a short ejaculatory prayer or thanksgiving, after which a hearty response was made by all present. It was then returned t'o the place from which it had been taken. Every article of the offerings Avas presented and returned in like manner. The females present participated in these ceremonies. All the messengers wlio addressed the chief haltod at a respectful distance, and stood a moment in silence before they made their communications. These events all transpired at the council-house before the dogs were brought in. After the dogs were brouglit in, the procession, in single file, moved three times around the platform, before they, were laid down. At each round, t • j master of ceremonies rose in a sedate and dignified manner, clapped his hands on the shoulders of the bearer of the dog, who Avas foremost in the procession, lie stopped in the precise position he was in, when the hand of the chief was laid upon his shoulder, and there remained as motionless as a slatne, for the space of a minute, durim: whicli he was addressed in a whisper by tlic master of cere- RITES AND CEREMONIES 61 ise which has ad it. After upon a plat- a* the council- i file. While f preparation served in the ) disposed of er of ceremo- romaiiied sta- om. To him jf about two Every per- acco, a buncli ie paces from ill in the face a few words, lie uttered a lich a hearty returned to article of the anner. The es. All the a respectful Q they made jii'ed at the After the file, moved e laid down. a. sedate and Iders of the ession. lie the hand of "ouiained as lUte, duriii:^ iter of cere- monies. Several other chiefs, addressed those Avho carried the dogs, in the same manner, and again the procession moved on. After this the dogs were laid upon the platform, and all ' joined in loud singing and chaunting, Avhile the procession ■ continued slowly moving around the dead carcasses of the dogs, with the most devout solemnity. While these ceremonies Avere proceeding in the councll- ^ house, fire had been applied to the altar of Avood out side. The pile had become nearly half consumed and yielded great heat ; while around it, in a circle had been drawn a line, Avithin Avhich it Avas not intended spectators should pass. This, how- ever, availed nothing, for the moment the procession had drawn around the fire, the area Avas croAvded to its utmost ca- padty. Under the direction of Captain Ilonnos, the bearers of the dogs again resumed their burdens ; a procession Avas formed in single file, the master of ceremonies taking the lead. Then folloAved the men in Avhite robes, the persons Avho carried the dogs, the managers and others, promiscuously. As the pro- cession moved along, the principal actors in the scene com- menced singing, Avliich continued Avhile the Avhole marched around the council-house to the place of sacrifice. Around the burning pile they moA'ed three several timos, the last of which, the master of ceremonies stopped on the west side, Avith his face to the east and toAvards the fire. The remainder of the procession formed around the vjircle ; the persons in Avhite being on the left hand of the high priest, and those bearing the dogs near to them. The leader of ceremonies oflfered a short prayer to the Great Spirit, a sacrificial chaunt was sung, the dogs Avere laid at the feet of the officiating priest, another prayer Avas offered, an- other chaunt Avas sung, when one of the dogs was cast into the fire by the high priest. A like ceremony Avas performed and the remaining dog Avas also thrown upon the burning pile, and again folloAved the chaunting. Different individuals noAV brought forward baskets of herbs, tobacco, and such like, which Avcre at intervals throAvn upon the fire, and Avith the ill ,.. I < fi i' : I I 1 1i 1 hrfil 'i '111! 62 ONONDAGA. consuming dogs produced a variety of scents, not easily com- prehended. After the dogs were nearly consumed, the pro- cession was again formed and returned to the council-house, and the committee were directed to go to the preparation house The solemnities of this day being concluded, they formally ad- journed. The accustomed ceremonies of this interesting season are usually concluded by a war-dance and feast, on the same day after the sacrifice. But on this occasion it was adjourned till the following day, when the season of oblations, invocation, sacrifice and thanksgiving, were concluded with the war! DANCE. This most singular and interesting of all the Indian cere- monies is worthy of particular remark. For this important ceremony about thirty young braves were selected, each of whom provided himself with a horse, and left the Indian village alone, and by different ways approach- od a place previously appointed. When all were gathered at the place agreed upon, painted in the most frightful manner, they mounted on horseback, without saddles, Avith no clothing except a short and scanty garment extending from the waist r,e;irly to the knee. Each man was armed with a rifle, toma- hawk and scalping knife, and adorned with a bundle of scalps, or ccnething resembling them, hanging from his girdle, and % /ew rude ornaments besides. They proceeded leisurely along, till within sight of the council-house, when the deafening war- whoop was raised and thrice repeated, and their horses were at once put to their utmost speed. On arriving at the coun- cil-house, the horses were speedily tied, the warriors during the time maintaining an air of immovable gravity. They pro- ceeded in a body to the council-room, where the chiefs and aged men, who had all the while been anxiously waiting their return, most cordially received them; asked them what suc- cess upon the war-path ; how many trophies of victims slain they had secured ; of the fortitude of the tortured captives ; the snares and ambuscades they had escaped ; the feats of daring they had themselves performed ; and if they were still willing and resolved again to try their skill and courage, and RITES AND CEREMONIES. 63 ot easily com- ned, the pro- cil-house, and ration house. ■ formally ad- estirig season the same day, idjourned till i, invocation, th the WAR- Indian cere- braves were I horse, and '"s approach- gathered at ful manner, no clothing m the waist rifle, toma- le of scalps, girdle, and irely along, foning war- lorses were t the coun- iors during They pro- chiefs and liting their what suc- ctims slain I captives ; le feats of y were still jrage, and ' to strive to add new trophies of valo? to enrich their former fume. All was gone through with in the most solemn and affecting manner. Their stories were told with much gesticulation and earnestness. After the preceding ceremony, commenced the war-dance, which, for singularity and effect, and the thrilling animation it imparts to the actors, cannot be surpassed by any rite of modern times. The fantastic figures and devices j)ainted on their almost naked bodies, the rude head-dresses and ornaments, consisting of bells, brooches, rings, a profu- sion of ear and nose jewels, with doers' hoofs dangling about their ancles, gave the performers a most singular and gro- tesque appearance. Each warrior held in his hand a hatchet, a war-club, or a bow and quiver full of arrows. One of the party was firmly bound to the stove pipe as if to a tree, and personified a prisoner. A young brave, with long false beard and hair of perfect whiteness, represented by his appearance and movements an old and wrinkled man. He approached the supposed prisoner, and with great vehemence and earnest- ness of manner, addressed him, saying, " his glorious deeds were now at an end,— that he must prepare himself for tor- ture by fire,— that no mercy could be shown him,— that his character for heroism should be established by the fortitude with which he withstood his sufferings." After the old man had finished his speech, the whole party gave the tremendous war-whoop. It seemed as if the lower regions had been sud- denly broken up, and that the inhabitants thereof had made a hasty and unceremonious ascent to the earth. The substi- tute beheld all their mock preparation for his manifest destruc- tion with as much apparent seriousness as if the whole had been real, and appeared as perfectly unconcerned and indif- ferent to all their movements, as the coldest stoicism could make him. Their rude music now struck up, consisting of blows with a stick upon a barrel-head and a kind of half-drum, accompanied by the voice. It would be utterly impossible to uescribe the various attitudes in which they presented them- selves, and the rapidity of the transition of one posture to an- P iii u ONONDAGA, other was so sudden, that the eye could not follow them. Look at a man in one position, and instantly his form Avould be im- perceptibly changed to another. During the dance the pri- soner was frec^ucntly menaced as if to be instantly dispatch- ed with a war-club or hatchet. At another time a bow would be drawn Avith its arrow to the head, as if death was to be the immediate consequence. Through the Whole he stood as composed as if no threats had been made, and occasionally sung of his own achieve- ments in the wars and of the ignorance of his ememies in the arts of torture. During the dance there was a continual flourishing of war-clubs and hatchets, and an unearthly exhi- bition of the most horrid grimaces, and protraction of the war- whoop. The warriors exerted themselves to the utmost of their capacity ; the sweat rolled from their nnked limbs and bodies in profusion ; their breasts heaved from excessive fatigue ; their nostrils were dilated to an unaccountable extent; their eyes flashed with delight, and their countenances showed the workings of passion intermingled with pleasure, and the whole scene was one of the most perfect enthusiasm and phrensy. Just at the close of the grand drama, which had lasted with short intervals for more than two hours, the prisoner was liberated, his bands having been cut by a stroke from a hatch- et. He gazed wildly all around to see if the coast was clear; an opening was made lor him to escape, he bounded like a panther to clear the ring, but the war-clubs and hatchets were flourished over his head ; the most terrific yells were uttered, and he firtally sunk, as if beneath their blows, and personified a dying man in the most perfect manner. An agonizing cry proclaimed his deiith ; the slow, melancholy death song was chaunted while the whole party moved sol- emnly in single file around the apparent dead body of their prostrate prisoner. After this, all passed out into the open far reeking with perspiration as they were, and after a short conversation they severally retired to their homes. After the warriors had left the council-room, the young man who had so really acted the part of a suffering captive, gradually raised RITES AND CEREMONIES. 65 iv them. Look ; would be im- ance the pri- itly dispatch- ) a bow would was to be the if no threats own achieve- i ememies in LS a continual earthly exlii- )n of the Avar- tmost of their bs and bodies sive fatigue ; extent; their s showed the md the whole md phrensy. il lasted Avith prisoner was rom a hatcli- ist Avas clear; unded like a nd hatchets ic yells Avere r bloAvs, and Kinner. An melancholy y moved sol- lody of their nto the open after a short . After the aan who had .lually raised his head and groaned, as if in excruciating agony ; and finally collected himself, passed out and rejoiced with his companions. After a recess of about an hour large numbers of both sexes, young and old, assembled to participate in the peace-dance. This interesting ceremony is performed to music without Avords, and females, as well as males engage in it. In the per- formance, the males form as large a circle as the room will allow, facing inwards, the females then glide shyly into the circle and range themselves forward of the males. After these arrangements are made, the rude music strikes up, and the females proceed by placing their feet close together, then raising their toes, pass them about four inches to the right, and then their heels in the same manner, thus keeping time they pass noiselessly around the circle until the music ceases. During this movement of the females, the males retain their position, beating time with their heels and toes Avithout mov- ing at all, to the right or left. This course is gone through Avith several times, which finally closes the dancing for the season. Early in the morning, previous to the commencement of the war-dance, several large kettles had been placed over the fires in which were cooking the ingredients upon which the Avhole nation Avere at liberty to feast. The contents were composed of mo<;t, corn, beans, peas, potatoes, turnips, some garden herbs which served for seasoning and other things Avhich had been previously gathered in the baskets. After the close of the Avar-dance and the peace-dance, the feast Avas made ready, by removing the kettles to a convenient distance' from the fires. The mass was frequently stirred till the Avhole became com- pletely mixed. The contents of the kettles were devoured Avithout regard to politeness or ceremony ; some dipped from the kettles Avith spoons, others skimmed out the more substan- tial parts, Avith chips, some Avere provided with bowls and spoons, Avhile others as soon v.s tltc scalding aliment Avas suf- ficiently cooled, thrust in theii nngers and thus obtained their share. After a reasonable lime, the Avhole had vanished, and 9 66 ONONDAGA. I <« all appeared to be refreshed and satisfied. Tlie pipe of peace was now lighted, and the presiding officer of the past cere- monies drew the first draught, puffed the first whiff, and was very carefuj that a large quantity of smoke should issue from his mouth at a time, which he took great pains to make ascend in graceful curls and watched them with peculiar en- joyment. The pipe was passed from him to the other chiefs present, and from them to the old men, who all partook of it with a commendable relish. Having concluded the ceremonies of the great festival, and all its requirements being fulfilled, every one feels himself ab- solved from the sins of the past year, and forms new resolu- tions for the time to come. Congratulations are exchanged, and new hopes excited, — free from iniquity and resolved to follow the path of evil no more ; each one repairs to his home, happy in the propitious commencement of a new year, in perfect readiness to embark in all the operations of wai-, the chase, the council or the cabin. Such were the proceedings of tlie great annual festival held at the Onondaga Castle in January 1h4], taken from notes ma<le by the author on the spot, and explained by the late Abraham La Fort. It may be proper to add that in all theii- ceremonies, none but the Indian language is used, conse- quently there is groat difficulty in the way of obtaining a full and comprehensive kno'.vledge of all their practices. During the celebration of these ceremonies, the Indians observe the strictest sobriety and propriety of conduct, and seem pleased with the company of visitors and strangers ^\h> are disposed to treat them respectfully. But on pome occa- sions, having been harshly treated, they are indifferent, except to those of their acquaintances whom they esteem as friends. These dances of the Onondagas, which are similar to those of the other five nations, may witli propriety be called descrip- tive dances. They are intended to exhibit some action or se- ries of actions generally relating to war, and the imitation is often sa dose and so exactly executed, that the most indiffer- ent spectator can follow the intentions of the performers. RITES AND CEkEMONlES, 67 )ipe of peace e past cere- t whifF, and should issue tins ta make peculiar en- other chiefs all partook festival, and i himself ah- new resolu- exchanged, resolved to lairs to his a new year, 3ns of war, estival held from notes hy the late in all their sed, conse- ining a full es. he Indians induct, and luifjcrs Avlio some occa- 'ent, except IS friends, ar to those ed descrip- 3tion or se- initation is )st indifFer- )erformers. Dances are rather a business than a pastime. They mingle with all the occupations and enterprizes of life. When war is declared and proclaimed, it is by means of a dance, and the warriors who engage in it are thereby enlisted. When an al- liance is concluded, or peace restored, the event is celebrated by a dance, corresponding to the change of circumstances. The war-dance is the exact image of a campaign. It repre- sents the preparation and arming of the warriors for battle ; their departure from their own country ; their arrival at the confines of the hostile nation ; their mode of encampment ; the attack ; the scalping of sucli as fall into their hands, and the torture and heroism of prisoners. In their countenances they express the passions of anger, courage, resentment and revenge. With such power and force do these acts of enthu- siasm often strike the mind of the beholder, that he is led to forget, in the moment of excitement, that it is only a repre- sentation passing before him ; and the spectator often shud- ders as if the Avhole was a positive reality. Although these people have no wars, nor can ever be ex^ pected to have any in which they may act as principals, yet these ancient customs are continued to commemorate the past^ and to transmit to posterity their former achievements, and the glory of departed days ! The Baron Lahontan, speaking of the dances of the Ameri- can Indians says : *These dances may be compared to the military dance of Minerva ; for these savages observe, whilst dancing with singular gravity, the harmony of certain songs, which the Greek soldiers of Achilles called Ilyporehcmatiques. It is not easy to decide whether the savages learned them of the Greeks or the Greeks of the savages. Charlevoix, upon the same subject, remarks, (translation) — * "Toutes ces danses peuvetit etre comparees H la.pyrrhique de Miuerve, car les sauvages observenf, on dansant d'line pravite sinjruliere. lea fadcnci-s de cer- taines chansons, (iiic les riiilicos t.'i-fcqiies d'Acliilie. apelloifnl liyp"i'cliematiqnes. II nest pas facile de ssavoir si ios sauvages les out a prises des Grecs, on si les (irecs les ont aprises des sanvages." i: >:-.H p iiii Ijii III dS ONONDAGA. that the greatest part of their feasts, their songs and dances, appear to have their origin in religion, and still do preserve some traces of it. I have met with some, who could not help thinking, that our savages were descended from the Jews, and found in every thing some affinity between these people and the children of God. Indeed, there are in some things ii strong resemblance. But in all their opinions there is noth- ing certain. Some have maintained that the Calumet, took its origin from the Caduceus of Mercury (which has been com- pared to the rod of Moses), and that in its institution, it was esteemed a symbol of peace. Calumet is a Norman word, signifying a reed, and the calumet of the savage, is properly the stem or tube of the pipe ; but they comprehend the pipe also. On state occasions It is often highly ornamented with feathers, beads, &c. RITES AND CEHK MONIES. 69 and (lances, do preserve uld not help lie Jews, and I people and ne things n liere is noth- ilumet, took is been com- ution, it was 3rman word, , is properly 3nd the pipe mented with CHAPTER IV. PAGAN RITES AND CEREMONIES. CoMPAKED WITH THOSE OF THE JeWS, EGYPTIANS, GREEKS AND RoMANS. Having in a foregoing chapter alluded to the subject of the origin of the Indian nations from the Jews, through Charle- voix ; and other authors having affirmed this opinion, it may not be considered improper in this place to note briefly some of the coincidences which may by some be supposed to exist between the rites and observances of the aborigines of our land, (particularly the Onondagas) and those of the Jews, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Without endorsing any par- ticular theory, or without attempting to decide upon a subject wrapt in so profound mystery, where even learned Doctors disagree, avc will be content with a simple detail of circum- stances, without entering upon the solution of a doubtful pro- blem. How long the Indian nations had inhabited our country when first knoAvn to the whites, or at what period originated their peculiar religious institutions, we have not the means of knoAving. When the white people first came among them, their practices in all respects were nearly the same as at the present. It may be possible, and if we admit, (and we must) the testimony of divine revelation, it must be true that they and their institutions originated in a more enlightened ances- try than they themselves exhibit. But it would perhaps ap- pear unphilo-^ophical to search for their origin from an exalt- ed and civilized people. Still, among all their dark and unseemly institutions, we occasionally observe some faint '^,< .. Hi 70 ONONDAGA, i . glimmerings of light, and perceive in the general wreck the ruins of a more eleviteil and loftier order of thinj's. Sacrifices have in nil iiges, and hy almost every nation, been regarded as necessary to appease divine anger, and to render Deity propitious. The origin of the institution of sacrifice is clearly traceable to divine authority, and to that pure prime- val period, when our (n-iginal ancestor and his fons, were yet upon the earth. Cain hrouglit of the fruits of the ground an offering ; and his brother Abol, of the firstlings of his Hock and the fat thereof. Of the particular details of this offer- ing arid sacrifice, there is no account, only that the offering of the former was rejected, while that of the latter was resjiect- ed and approved. From tho examples of the early chosen people of (Jod, the Gentile nations received or i-etaincd their notions of sacrifice, and on this account wo need not wonder to find so many coincidences in the sacrificial systems of the Jews and tho neighboring nations. .Vll false religions can be esteemed only as departures from the true, and therefore the origin of them, however corrupt they may become in the usage, may be the same. To the unaccountable desire in man to form low and limited estimates of Deity, more than to any thing else, may be attributed the introduction and propaga- tion of error and false religion. The principal yearly sacrifices of the Jews, were the Pas- chal lamb at tlie Passover, celebrated at the comiiii-nceuient of the sacred year ; on the day of Pentecost or first fruits, the beginning of the civil year or ingathering of harvest ; lastly, the day of expiation or great day of . ■ tenement. Be- sides these, were the monthly festivals and others of less importance ; yet were nevertheless attended Avith the great- est punctuality, but never more so, than are the five stated festivals of the Six Nations to this day at Onondaga. Before the laAV Avas given to Moses, burnt offerings served for all pur- poses of divine worship, whether they gave thanks for bless- ings, or deprecated evil, or prayed for good. These sacrifices expiated sin^ of omission, as well as those of commission, atid from examples like these, tho Gentilo nations undoubtedly jfion. RITES AND CEREMONIKS. n wreck the I. ,tion, been to render lacrifiuo is ire prime- , were yet L^round an his llofk tliif4 offer- (flering of ,8 rtvs()cct- •ly chosen iiicd their )t wonder nis of the )ns can l)o i-efore the the usa^e. 11 man to a to any propaga- tho Pas- "ncenient rst fruits, harvest : .'ut. Be- •s of less he great- ve stated Before r all pur- tor bless- sacrifices uniission, loubtcdly obtained their impreasions of the atonement of sin, by the 8acri< fice of animals, and from a remote period the rite has been transmitted with more <tr less of corruption, even to the wilds of America and continued to the present, among a people shut out, we know not how long, from all intercourao with the old world, debarred the light of science, civilization and roli- cion. Considering all this, it is oidy a wonder that they re- tain so much of that primeval purity, as their religions prac- tices (■\liibit ; and whlih, even at this late day, are marked by ii iimch higher degi ■ of moral propriety and rational de- votion, than were those o/ the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans who lived and tlourishod in the more immediate vicinity and nearer the times of the ancient patriarchs and propliets. The priest's oflice was at fir't unibnibtedly exercised by mas- ters of families, and afterwards by heads of clans. And pre- vious to the consecration of Aaron and his sons to the priest- hood, the priest's office and magistrate's were blended in the same person. ]\Iclchizedek was both a king and priest of Salem and offer- ed sacrifices. Abraham, who was styled a prince, performed the sacerdotal functions ; and Jethro, a prince and priest of Midian, offered burnt sacrifices as a priest, being at the same time a ruler of his pcojde ; and (lideon, who long afterwards was a ruler in Israel, and a distingnislied Avarrior, and who Avas offered a crown by tlie people, did sacrifices and periui'med the func- tions of a priest. And Manoah, while the cliildron of Israel were yet under the dominion of the Philistines, and conse- quently he could have no authority, offered burnt sacrifices unto the Lord. So of the Chiefs of the Six Nations ; they invariably offic ..e as priests or directors at their festivals and sacrifices. The place of sacrifice was directed, by the Jewish ceremo- nial, to be at the door of the tabernacle or place of worship ; and in like manner is the Indian sacrifice universally made at the door of their council-house, their only place of worship. The Jewish priests, on all sacrificial occasions, were clothed — +i IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) ^O £/ W*^. y". ^ :/j 1.0 I.I 1.25 2.5 1.8 U llllli.6 ^^ <? /i A .^^ .^ > A ^^5>»> U/^^ PhotogTdpmc Sciences Corporation S ^ '% ,\ ;\ >v \ % .V ^^u 0^ 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 S' 4is i° 4 fx 72 ONONDAGA. in robes of pure white ; and so are those clothed who ofiBciate as priests at the Indian sacrifices. On sacrificial occasions, the alms and offerings of the Jews were gathered in baskets, brought to the altar and set before the priest, with the strictest regard to order and propriety. Almost precisely the same practice exists among the Indians, who gather the alms and oblations of the people and present them to the officiating high priest in baskets. The Jews offered in sacrifice, only oxen, sheep and goats ; other animals, although they might be esteemed good for food were unsuitable for sacrifice, and the ceremonial law distinctly declares, what animals shall be considered clean and what unclean. It may be asked then, why the dog, an animal entirely rejected from the Jewish ceremonial, even the price of which should not be received into the treasury of the sanc- tuary, should be received among the Indians as an animal suitable for sacrifice. Let it be borne in mind, that not many years since, dogs were their only domestic animals, — wild animals being no where commanded for sacrifices, these were the only ones they could have always at hand, and to them they were suitable. They were, as it were, forced to adopt them or reject the rite entirely. By the Jews, in the selection of victims for sacrifice, the utmost care was taken to choose such only as were free from blemish, "without spot and without blemish" are terms in fre- quent use throughout the Jewish ritual. And it Avas a cus- tom among the nations surrounding Judea, and among the Egyptians, to set a seal upon the victim deemed proper for sacrifice. Among the Indians, a spot, or blemish, or maim, renders the animal as unfit for sacrifice as did the same faults, among the Jews. The ceremony of Aaron with the goats, in many particu- lars is not unlike the sacrifices of the Indians, except in the selection of different animals. Two goats were presented before the Lord at the door of the tabernacle, One was offered for a sin offering for the whole people, as an atonement, and the other bearing upon ■A RITES AND CEREMONIES. 78 who officiate his head all their transgressions, and all their sins, was sent unto a land not inhabited, never to return. Scarlet, cedar-wood and hyssop, were used in the Jewish purifications, and myrrh and frankincense on sacrificial occa- sions. And after they had oifered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings, the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play. Practices similar to these may be noted among the aborigines, and any one who will tak^ the trouble to examine at all into the intricacies and ceremo- nies of their sacrificial system, Avill readily admit, that there are many things which bear striking analogy to the Jewish system, and enough to encourage the opinion, that they may have originated from the same source. Although the Indians have been justly termed guilty of be- lief in witchcraft, they never were more so than were the Jews, or the heathen round about them ; and it may be added, that there is scarcely a nation, civilized or bai'barian, heathen or Christian, who have not had their seasons of belief in this strange infatuation. Even our good forefathers of New Eng- land, always remarkable for intelligence and light, can look back upon a dark and gloomy page of their history, which re- lates the horrors of murders committed for witchcraft. We have endeavored to point out a few of the coincidences which may be supposed to exist between some of the ceremO' nies of the Jews, and those of the Indians, as practiced at Onondaga. We are satisfied that they prove nothing posi- tively as to their origin from that peculiar people. If any thing, they may illustrate the common origin of all men, and the high origin of all religious institutions, which at first must have emanated from the same source. From the Jews the Egyptians undoubtedly obtained their notions of sacrifices, as did the Greeks and Romans from them. Their systems of mythology, throughout, were mark- ed with peculiar extravagance and profanity. Isis and Osiris, were the principal Egyptian deities, and the numerous myths and fables concerning their worship, are al- most beyond credibility. Osiris was symbolized by the sun 10 -,^ .4( f 74 ONONDAGA. and Isis by the moon. They were the patrons of agriculture and the arts. Their priests were universally clothed in robes of white. Although dogs were not admissible to the Jewish sacrifices, they nevertheless occupied a conspicuous place in the sacrifices of the most refined heathen nations, and enter- ed largely into all their systems of mythology. Purifications jvere made in Egypt, Greece and Rome, by drawing a white dog around the person to be purified. Dogs were highly ven- erated in Egypt, and their death was lamented as a misfor- tune. Under the figure of a dog were represented all such as had the management of funerals. Anubis, an Egyptian deity, was represented by a dog. At first the dog was conse- crated to Anubis ; but afterwards the figure of a dog was sub- stituted for that deity ; lastly the head of a dog was annexed to a human body as a proper emblem. The tutelary gods of the Romans styled Lares, were covered with the skins of do2s, and at their feet was the figure of a dog. These animals were sacred to the Lares. The tomb of Diogenes, the prince of Cynics, was surmounted by the figure of a dog. , The fabled dog, Orthos, with double head, guarded the flocks of Gcryon, and Cerberus, with treble jaws, guarded the gates of hell, to prevent the dead from escaping, and the living from entering. Charybdis, an avaricious woman, was sent to a cave at the bottom of the sea, and there committed to the continual bark- ing of dogs. Diana was attended by a troop of dogs. Her statues sometimes represented her with three heads, a horse, a dog and a hog. The Philistine's god, Dagon, was repre- sented by a fish. The Syrians also worshipped a fish, as Ci- cero informs us, '' Sijri piscem veneranturr In fact almost every animal was adopted in a real or symbolical sense as an object of worship among the enlightened heathen of ancient times. Mention is made in Homer, of the sacrifice of whole heca- tombs of cattle, perfect sheep and goats, whereby Achilles hoped Apollo might be appeased, and stay the plague he had sent among the Greeks ; and to the manes of his friend. Pa- 'I RITES AND CEREMONIES. 75 Df agriculture )thed in robes to the Jewish uous place in ns, and enter- Purifications iwing a white re highly ven- [ as a misfor- nted all such an Egyptian og was conse- '' dog was sub- was annexed elary gods of skins of dogs, animals were the prince of * guarded the , guarded the ing, and the a cave at the ntinual bark- ' dogs. Her ads, a horse, I, was rcprc- a fish, as Ci- i fact almost 1 sense as an n of ancient whole heca- oby Achilles iague ho had 3 friend, Pa- 4 troclus, with other animals, he sacrificed two dogs of purest white, "for," said he, "to the gods the most perfect things should be offered." The whole was concluded with funereal games with great solemnity, at which Achilles officiated as high priest, as well as a temporal prince, and for the occasion was habited in robes of white. Virgil makes frequent mention of the sacrifices of the Romans. He says goats were sacrificed to Bacchus on every altar, and white bulls and heifers untri- ed in the yoke, and sheep were laid upon their altars, and sa- crificed to Jupiter. The festival of the Greeks termed Eleu- sinia, corresponding to the Initia of the Romans, from which the latter was taken, was the most imposing of all the Greek festivals. It lasted nine days, and was conducted with great ceremony. The Greeks and Romans observed a festival in honor of the muses, which lasted nine days, and was celebrated Avith games, plays, songs and dances. At the Lupercalian held at Home, two goats and a dog were sacrificed. This festival was histituted in honor of tlie she-wolf which nursed Roiiiulus, the founder of the city. The festival of Ceres, at Greece and Rome, w^as celebrated with great ceremony. She was represented with ears of corn on her head, with a hoe and basket in her hands. It lasted eight days. A festival in honor of Pales, was held at Rome, the principal ceremony of which consisted in bringing little bundles of straw uud dancing over them. At the festival styled Faiaria, pulse and beans Avere the oblations. These festivals of the Egyptians, Greeks and Ro- mans, in process of time became grossly corrupt, and were of- ten conducted with the greatest confusion, disorder and licen- tiousness. Baskets were made use of, no less by the Greeks and Romans, in gathering in their offerings, than by the Jews. Solemn embassies were sent yearly to Delos, with baskets of first fruits and holy things, to celebrate the feast of Apollo, with music and dancing. Of this, there are traces among the Romans ; the " Mystlca vannus iachi," mentioned by Vir- gil, is explained by many as a wicker basket, in Avhich first 76 ONONDAGA. fruits were carried. Golden baskets were carried by the wealthy virgins of Greece and Rome at the feasts of Bacchus. Dancing occupied a conspicuous place among the heathen nations as a religious ceremony, and was not considered irre- ligious by the Jews. Miriam, and her maidens after her, went out with timbrels and dances rejoicing in the overthrow of the Egyptians. The women came out of all the cities of Israel singing and dancing, and as they played, said, " Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands." David himself danced before the Lord. In all these, there was nothing of lasciviousness or impro- priety ; they were devout expressions of joy attended with sacred music. From the dancing of Miriam and her companions on the sea shore, it is supposed Callimachus conceived his hymn to Diana, wherein he ascribes to the goddess, three score and ten dancers, daughters of the ocean. From those examples, other nations have made dancing a part of their worship to the gods. Among all the heathen ceremonies, there was none held in higher estimation than dancing. Their festivals were almost universally concluded with feasting, singing and dancing. The sacred fire kept constantly burning in the Temple of Vesta, may have some analogy to the mystical council-fire of the Five Nations. With the llomans the safety of the city was sup- posed to be endangered by the extinguishment of the vestal flame. With the rude sons of the forest, the expiring light of the council-fire, foreboded the destruction of a nation. The mode of punishment for murder, among the Jews and heathen nations Avas not unlike that practiced by the Indians. The nearest of kin was the avenger of blood, and held the right and exercised it, of destroying the guilty murderer ; nay, was bound to do his endeavor to avenge the blood of his rela- tive. Another coincidence may be remarked in the estimation of time. The ancient Jewish year was estimated by lunar ■ months, which commenced on the new moon. And this me- thod was practiced by all nations indiscriminately, until the RITES AND CEREMONIES. Tt carried by the ists of Bacchus, ng the heathen considered irre- 3 after her, went )verthrow of the cities of Israel lid, " Saul hath sands." David isness or impro- ' attended Avith panions on the )d his hymn to 2e score and ten examples, other hip to the gods. s none held in als were almost I dancing. The emple of Vesta, -fire of the Five le city Avas sup- tit of the vestal e expiring light •f a nation. g the Jews and by the Indians. 1, and held the murderer; nay, lood of his rela- e estimation of lated by lunar And this me- ately, until the more exact and consistent calculations by solar revolutions were established. Again, another may be noted in the significance of proper names. The Jews were remarkable for their appropriate names for individuals, places and things, occasioned by the occurrence of some extraordinary circumstance or event. This is to a careful reader, one of the peculiar beauties of the Old Testament, and signally illustrates the characteristics of God's chosen people. The ancient heathen were scarcely less remarkable, than were the Jews, for the significance of their proper names, and it has most appropriately been said, that any person having a thorough knowledge of our aboriginal names, and their derivation, would be in possession of a per- fect key to the history of these peculiar people. These comparisons might be spun out to an almost inter- minable length ; but we trust enough has been said to show that however remote the origin of our aborigines, or from what nation or country descended, or however corrupt they may have become in their religious rites and practices, they have retained their ancient customs with singular purity and for this, may very appropriately demand our commendation, our sympathy and charity. We have thus given a cursory glance at some of the most prominent traditions, practices and customs held in estimation among the Onondagas, as first observed by the white people in their earliest intercourse with the Indians. It is truly gratifying and worthy of remark, that their pagan rites are not as rigidly adhered to as formerly ; that they are yearly becoming less interesting to the pagans themselves, and in many respects, are undoubtedly undergoing a change and improvement. " The Christian Party,'' among them is steadily increasing and with what religion and schools is accomplishing for these people, a sensible improvement in their condition is undoubt- edly hastening. The school recently established among them, is patronized by many of the natives, who manifest an inter- est in the improvement of the pupils. The fruits of this WA ' A 78 ONONDAGA. school, with those religious instructions so zealously imparted to them, it is believed are gradually supplanting their pagan practices, and will ere long, we confidently trust, be the means of permanently establishing among them a happier order of things. Their peculiar religious institutions are fast wither- ing to decay, and the time cannot be far distant when the last pagan sacrifices will have been performed in our Christian country. The increased attention they pay to agriculture and the arts, is an evidence that civilization is gaining ground among them ; and were it not for that bane of human pros- perity, (alcohol,) to the use of which too many of them are unhappily addicted, improvement, thrift and happiness would every where abound. CHIEFS. 70 aloualy imjiartcd ting their pagan St, be the means mppier order of are fast wither- istant when the in our Christian I to agriculture gaining ground of human pros- ny of them are bppiness would CHAPTER V. LIVES OP DISTINGUISHED ONONDAGA CHIEFS. UeKANISSOKA— GaRANSI:I,A— KaNAHJEAQAH— SADEKANAUTE-fCANASSET;(-0— OlIN- DIAGA — CoNYATAUyoU — OSSAHINTA — TaIITOTAH — DeH ATK AXONS— CoUNCIU Fire. Dekanissora. — This celebrated Onondaga chieftain and prince of Indian orators and diplomatists, flourished from about 1680, to the time of his death, which occurred at St. Louis, about the year 1730. During the term of his long and eventful life, which was characterized by a participation in all the important events of the confederate nations, he was on terms of intimacy with both the French and English. From his skill in diplomacy, faithfulness and honest integrity, he possessed in a high degree, the confidence of both nations. Although there were periods when his sincerity was doubted, and he has even been charged with duplicity, yet his calum- niators have failed to detect and point out the particular faults laid to his charge. Among his own countrymen, he always sustained the highest reputation as an undoubted patriot, an able statesman, an accomplished public speaker, and a subtle and safe manager o^ public concerns. On these accounts, he was always selected by his people, as their most capable man in the management of national affairs, and in conducting ne- gotiations with both French and English, with the ambassa- dors of which nations he was always able most successfully to cope. He has been represented, as a tall Avell formed man, graceful in elocution, possessing great fluency of speech, pow- orful in argument, with features resembling the busts of Cicero. 80 O N O N D A G A His name is aasociated with all the important transactions of the Five Nations, which transpired while ho was a chief of the confederacy and perhaps ho has never been surpassed by any of the distinguished men of the Iroquois, in all those arts and accomplishments which adorn the native man. Several of his speeches have been preserved in the Manu- script London Documents, obtained by Mr. Brodhead, now in the office of the Secretary of State, and also a few speci- mens, by Golden, from which sources wo make the following selections. It is highly probable that these interpreted speeches fall far short of the originals, in grace, power and effect. But they may however throw some light upon the courtesy, the high- souled honor, the indomitable courage, and untiring perseve- rance of this truly distinguished man ; characteristics which signally embellished his native worth. During the winter of 1693, '94, after a long and angry con- test between the French and Indians, in Avhich both parties suffered inconceivable injury and loss, and were therefore mu- tually inclined to peace, propositions were made by the Jesuit priests for a cessation of hostilities, preliminary to a final set- tlement of differences. These proposals were so well receiv- ed, that a council was called with a view to act upon it. The Mohawks were opposed to negotiation, and the English were secretly, if not openly, opposed to a reconciliation between the belligerent parties. This was well understood beforehand, and it was agreed that nothing conclusive should be done be- fore the subject was submitted to these parties. Having this in view, Dekanissora and several other chiefs, visited Albany, (he being chief speaker,) to lay the matter before Governor Fletcher and Major Schuyler. We make the following ex- tract from his speech on this occasion. After vindicating his conduct in holding intercourse with the French, he thus pro- ceeds : "Brother Cayenguirago,* when the Christians first arrived • Name for Governor Fletcher. CHIEFS. 81 msiictions of 18 a chief of surpassed by all those arts in the Manu- odhead, now a few speci- he following cchcs fall far t. But thoy iy, the high- •ing perseve- r is tics which d angry con- both parties herofore mu- by the Jesuit :o a final set- ) well receiv- pon it. The English were tion between I beforehand, I be done be- Having this lited Albany, )re Governor following ex- indicating his he thus pro- 3 first arrived in this country, wo received them kindly. When they were but a small people, we entered into a league with them, to guard them from all enemies whatsoever. We were so fond of their society that we tied the great canoe which brought them, not with a rope made of bark, to a tree, but with a strong iron chain fastened to a great mountain. Now, before the Christians arrived, the General Council of the Five Na- tions was held at Onondaga, where there has been from the beginning a continual fire kept burning ; it is made of two great logs, whose flame never extinguishes. As soon as the hatchet makers (Christians) arrived, the General Council at Onondaga planted this tree at Albany, whose roots and branch- es have since spread as far as New England, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia ; and under the shade of this tree all the English Colonies have frequently been sheltered. Seven fathoms of wampum to renew the chain.'' " The only reason, to be plain with you, of our sending to make peace with the French, is the low condition to which we are reduced, while none of our neighbors send us the least assistance, so that the Avhole burden of the war lies on us alone. Our brethren of New England, Connecticut, Pennsyl- vania, Maryland and Virginia, of their own accord, thrust their arms into our chain ; but since the war began, we have received no assistance from them. We, alone, cannot contin- ue the war against the Frencii, by reason of the recruits they daily receive from the other side of the great lake. " Brother Cayex(j uirauo — apeak from your heart. Are you resolved to prosecute the war vigorously against the French ,' and are your neighbors of Virginia, iSIaryland, Pennsylvaniii, Connecticut and New-England, resolved to assist us ? If it be so, notwithstanding any treaty hitherto entered into, we will prosecute the war as hotly as ever. But if our neighbors will not assist, we must make peace, and we submit it to your consideration, by giving this great belt fifteen deep. "Brother Cayenguirago — I have truly told you the rea- sons which have induced us to offer peace to the French ; wc shall likewise, from the bottom of our hearts, inform you of a III 92 ONONDAGA 'J'l El* i 1 tho design wo hiivo in this treaty. When the Governor of Caniula shall have accepted the nine belts, of whicli I have just now told you, then wo shall have something more to say, by two large bolts, which lie hid in our bosom. Wo shall lay down first one and say, wo have a brother Caycnguirago, with whoso people we have been united in one chain from the be- ginning. They must bo included in this treaty ; we cannot see them involved in bloody war, while wo sit easy in peace. If the (jovernor of Canada answer, that ho has made a separate peace with us, and that ho cannot make any peace with Cay- enguirago, because the war is from over tho great lake, then wo shall lay down the second broad belt and tell tho Gover- nor of Canada ; if you Avill not include Cayenguirago's peo- ple, tho treaty will become thereby void, as if it had never been made, and if ho persists, avo will absolutely leave him." Ho goes on with an account of his mission to tho praying Indians at tho castle above Montreal, from whom he had been conducted in great splendor by the superior of Canadian mis- sions to Quebec. IIo is said to have been clothed in scarlot trimmed witii gold, with a beaver hat richly adorned with sil- ver lace, a present from Col. Fletcher a short time before. At a subscfiucnt council ho says : " Our brother Cayenguira- go's arms and our own are stiff, and tired with holding fast tho chain. Our neighbors sit still and smoke at their ease. The fat is melted from our ilesh and fallen on them. They grow fat while we grow lean. " This chain made us the enemy of the French. If all held fast as Caycnguirago, it would have boon a terror to them. If we would all heartily join and take the hatchet in hand, our enemy would soon be destroyed. ^Yc should forever after live in peace and ease. Do your parts, and thunder itself cannot break tho chain." On one occasion he said to Major Schuyler in reply to the suggestion of fraud on the part of a Jesuit messenger of the French — " We know that the priest favors his own nation. But it is not in his power to alter our affection to our breth- ren ; we wish you would bury all the misunderstandings you 1 CHIEFS. 88 Governor of which I havo P more to sfi;', Wo shall lay nguirag(^, with from the bc- we cannot see in peace. If idc a separate ace with Cay- eat lake, then sll the Oover- ^uirago's pco- it had never y leave hiui." ) the praying m he had been Canadian mis- led in scarlot )rncd with sil- ; time before. t' Cayengiiiru- h holding fast at their ease. them. They . If all held rror to them, chet in hand, 1 forever after hunder itself 1 reply to the senger of the } own nation, to our breth- Jtandings you ] havo conceived on hia account, — and we likeioina wish you (jave l('8H credit to the llllM CAHUIIMIS than you do." Dokaninsora, or Teganessorons, as ho is sometimes called by the Jesuit Fathers, was a believer in the Roman Catholic faith, and was for many years considered a true disciple ; on that account he could hear no evil spoken against them. He wielded a mighty influence among the Five Nations, and his good will and aifection was most earnestly sought, by the Governors of New-York and Canada. From another of his speeches we make the following extract. [Lon. Doc's, 20, p. 110, A. D. 1715.] A letter had previously been sent by lirigadicr General Hunter, Governor of New- York, with papers relating to the Five Nations, upon which propositions were made by the Saclicms of the confederate nations, viz : " the Maquas, Oney- dcs, Ononiliigc.M, Cayougos and Sinnckcs," — to his Excellency Governor Hunter, liTth of August. Dokiinnissora, Chief Sachem of Onondaga, speaker, said: " When Ave were here last year we made three propositions, ;md not then having belts of Avampum to lay doAvn according to our custom, Ave gave three sticks, and noAV bring three belta for the said three propositions. Brother Corlcar — Ave arc here mot together, your Excel- lency, and tiic Sachems of the Five Nations, at Albany, the place ai)pointed for all treaties with us, and if there bo any thing of moment to bo treated of, either of Virginia, Mary- land, Carolina, or any of his Majesty's colonies in America, this is the place Avhore avo are to treat Avith one another. Your Excellency renoAved the covenant chain last summer here, which was extremely acceptable to us all ; and you de- manded the hatchet from us, Avhich you had given into our iiands against the French of Canada, which hatchet we do now deliver you. It has been an unfortunate hatchet. Wo have had two Canada expeditions, but they both proved abor- tive and unsuccessful, and therefore, if you ever offer to give us such a hatchet again into our hands, avc Avill not accept it. Brother Corlcar — Last summer, when we were here, you 84 ONONDAGA, 'I I'll commanded and required, that the path of going to war, should be stopped ; but we told you then, that we could not give you an answer, before we had consulted with our young men, the warriors ; and we now come to a conclusion, to obey your excellency's commands, and to stop up that path hence- jrth. But there are diverse companies of our people still out against them, who have referred the decision of that mat- ter to the Sachems and other young Indians who were left at home, Avhether that war should be continued or not. "Bi other Corlear — We have heard of the demise of our great Queen Ann, whose death we condole with all our hearts; and at the same time, we heard with unspeakable joy that our great King George succeeded her in the kingdoms and domin- ions belonging to Great Britain. And we were likewise told, that he would protect and defend us as Queen Ann had done. We hope it will be true ; then our children's children will live in peace and flourish, and no diflference -will ever arise be- tween us if that be performed. " Brother Corlear — you forbid us to go to war against the Flat-heads of Carolina, and we have been obedient to your commands. Now we have often desired that the goods should be sold cheaper, which has not been complied with, and we in- sist still that goods may be sold at a more easy rate. It would be a great satisfaction to all our people. Brother — you ha.ve taken the hatchet out of our hands ; that hatchet which you put into our hands. We have laid it down willingly, but we have a hatchet of our own, which we made use of in former times, which we keep lying by us, to make use of the same whenever we shall be attacked by any. Brother — avc have done speaking, and this is what we had to say, for which we prayed your excellency to come up. But wo have been sent for, likewise, by your excellency's commands, and shall at- tend to hear what your excellency has to propose to us, and desire to know the time when avc shall wait upon you." Numerous examples of the speeches of this noted chieftain might be brought to view, as they abound in all the councils of the confederates with the French and English. But we CHIEFS. 85 ;oing to war, we could not ith our young usion, to obey it path hence- r people still 1 of that mat- 10 were left at not. lemise of our ill our hearts ; e joy that our as and domin- likewise told, .nn had done. Idren will live ver arise be- ir against the dient to your goods should th, and we in- ate. It would er — you hav^e et which you ngly, but we of in former of the same ler — we have for which Ave ive been sent md shall at- se to us, and you." ted chieftaiii the councils sh. But we trust enough has been shown to prove his talents, sagacity, and influence to be of no ordinary kind. After a long life of usefulness and uncommon activity, he died at a very advanc- ed age, on a visit to St. Louis, while engaged on important business of the confederacy. Garungula* — Was another distinguished orator and states- man of the confederacy, a noted chiof of the Onondaga nation, who flourished at a period a little earlier than Dekanissora. He was an older man and dl^d some thirty-five years before him. They were well known to each other, and on many important embassies were associated. If Dekanissora can with propriety be styled the Achilles of the Five Nations for his prowess and address, Garungula may be styled a very Nestor to these nations, for his wisdom and greatness. In 1684, the French governor of Canada, de la Barre, raised an army of 1700 men with a view of invading the territory of the Five Nations, and annihilating their power forever. He had made but little progress in his expedition, w^hen an alarm- ing sickness broke out in his camp and raged with such viru- lence, that he was obliged to relinquish the undertaking en- tirely ; all of which was as well known to the Onondagas, as to the French. Meanwhile, with a view of keeping up ap- pearances, and if possible to eflect something, de la Barre crossed lake Ontario, and held a talk with such of the Five Nations as would hear him. Garungula was present, and to him the governor made a pompous and flourishing speech, stating his desire to have peace, and of the power of the French to enforce it, at the same time insisting, that tlie Five Nations should make full restitution for injuries done, and never more attempt hostilities against them. If they did so, he had express orders he said, from the king his master, to declare war against them, and to take vengeance at once. The French governor's speech was received with subdued gravity by the haughty Garungula, and with a hearty contempt for every * Some of the French writers style him " Grnnd 'Giter!.," which this name is by some supjwsed to be derived. or great eater, from 86 ONONDAGA. threat he had put forth. Being conscious of the straitened circumstances of the French, and of the justice of his own cause, Crarungula arose, and walking about within the circle which had gathered around the principal actors in the scene, thus began : *" YoNNONDio, I honor you, and the warriors that are with me honor you. Your interpreter has finished your speech. I now begin mine. My words make haste to reach your ears ; hearken to them. YoNNONDio, you must have believed when you left Quebec, that the sun had burnt up all the forests which render our country inaccessible to the French, or that the lakes had so far overflown their banks, that they had surrounded our cas- tles, and that it was impossible for us to get out of them. Yes, truly, you must have dreamed so, and the curiosity of seeing so great a wonder, has brought you so far. Now you are undeceived, since that I, and the warriors here present, are come to assure you, that the Senecas, Cayugas, Ononda- gas, Oneidas and Mohawks, are yet alive. I thank you in their name, for bringing back into their country, the calumet which your predecessors received from theix hands. It was happy for you, that you left under ground that murdering hatchet, that has so often been dyed in the blood of the French. Heak, Yonnoxdio, I do not sleep. I have my eyes open, and the sun which enlightens me, discovers to me a great cap- tain, at the head of a company of soldiers, who speaks as if he were dreaming. He says, that he only came to the lake, to smoke on the great calumet with the Onondagas. But Garungula says, he sees to the contrary, tliat it was to knock them on the head, if sickness had not weakened the arms of the French. I see Yonnondio, raving in a camp of sick men, whose lives the Great Spirit has saved, by inflicting this sick- ness upon them. Heak, Yoxnondio, our women had taken their clubs ; our children and old men had carried their bows and arrows into CHIEFS. 87 he straitened e of his own lin the circle in the scene, that are with your speech. reach your left Quebec, h render our lakes had so ided our cas- •ut of them, curiosity of •. Now you ere present, ;as, Ononda- lank you in the calumet ids. It was t murdering ' the French. Y eyes open, a great cap- speaks as if to the lake, lagas. But -as to knock the arms of of sick men, iig this sick- clubs our arrows into the heart of your camp, if our warriors had not disarmed them and kept them back, when your messengers came to our castles. It is done ; I have said it. Hear Yonnondio— we plundered none of the French, but those that carried guns, powder and balls to the Twightwies and Chictaghicks, because those arms might have cost us our lives. Herein we follow the example of the Jesuits, who break all the kegs of rum brought to our castles, lest the drunken Indians should knock them on the head. Our warriors have not beaver enough to pay for all those arms that they have taken, and our old men are not afraid of the war. This belt preserves my words. We carried the English into our lakes to trade with the Utawawas and Quatoghies, as the Adiron- dacks brought the French to our castles to carry on a trade, which the English say is theirs. We aru born free ; we nei- ther depend on Yonnondio or Corlear ;* we may go when we please, and carry with us whom we please, and buy and sell what we please. If your allies be your slaves, use them as such ; command them to receive no other but your people. This belt preserves my words. We knock the Twightwies and Chictagicks on the head, because they had cut down the trees of peace, which were the limits of our country. They have hunted beaver on our lands ; they have acted contrary to the customs of Indians, for they left none of the beavers alive ; they killed both male and female ; they brought the Satanas into their country to take part with them, after they had concerted ill designs against us. We have done less than either the English or French, that have usurped the lands of so many Indian na- tions and chased them from their own country. This belt preserves my Avords. Hear Yonnondio— what I say is the voice of all the Five Nations. Hear what they ansAver. Open your ears to Avhat they speak. The Senecas, Cayugas, Onondagas, Oneidas and ♦Governor of New-York. 88 ONONDAGA. Mohawks say, that when they buried the hatchet at Cadara- (lui, in the presence of your predecessor, in the middle of the fort, they planted the tree of peace in the same place, to be there carefully preserved ; that in the place of arras and am- munition of war, beavers and merchandize should only enter there. Hear, Yonnondio — take care for the future, that so great a number of soldiers as appear there, do not choke the tree of peace planted in so small a fort. It will be a great loss, if after it had so easily taken root, you should stop its growth, and prevent its covering your country and ours witli its branch- es. I assure you, in the name of the Five Nations, that our war- riors shall dance to the calumet of peace under its leaves ; and shall remain quiet on their mats, and shall never dig up the hatchet till their brother Yonnondio or Corlear shall, either jointly or separately, endeavor to attack the country which the Great Spirit has given to our ancestors. This belt pre- serves my words, and this other, the authority which the Five Nations have givon me." Then addressing himself to the in- terpreter, he said, " Take courage, you have spirit, speak, ex- plain my words, forget nothing, tell all that your brethren and friends say to Yonnondio. Your Governor, by the mouth of Garangula who loves you, and desires you to accept this pre- sent of beaver, and take part with me in my feast to which I invite you. This present of beaver is sent to Yonnondio on the part of the Five Nations."* De la Barre was struck with surprise at the wisdom of this chief, and equal chagrin at the plain refutation of his own. He immediately returned to Montreal and thus terminated this inglorious expedition of the French against the high-souled and martial spirited Onondagas. This speech was acknowl- edged by the French themselves, considering the circumstances under which it was delivered, as a masterpiece of ingenuity, boldness and eloquence. ♦Vide Smith's History of New- York, and De Witt Clinton's Address, ISll. CHIEFS. 89 at Cadaro- liddle of the place, to be rras and am- i only enter hat so great ke the tree t great loss, -) its growth, !i its branch- hat our Avar- leaves ; antl dig up the shall, either iintry which is belt pre- ch the Five If to the in- ;, speak, ex- rethren and le mouth of pt this pre- ; to which I mnondio on Jom of this 3f his own. tiinated this high-souled IS acknowl- cumstances ingenuity, ess, ISll. Kan-ah-je-a-qaii,* called by the English, " Black Kettle," and by the French " La Chaudiero Noir." lie Avas an Onon- daga, and one of the most daring and renowned warriors whose name has ever graced the pages of Indian history. He was cotemporary with Dekanissora and Garungula, though some- what a younger man. His first appearance as a warrior was in 1690. In the summer of that year, we find him in company with Major Peter Schuyler of Albany, with a band of MohaAvk and Onon- daga warriors, engaged in the destruction of the French set- tlements along the shores of lake Champlain. Governor De Calheres of Montreal, hastily collected a large force with which to oppose them, and although the French force Avas greatly superior on this occasion, yet it was repulsed Avith se- vere loss. The French, smarting under their reverses, and desirous of retrieving their tarnished honor and broken for- tune, raised a force of three hundred men, Avith a view of sur- prising the Indians in the neighborhood of Niagara. This force was met by Kan-ah-je-a-gah and defeated. He, the next year carried the Avar into Canada, and every Avhere spread the greatest terror and alarm, besides causing immense damage to the French settlements. The governor of the French Avas so exasperated at these successes of the brave Avar chief of the Onondagas, that he caused an innocent cap- tive which had been taken from the Indians, to be put to death by the most excruciating tortures. He Avithstood all their efforts Avith the most stoical indiiference and courageous fortitude. lie sung his achievements while they burned his feet and hands Avith red hot irons, cut and Avrung off his joints, and pulled out his sincAvs ; and to render the hellish tragedy complete, his scalp Avas torn off, and red hot sand poured upon his naked skull. \ * We have met this Indian name but once in our researches, and that was in the London Documents, at Albany ; it is there , '' ^ 1 Can-ad-ge-gai. The Onon- dasras ftiW revere this groat warrior, and pronouLce .i as it is writt'.'ii above. (See Loii. Doc. vol. G, p. 104.) 12 90 ONONDAGA. no ; 111 A series of atrocities like the foregoing on the part of the French, once more re-awakened the vengeance of Kan-ah-je- a-gah. Revenge was too sweet to repose under such heinous aggravations. About one hundred Senecas were soon upon the war-path, who were joined by a large party of Onondagas, with Kan-f.h-je-a-gah for a leader. They intercepted all trading parties from Montreal to the upper lakes, secured much booty, and severely harrassed the French, and their Indian allies in all directions, carrying terror and dismay into the heart of the French colony. These were the palmy days of the confederacy, when they could successfully war with Eu- ropean powers, and tlie t'mo when an advantage which was gained over them, was lauded far and wide as a glorious tri- umph. In July, 1G92, he fell upon the island of Montreal, carrying his arms to the very gates of the citadel ; and it was only for a want of the knowledge of attacking fortified pla- ces that prevented the destruction of the city. lie suddenly attacked a party of French, under the command of Sieur de Lusignan, slew their commander, and put the men to flight. This brave chief continued the war with success till the year 1697, when he was decoyed into Canada, by the perfidy of the French, under the pretext of a desire to make peace, with about thirty of his warriors, who were fallen upon at a time when they had not the least thought that an enemy was near, and treacherously murdered by a party of Algonkins, engaged by the French expressly for the purpose. After he had received his death wound, he cried out, " Must I, who have made the whole earth tremble before me, now die by the hands of children?" He always retained the most deadly hatred for tlie Adirondacks. Thus perished one of the most brave, bold and renowned warriors of the Five Nations.* Besides the before named chiefs, were two others scarcely less distinguished. These were Sadekanaiite and Tuuren- * Coldeti's Five Nations. CHIEFS. 91 part of the •f Kan-ah-je- such heinous soon upon ' Onondagas, ;ercepted all ikes, secured h, and their 1 dismay into 3 palmy days war with Eu- ^0 which Avas glorious tri- )f Jlontreal, ; and it was Fortified pla- IIc suddenly of Siour de len to flight, till the year perfidy of make peace, m upon at a 1 enemy was Algonkins, . After he Must I, who w die by the nost deadly d renowned ers scarcely ^d TlIUKEN- SUEA, both of whom were men of influence and bore a con- spicuous part in all the important affairs of the confederacy. Some of the most beautiful and sublime passages of Indian eloquence, which have been preserved, have fallen from the lips of these distinguished chiefs of the Onondagas. Their talents and voices swayed the councils of the confederacy for a space of near a century before the French invaded their territory in 1GU6. And perhaps they have never been equalled in their Oratorical efforts, except by Logan, lied Jacket and Farmers Brother. Of the kind of oratory for which these native public speak- ers were distinguished, we cannot be expected to particular- ize with much precision. Indian eloquence is peculiarly impressive in the manner of the orator's delivery ; forcible in the expression of his countenance, and in the brilliant flashes of irony, humor and pathos with Avhich he ombelishcs his sub- ject. The Indian orator is remarkable for his allegorical apostrophes, to animate and inanimate things, his high wrought and original comparisons, and above all for the high toned prin- ciple, and direct, unpolished, unsophisticated logical accumen vhich prevades his discourse. l>y his eloquence, the orator arouses the passions of his hearers, and by his manner, affects their hearts and wins them to his views. He needs to bo seen as well as heard, to have his speeches take their due effect ; hence all interpretations, must always fall far short of the originals, in every point which constitutes the excel- lence of Indian oratory. Dr. Golden, who was familiar with Indian oratory, in its higher purity, remarks — "The speakers whom I have heard, had all a great fluency of words and much more grace in their manner, than any man could expect among a people entirely ignorant of the liberal arts and sciences. Their speakers attained a sort of urhanitas or atticism.'" A great council was held at Onondaga, in January, 1690. The object was to consider a message from Count de Fron- tenac, the governor of Canada. The English authorities at Albany, as was customary, were invited to attend. The ONONDAGA. council opened on the 22d of the month. Eighty aachcmg of the Five Nations were present. Sadekanahte was the loader of the council. Rising in his place, ho at first addressed on<> of the English messengers from Albany. He informed him that deputies were present from the Canadian Governor. Then taking in his hand a belt of wampum, sent by Count Fronte- nac, and holding it in the middle, he proceeded; " What I have said relates only to one half of the belt. The other half is to let you know that the governor of Canada intends to kin- dle his fire again at Cadaraqui next spring. He therefore invites his children and the Onondaga Captain Dekanissora, in particular, to treat there about the old chain." Several other distinguished speakers, of different nations, declared their sentiments. Belts, &c. were offered. After which Sadekanahte again rose and said, " Brothers, we must stick to our brother Quider, (Peter Schuyler, mayor of Alba- ny,) and regard Yonnondio, (governor of Canada,) as an enemy. " Brothers — Our fire burns at Albany. We will not send Dekanissora to Cadaraqui. We adhere to our old chain with Corlear, (governor of New- York,) we will prosecute the war with Yonnondio. We will follow your advice in drawing off our men from Cadaraqui. Brothers — we are glad to hear the news you tell us, but tell us no lies ! Brother Kinshon ! (New-England deputy,) we hear you design to send soldiers eastward against the Indians there. But we advise you, now so many are united against the French, to fall immediately on them. Strike at the root ; when the trunk shall be cut down, the branches will fall of course. Corlear and Kinshon, — Courage ! courage ! In the spring to Quebec ! Take that place — you will have your feet upon the necks of the French and all their friends in America !" After a short consultation, the following answer was prepared to be sent to the governor of Canada by the deputies of the French. "Yonnondio — You have notified your return to us and that you have brought back thirteen of our people who were carried to France. We are glad of it. You desire us to CHIEFS. 98 ty sachems of ms the loader iddressed one informed him vcrnor. Then /ount Fronte- 'Whatlhave other half is itends to kin- He therefore Dekanissora, If (rent nations, 'ered. After lers, we must lyor of Alba- ) as an enemy, vill not send Id chain with icute the war I drawing off .d to hear the er Kinshon ! send soldiers vise you, now immediately shall be cut In the spring lur feet upon 1 America !" was prepared puties of the n to us and pie who were desire us to meet you at Caduraqui next spring, about the old chain. But, Yonnondio ! how can we trust you, who have acted de- ceitfully so often ? Witness what was done at Cadaraqui — the usage our messengers met with at Utawas, and Avhat was done to the Senecas, at the same place." Gives a belt indi- cating a willingness to treat. " TiiuiiENSUUA, OuHUESSE and Ertel — (names of French deputies) Have you observed friendship with us ? If you have not, how came you to advise us to renew the friendship with Yonnondio V " Taweraiiet — The whole council is glad to hear of your return with the other twelve. "Yonnondio — Y'ounmst send home Tawerahet and the oth- ers this present winter, before spring. We will save all the French we have prisoners, till that time. " Y''oNNONDio — Youdesire to speak to us at Cadaraqui. Don't you know that your fire there is extinguished ? It is extin- guished with blood. Y'ou must send home the prisoners in the first place. You are not to think we have laid doAvn the axe because we return an answer. We intend no such thing. Our far-fighters shall continue the war, till our countrymen return. When our brother Tawerahet is returned, then we will speak to you of peace." This is only one of the many specimens of this distin- guished orator's eiforts and abilities as exemplified in the courtly councils of his people. Numerous others might bo brought forward from the London Documents where they abound. They show the high estimation in which the Five Nations were then held by the two most powerful and enlight- ened nations of the earth, and the influence which their deci- sions had in the political alFairs of these European Powers. Can-as-se-ta-qo — Was a renowned, sagacious and influen- tial chief of the Five Nations. He was an Onondaga, a man of note in his own nation, whose name figures largely in all the principal transactions of the Five Nations from 1734 to 1783. To illustrate the tact and capacity of this distinguished chief, it may not be amiss here to insert an extract from one 94 ONONDAGA. of Ms speeches at a council, with commissioners of Maryland relative to claims advanced by the people of that province, to a part of the territory of the Five Nations. (Taken from Colden.) " You mentioned the affair of the land yesterday, you went back to old times, and told us you had boon in possession of the province of Maryland over a hundred years. But what is a hundred years, in comparison to the length of time since our claim began, since we came out of this ground ? For we must tell you, that long before one hundred years, our ancestors came out of this very ground, and their children have occupied here ever since. You came out of the ground in a country far beyond the sea. There you may have a just clami. Jiut here, you must allow us to be your elder breth- ren, and the lands to have belonged to us, long before you knew anything of them. It is true the Dutch came here a hundred years ago in a ship, and brought with them many goods, such as awls, hatchets, guns, knives, and several other things, which they gave us ; and when they had taught us the use of these things, we learned what sort of people they were. We were so well pleased with them, that we at first tied their ship to the bushes* on the shore. Afterwards, likin-^ them still better the longer they staid with us, and thinking the bushes too slender, we removed the rope, and tied it to the great tree,t and finding that the tree was liable to be blown down by high winds, or to decay of itself, we from the affection we bore them, again removed the rope, and made it fast to a strong and big rock ;| and not content with this, for its further security, we again removed the rope to the great mountain, § and there we tied it very fast, and rolled wampum around it ; and to make it still more secure, we stood upon the wampum and sat down upon it, to preserve and defend it, and to prevent any hurt coming to it. We did our best en- deavors that it might remain unchanged forever. But with you, we have had no dealings, no trade, no chain of friend- * Manhattan Island. t Moliawk. t Oneida. J Onondaga. CHIEFS. of Maryland, ; province, to (Taken from ay, you went )os8e8sion of I. But what )f time since 'ound ? For 1 years, our icir children ' the ground r have a just elder breth- ; before you came here a them many everal other 1 taught us people they '' at first tied ^'^rds, liking nd thinking id tied it to liable to be we from the and made it vith this, for to the great ed wampum stood upon d defend it, )ur best en- But with 1 of friend- Onondaga. ship, and will not now quietly 05 . . nnnsont to have our lands un- justly wrested from us." An anecdote related by Dr. Franklin, shows in a very amia- ble bght the hosp.table character and sagacity, as well as honest suupl.c.ty, of this memorable chieftain. Conrad Wei- ser, the famous In.lian interpreter, had been naturalized among ho K.vo Nations, and spoke well their language. In going through he Indian country to carry a message from the Go vernor of 1 e.msylvania, to a council to be held at Onondaga, ho called at the habitation of Canassetago, an old acquaint- .ince, who embraced lam, spread furs for \nm to sit on, and placed before hnn some boiled beans and venison, and mixed some rum and water for him to drink. When he was well re- resluvl, and had lighted his pipe, Canassetago began to con- verse with lum, asked how he had fared, the ?nany years since they ad seen each other, whence he then cauu, what occa- s.onod the .journey, &c. Conrad answered nil his questions, =m w en the discourse began to flag, the Indian, to^ontinu; n Mid --. Conrad, you have lived long among the wldte peo- I'le, and know somcthin;^ of their customs T ),..,r , .• , o tuLii customs. 1 have sometimes 'ecu It Albany, and have observed that once in seven .l.vs Jheyshut up their shops, and assemble all in the great ue^ toll lue what It ,s for ; what do they do there T ^^ They meet here -says Conrad, ''to hear and learn ,o.Z ./.■.;:.^ ""^ not doubt, says the Indian, '' that they tell you so ; they have told me the same, but I doubt the truth of wha toy -J, and I wdl tell you my reasons. I went lately to Albany ^sol la kms and buy blankets, knives, powd^n-, rum, ..c lu know I used generally to deal with Hans Hanson, but I W: r"tl V''^ '"'^ '^ ^^'^^^^"^ other merchants. H)uld pay for beaver. He said he could not give more than ::t'"""rr^ but, said he, I cannot tflk on business no., this IS the day when we meet together to learn yood n 1; TT"^ '' '^'' ^"'''^"S- ^' I *h°"gJ^^ to myself, nee I cannot do any business to-day, I may Ts well go to the meetmg too ; so I went with him. There stood up a man m ONONDAGA, I? iit l)liick and began to talk to the people very angrily. I did not understand what he said, but perceiving that ho looked much at me and Hanson, 1 inuigined he was angry at seeing me there ; so I went out, sat down near the house, struck liro, and lighted my pipe, waiting till the meeting should break up. I thought, too, that the man had menti()ne<l something of beaver, and I suspected it might be the subject of their meet- in". So when they came out, 1 accosted the merchant : Well, Hans, says I, 1 hope you have agreed to give more than four bhillings a pound. No, says he, I cannot give bo much ; I cannot give more than three shillings and sixpence. I then spoke to several other dealers, but they all sung the same song, throe and sixpence — three and sixpence. This made it clear to mo that my suspicion was right, and that whatever they pretended of meeting to learn (/ooil thiiu/x, the real purpose wa.s to consult how to cluNtt Indians in the price of beaver. Consider but a little, Conrad, and you must be of my opinion. If they met so often to learn (jood tliifu/s, they would certain- ly have learned some before this time. But they arc still ig- norant ; you know our ju-actice. If a white man in travel- ing through our country, enters one of our cabins, wo all treat him as I do you. We dry him if he is wet ; we warm him if he is cold, and give him metit and drink, that he may allay his hunger and thirst, and we spread soft furs for him to rest and sleep on. We demand nothing in return. But if I go into a white nnin's house at Albany, and ask for vic- tuals and drink, they say, where is your money ? and if I have none they say, get out you Indian dog. You see, they have not yet learned those little i/ood thi>i(j8 that we need no meetings to be instructed in, because our mothers taught them to us when we were children, and therefore it i. i.;ii)o3.'')Uc ■ their meetings shoukl be as they say, for any 'i '< - i.-; ^<e, or have any such effect ; they are only to contrive ilio cheat- ing of Indians in tlio price of beaver." Another speech of his before the Governor and Council of Pennsylvania and the head men of the Delaware nation, pre- serren by Colden, illustrates the power of the Six Nations, i angrily. I tliil tiiiit }iu loukcil iiigry at acciiij( uso, struck firi', tiould break Uj). Honuitliing of . of their meet- ercliant : Well, more than four vo 80 much; I pence. I then ; the same song, IS mailo it clear whatever they 10 real purpose irrco of beaver, of my opinion, f would certain- ;hey are still ig- man in travel- cabins, wc all wet ; wc warm ik, that he may >ft furs for him n return. Eut ,nd ask for vie- jney ? and if I You see, they ;hat Ave need nu icrs taught them it io iii/|>u,sS'i.ljle y t \\'h .,,(,•; -ie, itnve tlie cheat- and Council of arc nation, pre- .le Six Nation?, C II 1 E F S 97 no IcBS than the commanding influence of this distinguished chief. A dispute arose l)etw(>en the l^ehiwares and the gov- ernment of rennsylvania, relative to a tract of land in the forks of the Delaware. The Knglish claimed it by right of purcha.<(e, and the Uelawares persisted in their claim, and threatened to use force, unless it should bo given up by the whites. The Delawares were at this tinto subject to the Six Nations, and the (fovernor of rennsylvania sent word to the chiefs of the Six Nations at ()nonda;j;a, to interferct and pre- vent war. It wii;, this that called Canassotago with two handrni and thirty Onondaga warriors to Thiladolphia, in 1742. Hv siys : " We see the Delawares have been an unruly people, and altogether in tho wrong. The Six Nations have resolved to remove them and oblige them to go over tho river Delaware, and (piit all claim to any lands on this side, for the future, ,siiu'e they hud received pay for them, and it is gone through their guts long ago. They deserved to be taken by the hair of the head and shaken severely, till they recovered their senses and became sober. I have seen with my own eyes a deed signed by nine of their ancestors, above fifty year ago for this very land." Then addressing himself to the Dela- wares present, he says: ''How came you, to take upon you to sell land at all ? Wc con(iuerod you ; wc made women of you; you know you are women and can no more sell land than women, nor is it fit you should have the i)ower of sell- ing lands, since you woidd abuse it. This land you claim has passed through you. You have been furnished with clothes, meat and drink, by the goods paid you for it, and now you want it again, like children as you are. But what makes you sell lands in the dark '! Did you ever tell vis, that you had ''. this land ? Did we ever receive any part, con the value of a pipe shank for it ? You have told us a blind story, that you sent a messenger to us, to inform us of the sale, but he never came amongst us, nor did we ever hear any thing about it. This acting in the dark, is very different from the conduct our Six Nations observe in the bale of lands. On J3 08 ONONDAGA, such occasions they give public notice and invite all the Indi- ans of their united nations, and give them all a share of the presents they receive for their lands. This is the behavior of the wise, united nations. But we find you are none of our blood ; you act a dishonest part, not only in this, but in other matters ; your cars are ever open to slanderous reports about your brethreii— you are Avonicn. For all these reasons we cliarge you to remove instantly ; we don't give you liberty to think about it." They dared not diso- bey and soon removed, leaving cjuiet possession to the English. This is the last we hear of this great chief; of his after life we know notliing ; at this period he was far advanced in year;; and probably soon after closed his earthly career. OUN-Di-A-GA — Was a cliief of modern times, but scarcely less noted than his illustrious predecessors. He was of the Bear tribe, and for a long period was first civil chief of tlie Onondaga nation. He was also a famous war captain, ami on account of his supericjr martial abilities, was selected for that important office at an early age. He lived at a time when affairs of the utmost importance were transacted in re- gard to his own nation, and of the confederates at large. Born, as is supposed, in the year 1730, his youthful days were spent upon the Avar path, and from childhood he was familiar with all the tempestuous movements of the Six Nations, during the old French war, and the border wars of the colonies. Eavlv inured to arms, he became distinguished for his courage and <kring exploits, which were signally exhibited on several oc- casions. On the breaking out of hostilities, at the period of the American Revolution, he was selected as first war chief of the Onondagas. He commanded a party of Onondagas at the seige of Fort Scliuyler, by St. Leger, and took an active part in the battle of Oriskany, against the forces of the United States. He was also i)resent with a party of Onondao-as at the massacre of Cherry Valley, in November, 1778. Vv'hut part he took in that memorable transaction is not known; but that he was present, has often been asserted, and con- firmed by his own lips. He was out with various war parties CHIEFS. te all the Indi- a share of the ions. But we onest part, not are ever open ou are women. instantly ; we dared not diso- to the English. ' his after life anced in vears er. •, hut scarcely tie was of the il cliief of the • captain, and s selected for ''cd at a time nsacted in re- itcs at large, iful days wore ' was faniiliiir ations, durinir lonies. Early i courage and )n several oc- tlie period of rst war chief Onondagas at ook an active of the United Jnondugas at 1.778. AVhat not known ; ted, and con- s war parties- 99 to the Mohawk country, during the Revolution, and it has been said he was present with the Onondagas at the massa- cre at Coble's Kill,— did much damage to the frontier in- habitants, and to the last was the uncompromising enemy of -the Yanh'i'sr (A favorite expression with him.) He was enlisted with a party of Onondagas, in the Indian wars of 1794, in which the western Indians were so signally defeated by General Wayne. The Onondagas, under the guidance of their chiefs, stood firm through the thickest of the fight, and many a brave war- rior of the nation bit the dust. It had been confidently ex- pected by the Indians that General Wayne would be defeated; but the sequel proved the contrary, and the remnant of the band of Onondagas came home, satisfied to live in peace ever after with the whites. Little is known of his political course after that period; it was the last opportunity he had to signalize himself in war. In 180(j or 7, a mail route was established between Onon- daga and Oswego, and Oundiaga, was employed as the first carrier. At this period, the roads (if any) for a great part of the year were impassable, and communication between the two places was only made on foot or on horseback. Once a week the mail was to be transported to Oswego and returned to Onondaga. It was put up in a small valise, to leave Onon- daga at precisely four o'clock in the morning. Anticipatino- vhe tmie, the great war captain was always punctually at liis post at nme o'clock the evening before he was to start. After being put in possession of his cbarcje, he usually re- pau-ed to the kitchen of a distinguished friend,* and without H ^vord of comment, stretched himself on the floor, with his feet to die fire,-placed his precious burthen under his head, and was .^oon fast asleep. At the hour of four, without a sin-rle in- stance of omission, he aroused himself, and be the weather never so mclement, he posted off with all the consequence of a bearer of Government dispatches. On his arrival at Oswe- * Judge Foriiiaii. 100 ONONDAGA R> lii.ijijt }» J go, his trust was faithfully and punctually delivered, and on the morrow he returned. The distance from Onondaga to Oswe- go is about forty miles, and the trusty chief traversed the route on foot. This journey he performed regularly once a week and returned, usually occupying about ten hours each way. It is said that not an instance was ever known of his delav or failure. The peoplo of Onondaga, looked for and receiv- ed their mail at the hand of Oundiaga, with as much punctu- ality as they have at an y time since by stage or by Rail Road. The following interesting anecdote is related of Oundiaga. It may not have been original Avith him, (yet it has been de- clared so) still it typifies his feelings and character. It is well known that he was a persevering enemy to all encroachments being made upon Indian lands. In no instance was he ever known to countenance any act, conveying any part of the In- dian <lomain, nor docs his name appear in any of the treaties made by his people. At one time, Ave believe in 181.5, a gentleman Avho supposed he possessed some influence over the great chief of the Onon- dagas, called on him for the purpose of convincing liiin that for once it Avould not be improper for him to give his consent that a very small portion of land miglit be conveyed to the Avhitos. For, said the gentleman, you Avill scarcely know it. The chief Avas unyielding. The gentleman pressed him to give a reason. Oundiaga invited him to take a seat beside liim on a log some twelve feet long. They sat down together: Oundiaga at one end and the gentleman quite near to him. The chief began an animated conversation about the first, en- croaclnncnts of the Avhites, talked of their cupidity and ava- rice, and of their overreaching the Indians in trade. At the same time he hitched up so close to his guest as seriously to incommode him, and who Avas, therefore, obliged to move more towards the center of the I02;. The chief still kept engaged in spirited and agreeable con- versation, occasionally complaining of the encroachments of the Avhites, at the same time crowding along so adroitly that the gentleman had not the slightest suspicion of any particular CHIEFS. 101 d, and on the aga to Oswe- sed the route once a week rs each way. of his delay r and recciv- nuch punctu- y Rail Road, if Oundiaga, has been de- \ It is well icroachments was he ever rt of the In- ' the ti'eaties dio supposed )f the Onon- ing him that his consent veyed to the ely know it. ssscd him to ' seat beside vn together: near to him. the first en- ity and ava- de. At the seriously to ) move more ;reeable con- nchments of ulroitlj that ij particular design. The white man at length found himself at the end of the log farthest from where he had at first sat down, with scarcely room to sit. He looked earnestly into the face of Oundiaga, and asked him what he meant. At the same in- stant the chief gave one tremendous hunch and pitched his guest clear from the log and laid him sprawling on the ground. "There," said the chief, "you white folks, if allowed per- mission to sit down with us on a little piece of ground on our borders, you keep crowding up, crowding up, till the Indian's land is very small ; and finally, we shall in a very few years be entirely driven from our lands, piece by piece, without any thing to help ourselves with, as you have been crowded from the log. We shall too soon be at your mercy, as you were at mine. Oundiaga will never consent to part with one foot of our Indian lands, — go tell your people so." Like most of his race, he was easily attracted by gaudy ap- parel and glittering ornaments, and often judged of men by these insignia of wealth and rank. On one occasion, meet- ing with Judge Strong, for the first time, at the door of his dwelling, after an interchange of salutations, the chief ap- peared to take a particular fancy to a party-colored vest, then worn by the Judge. His wife, who was present, also express- ed by signs her admiration of the variegated garment, in which red was a prominent color. After oxpressino- their wonder at the showy article, the chief was asked if he should like to have it for his own ; to which he answered, '' vcnj.much, very much." The garment was instantly given him, Avhich won for the giver the unlimited confidence and esteem of the chief. He never felt reconciled to the treaty of Fort StanAvix, by which so large a portion of their ancient national domain was conveyed to the Americans. His intercourse with the whites was, for the most part, re- served, circumspect and suspicious ; seldom condescending to speak the English language. During the latter part of'^his life he was considered the nation's oracle, and he was looked upon by his people at large as almost a supernatural being. 102 ONONDAGA »!. ili Commanding in personal appearance, venerable in bearing, dignified in his deportment, aged in wisdom and experience, he held, for a long period, a conspicuous place in all the na- tional councils as a civil and war chief, and transacted much of the important business of the nation. This distinguished chief was always strenuously opposed to the introduction of missionaries among his people, and on no occasion was he ever known to relent. He oftentimes, in the national councils, op- posed their propositions to come among the natives, and often has his voice been raised with power and success to prevent them. His character may be summed up as a distinguished warri- or, an able counsellor, the uncompromising enemy of the whites, a man thoroughly versed in all the extravagant and mysterious mythology of his people, a lover of their peculiar institutions, an open enemy to all innovation, and a pure, un- sullied specimen of his race. He died suddenly by the road side near Oneida, wliilc pro- ceeding thither on official business of his nation, in August, 1839, aged ninety-one years. He Avas borne to his grave by a large concourse of Indians, on foot, and was buried at Onei- da, with every demonstration of esteem and respect. His grave is pointed out to the passer-by, near tlie Oneida Castle. His memory is reverently cherished by the braves of his na- _ tion, and his name will long be gratefully revered, wliilc his noble acts shall live in the hearts of his countrymen. Anotlier great and good man, the first civil chief of the Onondagas, when first visited by the whites in 1788, and well known to all the early settlers of the county, waa named IvA- wiiic-DO-TA. He was eminently a man of peace, and the early settlers all speak of him as a man of the kindest hospi- tality and purest benevolence, from the most disinterested motives. He often, without solicitation or expectation of re- ward, furnished provisions to those who Avere new comers, and whose stores were scanty. The older inhabitants, who are yet living, and who are best acquainted with him, universally ac- cord to him the appellation of a kind, benevolent, just and CHIEFS, 103 ( in bearing, I experience, In all the na- isacted much distinguished troduction of a was he ever councils, op- es, and often s to prevent uished warri- icmy of the avagant and heir peculiar d a pure, un- a, while pro , in August, his grave by Tied at Onei- espcct. Iliri neida Castle. L^s of his na- ed, while his men. chief of the '88, and Avell 5 named Ka- ce, and the indost hospi- disintevcstcd tation of re- comers, and , who are yet dversally ac- mt, just and • good man, ever ready to contribute to the necessities of the whites, bountiful in gifts, an unfailing and devoted friend to all men. He was in possession of a beautiful trumpet, which he called the council horn ; by a single blast of which he could at once summon more than half a thousand warriors to his cabin. This interesting relic is yet in the keeping of one of the principal chiefs of the nation, Avho, on important occasions, winds it for the gathering of the clans. Whenever its sound is heard over the reservation, business is at once suspended, and all are assured that no ordinary circumstance awaits their attention. The gray haired ancients, and high plumed war- riors, approach the council-house in haste, while tlie women and children linger around the door, all eager to catch the first accents of the announcement in council. The last time it was sounded was at the funeral of La Fort. Kawhicdota died in 1808, at an advanced age, lamented by the whites no less than by the Indians, all of whom felt the greatest sorrow for their irreparable loss. lie Avas fol- lowed to his last resting place, by a large concourse of the the most respectable citizens of the county, without a foe, beloved and lamented by all Avho knew him. What has been related of Kawhicdota, will apply Avith equal truth to the amiable and good Too-aviiis-quan-ta, a civil chief in high estimation among his own people and the whites. The late Captain Ilonnos, a distinguished chief, Avas a son of KaAvhicdota, and bore liis name. Cox-YA-TAU-YOU, Handsome Lake, or the Great Prophet. One of the most important personages, Avho has, in modern times, appeared among the Six Nations, ie he who bore the above title. He Avas a Seneca, from the Alleghany reservation, and a brother of the celebrated Seneca chief, Corn Planter. Corn Planter, becoming jealous of the rising greatness and power of Red Jacket, and having in a measure lost the confi- dence of his countr^'men, resoh^ed upon the following expedi- ent to retrieve his declining reputation and poAver : He per- ■■fr\ 104 ONONDAGA. ii I auaded his brother, (the subject of this sketch,) to announce himself as a proplict, sent expressly from the great spirit to redeem the perishing fortunes of the Indian race. The super- stitions of the natives, easily acted upon, induced them, witii- out inquiry, to favor the deception. In many respects it had a benign and salutary influence over a large portion of the Indian population. But the original design was frustrated, by the superior sagacity and eloquence of Red Jacket, who, foreseeing the impending storm, warded off the machinations of his rival, with his distinguished ability and address. Tlic circumstances attending the pretended divine interpo- sition and communication of heavenly gifts to Conyatauyou, were like this. During the former part of his life, till near fifty years old, he had been remarkable for nothing but his stupidity and drunkenness. About the year 1790, while lighting his pipe, ho suddenly sunk back upon his couch, upon which he was then sitting, and continued in a state of insen- sibility for six or eight hours. His friends supposing him dead, had made preparations for laying him out preparatory for burial. While in the act of removing him from his couch he revived. His first words were, "don't be alarmed, I have seen Heaven ; go call the nation together, that I may tell them what I have seen and heard." The people having assembled in large numbers at his house, he informed them that he had seen four beautiful young men who had been sent from Heaven by the Great Spirit, and who thus addressed him : " The Great Spirit is angry with you and all the red men, and unless you immediately refrain from drunkenness, lying and stealing, you shall never enter that beautiful place, which we will show you." He stated that he was then conducted by these young men to the gate of Heaven, which was opened, but he was not allowed to enter ; that it was more beautiful than any thing they could conceive of or describe, and that the inhabitants appeared to be perfectly happy ; that he was suffered to remain there three or four hours, and was then reconducted to the earth by the same young men, who on taking their leave, promised they #^ CHIEFS. 105 to announce ;reat spirit to . The super- d them, with- espects it had )Oition of the as frustrated, , Jacket, who, machinations ddress. ivine interpo- Oonyatauyou, life, till near thing but his 1790, while 3 couch, upon tate of insen- ipposing him ': preparatory I'om his couch armed, I have it I may tell 5 at his house, il young men pirit, and who igry with you ately refrain II never enter ' He stated n to the gate )t allowed to ig they could 5 appeared to in there three earth by the I'omised they would visit him yearly, and commanded him to inform all the other Indians of what he had seen and heard. He imme- diately visited the different nations of Indians in western Ne\v-York, except the Oneidas, who would never consent to his prophecy or teaching. They all put implicit faith in what he said and afterAvards reverenced him as a prophet. It may be proper to observe that he was called the Peace Prophet, in contradistinction to the brother of Tecumseh, who was styled the War Prophet.* This vision of the prophet, will compare well Avith that of the celebrated DelaAvare chief, Keposh, as related by Loskiel, and undoubtedly the prophets Conyatauyou andEllskwatawa, the brother of Tecumseh, both conceived their plans of impo- sition from that source, and conducted tlioTu much upon the same principles, llis introduction to the (>nondaga nation was like this. At tlie time the whites came among this peo- ple they were greatly addicted to the use of ardent spirits, and frequently indulged in it to the most beastly excess. In the year 17t>0 or '91,\v]iile Mr. Webster occupied his trading house at the mouth of Onondaga creek, eighteen of the prin- cipal chiefs and warriors of the Onon<l:igas called on him, sta- ting that they had just set out to attend a great council of the six nations, to be held at Bufialo. As was customary, Mr. Webster produced his bottle, and it was plied with a right good will to the lips of all. Webster was always a special favorite Avith the Indians, and on this occasion parted Avith his guests Avith unusual demonstrations of mutual attachment. In due time, these delegates returned ; and as usual the bot- tle of strong drink Avas placed before them. To the utter as- tonishment of Mr. Webster, every man of them refused to touch it. This he at first understood to denote the fiercest hostility, and for a time, he supposed they contemplated tak- ing his life — for he could imagine that nothing short of the most deadly resentment, (or a miracle) could produce so great a change. He was not long left in this painful state of anx- ♦ Onondaga Register, August 23, 1815. u 1 1 ' i >♦* 106 iety and ONONDAGA. Tlic cliiefs explained. suspense. J.ne cniets explained .._^ at Buflalo, a Phopiiet of the Seneca nation, wlio liad assured them, and in this assurance they iiad the most implicit confi- dence, that without a total abstinence, from the use of ardent spirits, they and their race would shortly become extinct ; t!)at they had entered upon a resolution, never again to taste the baneful article, and that they hoped to be able to prevail on their nation to adopt the same salutary resolution. Many iit this early day adopted the temperance principles, it is said at least three fourths of all the nsition ; and of all those who pled^avl tliemaelves to the cause, not an instance was known of alienation or neglect ; but to a man, they religiously ad- hered to their solemn pledge. The consequence was, that from a drunken, filthy, lazy, worthless, set of beings, they became a cleanly, industrious, sober, happy, and more prosperous people. At this period, it Avas considered one of the most temperate coinmuuities in the laiul ; only a very few of the nation in- <lulging in the intoxicating cup, and these were treated with contempt by their more sober companions. Not lon,o- after this, the Prophet came in person to reside for a season among the Onondagas. He harangued and exhorted them continu- ally, and became distinguished among them for his powers and abilities. Pusiness transactions were conducted under his direction and advice. On all occasions of diiliculty, he was looked up to as the only individual who could restore things to a proper degree of order. Ilis exami)les and precepts were eminently for the good of the people, and had they per- severed in his wholesome lessons of virtuous integrity, they would have been far wiser and happier than they are at pre- sent. The following article, from the Secretary of War, Hon. Henry Dearborn, will illustrate, better than any thing else, the estimation in which he was held by the nation and abroad : " To Cox-YA-TAU-You, (or Handsome Lake,) with his breth- ren and associates of the Seneca and Ononda-ra nations of CHIEFS. 107 .hey lijid met I liiid assured nplioit confi- iso of ardent >ine extinct ; Jjain to taste h to prevail ion. Many les, it is said II those who i was known ligiousl}' ad- LS, that from ;licy became prosperous t temperate 3 nation in- ;veated witli long after ison amonir Mn continu- his })owers 'd under his Itv, he was tore things d precepts d they per- grity, they are at prc- iVar, Hon. thing else, lation and I his breth- nations of Indians now present, at the seat of government of the United States : " Brothers — Your father and good friend, the President of the United States, lias taken into consideration all that you communicated to him when you took him by the hand three days ago ; and he has authorized nie to give you the follow- ing answer : Brothers — The President is pleased with seeing you all in good health, after so long a journey, and he re- joices in his heart, that one of your own people has been em- ployed to make you sober, good and ha})py ; and that he is so well disposed to give you good advice, and to set before you so good examples. "Brothers — If all the red people follow the advice of your friend and teacher, the Handsome Lake, and in future will be sober, honest, industrious and good, there can be no doubt hut the Great Spirit will take care of you and make you happy. "Brothers — The great council of the sixteen fires, and the President of the United StatOvS, all wish to live with the red people like brothers ; to have no more wars or disputes, but to pursue such measures as shall contribute to their lasting com- fort. For this purpose the great council of the sixteen fires are now considering the propriety of prohibiting the use of spirituous li(|uors among all their red brethren within the Fuited States. This measure, if carried into effect, will be pleasing in the sight of the Great Being, who delights in the happiness of his common family. " Brothers — Your father, the President, will at all times bo your friend, and he will protect you and all his red children from bad people, who would do you or them any injury. And he will give you a writing or paper, to assure you, that what lands you hold cannot be taken from you by any person, ex- cepting by your own consent and agreement. "Brothers — The Handsome Lake has told us, that the four angels have desired him to select two sober men to take care of this business, and that he has chosen Charles U'Beal and Strong for this purpose. The President is willing that his red children should choose their own agents for transacting' 108 ONONDAGA. 'I r their business, and if Charles O'Heal and Strong are the men whom your people can best confide in, he has no objection to their being appointed. But, it would bo improper for the President to interfere in your national appointments. " Given under my hand and tiie seal of the war of- [L. S.] fice of the United States, this UUh day of March, A. D., 1802. (Si-ned) II. DEARBORN." For a period of a quarter of a century, tliis illustrious sccr exercised an almost unbounded influence for the good of the Indian nations. Scarce an individual but regarded him with the most profound veneration and awe. His influence, his teachings and examples, are held in pious regard even to this day, and the remembrance of his many virtues and his excel- lence, still serves to sustain many of his countrymen in the way of well doing, and to prevent them from falling into de- generacy, lie annually visited all the six nations, (the Onei- das excepted,) and preached and exhorted them to beware of their besetting sins, and the evil to come. On one of these annual visits to Onondaga, he was suddenly taken ill, and af- ter a short illness, died at the Castle on Sunday, the 10th of August, 1815.* Those who had been acffuainted with the influence this man's preaching produced upon the conduct of the Six Na- tions, (the Oneidas excepted) looked upon his death as a se- vere dispensation of divine providence. lie was buried under the centre of the old council-house, amidst every manifesta- tion of sorrow and regret, surrounded by the entire people, who had gathered to pay the last tribute of respect, to one who for a long time, had held almost unlimited control over their destinies. Some of the strongest appeals, of which In- dian eloquence is capable, have been made over the grave of the prophet, and the presence of his dust, in the midst of their council-room, has stimulated many a heart to virtuous action. If a wayward soul has gone astray in the path of intoxication, he is directed to the grave of the Prophet. If * Onondaga Register. CHIEFS. 109 I are the men ) objection to oper for the onta. f the war of- ay of March, ilBORN." lustrious seer good of the led him Avith iiflucnce, his even to this nd his excel- vmen in the ling into de- s, (tlie Onei- to beware of )ne of these n ill, and af- tlie 10th of ifliicnce this the Six Na- ^ath as a se- )uried under y manifesta- tire people, pect, to one control over )f which In- he grave of le midst of to virtuous ;he path of rophet. If he has overstepped the bounds of truth and propriety, he is reminded that the Prophet taught not so ; and, with a regard for his memory, little short of adoration, the delinquent pro- mises reformation and obedience. It has been related by several persons, and it is believed !)y the Indians, that he actually foretold the hour and man- ner of his death. ()s-SA-iiix-TA — Captain Frost — This distinguished chief of the Onondagas', wlio presided with great ability over the coun- cils of the nation from 1880 to 1840, possessed a character and a name, which eminently deserves to be reniembere<l. He was a cousin of the celebrated Oundiaga, and a nephew of Kiiwhicdota. lie was distingiiislied for the nobleness of his ehiiracter, the peculiar fervidnoss of his eloquence, and his luiimpoachable integrity — qualities which secured for him the unlimited cotiKdojice of his nation. His most (listinjxuished iissociates have been, Oii-iiE-xr, (Captain llonnos) (Mi-ka-a- yi;n(JK, (Onondaga Peter) Ka-iia-ykxt, (Captain Joseph) 0-uiiA-TA-KAK, (Captain Joseph 2d) Dk-hat-ka-tons, (Abram Lu Fort) and Ut-ha-wah, (Captain Cold). This latter for a long time was keeper of the council-fire of the Six Na- tions, and resided on the Tonewanda Reservation till the time of his death, wliich occurred in the fall of 1847, when this sacred symbol was restored to its ancient hearth at Onon- daga, to the keeping of De-uat-ka-tons. His name has usu- ally been pronounced Cole, but his real name was Cold, and so named on account of the severity of the weather at the time of his birth. He was a man of eminence as a counsellor and chief. Captain llonnos was considered as second to none of hi.s people in point of talents, energy and manly bearing : and all those who have been named, Avere men, whose characters were without reproach, and whose names will live in the unwritten records of the nation, so long as a remnant of their perishing institutions is permitted by an all-Avise providence to remain. ALis I not one of these noble men now live. The grass groAvs green over th.oir humble graves, and like those Avho have gone be- -rl 110 ONONDAGA. (l- foro thoni, their bones may ere long bo turned out of their .(uict resting phice by the careless plowman, ami bo left to bleach and blacken in the storm, as the wondering traveler passes them thoughtlessly by. Ossahiiitu, was of the Turtle tribe of the Onondagas, a clan which by the laws of the luifion, may be entitled to the distinguishc.l |)rivil('gc «)f funiisliing a Head (.'hief, the high- est ofiice in the gift of the ('(.iincil. lie had, therefore, a hereditary claim to distiiictidu l.y relation and clanship, [n early life, he was sclecU-d by the sachems of his nation, to serve in the capacity of a runner. The manner of convey- ing im|)ort:nit iiitflligciice, unlike our mail system, re(|uire(l the bearer himself, to understand perfectly, so as to narrate correctly, the information to be transmitted. CNjnsequentiv, for this important station, none but men of the keenest diplo- matic talents, and the purest patriots of the nation were ever selected to act in this exalted sphere. His talents, integrity and devotedness to his country's welfare, enal)led and stinm- lated him, to perform all the duties assigned him by Lis con- fiding countrymen, most, faithfully and satisfactorily, and lie thus secured that confidence, esteem and aflVc-tioii of his breth- ren, -which attended liiiu throughout a long and active life. By this means, he became thoroughly versed in all the intricacies, of the civil polity and history of the Iroquois, and was called upon as one after another of the old sachems were called to the regions of the " Great Spirit," to take part in the religious ceremonies and observances of the con- fedei'acy, as well as in the important duties, which ordinarily devolved upon him, at the conventions of their stated coun- cils. By his strength of mind and native energy of charac- ter, he rose to eminence in the great councils of the united nations. And at the time of his death he was supposed to be the only person among the Iroquois, who perfectly under- stood the genius and policy of their ancient government, the peculiar forms of organizing general councils, and the prac- tice and celebration of all their Pagan rites. At the last gi-and council of the Six Nations, held upon the Tonawanda (MIIKFS, 111 I out of their nd be loft to I'iii^ traveler )non(lftgas, a iititlcd to the lii'f, tlio liifrh- , thi'fctorc, a •liinship. In lis nation, to !• of convey- cm, r('(|iiire(l IS to narrate "oiiscMjiioiitly, ct'Oiiost ili[)ki- ion wore ever tits, integrity kI and stiniu- n by his coii- nrily, and he III" his brctli- l active life. M'sed in ail the Iro(|uois, old sachems rit," to take of the coii- ;h ordinarily ■stated couii- V of charac- f the united supposed to ectly under- 'rnment, the id the prac- At the last Tonawanda reservation in October, lH4r), he bore a conspicuous part, and most ahly represented the Onondagas. In fact, he muh the chief director of all their principal ceremonies. Many of the younger chiefs had jiever Avitnessed the sublime organizati(»n of a grand council of the Iroquois until now, and the hoary chief (Ml this occasion jiroved himself a faithful guardian to his yimtlifiil wards, and lil<e a wise and prudent father and counsellor, e.vjihiined the way in which they ought to walk. It wiis not alone as an ahh; diplomatist or distin^ruished conn- sellor, that ho became most conspicuous. He was preeminent as an orator; and whether in the council room of his own Onondaga, or amidst the most talented and distinguished men of the confederacy, he wielded a power in the untutored de- mocracy of his race, which at all times seemed irresistible. The varying play of his features and voice, the graceful ges- iiirc of his })ersoi! — strong without vehemence — the lightning Ihish of his eye, beaming with the most lively expression — made him a most interesting person to belndd. Add to these '[ualificatlons, a sound judgment, a discriminating taste, a conception bold and original, and a eom]dete master of the subject under consideration, and you have the faint shadoAv- iii;.r of a man who amid the loudest storm of declamation, amidst tli(> fiercest blaze of jiassson carried conviction to every heart. The dauntless energy of his mind, the firm spirit of his resolution, his nndeviating patriotism, without the sacrifice of persona] dignity, carried with him the hearts and affections of his hearers. It has been the jdeasure and good fortune of tlie author, on sundry important occasions to witness the attractions of his elofpience, and although not understanding a word which he uttered, has been forced by the energy of his manner, the grace of his gesture, the elegance of his tone, and the thrilling responses of his hearers, to feel con- vinced of the transcendant powers of this distinguished man. Being entitled to the honors of chief sachemship by birth, iind this being confirmed by election, he stood at the head of his people, a noble example of the great and good — an exalt- ed specimen of his race. The Onondaga nation, as a fur- ;-l4 >S3 112 ONONDAGA. ! ' ,; ii V .1 ther testimony of their confidence and esteem, conferred upon him the honorary title of war captain, the highest title known to their military usages, as a reward for his distinguished ser- vices, and as a tribute to his superior wisdom and greatness. The subject of this sketch was an admirable pattern of In- dian excellence. Although he rigidly adhered to the customs and religion of his fathers, no man could be more devoted to sentiments of friendship and peace. "Whenever tlie shrill war- whoop sounded tlirough his native woodlands, its echos had scarcely suspended their reverberations from the surrounding hills, before his influence was felt in quieting the tempest, and in securing an adjustment of difficulties. It is true, his career was not marked Ijy scenes of rapine and blood ; no mighty warlike schemes were projected during his ascenden- cy — no madly contested battle fleld marked the progress of his course, nor was the clangor of arms, or the deceit of es- pionage or the Ct'al't; of sti'ategy — elements that entered prominently into the formation of his cliaracter. Circumstan- ces never tried him as a warrior. IJut from his bold and fearless spirit, his active and penetrating judgment, his easy discernment of the capacities of men, ami Avithal his unbound- ed influenco with his countrymen — it is to be inferred that had his talents been thus require 1 and exerted, he would have been as conspicuous in the character of a warlike leader as he was in the councils of the nations. Having drank deeply at the fountain of instruction diffused by the Great Prophet, Conyataiiyou, he was strictly temper- ate in his habits, and frequently mourned over the wretched- ness and degradation of his brethren, occasioned by the '•//« water" of the pale faces. Like his pi'c lecessors, he rogarilod the introduction of ardent spirits among his pi^aple as a plot, to extirpate the red race, and to eradicate their power. His admonitions to his people in regard to " icaolnr/ tohiskei/ to the whites," were cogent and salutary, and ffcqui.'ntly wlto the national councils enriched with his eloquent temperance ap- peals. Never was a man admitted to their councils who swayed their wild spirits Avith so much effect, dignity and grace. CHIEFS. 113 nferred upon it title known iguished ser- greatness. attern of In- the customs '0 devoted to le shrill war- ts eclios had surrounding the tempest, .t is true, his d blood ; no is ascenden- progress of deceit of es- ;hat entered Circumstan- us bold and ent, liis easy his unbound- inferred that } Avould have ke leader as 3tion diffused ctly tempcr- ic wvetched- by the ''fire he vegarded )le as a plot, power. His Iilskeij to the tly were the iperance ap- 1 who swayed 1 grace. Ossahinta, died at his residence, near the council-house of the Onondaga nation, on the 24th day of January, 1846, in the eighty-sixth year of his age, much lamented by his coun- trymen. His funeral was attended by a large majority of the nation, and numbers of his white friends were present to pay their last fond regards to the distinguished and illustrious dead. His remains were interred in the common burying place of the nation, in all the pomp and circumstance of aboriginal ceremony. The stoical silence of his male brethren, and the tears and moans of his female relatives and friends, told plainly the hold he had on their affections and the loss which they were called upon to mourn. By way of eminence, this truly great man was sometimes styled Ka-ge-a-lo-ha-ta, the head man or oracle of the Onon- dagas — a very Cato. A few montlis before his death, he was persuaded to sit for liis picture, to Mr. Sanford Thayer, an excellent artist of the city of Syracuse. The picture is a capital likeness of him as he was usually dressed and decorated on state occasions. From, this picture, now in possession of Mr. Welch, of Syra- cuse, a spirited steel engraving has been made by Messrs. Chase & Ostrander, which is placed as a frontispiece to this work, and represents the care worn chieftain as he was famili- arly known to many of the citizens of our county, in the pahny days of his usefulness and power. From time immemorial, the Onondagas have furnished the King— "TAir-TO-TATi," or principal civil officer of the con- federacy. This celebrated personage has usually resided at Onondaga. The present Tah-to-tah is a reputed grandson of Ephraim Webster, and the son of a daughter of the late Ossahinta. The line of descent in all instances among the Six Nations, has always been with the female branch of the family, and this succession has been through the daughter of Ossahinta, her mother, grandmother and so up to the first Tah-to-tah— this being the XIII., XIV. or XV. from the first. The present king is now (1848) about seven years old, pos- 16 '$ m ! 't I :> 114 ONONDAGA. sessing an intelligent countenance, muscular frame, and much intellectual vigor — with eyes like an eagle. He now takes part in all their Pagan ceremonies, distinguishes himself in their dances, and is a usual attendant upon councils. But alas ; the title is all he can possess of royalty. De-iiat-ka-tons— Abram La Fort.— This distinguished chief was the successor of Captain Frost, in the principal chieftain- ship of the Onondagas, and in all the mythology and intricate mysteries of the peculiar institutions of the Six Nations. He was born in the year 1794, and Avas a son of the celebrated HoH-A-HOA-QUA, (La Fort,) who fell in the service of his country, valiantly fighting at the head of his warriors, in be- half of the United States, on the battle field of ChippoAva, on the 6t]i of July, 1814. Dehatkatons was of the Beaver clan of the Onondagas, and received his English appellation through one of his ancestors, (his grand-father or great grand-father) awarded upon a battle field, in which the French and English were engaged, during the old French war. On this occasion, the warrior sachem had performed prodigies of valor, and Avith his red riglit hand and uplifted arm, had slain many of his foes, in consequence of which, he was named La Fort* by the French, Avhich conferred the title of the Brave. This title Avas held in high estimation by the subject of this sketch, and Avhenever he alluded to the circumstances of its origin. his countenance Avould light up with peculiar lustre, and his sharp, keen eye flash with delight. The father of Dehatka- tons Avas a civil ehioi" of great distinction forty years a^o, and then second only to Oundiaga. On account of his uncommon martial abilities, he Avas chosen Avar captain of the Onondao-as, and subsequently first Avar chief of the Six Nations, in Avhich capacity he acted on the frontier, in the early part of the campaign of 1814, until his death. While the life blood of the warrior chief was fast flowing upon the plain of ChippcAva, * Le being the French article for nouns of the niascuhne gentler, and La for those of the feminine, this sliould properly be written Le Fort ; but, as it was written by himself Las Fort, we adopt it as his proper name. CHIEFS. 115 anie, and much He now takes shes himself in councils. But inguished chief cipal chieftain- y and intricate Nations. He the celebrated service of his warriors, in be- ' Chippewa, on le Beaver clan Ilation throufrh o I grand-father) ih and English . this occasion, of valor, and slain many of led La Fort* Brave. This of this sketcli, of its origin, ustre, and his r of Dehatka- rears ago, and bis uncommon le Onondagas, ions, in which y part of the ! life blood of of Chippewa, ;:ender, and Im for t ; but, as it was the braves of the Onondagas gathered around the prostrate hero, and exclaimed in their own language, "Alas! great chief! The Brave ! the Brave !" Dohatkatons, then in the twentieth year of his age, accom- panied his father to the Niagara frontier, was present with him at the time he was shot, and assisted to bear his bleeding sire from the field, amid the din and danger of angry battle. Af- ter the burial of his father, being deeply imbued with the su- perstitions of his race, he returned to his home, and there with his relations and friends, bewailed the loss of the great war captain of the Six Nations. Dohatkatons succeeded in part to the title of the sachem- ship held by his father, through the voice and consent of the nation. But it was not until the death of Ossahinta, that he was invested with all the insignia of rank pertaining to the office of principal chief. He was connected, by consanguinity or affinity with all the principal chiefs of a long and uninter- rupted line, and to Tahtotah or king of the Six Nations ; Oun- diaga, Tiungktakonea (Captain George) and Ossahinta were his uncles. After the death of his father, he was admitted to a seat in the councils of his countrymen. He was entitled to this dis- tinction through his mother, a sister of Oundiaga. The next we hear of our late friend, is in connection with the Oneida mission, established by Bishop Ilobart. In re- lating the circumstances of a visit to Onondaga, in 1816, Rev. ilr. Eleazar Williams in his journal says: "I was happy to find Abram La Fort appeared to be under serious impres- sions, llis inquiries after the nature and design of Christi- anity, are such as to give me the greatest hopes that his heart had been touched and moved by the spirit of God, to make these inquiries. He has engaged to come monthly to Oneida, for religious instruction, which I will most cheerfully give him," The Rev. E. G. Gear, who was at this time a missionary at Onondaga Hill, and who often visited the Onondaga In- dians, thus makes mention of him : " I found him in a corn- Bsf^fS^Rl p H B ' ^ i 1 M 1 ," M ' n I ' . ii'^a VM 11 BHJBMy 1 116 ONONDAGA '*! ;i i field, almost entirely naked, at work with his hoe." He was considered by his countrymen and otiiers who enjoyed his ac- quaintance, as a youth of uncommon promise. Mr. Gear be- came very much attacliod to his new friend. In a conver- sation. La Fort signified his wishes to be educated, that he might be useful to his people. Ilis wishes were communi- cated to Bishop Ilobart by Mr. Gear, lie had all along been instructed in the truths of Christianity, by Mr. Elcazar Wil- liams, then lay reader and catechist at Oneida, aided by that devoted Christian, Abraham Brant, an aged Mohawk who had settled at Oneida, and who was wholly devoted to the service of God. The rudiments of an intellectual education had also been taught him by Mr. Williams. It was on the visit of Bishop Ilobart to western New- York, in the autumn of 1817, that he for the first time Avas introduced to the younf^ chief. From a full and unreserved conversation, the bishop felt assured, that the education of this young native, would be of vast importance to his countrymen. Mr. Williams also became very much interested in the future prospects and wel- fare of La Fort ; and in his journal, under date of Dec. 1818, says: "As my great anxiety has been to assist my young friend Abram La Fort, the Onondaga chief, in regard to his education, so I addressed my diocesan upon the subject, who answered as follows:" " New York, January 8th, 1819. " My Dear Sir : I have received your letter of the 29th December, and will write you relative to its contents, and furnish you with the document you requested by Mr. Thomas L. Ogden, who expects to leave here for Albany, by Friday. In haste, yours sincerely, J. II. IIOBART." The following is an extract from the document referred to : " Mr. Eleazar Williams, a young man of Indian extraction, has been admitted as a candidate for orders in the Protestant Episcopal Church, and is usefully employed as a catechist and lay reader among the Oneida Indians. Mr. Williams is en- gaged in the laudable design of procuring funds, for tlie edu- .. C ! m sfflj CHIEFS. 117 e." He was I joyed his ac- Mr. Gear be- In ii conver- ated, that he ii'c communi- l11 along been Elcazar Wil- aided by tliat ^lohawk who voted to the iial education t was on the the autumn to the young n, the bishop lative, "wouhl iVilliams also ects and wel- .f Dec. 1818, it my young ogard to liis subject, who Rth, 1819. of the 21)tli ontcnts, and Mr. Thomas •, by Friday. IIOBART." referred to : II extraction, e Protestant jatechist and Hams is en- for the edu- cation of a young Indian of piety and talents, who is desirous of devoting himself to the ministry of the church. " I recommend this pious and benevolent design, to the pa- tronage of the friends of religion, and particularly to those who are desirous of extending the blessings of civilization and Christian knoAvledge among the Indian tribes." With this testimonial of the bishop's approbation, Mr. Wil- Uams, in company with La Fort, visited Boston, where they found but few individuals who were willing to aid them in their laudable undertaking. Major General Dearborn, however, made a very handsome donation, and some others gave according to their ability ; among whom are favorably mentioned, the Rev. Mr. Kirk- land, president of Harvard University, Gardner Green, Thomas Williams, Esqrs., and Rev. Dr. Porter, of Roxbury. Mr. Williams and his protege afterwards went to New- York, Avhere, under the immediate influence of Bishop llobart, they were more successful. Among his friends, was raised a fund of about $1400, for the benefits proposed. The youth- ful chief, was noAV placed under the guardian care of the Rev. Samuel Fuller, of Rensselaerville, in whose family he remained from March, 1819, to August, 1823, spending the winter (some eight months) of 1822-3 with a son of Mr. Fuller, wlio was then principal of Hudson academy. In 1819 Bishop llobart thus speaks of him in his annual address : " The young Onondaga chief, whom I mentioned in my last address, as desirous of procuring an education, for the purpose of qualifying him as the spiritual instructor of his countrymen, will be able through the bounty of Episcopa- lians and others, principally in the city of New York, and through the aid of the government of the United States, to attain his object. He is advantageously receiving an educa- tion under the care of the Rev. Samuel Fuller, of Rensselaer- ville." During the whole period of his stay with Mr. Fuller, his conduct was in all respects most exemplary, his habits pi- ous, and liis diligence and proficiency in learning were satis- factory and encouraging to his teachers, considering his ad- •-■'V'tH ■v4 ■i 1 I H 1 ^^1^1 ^n ^^^^1 ^H ^^^^^^^H ^hI ^^^^^^^H ^^M ^IHII Wm HHH I^M WWi 1 ml WtVmm. f^m I1 118 ONONDAGA WW ll"' 1 'II 1 ! I u i vanced age and the embarrassments he labored under in being educated in a new hinguage. After Geneva Academy was established, he was transferred to the care of the Rev. Daniel McDonald, D. D., Principal of that institution in 1823. Here he remained nearly three years, until the fund for his education and support had been expended. Soon after this he returned to his nation, perhaps not as well qualified for missionary labors among his brethren, in point of classical attainments, as might by many have been supposed, considering the time he was under instruction. But great allowances should be made in his behalf; he had new associations to form, a new language to learn, new ideas and new impressions to receive. He was in fact an infant in all things except physical proportions and strength. After his return to his people, he opened a school, which was continued about three years. He was paid eight dollars a month for his services, by a Quaker, who resided among the Onondagas with his family. The efforts of this Quaker fami- ly were unremitting, for a period of eight years, during whicli time several Indian girls were instructed in household duties, the benefits of which we see, even at this late day, exemplifi- ed in some of their habitations. The most strenuous exer- tions were used by this family to bring about a reformation in the morals and habits of the nation, and to hasten a knowl- edge of civilization and Christianity. Altliough ineffectual in their efforts, traces of their labors still remain, and the servi- ces of Adin T. Corey and family, will be long and affection- ately remembered. La Fort was, at this time, undoubtedly sincere in his pro- fessions of faith in the gospel, and in the doctrines and wor- ship of the Protestant Episcopal Church, lie made it a du- ty to attend punctually the services of the Church at Onon- daga Hill ; always looked comely and well dressed ; liad a full share of self-respect ; was exceedingly gentlemanly in his deportment, and it has been remarked by numbers, that but few young men spoke the English language Avith so much nu- CHIEFS. 110 rity, grace and ease, as did Abram La Fort, at the time he left Geneva ; -which may be attributed solely to the fact, that he never had but little if any intercourse after he left home, during all his sojourn witli the whites, only with the highly educated, the virtuous and the good. In addition to the fore- going, lie led a devoted, exemplary, and Christian life ; had been baptized, confirmed and admitted to the holy commu- nion, and in all respects lived and adorned his Christian pro- fession. At this period strong hopes were entertained of his future usefulness among his own people. lie was married in the Church on Onondaga Hill by the Rev. Mr. Ilinton, in Au- gust, 1828, to an Indian woman. For a time he continued faithful to the trust reposed in him ; l)ut in the course of events his faith grew cold, his wife, who was a complete and perfect specimen of a Pagan — scKi.sli, obstinate, opposed to Christianity and all innovations upon Indian practices, was a primary cause of alienation of feeling. Add to this his love of power among his people, wliicli could not be attained while he remained a Christian, and his solitary and single-handed efforts to Christianize a subtle and savage nation, and we have the whole cause which by degrees disheartened, discouraged, and finally sunk him to his original state of barbarism and heathen degradation. It is to be deplored, that so favorable an opportunity of permanently introducing the gospel among this people, should have been suffered to pass without profit. La Fort should never have been allowed, single-handed and alone, to combat the prejudices, ignorances and influences of his grossly superstitious countrymen. Had a missionary fami- ly accompanied him to his home, and given him counsel and encouragement, no t! ubt at this day might be seen a flourish- ing mission of the Protestant Episcopal Church at Onondaga ; and La Fort Avould have been preserved, a blessing to himself, his family, his kindred and his people. For several years be- fore his death, he had repudiated Christianity, and had been considered the head of the Pagan party. He was openly and even violently opposed, in latter years, to the admission of ! ! ■ ri." 120 ONONDAGA. '! H ministers of tlie gospel among his people, and opposed the in- troduction of schools, except as a matter of policy. The fol- lowing may be an instance in point : At a great National Council, held at the Ca&tle in 1841, the subject of admitting missionaries and school teachers, was seriously discussed. The old Pagan chiefs were, to a man, opposed to the plan ; debate ran high, and finally the subject was referred to La Fort. Af- ter some preliminary remarks, ho said—" It is best to let all those become Christians who will, and let all those who choose, remain Pagans. Because if we do not, the Christian party will make great ado. The white people will sympathize with them,— they will become strong— they will have good sing- ing—they will go to the white people and get good victuals, and all our people will join them, and our Indian institutions will all be absorbed, they will wither away and die. Let all go as they will, we shall then stund a chance to be the most numerous, and our party will finally succeed." Latterly, his influence has been strongly exerted in keeping many of the children of Christian pa-ents from the school" . .tablished among them by the State, and most of the Pagans. He was foremost in all the rites and ceremonies of the Pagan festivals and sacrifices. He was a man of great influence, and extensively known and respected among all the Six Nations. And it is said he was the only man, at the time of his death, who Avas every way capable of carrying on a great council of the United Nations, in its pure and primitive form. Although naturally distrustful of the whites, ho often in the most unreserved manner communicated with those he thought worthy of his confidence. Only ten days before his death, and while in the full tide of life and health, arrangements had been made to secure a likeness of him by a competent artist, for the purpose of having an engraved copy made to accompany this work as a frontispiece. The day was set that we were to meet and commence the work. Three d..ys after the appointment was made, he was taken sick, and on the day he was first to sit for his picture, Abram La Fort expired. He was sick but eight days. It was the fortune of the author CHIEFS. 121 to visit him during lis sickness, the Monday previous to hia death. He then seemed very much in doubt whether he should recover, and wlien questioned in regard to his future state and his belief in his former teachings and profession, he replied, the white man's God has been very good to me, and sighed, but would answer no more. His last public act, was to escort a largo delegation of the chiefs and warriors of the Onondaga nation, as far as the city of Syracuse, on their way to a grand council, to be held at Tonawanda. He felt too ill to go on with them — charged them how to proceed, and bade them adieu, as it proved for- ever. He died on the morning of Thursday, the 5th of Oc- tober, 1848, of congestive fever, aged fifty-four years. AV^ithin a few hours after his deatli, the news had reached the city of Syracuse, and was every where received with sur- prise and sorrow. Every one was disposed to sympathize in this (to the Indians) great national bereavement. Immediately after his death, a runner was dispatched to • Buffalo, to notify his friends at the council, of their irrepara- ble loss. These returned on the Saturday following, and on Sunday at tAvelve o'clock, the corpse was carried on a bier to the council-house and placed in the centre of the room, in wliicli he had so often addressed the few remaining sons of the forest, Avho had now assembled to pay their last tribute of respect, to the remains of their chief. The ceremonies for the occasion of the burial, were com- menced by Harry Webster, the highest religious ofiicer of the Pagan party, by a speech in his native tongue. The speaker closed his remarks, passed a belt of wampum, representing the laAvs of the nation, to an individual named John Halfr Town, who was to act as head chipf until the next annual council, should be convened. This same belt once held by Kawhicdota, Oundiaga, Ossa- hinta and Dehatkatons, successively, is the unwritten code, which he was to administer. The corpse was appareled in the full costume of a warrior prepared for battle. He had in latter years, delighted in administering the laws, and 16 fe«j-.A.j.' 122 O N O N I) A G A . 1^'' P \\<K I I I 'I' honoring the customs of his forefathers as observed in olden time. At tiioir feasts and sacrifices, ho 'vas })lumcd and adorned as were tlio great chiefs in tlio palmy days of their power. As he appeare<l on those occasions, so was his corpse ha])itcd for its entrance upon the journey to the land of the Great Spirit. He was placed in an elegant coffin, upon whicii was a massive sdver plate, on which was engraved, '' Abram La Fort, lload Chief of the Onondagas, aged fA years." The coffin was carried to the grave, and placed in the ground with the head in the direction of the setthig sun. The shrieks of the mourners, and the rude simplicity of the scene, as the eartli rattled upon the coilin, uniting earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, AViis deej)ly aifecting, and especially r-o as tlie sister and bereaved wife followed by other fcmtvle relatives in single file, retraced their steps to the house made more than desolate, by the recent death of two children and a father. A few days before, and he wielded his sceptre over a fallen people, in the fulness and pride of power, aiul now, there lies he low in the open common, the re- mains of the hist great chief of the Onondagas. No enclo- sure circumscribes his resting place, and there, according to the red man's faith, his spirit takes its departure to the ely- siura of the braves, who by their noble deeds have merited the favor of the Great Spirit, and there to enjoy his smiles and eternal presence. At this time there is not an individual among the Onon- dagas who can make good the loss occasioned by his death. And judging from appearances, the time cannot be far distant, when this feeble remnant of a once powerful nation, will totally "disappear. They are like the last leaves of autumn, withered, dried, decaying and scattered on the wings of the wind: spring finds them not. The pen of history may hereafter record the fact, that De- hatkatons — Abram La Fort — was the last of a long line of dis- tinguished chiefs, Avho have been eminent among their coun- trymen, for their talents, their dcvotedness to their own pe- CHIEFS. 128 culiar institutions, and their opposition to civilization and Christianity. Since tlio foregoing was written, and while those pages were in the hands of the printer, the author has received the following communication from the old friend and teacher of La Fort, the Rev. Eleazar Williams. " It so happened that Ave met only three weeks previous to his death, when we promised to meet again at Buffalo, on my return to the west. On my arrival at Buffalo, instead of meeting my friend as anticipated, I received the distressing message from him, that he was in a most dangerous situation, or rather at the point of death ; winliing mo to repair to him immediately, to prepare him for his great change and hurial. I left Buffalo by the first train of cars for Syracuse, to com- fort my dying friend, to prepare hiin fur his exit, by the prayers of the cliurch, and to attend his funeral. JJut alas ! I was too late. The body of my I'riend and pupil had already been consigned to the tomb. La Fort requested one of his attendants, tliat if I did not arrive bcforj his death, to say to me that he had died in the belief of the Christian religion, as I had taught him. Tliat he believed on the Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour, and hoped to meet mo in a better world. With these comforting words, I left Onondaga Hollow, and with a heavy heart turned my lace once more to the west." The ancient CouNcrL-FiiiE of the Confederate Nations, from time immemorial, had always been kei)t alive at Onon- daga, the central nation of the confederacy. After their al- liance v. ith the English in ItJCiG, the fires of the United Coun- cils of the two powers were kindled at Albany, and there, ac- cording to the figurative manner of Indian expression, Avas planted the great tree, to which was fastened the eliain of friendship. With the close of tlic groat council of ITTo, that fire, which had so long kept burning, was extinguisliod. It was the last Indian council held at the ancient Dutcli Capital. The great Council-Fire of the Six Nations was still kept alive at Onondaga till after the close of the I'evolutionary Avar, at Avliich time a portion of the Onomlngas took up their abode PI JM 124 O N O N D A { J A . i. ■ i on tho BufTiilo Creek Resorvatinn, iindor the protootion of the SenecaH, und thero was established tho Coiiiieil-Fire of the Six Nations. Tho Council- Kiro was kept by L't-ha-wah, (dipt, Cold,) un Ononda^M, and tho Senccas appropriated a mile square of land on their reservation, as a mark of distinction to tho chief who kept it. Efforts have often been made by the On()nd!i<;^as at home, to have the council-fire restored to its ancient hearth, but always without success until tho fall of 1847. The Ononda;:;as and Senecas on tho Buffalo Reserva- tion, seoin«,' that their lands were like to pass from thoui, and thereby their removal become inevitable, after the death of Capt. Cold, resolved to restore the sacred deposit to its an- cient site. We would here remind the reader that what is termed the council-fire, is not, as is by miiny supposed, an actual fire, kept constantly burning, but tho i)laco where their national records are kept, and belts, the memorials of treaties, depo- sited and prosewed, and as such, tho term is only used in a figurative sense. It is the place where all the national coun- cils assemble, and whore is retained tho spirit and essence of their ceremonies and institutions. Important Indian councils are often held without actual fire. Dehatkatons was at this time chosen keeper of the council- fire of the Six Nations. These archives consist of various bolts of wampum, some twonty-fivo or thirty in number, wliioh the author has had the satisfaction of seeing, (a sight rarely allowed a white nuin,) with explanations from the keeper. Here is shown a belt, sixteen inches broad, by four feet long, representing the first union and league of the Five Nations, and is called tho "cahpet," foundation or platform, or as we may better understand it, tho constitution ; literally, some- thing to stand upon. The several nations, are distinguished by particular squares. and these are joined together by a lino of white Avampum and united to a heart in the centre, implying the union of hand and heart as one. In connection with this, is a second belt having the figures of several chiefs wrought in the warn- CIIIKFH 125 )tootion of the il-Firc of the la-wiili, (dipt, riatc'd a mile of (list i notion )CC'U niado by e restored to itil the fall of IViilo Roscrva- Diii tlieiii, anil tlu; death of osit to its an- 3 termed the II actual fire, heir national reaticH, dcpo- nly used in a ational conn- id essence of idian councils r the council- st of various unibor, which . sifjjht rarely the keeper. >ur feet long, -^ive Nations, arm, or as we erally, some- ;ular squares, lite Avampum ;he union of !, is a second in the wam- pum, all holdintr hands in a circle, which i.s to represent, that there .shall be no end to this lea/j;ue. On one belt is n<,'urcd the Long House, the Great Cabin, which no now nation can enter until it has erected aoino little cabins around it ; that i.s, the nation must perform some deeds worthy of note, before it can be entitled to admission to the great league of confederation. Around this, are five smaller cal)ins, emblems of the original Five Nations, before the league was formed, and on one side is a still smaller one, wrought since the first, representing the Tu.scarora nation, which was admitted at a 8ubse(iuent period. Another long narrow belt, having a cross at one end and a long house at the olher, a narrow white .stripe connecting the long house and a large cross, was explained as follows: " arcat many years ago," a company from Canada presented this belt, desiring that missionaries, from the Roman Catholic church, might bo settled among the Five Nations, and erect a church, at Onon- daga, and that the road should be cortinually kept open and free between them. All tlie other belts were explained with particular minuteness. The bag which contains these relics is of itself a singular curiosity. It is made of the finest shreds of Elm bark, and a person without being apprised, mi<rht easily mistake it for the softest 11a x. Its capacity would exceed a bu.shel. This liag is reputed to be as old as the league itself, and certainly hears the marks of great antiquity. The tubes or beads of wampum are of red, dark blue, pale hlue, black and white colors, made of conch shell. They are about five-eighths of an inch long, about as large as a small pipe stem, and hollow, strung, woven and Avrought with sinews of deer, and bark. The wliolc, to say the least, is a great curiosity, and has undoubtedly been handed down from a remote period. It is held as a sacred treasure, preserved with great care, and looked upon with peculiar reverence. ONONDAGA. CHAPTER VI. FRENCH MISSIONS. Introduction of French Roman Catholic Missionaries to Onondaga — Father Simon Le Moyne's Joiunal of a Visit to Onondaga, 1653— Jesuit Rela- tion l(;r)5-C — Voyage ok Joseph Ciiaimo.ndt and Ci.aihe Dablon to O.no.v DAGA, AND TIIEIU RetUKN TO QUEBEC RELATION, 1 656-7— PUBLICATION OF TUl; Faith to the Onondagas, by Father Paul Rauueneau— Charlevoix Ac- count OF THE Same— Reception of Le Moyne with the Onondagas— Rela- tions FROM 1659 TO 1067— De Witt Clinton's Account of a Colony near Jamesville, 1666 — Relations from 1668 to 1709. In entering upon an investigation of the antiquarian re- mains every where apparent in the vicinity of Onondaga, we find a foundation more permanent upon which to build, mate- rials more tangible, with which to erect a superstructure, than can be found in the faded traditions of Indian history. We have the most conclusive testimony that the vestiges of Eu-- ropean art, the traces of civilization and the evidences of military occupancy by a scientific people, so widely scat- tered throughout the country, are but the ruins of erections made by missionaries, traders and military commanders of France, Holland and England. And the most ancient, (except perhaps the Pompey monumental stone,) can scarcely be traced further back, than the early part of the seventeenth century. The Dutch settled at New- York, in 1609, and the French at Quebec and Montreal, a little earlier ; but it cannot be sup- posed that these nations entered immediately into the busi- ness of sending traders among the Five Nations, or primarily adopted the measure of Christianizing them. However, at an early day, these matters became subjects of serious conside- MISSIONS, 127 ration, and the Christianizing of the Five Nations, and their civi- hzation too, was a subject Avhicli almost entirely engrossed the minds of the French Jesuits, and subsequently the Dutch and English missionaries. The trade and good will of this powerful confederacy, was sought with great avidity, and Onondaga being the central nation, the seat of their government and power the main operations were centred here. The Dutch during the days of their ascendancy and power in New-Yo4 were successful 111 securing the favor and trade of these nations And such was their progress, that the French made no posi- tively favorable efforts to gain a permanent foothold, till the ^lynasty of the Dutch was superceded by the English After this event, the French Mere more successful in" their enter- prises Their missionaries were pushed into the heart of the Onoiulaga country. The details of their Inbors and opera- tions, give them the air nnd consequence of history, and that too of the utmost import..ucc. Most of these missionaries v,erc men of education, and |,reservrd the record of their .lomjrs, and their Eolations, so far as they throw light upon our liistory, are wortliy of credit. In tiieyear 1028, Il'enry de Levi, Ducde Ventadour, sought .'.n. obtained the title of viceroy of New France. This lord had retired from court and had received sacre.l orders It was not to enter into the tumult of the Avorld, that he took charge o| the afiairs of x\ew France, but to establish a new mission m the wilderness, and to procure the conversion of the savage inhabitants. As this Jesuit was the director of his own conscience, possessing a bold and fearless spirit he cast his eyes towar,ls the western world, as a theatre suitable 01- the execution of his magnificent project. He proposed his great scheme to the French king, and laid his plans and ex- plained them before his majesty and his council, who were de- ghted, that an enterprise so daring, and promising the most appy results, should thus be proposed. His majesty acce- dod to the p an the more willingly, as the Order of the Recol- le_.s,_who had on most occasions, been the pioneers in all new missions, so far from opposing the scheme, had themselves ■I" f iin tl'% 'M LlJl 128 ONONDAGA, ih a made the first proposal to the Due de Ventadour. Thus all things being harmoniously arranged, Father Charles Lalle- mant, the same who had accompanied Mons. de la Saussaye a Pentagort, the Father Eremond Masse and Father Jean de Brebeuf, who had been selected to conduct the Canadian mis- sion, with two brothers of the Order of Jesuits, made ready to depart. These first and devoted heralds of the cross were ready to sail early in the year 1625. It was in this year that Jesuit missionaries first arrived in Canada, prepared to announce the gospel to the heathen. Previously, none had had intercourse with the aborigines of our land, except in the character of traders, using every means to overreach and swindle them, or in the more stern garb of military adventurers, prepared to oppress them. These sons of the forest, now for the first time saw men entering their villages, whose words breathed peace and love ; whose business was only to suffer, and to teach humility ; whose sword was the cross, and whose garb was soberness, good will and charity. The privations of the wilderness, and rigors of the cliraate, were borne with foi-titude ; native languages were to be mas- tered ; the dispositions and customs of a strange people were to be studied and conformed to ; and difliculties to be en- countered, sufficient to appal the stoutest heart. Yet these tie- voted men and their successors, entered upon tlieir labors with a zeal that knew no limit, and a devotedness that surmounted every severity to which they were exposed. They were suc- cessful in winning these strange men to their stranger doc- trines and faith ; and their object was in a measure accom- plished, of winning these wild inhabitants from tiieir wandering Avays, and drawing them unconsciously into the practices of civilized life. The establishment of missions among the na- tives naturally led to the exploration of the country. And thus these pioneers of the cross became the first discovereis and historians of the whole interior of North America. They widely extended geographical knowledge, and did not overlook the importance of providing the means of education for the youth of the land. So important have their relations become, MISSIONS. 129 that they may well be termed " an elaborate history of the country." In proportion to their high value, is at the same time their great scarcity. Those more intimately relating to our early history, are those of Father Francis Joseph le Mercier, Father J. Claude Dablon, Father Cholonec, Father Le Moyne, Father Jean Quien, Father Paul Le Jeune, Father Paul Ragueneau and Father Jerome Lallemant. As the history of these missions is somewhat interesting, occupying a period of near one hun- dred years, and of which, comparatively little has been pub- lisiied, and consequently little is known, it is deemed of suf- ficient importance, to insert it somewhat at large. At first, these missionaries were received with doubt and even suspicion, for the natives could not easily comprehend, how men could thus devote themselves entirely to their wel- fare without a prospect of favors in return. We find but slight traces of these laborers in the country of the L'oquois, till the years following 1G50. In 1642, Martyr Rone Goupil was killed by the stroke of an axe in the hand of his master, whom he only knew in the moment of death. It Avas occasioned by his making the sign of the cross upon a child, which they all supposed Avould produce the death of the whole village by his sorceries. Father logues interfer- ed to save him to no purpose, although he offered to die in his stead, or with him. Father Jerome Lallemant, Relation of 1045, '6, speaking of the different nations of the Iroquois, remarks, that the Mohawks are the most populous, and at the same time more revenscful and warlike than all the rest, and have far less disposition to embrace the faith. The Onondagas have a beautiful lake, in tlie environs of which are several salt fountains which afford excellent salt.* Oneida, between Mohawk and Onondaga, is not inferior to S'Sf *"Celui il' Ouontague, a iiii fort beau Lac appello Gaiineiitaha, aiix environs duqiiel il y' a plusiours tbntaiiies salt^es et dont les bords, soiit toiijours couverU d' 1111 tres boiui sel." 17 130 ONONDAGA. 'i U Jf! ' I ' if either m any point. But the cantons of Cayuga and Seneca surpass them all by the excellence of the soil, the beauty of the country, and mildness of the climate. The inhabitants being influenced by these superinducements, have always shown themselves the most tractable of all the Iroquois. Father Isaac logues Avas the first missionary of whom Ave have any knowledge as having visited Onondaga, which he did m 1642. He was a Roman Catholic— a Jesuit. His "Itv lation" or Journal has not come within our reach. In May, 1646, he was commissioned as an envoy from the French, was hospitably received by the Mohawks, and gained an opportunity of offering the friendship of France to the Onondagas. Father Cholonec, speaking of him, says— "We availed our- selves of this occasion, which seemed a favorable one, to send missionaries to the Iroquois. They had already gained some smattering of the gospel, which had been preached to them by Father logues, and particularly those of Onnontague am?,ng whom this Father had fixed his residence. It is Avell known that this missionary received among the Iroquois that recompense of martyrdom which Avell befitted his zeal."* Mr. Bancroft, in his United States, vol. 3, page 138, gives a thrilling account of the labors, privations and death of this distinguished herald of the cross. Father Henepin, in his liistory of discovery in North Ame- rica, at Book II, page 178, says—" The Order Recollets of St. Francis, were the leading pioneers of the Roman Cathohc Church in all the Indies, and throughout the world, preceding the Order of Jesuits, on all occasions being much longer es- tablished. But from some unexplained arrangement, the Je- suits Avcre made the leading order of missions in America." This venerable Father himself was a Recollet of St. Fran- cis, and published a large quarto volume of his Travels in North America from 1679 to 1682. The year 1653, Father Le IVIoyne was sent to the Ononda- * Kip's Jesuits. MISSIONS. 181 gas to ratify with them a treaty in the name of the Governor General of Canada, and every thing passed very agreeably between them. The missionary remarked to the savages, that he wished to locate his cabin in their canton, and not only was his offer accepted, but they showed to him the most marked attention. When he came to take possession, he was caress- ed in a royal manner, through many villages. He was charg- ed with presents to all, and was reconducted with great cere- mony to Quebec, as they had previously promised. The Relation of Father Le Moyne thus commences : On the 17th day of July, 1653, I set out from Montreal and embarked for a land as yet but little known, accompa- nied by a young man of piety and fortitude, Avho had long been a resident of that country. July 18th. Following always the course of the " Saint Laurens," we encountered nothing but breakers and boiste- rous rapids full of rocks and shoals. 19th. We passed into a beautiful lake, eight or ten leagues long. At evening an innumerable host of vexatious musqui- toes, gave us warning of an approaching storm, in which we were drenclied during the whole night. To be thus ex- posed, without shelter, except of the forest, is a pastime more innocent and agreeable than could well be anticipated. 20th. Islands more beautiful than any in the world, here and there divide the unruffled stream. Tlie land on the north side is excellent. Towards the west, there is a range of high mountains, which we named St. ]\Iarguerite. 21st. The Islands continue. In the evening we broke our bark canoe. It rained all night. The bare rocks served us for a bed, covering and all. He who has faith in God, re- poses sweetly in any place. 22d. The rapids, Avhich for a season are not navigable, compelled us to carry our luggage and canoe on our shoulders ; on the opposite side, I perceived a herd of cattle, grazing at their ease in perfect security. Four or tive hundred are sometimes seen in this region in one drove. 23d and 24th. Our guide being wounded, we were forced 1 'i'\ MMIM^-Htr^MM 132 ONONDAGA, I I to encamp, a prey to the musquitoes. We submitted patiently. A task the more difficult, because there was no cessation from this inconvenience day or night. One could rest with as much ease with death staring him in the face. 25th. We found the river so rapid, that we were compelled to throw ourselves into the water, and draw our canoe after us over the rocks^ as a dismounted cavalier leads his horse by the rein. In the evening we landed at the mouth of lake St. Ignace, where the eel abounds in prodigious quantities. 26th. A storm of wind and rain, obliged us to land this morning, after four hours journey. We soon made a shelter, stripping some neighboring trees of their bark, we placed it on poles fixed in the ground in a circle, tlie ends of which we brought together in the form of an arbor. This done, behold the house is finished. Ambition finds no door to such a palace— more delightful to us, than if the roof was of gold. ^ 27th. We coasted along the banks of the lake, which are high and rocky on all sides, presenting a frightful and pictu- resque appearance. It is wonderful how trees so large can find root among so many rocks. 28th. A storm of thunder and lightning, amid torrents of rain, obliged us to remain under the i)rote('tion of our canoe, which being inverted served us for a shelter. 29th and 30th. A continued storm of wind detained us at the entrance of the great lake, named Ontario. We called it Iroquois lake, because the Iroquios nations, have their vil- lages^ on the southren borders. The Hurons are on the north- ern side, more in the interior. This lake is about twenty leagues broad and forty long. 31st. We were this day obliged to make up for the time we had lost by the storm. We traversed extensive islands, carrying our luggage, provisions and canoe on our shoulders. It made the way seem long to us, poor Aveary voyagers. August 1st. We landed this day at a small village of Iro- quois fishermen. Some Hurons are among them. They re- quested me to pray for them. I confessed Ilostagehtak, our MISSIONS. 133 host of the Petun (tobacco) nation. He was the fruit of the labors of Father C. Garnier. 2cl. We began our march in the forest, and after travel- ing twelve or fifteen leagues, encamped about sunset. M. At noon we found ourselves on the bank of a river, one hundred or one hundred and twenty paces wide, on the other side of which there is a village of fishermen. An Iro- (juois, whom I had befriended at Montreal, set me across in his canoe, and kindly bore me to the shore on his shoulders, being unwilling that I should put my feet into the water. Everyone received me with joy, and these poor people en- riched me with their poverty. They conducted me to another village, about a league distant, where a young man of con- sideration made a feast for me, because I bore the name of his father, Ondessonk. The chiefs, one aft-r another came to harangue us. I baptized some dying children, who perhaps Avere just spared for that sprinkling of the precious blood of Christ. 4th. They inquired of us why we were clothed in black. I embraced this opportunity to speak to them of the mys- teries of our religion. They brought me a dying infant which I named Dominique. They no longer conceal these little innocents from us. They took me for a great medicine man, although I had only a little sugar to give my patients. We pursued our journey. At noon we found a dinner waiting for us. The nephew of the principal chief of the country is to lodge us in his cabin, being commissioned by his uncle to escort us, and furnish us with every delicacy the season affords, especially bread from new Indian corn, of a kind which we roasted by the fire. We slept this night in the open air. 5th. We traveled four leagues before arriving at the principal Onondaga village. I passed many persons on the way, who kindly saluted me, one calling me brother, another uncle, and another cousin. I never before had so many rela- tions. At a quarter of a league from the village, I began a harangue in a solemn and commanding tone, which gained me great credit. I named all their chiefs, fomilics and dis- 134 ONONDAGA. tinguished persona. I told them that peace and joy were my companions and that I scattered war among the distant na- tions. Two chiefs addressed me as I entered the village with a welcome, the like I had never before experienced among savages. Their women and children all treated me in a friendly and respectful manner. In the evening, I called the principal chiefs together to make them two presents. One to wipe their faces, that they might regard me with kindness and never show symptoms of sadness in their countenances. The second to clean away the little distrust, that might remain upon their minds. After considerable discourse, they reti- red to consult together, and then responded to my presents by two others more valuable tlian mine. 6th. I was called to-day in different directions to administer relief to dying children. Some I baptised. I also confessed our old Huron Christains, and found that God is every where ; that he is pleased to labor silently in those hearts where faith has reigned. He there builds a temple, where he is worship- ped in spirit and in truth, that he may be glorified forever. In the evening my host took me aside and told me, with much affection, that he had always loved me ; that he was now con- tent, seeing that all the tribes of his nation, desired nothing but peace ; that recently the Senecas had requested negotia" tions for peace to be commenced, and for that object had made several valuable presents ; that the Cayugas had brought three belts for that purpose ; that tlie Oneidas were gratified in hav- ing been, through his intervention, relieved from a bad posi- tion, and wished only for peace; that without doubt the Mo- hawks would foil in with the otliers ; that I must take cour- a.ge, for I had the good wishes of all. It is sweet consolation to witness so much faith in savage hearts. 7th. I baptized a young captive taken from the Neuter nation, fifteen or sixteen years old, who had been instructed in the mysteries of our faith by a Huron convert. This was the first adult baptism made at Onondaga, for which wo are indebted to the piety of a Huron. The joy I experienced was MISSIONS. 18u an ample compensation for all past fatigues. When God dis- poses a soul, a way of safety is soon provided. 9th. This day at noon a dismal cry arose, occasioned by the massacre of three Iroquois warriors by the nation of the Cat, (Eries,) which took place about a day's journey from the latter. This amounts to a declaration of war. 10th. The deputies having arrived from the neighboring nations, after the customary proclamations by the chiefs that all should assemble in the cabin of Ondcssonk. I opened the council by a public prayer on my knees, in a loud voice in the Huron tongue. I astonished them exceedingly by mention- ing them all by nations, tribes, families and individuals, which amount to no small number. This I was enabled to do from ray notes, and to them it was as astonishing as it was novel. I told them I had nineteen messages to deliver. The first was, that Onnontio (Monsieur de Lauson, Gover- nor of New France,) who spoke by my mouth in behalf of the Hurons, Algonquins and French, since all these nations ac- knowledge him as their great captain. A large belt of wam- pum, a hundred small beads of green glass, which are the dia- monds of the country, and an elk skin, confirms my words. The second, was to cut the bonds of eight Seneca captives, taken by our allies and carried to Montreal. The third, was to break the bonds of some captives of the Loups, taken about the same time. The fourth, was to thank the people of Onondaga for hav- ing restored to us a prisoner. The fifth, was to thank the Sonecas for having saved him from torture. The sixth, was to thank the Cayugas for having aided in his deliverance. The seventh, was to thank the Oneidas for having broken the bonds that held him captive. The eighth, ninth, tenth and eleventh, were for those Iro- quois nations, a tomahawk to each, for their new war with the nation of the Cat. pp|| * Li 136 ONONDAGA. il i i I'Hiiii The twelfth, was to replace the lost head of the Senccas, (alluding to the capture of their chief by the Eriea.) The thirteenth, was to strengthen their defenses against their cncniies. The fourteenth, Avas to paint their warriors for battle. The fifteenth, was to unite all their counsels. Three pre- sents for that object, a belt of wampum, two small glass beads, and an elk skin. By the sixteenth, I opened the door of Annonchiasse to all their nations, that they would be welcome among us. By the seventeenth, I exhorted them to become instructed in the truths of our faith, and for that object 1 made three pre- sents. By the eighteenth, I retiuired them henceforth never to lay in ambush for the Algonquin or Huron Nations, who might be on their way to visit our French settlements. This I ac- companied with three presents. Finally, by the nineteenth present, I wiped away the tears from all the young warriors, shed for the deatli of their great chief, Annencraos, lately taken prisoner by the nation of the Cat. On the delivery of each present, they uttered, from the bottom of their chests, a profound exclamation, in testimony of their gratification. I was about two hours in delivering my speech, in which I assumed the tone of a chief, walking about, as is their custom, like an actor on the stage. After I had concluded, they assembled by nations and tribes, having called in the Mohawk, who by chance happened to be there. After consulting together for two hours more, they called me among them, and seated me in a place of honor. The chief, who is principal spokesman and orator of the country, repeated faithfully the substance of my whole speech, and af- ter all had sung in testimony of their joy, he directed me to pray to God, which I did very willingly. These exercises be- ing finished, he addressed me in behalf of his nation. MISSIONS. 187 chiasse to all First, he thanked Onnontio for his good wishes. Two largo belts of wampum. Second, in the name of the Mohawks, he thanked us for having restored five of their allies of the nation of the Loups. Two other belts. Third, in the name of the Senecas, lie thanked us for hav- ing rescued from the fire five of their people. Two other belts ; each present being followed by exclamations from the assembly. Another chief, an Oneida, arose and delivering four large belts, thanked Onnontio for having generously encouraged thorn to combat agiiinst their new enemies, of the nation of the Cat, and for having exhorted them never to wage war against the French. " Thy words are admirable, Onnontio. They produce in my heart two contrary emotion.-^. You ani- mate me to war, and calm my heart with thoughts of peace. You are both a great warrior and a peace maker ; kind to- wards those you love, but terrible against y<>ur enemies. We all wish you joy, and wo will love the French for your sake." In conclusion, the Onondaga chief commenced speaking : •'Hoar, Ondessonk," said ho, " five nations speak through my mouth. I have in my heart the sentiments of all the Iroquois nations, :ind my language is faithful to my heart. Tell On- nontio four things, which are the su])joct of all our councils. First, we will acknowledge him of whom you have spoken, who is the master of our lives and to us unknown. Second, our national tree, is this day planted at Onon- daga; henceforth, it will be the place of our councils and treaties for peace. Third, we request you to select on the banks of our great lake, a convenient place for a French habitation. Place yourself in the heart of our country, since you have possessed our inmost affections. There, we can go for instruction ; and from thence, you can spread yourselves everywhere. Have for us the care of fathers, and we will entertain for you the respect of children. Fourth; we arc engaged in new wars; let Onnontio animate 18 JfJW^MBJi^i 138 O N O N D A (J A . US for the acone. For him wo will have no thoughts but peace." Their most vahiable presents were reserved for the last four Hpccchefl. On tiio l')th of August, wo set out on our return with ii goodly company. On the Itjth we arrived at the entrance of a small lake. (Onondaga.) In a large basin, half dry, we tasted the water of a spring, Avhich the Indians are afraid to drink, saying that is inliiibited by a demon who renders it foul. I found it to be a fountain of salt water, from which we made a little salt, ns natural as from the soa, some of which we shall carry to Queljcc. This lake aboiuids in salmon, trout and other kinds of liwh. On the ITth, we entered the outlet of the lake, and passed the river of the Senecas on the left, the addition of which enlarges the stream. It rises, they say, in two streams, nmong the Cayugas and Senecas. After three leagues more of pleasant traveling, wo passed on our right, the river of Oneida, which seemed (piitc deep. A league farther, we encountered some rapids, wliifh gave the name to a village of iishermen. On the 18th, my companions were engaged in putting their canoes in order. August 19th, '70 journeyed on upon the same river, Avliich is of fine width, and everywhere deep, except some rapids, where we found it necessary to get into the water and draw the ca- noe to prevent its being broken by the rocks. 20th. We arrived this day at the great lake Ontario, called the Lake of the Iroquois. The residue of the journal is a continuation of his journey back to Quebec. lie describes the scenery along the lake as very beautiful. He became almost enchanted with the abun- dance of game, consisting of immense herds of wild cattle, deer, &c., which were feeding on extensive meadows. Com- pletely satisfied with the results of his mission, he arrived safely at Quebec, on the 11th of September, 16-58. Next in order is the Relation of the years 1055 and 1650, ar I s H I o N a , 189 Jturn with a by Father Francis lo Mercier, giving an account of tho voy- age of Father Joseph Chauraonot, and Father Claude Dablon to Onondaga, to the country of the Inxiuois superiors. Tho Agnics (Mohawks) and Onneiouts (Oneidas) from be- low, wo denominate the Lower or Inferior Iroquois. The Onon(hvga3 and the neighboring nations for tho Upper or Su- perior Irociuois, because they advance higher towards tho source of the river St. Lawrence, and itdmbit a mountainous country. ()non(higa being the central nation, our voyage was directed to that place. Wo set out from Quebec, the" IDth of September, HUV), and from Montreal, the 7th of October. We ascended the Sault St. Louis, but on account of the break- ers, and the difficult passage, we ordy advanced four leagues the first day, and a (fuarter of a league on the second. Ve here joined some Onondagas, who had preceded us, that they might have time to prepare canoes for the voyaf^e. We piissod the remainder of the day with them. On the 9th, we traversed tho lake St. Louis, which is formed ill the river St. Lawrence. This magnificent river forms lakes in many places, by expanding its waters and afterwards com- pressing them within its natural channel. On tho 10th, which was Sunday, we had tlio consolation of saying holy mass. Our guides and the rest of our people, had soon erected and dressed an altar and living chapel, since it was built of the green branches of trees. We made wine from the grapes of the country, which were everywhere abun- dant. After our devotions were completed, we rc-embarked, and had hardly made a league, when we met a band of Tson- nontnuan (Seneca) hunters, who told us that their nation was to send an embassy to the French in tho autumn. On the 12th, we rowed up several rapids, and in the eve- niug, instead of resting, after our hard day's work in these currents by which we had advanced about five lengucs, we liad to keep watch, for we greatly feared the Mohawks, of which a part of our band was composed, who were enemies to the Ilurons and the faith. On the 13th, we did not proceed far, on account of the At li 'f'--" i :i • I 'f '(■■ m » h 140 ONONDAGA. failure of our provisions. Our hunters and fishers were ne- cessarily engaged in seeking their own subsistence and ours from the woods and streams. 14th. Our purveyors were not remarkably fortunate ; our stock of provisions Avas still running lower and lower, and our appetites continually sharpened by hunger. At this juncture we made prize of a wild cow. This poor boast had been drowned ; its flesh was already in a state of decay, but appe- tite being a superior cook, without salt or spices, Ave still found this meat not only very acceptable, but exceedingly well fla- vored. Nay, let us rather say that the zeal and ardor that we feel, in gaining these poor souls for God, so softens all our difficulties, that avc find much sweetness in the strong, and much that is agreeable in the bitter. On the 15th, God caused us to pass from destitution to abundance. Eight bears had fallen into the hands of our liunters. Immediately all our people became butchers and cooks. Nothing was seen but flesh and grease and skins. Four pots boiled continually, and Avhen it came to the knives and the teeth, not one asked for bread, Avine, salt or sauce. It Av. s most excellent, Avithont seasoning. The rains descend- ed abundantly this day, Avhich obliged our fiimished horde to repose, Avitliout the loss of a day of fine Aveather. On tlie 17th, the abundance continues ; our people killed thirty bears. One man killed ten, for his single portion. A singular ceremony folloAved this great carnage, Avhicli Avns to drink the grease of these bears after a meal, as avc drink " Ily- jjocras" in France. AfterAvards every individual rubbed them- selves from head to foot Avith this oil. On the night of tlie 18th and 19th, Ave Avere much diAxrted by an agreeable incident. One of our savages aAvakes at raid- night, out of breath, crying and turning himself about like a madman. We thought at first that some great calamity had befallen him, so Adolent Avere his convulsions. We ran to him to encourage him, but his cries and fury redoubled. We hid our arms lest he should seize them and improperly use them. Some prepared a medicinal drink for him ; others held him ao MISSIONS, 141 well as they could, but he escaped from their hands and cast himself into tlie river, where he behaved strangely ; several ran to draAv him out ; they proposed a fire for him ; altho' he acknowledged himself very cold, he went away from the fire and took his station against a tree, by which to warm himself. Our people oifered the medicine prepaied for him ; "But," said he, " it is not suitable for my complaint. Give it to that child," said he, pointing to the skin of a bear stuffed with straw. We were obliged to obey him, and pour it down the throat of that beast. Until then, every one had been alarmed. But when closely questioned, as to what ailed him, he said he had dreamed that a certain animal, Avhich is in the habit of divine in the water, had got into his stomacli and awakened him, and that to fight with it, he had thrown himself into the river. Upon this, all our fears were changed to laughter, ic was neccssMvy, however, to cure the diseased imagination of this man, Wherefore they all pretended to be as mad as himself, and to fight with the animals diving in the water. They also prepared to sweat themselves so ii.s to get him to do like them. As he cried and sung aloud durhig the process of SAveating, imitating the cry of the animals with which he was fighting, so thoy also began to cry and sing aloud, the cries of those animals with which they pretended to be fighting, every one violently striking the poor fellow in the cadence of their song, hnaginc what a chorus of twenty voices, imitating ducks, teall and frogs, and what a sight to see so many men pretendino- to be mad in order to cure a madman. They succeeded well for after being thoroughly sweated, our lunatic stretched him- self upon liis unit and slept as soundly as if nothing had hap- pened. Ilis disease, which had come on in a dream, passed off in a dreamy sleep, and whosoever has to do with these Pa- gan savages may lose his life by a dream. On the 10th, 20th, 21st, 22d, 2.3(1, we labored hard in drag- ging our canoes through the rapids, making only four or five leagues. 2-kh, AVe arrived early at Lake Ontario, a very beautiful lake. (Father Henepin, speaking of this lake, says. Tome ■ '<■'' "5,1 M , |,f ! i ii f[['t it iH ^aJlllrLI' yjMiro'tiB li w ■KJlLiii If 142 ONONDAGA. I, page 23, '' The river of St. Laurence derives its source from Liic Ontario, which is Hkewise called, in the Iroquois lan- guage, Skanadario, that is to say, very jjretty Lac." Again, at Tome II, page 136, he says, " The great river of St. Lau- rence, which I have often mentioned, runs through the mid- dle of the Iroquois country, and makes a great Lake there, which they call Ontario, viz : the beautiful Lac. It is near one hundred leagues long, and a vast number of towns might bo built upon it.") To continue our narrative — five stags were killed this evening, at the entrance of the lake. The inci- dent was sufficient to stop our party. We considered at lei- sure the beauty of this lake, the entrance to which is half way from Montreal to Onondaga. It is incomparably the most difficult part, on account of the great number of rapids. We afterwards enter into beautiful smooth water, interspersed with numerous islands, distant about a quarter of a league from each other. It is pleasant to witness the swimming of herds of cows from island to island. Our hunters often intercept their path, as they return to firm land, and place themselves at the landing places, conducting them to death at the most desirable spot. On the 25th and 26th, we advanced sixteen leagues into the lake, and fairly enter it. We have never remarked any thing more beautiful. It borders on the sublime. At times the scenery is even frightful. Lofty islands and huge rocks piled up like towering citadels, covered with cedars and pines, va- riegate the prospect. On the 27th, we passed most of the islands, and water alone was visible on every side. In the evening we met a band of Seneca hunters. We Avere both greatly surprised at meeting, but to relieve our embarrassment, they invited us to a feast of corn and beans, cooked in the beautiful clear water of the country. This food, simple as it was, and seasoned with brotherly love, was delicious. 29th. We arrived at Ontiahantague (Oswego). We received there a warm welcome ; every one crowded to see us. Ontia- hantague, is a large river whicli discharges into Lake Ontario; MISSIONS. 143 jrives its source lands, all propo ' ' ' 1 ^ f ™ ""'° ^'^'"" »<• '»- fish are oLZ;„ I , "' "'■"''■ ^'"''°™ kinds of " """S''' '" ''I'mdance at all seasons of the vear T„ spring, as soon as the snow is melte.l it i,f„l „f n ^ ,, «.T. sueceed the™, afterwards the i ^.t" if:^,'^:^, Ml, SIX inches bn:», of exeell„„t « I ^ ™' '■-.■5„c.V and at th end f I vV """ "■"" "^"^ *° npo, stn,,eo„ are often" «!, Se't" "17 hTrt"? were here received wit], +l,« *. V^'''J'i<iagds.j vVe selves on his no,-]- «. • ^r\™°"°<^ 5 some threw them- selves, on ms neck, some invited him to -i f^-icf .fi, 1 m nr.NPnf-a Ti *^^^^^' others ffave mm pitsents. J-hey were overiovo,! p„ *= nppfnvmr.,1 .> 1- 7 • "^ "'^'•'*^y""- -I layers were openlv peiioimed, a ciil)in bcmr^ too sitimU f^ ^ ^ • , I^^^^v 17 *i 1 1 , . " sin.iJl to contain them Tho H.ons, Of the upper e^l^.-^rd it:, ^^nefe^ m account of tlieir aversion to the f.ith 1. "\^tiacted, .yi^'I^l^ listening attentively to tl.e^ .f ' i- ' '' '^'^'^" '' is it that affliction X" f Xl . ^ T" r "'""" ' '' ''^' I'uii ^ixcb a iiniit understandino- Tim tt-..^! met here Otohenha, the host of the 1-ito F ^" ,/^'' *^*'^^^'' tI)A T7.,fi /-I . ^•^'' "1 "-"^ late leather Gamier -md 1"C Father Carrea.,, in the nation of Petu,, (Tobaoe ' ,T «as so overjoyed at the siW.t of the v7lL ,uT,' «ot speak, ami was obliged To delav to , ' ' ''" """''' lation of his adventures? whht' l^ <' """• """ ''■ «-|io Iia,l solicited a dwelli,,,, place , "°™"'^' «ely overtaken by the oZ^.^ ^r"] '"J,™ "'"■<"■'"- ■-anddistribiitoiinion/trhi;?;:!;;:^::;'^'-^^^^ One of the women having lee„ secretly advised, that the 144 ONOxNDAGA IS'iIilt f " 11 relatives of liim for whom she had been given, wished to burn her, fled into the woods with her child, after Rene had bap- tized it. What is not less sad, he related the death of that famous Martha Gahatio, of well known sanctity, (lod willed to try her severely. Ho said that during the past year, being at war with the nation of the Cat and with the Onondagas, having taken and sacked a small village, he found among the slain, the good Reno and Sondiouaeren and his daughter, among the captives, the same Martha of whom we speak. They had mutually encouraged each other, had kept their promises to God, and died in a full profession of the faith, llie poor INIartha, who could not well follow the victors, because of lame- ness and a little child which she could scarcely carry, was cruelly burned on the road. Two of her children had escaped the fury of the Onondagas, but they gave us no tidings of them. It was truly pitiful to hear these poor people relate the story of their captivity. Several of them had been killed by those who had at first spared their lives. A slight dis- obedience or sickness, was sufficient to obtain for them a blov/ of the hatchet. On the yOth, avc prepared to go by land to Onondaga, After mid day, we met several Oneida warriors, who were going beyond the rapids, against a people called Nez Pcrce^, (Pierced Noses) Atondutochan was their leader. He was at Montreal on the second embassy sent by the town of Oneida, He was a well made and an elotpient man. He entreated us to remain a day or two longer, that he might learn our pur- pose. On the 31st, these warriors all assembled, and after the ordinary ceremonies, at such a meeting, Father Chaumonot addressed Atondutochan, and told him in the first place, that he rejoiced to see this great man, whose voice had been so liigh at Montreal that its echo still resounded there. 'secondly ; that the subject which led him to this country, was to fulfill a promise he had previously made, to speak to all tlic same language, as all are warmed by the same sun, and all MISSIONS. 146 have the same heart, so all should henceforth be brothers. At these two articles the usual acclamations were heard ; all manifested in their countenances, the joy which this discourse gave them, and because it had been reported that peace had been concluded between the French and Mohawks, without comprising the Algonkins and Ilurons in it. The Father added thirdly, that he came to make and conclude a good and universal peace. In the fourth place, he made a present of fifteen hundred porcelain beads, to invite them to treat well the two French- men, among those whom they were about to combat • and finally, he prayed to the Maker of all, to take care of his en- terprise. We had resolved to make him a valuable present in order to quiet his soldiers ; but we learned secretly, that ue should have been certainly refused, because they were strongly moved at the death of some of their people, whom they wished to avenge at any price whatsoever. After the Father had spoken for half an hour, the chief commenced his response. The whole party, as if by concert, commenced to sing in a man-^r like a full chorus. The first song said, that they were all now engaged for the day in thanking the Father for the good news he had brought them. The second song was to congratulate him for his favorable voyage, upon his safe arrival. They sang a third time, to light a fire to the Father that he miglit take possession of the country. The fourth song, united us as a band of brothers. The fifth, threw the Iiatchet to the bottom of the waters, that peoce might reign m all their borders. The sixth song, was to make the French masters of Ontiahantague. It was here that the chief invited the salmon, the " barlme- and otlier fishes to cast themselves into our nets, and to fill this river only for our benefit. He told the fishes, that they would be very fortunate to terminate their lives thus honorably. He named all the fi.hes of this river, even to the very smallest, and apostrophized them all in his peculiar vein of eloquence, lie added many other things, which caused all our people to laugli. The seventh 19 146 ONONDAGA. '< i song was still more agreeable to us. It was to open their hearts and ask us to read there, their satisfaction upon our arrival. At the end of these songs, they made us a present of two thousand porcelain beads. Thereupon the Father rais- ing his voice answered, that the kindness of his words con- tinually became more affecting. That before this time, the shores of Lake Ontario only had listened to his voice ; but henceforth, it should fly beyond the greatest of all the lakes, and would roll like thunder over all France. This pleased the chieftain, as well as all his people. They afterwards invi- ted us to a feast, which closed the evenins;. On the first of November, we set out overland for Onondaga. We met here a good Huron Avoman, named Theresa Oiouha- ton. This poor woman, luiving heard of the arrival of the French, came three leagues distant from her dwelling to greet the Father on his passage. Her joy Avas great at seeing the ^^ Noir llob':^'' (priests) once more before she died. The Father asked her if the little child she held in her arms had been baptized, and by whom. She answered that she herself had baptized it in these Avords : Jesus have mercy on my child. I baptize thee my child, that thou mayest be happy in heaven. Thereupon the Fatlier confessed and consoled her. We pass- ed the night on the bank of the stream, after having made five good leagues. We departed thence at dawn, on the 2d of November, and after advancing six or seven leagues, we pitched our camp, at the same sign, under the same au- spice, Avhich had always shone upon our journey, the evening star. On the 3d, we left before the sun had risen. The Frencli met upon their road, the sister of that Theresa of whom we have spoken, Avho related her misfortunes with many tears. I had, said she, two children in my captivity ; but alas, they have been massacred by their captors, and I have every day to dread a similar fate. Death stands before me continually. We had to console her, and afterwards to confess her, then leave her quickly, to follow our guides, who took us this day MISSIONS, 147 to Tethiroguen.* This is a river which issues from a river called Goienho.f Oneida village, one of the Iroquois nations, IS above this lake, which in its construction makes the river Tethiroguen, and afterwards a rapid of steep descent, called Ahaouetc^.t As soon as we had arrived at this river, the most notable among a good number of fisherman who sojourned here, came to pay us their respects, and afterwards conducted us to their best cabins. On the 4th of November, we advanced about six leagues, still on foot, and burdened with our little baggage. We passed the night about four leagues from Onondaga. On the r,th of November, 1G5.5, as we continued our route, a chieftain of note, called Gonatcregon, met us a league from his cabin, welcomed our arrival, and kindly invited us to re- mam with his people. He placed himself at the head of our little company, and conducted us in state to within a quar- ter of a league of Onondaga, where the '^ Anciens" of the country awaited us. Having seated ourselves beside them they set before ns their best provisions, especially pumpkins baked in the ashes. While we were eating, an aged chieftain named Okonchiarennen, arose, requiring silence, and among other things, said, we were very welcome ; we were much wish- ed for, and had been expected for a long time. Since the young men, whose element is war, had themselves demanded and procured peace, it was for the aged men no more to han- dle arms, but to ratify peace and embrace it with all their hearts, wliich they sincerely did. It was the lAIohawks only, Avho wished to darken the sun, rendered so splendid by our approach, and who were disposed to fill the sky with clouds, at the same time that we dispersed them ; but that all the ef- forts of these envious men would fall to the ground, and that at the last tlioy would agree with us, that we should soon take pos- session of the lands assigned us, and enter and enjoy our new liomes in perfect security. After having delivered this dis- course, which was spoken in apparently a studied manner, the * Oneida IWvcr. t Chittunango Creek. Gastoirs R ifts, town ofClay. 148 ONONDAGA, Father replied, that his speech was as a most agreeable bever- age to U8, wliich took away all the fatigue of the journey. That he came on the part of Onnontio to satisfy their demands and he doubted not they Avould be fully satisfied when they had learned his commision. The whole people listened with attention and ailmiration, delighted to hoar a Frenchman speak their language so well. After this, our chief, Avho had lately spoken, arose arid gave a signal, and conducted w through long fdos closely ranged, to see us pass through their midst; Ave were prescniid with fruits and favored with happy greetings on all sides, until we arrived at the principal villaf^c. whose streets were very clean and the roofs of the cabin.'* seemed covered with children. We were ushered into a spa- cious cabin which had p.- viously been prepared for us, and as many as could entered v.ith us. After resting a short time. we were invited to a })ear feast. We excused ourselves be- cause it was Friday. Tills did not prevent us however from being treated all the rest of the day, to fish and beaver tail in various cabins. Very lale in the evening, the '•'' Anciems' held a council in one cabin. One of them having welcomed us in behalf of the nation, made us two presents, one of five hundred porcelain beads, with which to wipe our eyes, still wet with the tears shed for the murders which had occurred among us this year ; and as grief takes away the voice, (ob- serving that it was weak on our arrival.) he added a second present of five hundred porcelain beads, to strengtlicn our stomach and clear the phlegm from our throats, so as to re- store our voice, very clear, very free, and very strong. The Father thanked tliem kindly for their good Avill, and told them that Onnontio and Achiendase* had their eyes turned towards the coast of Onondaga, to see from Quebec the state in which we were, and that he made us a present of two thousand beads to cause them to open the door of their cabin, where they had lodged us, so that all the Frenoli might see the good treatment which we received there. The kindly countenan- * GoverB'T of Canada, and tlie French Superior of Misf:ions. MISSIONS, 140 ces which they exhibited, and the beautiful mats they, , , , - — ""'^y gave us to rest upon, showed they were .lolighted with the compliment On the morrow, the sixth of November, wo were invited by day light to several feasts, which la.s^ed all the mornin^ This did not Inuder the Father from .jroing to see the sick, who proniiscd to ask for instruction in case they regained their health. On the seventh day, Sunday, was hel.l a secret council of littecn chiefs, where the Father was called, after havin<' wor- shiped God, to meet twenty persons, avIio presented 'them- selves It was told the French in this assembly, first, that Agocluendaguete, who is the great king of all the country and Onnontio were equally firm and constant in their decisions' and that nothing could sever the bond which held them so firmly united. Second, that they should send their most vi- gorous youth to bring back the Huron ambassadors, who had come to treat for peace with us. Thir.l, they prayed that Onnontio should be informed, that althougi, some of their peo- ple should be ill-treated or even killed by the Mohawks, that should not prevent the alliance they so much desired, and that It should be the same on the part of Onnontio, if injuries were inflicted on the French. Fourth, having learned that Onnon- tio would be best gratified to hear that they had erected a chapel for believers this very autumn, to please him, they would provide it as soon as possible. At this sentence, the father having taken their words, told them, that they had found the secret of taking captive the Governor's heart, and of gaining him entirely. All, at once uttered a cry of appro- val, upon which the council concluded. In the evening, speaking familiarly to the Father, they asked him to tell them sometlm.g about France. The Father, finding so fair an occasion of making an impression, repre- sents to them that Franco had formerly been in the same error in which they were, but that Go<l had opened our eyes by means of his Son. Whereupon, explaining the great mystery of tlio Incarnation, he refuto<l all the calumnies, whidi had prevailed in their country i.gainst the faith. lie did this so 150 ONONDAGA, I' ' pleasantly and effectually, that for the spaeo of an hour and a half that ho spoke, no sign of weariness appeared. The council ended in a feast, from whicli they excused themselves because the entertain'ni.nt at Onondaga was not as sumptuous us that given to t^v < iiii()a.u-i;uiors at Quebec. The day closed by a great asstimhly of those who came to worship God, and those who visited through motives of curiosity. Much of the time of our missionaries is taken up in visit- ing, talking and arranging the affairs of tlie mission. Several children have been baptised, jithI pcvmi. ,.lon granted for us to settle among them, and the place selected. On the 9th, while the French were at work rebuihling the old foundations of the old Huron church, Avhich had been somewhat broken up.* This day, for the first time, we visited the salt spring, which is only two leagues from here, near the lake Genen- taha, and the place chosen for the French settlement, because it is in the centre of the Iroquois nations, and because we can from thence visit in canoes, various locations upon the rivers and lakes, which renders commerce free and commodious. Fishing and hunting increase the importance of this place, for besides the various kinds of fish that are taken there at different seasons of the year, the eel is so abundant tliat a thousand are sometimes speared by a single fislierman in a night, and as for the game, which does not fail tlirough the winter, the pigeons gather in spring in such numbers tliatthey are taken in nets in great abundance. Tlie fountain, from which very good salt is made, intersects a fine meadow sur- rounded by a wood of superior growth. From eighty to a hundred paces from this salt spring, is found another of fresh water, and both flow from the same hill. The missionary * B' 'lis and similar references it would seem tlint a church had pre vionsly been established at Onondaga. Fatiier logiies, had prior to this (vstablished a (thurch among the Hurons. Tliat nation had l)een entiR'ly subdued by the Iroquois, pre- vious to Ifi.'jO, and the remnant of the llurons incorporated among tiiem. It is l)y no means improbable that the converted Ilurons, under the guidance of some missionary, and with the approbation of the Onondagas, had here e'lblished a ehurc 1 the existence of which is lu lo distmctly alluded to. MISSIONS. 151 gives an account of the bvirning of a Cat chikl by the Onon- (lagas, which detenu 'neil the Father Chaiimonot to preserve the soul of the child, whose I ody he could not save. He then haptizcd him with a few drops of water, whicli ho retained in his handkerchief. It was enough— it furnished a key for him with which to open the gate of heaven. He then baptized iiim before he was burned. He was two hours in torture and (lied resolutely, amidst the shouts of his enemies. 14th— H'uiday. We could not commence better than by administering the sacrament of the Holy Mass, which we celebrated on a small altar, in an oratory, made in the cabin of Teotonharason, one of the women who came down to Quebec with the ambassadors. She i^ here highly esteemed for ker nobleness and wealth, but especially because she has openly declared for the faith, making a public profession of it, instructing all who are connected with her, having already eagerly demanded baptism for herself, for her mother and her (laughter. After having herself e.vjilained to them the myste- ries of our religion, anil taught them its prayers. About ten o'clock, the same d;iy, was assigned as a time suitable for making presents. Every thing being in readiness we publicly, on our knees, recited our prayers, amid the deep ilence of the whole solemn assembly. At this time, news arrived that the deputies of (Cayuga were entering the \illage. It then became necessary to prepare ourselves to receive them suitably to their rank. The French made them two complimentary presents, and they answered by two others, adding a ti,ird, and entreated him to defer the cere- woiiy until the following day, which was conceded. The two succeeding chapters of this narative are taken up in a description of the giving and receiving of presents, which was done in great pomp vith much ceremony, and in prelirai- nar;- negotiations. On the 28ih of November, being the first Sunday in Advent, was held the first celebration of the Catechism at Onondaga, m one of the principal cabins. Our chapel being too small, we began with prayers, which ^.A 152 O \ O N D A G A . |1| ! 1. tho assistants roa<l aloud ; then tho Father explained some points of oui* crood, afterwards ho displayed several images, m order to assist the imagination and eause devotion to eater tho heart through the eyes. For about two months after this, the mission seemed to be in a most prosperous condition. Proselytes were contiiaially added to tho faith, and the hopes and anticipations of the missionaries werc^ raised to the highest elevation. At lenfth doul)ts and dissensions invaded the minds of some of the principal imlividiials of the canton, when it was resolved that the Father Dahlon should proceed to Quebec for a rcenforce- mont, that not only the hearts of the missionaries should be strengthened, but their hands also. Ilelation of K!')"), '(5. Departure of Pere Claude Dahlon, from Onondaga, and his return to Quebec : — We were in great trouble about informing our friends at Quebec, of the state in Avhieli our afi'airs were at Onoiida'M. and how passionately the people desired that our establish- ment should be made as soon as possible. They gave the last evidence of this, in a celebrated council held on the 21)th February, where, amongst other things, they said to the Father, that he must now show himself out ; that they had been expecting the French for more than three years ; that they were still put off from year to year ; that they were weary of delay ; that if the matter was not consummated at once it need be no more thought of, and that they would break off entirely, since the French were so dilatory. They added, moi'eover, that they knew well tluit it was not trade that caused the French to come among them, but only the faith which we wished to publish to them. Why do you not come at once, said they, since you see all our village embrace it? We have not ceased all this winter to go in crowds to the cha- pel, to pray and be instructed. You liave been cordially wel- comed in all our cabins, when you have visited them to teach. You cannot doubt our dispositions, since "we have made you so solemn a present, with protestations so public, that we are believers. They added many other things, declarative of their MISSIONS. 153 scntimonta on this suljoct, in wliioh cortainly tlic providence of (ioil is most !i(liiiir:il)ly mimilVstcd, in disposing a j)oo[)lc to sock Jlim, who hut a littlo whih* hcl'oi-o woro tho groiitcst per- secutors of his Church. And what appours inconooivuhlo is, tliiit thcsL' good pooplo, who show so much oagcrnosa to have us roiiiain among thoni, cannot comprehend how it is, or wlu'iicc comes this great desire, ahnost in s[)ito of tliemsclvcs. Tlicy urge our estnMishment in the country, and com])hiin of mo iinothcr for inviting us to come. Tlie old mp?i say they cannot oppose tho youth who ask for the L'roncli. The youth say that the old men wisli to ruin all their country in calling m thither ; and with all this, hoth parties cease not to add en- treaty to (mtreaty, and threaten to hecome our enemies, un- less ■•'0 forthwith become their compatriots. This especially caused us to seek all possible means to make kiionn their dispo.Mtions at (^lebec, and to hasten tho coming of till' French, for fear of losing so favorable an opf)ortunity. No otie, after all, would undertake! to guide any of us back to Quebec, for fear of losing the searon of providing beaver and provisions for the year ; lor it was the time when all the youth •j(!t out for the hunt. Wo were in despaii' of prrformlng the journey, although it Avas absolutely neeessaiT for the j)re6er- vation and advancement of our establishment. It was already Dioro than two months that avo ha.l been nring every device to la-ing it about, but in vain. At last we determined upoTi say- ing nine masses to St. Jolm the Jiaptist, the patron of this mission, in order to obtain light in a business where all was dark to us. Behold how contrary to our expectations and to all human appearance, without knowing how it Avas done, or by whom ; immediately after the ninth mass, I set out from Onondaga, accompanied by tAvo of the principal young men of the vil- lage, and by several others, Avhom doubtless St. John inspired to engage in this enterprise and journey. Thus the chief of tho escort Avas named St. Jean Baptisto, he being tho first adult of the Iroquois, liaptised in full health. It was about nine o'clock, on the 2d day of March, after •JO ''1 li'l ' f I 'I h' 5 *' U-MitJjfl' 154 ONONDAGA. having celubrated holy mass, and bid my adieu to the country, by the baptism of a child, whom I confessed before my de- parture, that we fc-et out. We made five leagues this first day, during which the weather was mild and spring like. How- ever, at evening it changed to rain, with cold, which obhged us to spend one day and two nights in the midst of a wood, in a house without doors or windows or walls. On the 4th of March, after a journey of about six leagues, we encamped on the bank of the lake which terminates at Techiroguen. This day was very wearisome, having encoun- tered snow or water most of the way up to our knees. We passed another day and two nights at this place by the lake, which we expected to have crossed on the ice, but could not on account of the thaw. We knew by the cold of the last night, that the passage Avould soon be free and the bridge solid. In fact we traveled a league and a half over the ice, after which it was a pleasure to walk softly over the snow. We were ol)liged to go very deep into the Avater, in order to cross a small rivulet, which had resisted the violence of the cold. On the 7th of jMarch, after a slight rest, we set forth in the morning, and marched till evening Avithout taking any- thing. We could not arrive at Oeiatonneheugue* before the morrow, a little after midday. We hoped to have embarked upon the great lake, although it was not frozen ; all the banks were so filled with large piles of snow and huge pieces of ice, that it was not safe to approach it. We made two leagues over the beautiful beach, and after having chased an incredi- ble number of otters, who make their abode there during winter in a little swamp, we made our exit for the night. The 9th was extremely tedious to us. We walked over a frozen swamp, but with our feet always in the water, because the morning rain was not yet frozen. We came at last to a fine sand upon the shore of the great lake, but were stopped in our course by a deep river, the ice of which was not strong * Villaye tit-ar Fort Ontario. MISSIONS. 166 enough to bear us. We sought all means to pass it without avail ; our people halted to consult what to do. They passed more than three hours trembling with cold, rather than con- sulting. The result was in part, to retrace our steps and seek a, place suitable to pass the night. We then crossed another stream, with the same inconvenience as in the morning, but ^Yith this difference, that we were drenched by a heavy rain, which finally compelled us to shelter ourselves under barks. Next day we ascended a league above the mouth of the river which had stopped us. We were rejoiced to find it frozen strong enough to cross over it. But, oh, my Grod, what diffi- culty to regain our route ; we had to cross a vast meadow co- vered with water, amidst water and half melted snows, throufrh woods and swamps ; and after having surmounted these diffi- culties, we had to wade several streams in our way. At last, having journeyed all the day, we found at evening that avc had advanced only three leagues on our route. We marched nearly all of the eleventh day upon the ice of tlie great lake, bat with our feet always in tlie Avator, be- cause of the thaw, wliich made our w^alking dangerous. Se- veral times the ice gave way under us, and some of the bold- est had to walk before us, to prove that which was strong, and that which was weak. The remaining portion of this chapter relates the ordinary incidents of travel, in perilous iourneys, from Onondaga to Quebec. Finally, on the oOtli of IMnrch, we arrived at Montreal, having set out from Onondaga on the 2d. Our hearts here felt the joy, which pilgrims feel when they arrive in their own country. God having preserved us in so remarkable a manner through so dangerous a voyage, shows that he watches, more than we can imagine, over the salvation of the Irocj[uois. May He be blessed for it forever. You will remark, in passing, that letters have been received in Quebec, by the last vessel, stating that Father Claude Dab- Ion, Avhose journal we have just seen, has returned to Onon- daga with l^'ather Le Mcrcier, the superior of this mission, 156 ONONDAGA, Father Eene Mesnard, Father Jaques Fremin, Brother Am- brose Broar, and Brother Bourzier, who all go to join Father Joseph Chaumonot, who remained in the country of the Iro- quois. They are escorted by fifty bravo Frenchmen, who have already commenced a good settlement in the midst of all those nations. We shall sec the success next year, God as- sisting. The Fathers require evangelical laborers, and the assistance of the prayers of all those who wish for the salva- tion of their people. As the expenses, which must bo made in order to sustain such an enterprise, are very great, if those who profess to contribute for the conversion of the savages, would sustain this mission, they would do God great service! We have baptized at diflferent times, in sundry places, more than four hundred and fifty savages of all ages, notwithstand- ing the troubles and obstacles of the wars in which they are engaged. If we can sustain preachers of the gospel in these countries, whicli I shall call the country of martyrs, many more will bo baptized. Let it bo done ! Let it be done ! Wo set out from Quebec, 17th of May, 1750. Our force was composed of four nations, French, Unondagas, Seiiecas, who had come to seek our alliance, and a few llurons. We tilled a few shallops and several canoes. Departing from the port, we were cheered by the acclamations of many different people, who crowded the shore, all regarding us with an eye of compassion, and trembling hearts, thinking us so many victims, destined to tlic ilames, and to the rage and tortures of the Iroquois. This misfortune had nearly 'happened to us on the morrow. After our departure, our shallops having cast anchor about twelve leagues above Quebec, near a place called the point of St. Croix, we resolved to descend thither the next morning and celebrate holy mass. Our sailors for- getting this resolution, raised anchor during the day, and caused us to pursue our journey. Our danger was very^rreat, there being in this place three hundred Mohawks, who could easily have captured us without fighting, since our men had disembarked without arms, supposing these traitors had retired to their own country, as they had informed our French they 1 M MISSIONS. 157 we would. It was at Lake St. Pierre, about Three Rivers, that incurred this danger, without knowing it, these barbarians not showing tliemselves, although they had narrowly watched us. They threw themselves upon some of our canoes, which were separated from us, and upset one in the river, slightly wounded one of our brothers with two gun shots. They bound and gagged the Ilurons in our company, and ill-treated the Onon- dagas, being unwilling they should form an allitmce with us. But the fear of provoking a war with the Onondagas, who showed on this occasion a proper resentment, quieted their wrath, and obliged them to render excuses. They said thev believed our canoes were filled only with Ilurons, with whom they have no peace. After this, they set every one at liberty, not excepting the Ilurons. Those who escaped at the beginning of the contest, by running through the woods and coming to our shallops, advised us of what was passing. Having arrived at the Three Rivers, on the 20th of May, we left there on the 29th, and on the 31st entered into the Montreal settle- ment, whence we departed in canoes on the 1st of June, for the village of the Ononda<'as. On the 8th of June, we embarked in twenty canoes— the shallops being no longer of service beyond Montreal, on ac- count of the rapids above that settlement. We had scarcely })roceedod two leagues, before a band of Mohawks, having per- ceived us at a great distance, and taken us for Algonkins and Ilurons, cast tliemselves panic-stricken into the woods ; but having recognized us by our flag, on which was the name "Jesus," painted in large letters, on beautiful white cloth, flying in the air, they came forward and accosted us. The Onondagas received them with a thousand curses, reproached them with treason and robbery, and seizing upon their canoes, took their arras and whatever was best of their equipments, making reprisals for having tliemselves been pillaged a fcAv (lays before, by this same i.eoplo. ^I^his was all the consola- tion these poor wretches obtained, for having come to sa- lute us. On the r)th and Gth of July, wv caught some fish, but in rrfui ■* fi 111 ■mn fid^ 158 ONONDAGA, ; t such small quantities, that it made but a small allowance for fifty men. On the 7th, we arrived about ten o'clock in the evenincr, at the mouth of the river, which flows from the Lake Genentt'ha on the banks of which, we proceeded to erect a dwelling place for the niglit. The next day we found currents of water so rapid, that it required all our force to surmount them. I con- fess, that the faces of most of us were haggard and worn, and we felt downcast and discouraged. Before lying down in the evening, we had only a drop of brandy to distribute among our company. In the morning, we had to set forth, and continued all day, striving against breakers Avhich threw us back, almost as far as we advanced. In fact we only made one league this day, part of our people falling sick, and the rest losing their courage with their strength. The providence Of^ God is wonderful; He casts down, and He raises up; for being in the greatest distress and in extreme need, we s'aw a canoe in the distance, laden with provisions, which seemed to fly towards us, rather than to be rowed. 1'his sight cured all our sick ; our strength returned by beholding this precious sight ; our weary would not wait to take rest, and tlie very prospect of this boon restored us to joy and health. We joyfully disembarked, and the master of the convoy, after a few compliments, presented us, from Father Chaumonot, with sacks of Indian corn, and large fresh cooked salmon. This little canoe was followed by two other larger ones, as well filled S.S the first. We returned thanks to God for having granted us a meal of which we were so much in need. We flourished our kettles in the air by way of rejoicing. One fine day effaces the memories of ten evil ones. Of our des- perate famire, nothing now remained, only the glory of Lav- ing suffered something for our Lord, who thus turns our trials to His glory. He made us there experience the truth of His pro- mises, giving us an abundance, a hundred fold greater than the famine we had endured in His service, had been afflicting. J might say, that He sent back the fish into the rivers express- MISSIONS, 159 1 allowance for ;he evening, at ke Genentaha, dwelling place its of water so them. I con- rd and worn, re lying down y to distribute d to set forth, 3 which threw we only made sick, and the he providence ■aises up ; for ecd, we saw a ioh seemed to sight cured all this precious iind the very health. We ivoy, after a -umonot, M'itli hmn. This ones, as well I for having 1 need. We )icing. One Of our des- flory of Lav- 'ns our trials ;h of His pro- ater than the xfflicting. I ^ers express- ly for us, one of our men having taken twenty large salmon in one night, and several '' barbues:' On the 10th of the same month of July, passing a sault about five leagues in extent, our people took, whilst journey- ing, thirty-four salmon, spearing them with their swords, and striking them with their oars. They were so numerous that we could strike them Avithout difficulty. In the evening, we found at the place where we intended to pass the night, 'one of the first chieftains of the Onondagas awaiting us, who re- ceived us with a fine oration, in which he testified of the joy his countrymen felt on our arrival. That all the Five Nations were possessed of the same sentiments. That all the old men awaited us with impatience. On the 11th of July, ofc three o'clock, wo found our- selves entering the Lake Genentaha, on whose shores we had destined to pitch our camp, wlien the old men, knowing it to l)e the place selected by Fathei-s Chaumonot and Dablon, awaited us with a great multitude or people. The size of this lake is two leagues long and half a league ill width. We have remarked three things of importance. The first is, that several salt springs are formed upon the eastern side, although this lake is far distant from tlie sea. There are such however in Lorraine, but do not think that salt could be made as easily thc;'e. For we find salt ready made ui)on the ground about these springs, and it is readily deposited when the water is boiled. The second matter of observation is, that in spring there gather around these salt fountains so great a quantity of pi- geons that thousands are caught in a mornino-. The third subject of remark is, that there are found here certain serpents, unseen elsewhere, which we call " Serj^ent a minetfes," (rattle-snakes,) because in creeping they make a noise, like a locust or grasshopper, (" Sautcrceller) They bear at the end of their tails, certain round scales connected with each other in such a manner that a simple motion produces this peculiar noise, whicli can bo lioard twenty paces off. These rattles continue to make a noise after the death of the ser- m vm i . 160 O N O N D A G A . pent, though not so great as when alive. The inhabitants of the country say, tliat the scales are an antidote to the poison. which is very virulent. The flesh is said to be as well tasted as that of the eel, and is elTicacious in fevers ; the flesh is much used for food. Its body is about three feet long, larger than a man's wrist, and marked t)ver the back with dark and yellow spoty, except the tail, which is nearly black. It has four teeth, two above and two below, long and sharp like needles. They bite like a dog, and cause the venom to flow into the bite through a little black spur, which they draw out of a sack in which the poison is enclosed. The person bitten presently swells, and dies after a peculiar manner. We know not whether they are attracted by the salt, but this Ave know, that at our residence, surrounded by springs of fresh water. we are not troubled Avith them. "Relation" 1656, '7, by Pere Paul Le Jeune. Our arri- val at the place destined for our abode, and the reception w( met with from the people of the country : — I have said, in a former chapter, that on the 11th of July we entered the Lake Gcnentalia, on Avhose banks we prepared our abode, having advanced Avithin a quarter of a league of this place. We disembarked five pieces of cannon, wliose diminutive thunder rolled over the waters of the lake ; tliif was followed by a discharge of all our arquebuses. This wai- the first salute Avhich ^vo had sent throuaih the Avater, the air and the Avoods to the ancients of the country, who had ex- pected us, Avith a great multitude of people. This souml boomed over the Avaters, burst forth loudly in the air, and re- .sounded very agreeably in the forest. We sailed aftcrwanln in beautiful order, our canoes or little bateaux going four by foiii' over this small lake. Our French made a second (h.^charw upon coming in sight, Avith a grace which highly delighted all these poor people. The chiefs had erected two scafibhls, in order properly to make us a complimentary harangue, but their purpose was interrupted by a heaA'y rain, Avhich obliged us all to seek sliel' ler. Words Avere then exchanged for endearments, and inu- MISSIONS. 161 tual testimonies of joy. If these poor savages welcomed us so earnestly, showing in their countenances and gestures the sentiments of their hearts all overflowing with tenderness for us, our actions corresponded to their love, so that in all our joys and reciprocal affection, we blessed God for having pre- served us through so many dangers and fatigues, at last con- ducting U8 to the end of our pilgrimage. It is a custom with these people, to entertain their guests during a part of the night, either with compliments or con- versation, about the advantages of the country. They excel in politeness after their fashion, or else by their usual songs and dances continue their favors. But finding us weary with the fatigue of so long a journey, they said they would return, for fear their conversation might disturb our rest, which they said they would propitiate by singing around our cabins their sweetest and most melodious airs for our lullaby. Next morning, the 12th of July, we sang the Te Deum in thanksgiving to God for our happy arrival, and formally took possession, in the name of Jesus Christ, dedicating and con- secrating it by the holy sacrament of the mass. The Christians afterwards made us some presents to felici- tate our arrival, and in token of their good wishes for our fa- vorable establishment. On Sunday following, the 16th of the same month, we ful- filled a vow which we ha<l made during the dangers of our voy- age, promising God to commune altogether if He woulrl fa- vor our meeting in the country of our clioicc. Having ob- tained this favor, all our French received the sacred bread in a holy mass. It was here that we first displayed all our or- naments, which though poor in France, were here considered magnificent. On Monday, the 17th, we commenced work in earnest upon our dwellings, and to make a good redoubt* for our soldiers. *T!ie location of tliis loitiiicution Wiis probaiily about tliree-fhiirths of a mile below Green Point.on the farm iiovvocuupi,.,! by Jlr. Myriek Bradley, in the town of Salina, where the enibnnKinent and i,ut;iucs\\ ere plain to ixt ago. (See drawing, town of Salina.) 21 ^een fil'ty years Hffi F MRilff 1; 1 t' w , » H|i 1 *- f' 162 ONONDAGA. ?' , We have placed it upon an eminence which commands the lake and all the surrounding positions. Springs of fresh water are abundant. In short, the place appears as beauti- ful, as convenient and advantageous as we could desire. While the laborers are thus occupied, our Father Superior, to whom the Lord had rcstv^r-id health, went with sixteen of our most stalwart soldiers to ilie village of Onondaga, distant about four leagues from our dwelling. The people being apprised of the coming of the French, came forth in crowds to meet us. At about a quarter of a league from the village, several chiefs invited us to halt, take breath and listen to a poHte ha- rangue, in Avhich Ave were highly complimented, by one of the principal chiefs of the country, who afterwards, marching be- fore us, caused us to pass through a great crowd arranged like a hedge on both sides. We followed him in beautiful order, while another captain behind prevented the lines from press- ing too closely upon us. Our soldiers, upon entering the vil- lage, made a graceful salute, Avhich greatly delighted all the spectators. We were conducted into the cabin of one of the most distinguished captains of the country, Avhere every thing was sumptuously prepared, after their fashion, to receive us. From all (juarters they brought us fruits ; feasting Avas tlie order of tlie day, and for ten days the people of the village Avere engaged in hunting and fishing, and entertaining the French. Every family seemed anxious to have us in their so- ciety. Soon after, another party of the French, in full uni- form, arrived Avith drums beating ; there Avere never seen so many pleasant faces. It appeared that the hearts of the sava- ges issued from their eyes. I knoAv not hoAv Ave can avcU ex- press the many testimonies of love and cordiality Avhicli they gave us. If they should change their minds and massacre us, I should not accuse them of deceit, but of levity and incon- stancy, which in a little time can cliange the love of these barbarians into hatred, fear and treachery, and thus these de- vils seek to destroy us. But if these men do persecute the Jesuits in various places, those dear unfortunate spirits, against Avhom they every Avhere declare AVar, will jiot spare them. MISSIONS. 163 On the (lay of our entrance, the deputies of several nations came to salute us, and to show us the esteem in which the On- nndagas liekl " Achiendase." They sent a present, asking that his mat shouhl be the place of assembly, that is to say, the council-house of the country, in which all public business is .lispatched. The Onondagas made us their presents with ;,'reat cordiality. The Mohawks, not being able to evade the common law of the country, came very reluctantly indeed to make their pre- sents, but fearing they had the worst of the game, and dis- liking our alliance with the Onondagas, they made a harangue full of sneers and ridicule against the French. They wish- ing to excuse themselves, because having received presents from Quebec for all the Iroquois nations, they said the French hud been so stupid as to give them articles which could not bo (livitlcd, s6 they had been obliged to give all the presents to their own nation. The Father Superior replied to their impo- sition with so much earnestness, that they soon repented of their false assertions. He told them that memory never fail- ed the French, who held the pen in their hand, and that if ;inv thing escaped their mind, their paper would suggest it at need. He afterwards related all that had been transacted at the council of the French and Onondagas, enumerated all the beaded belts, the artpiebuses and capotes ; in short, all the pre- sents which had been made by the great chief of the French, lie named the nations, and even the persons of note, to whom each present had been destined. Then with an air confound- ing to the Mohawk brave, he asked, could not these things be given separat ,ly ? lie iniiuired of the deputies of the seve- ral nations, whether at least the mention of these presents had been made in their country, since the Mohawks confessed to have withheld them. This deluded man, who only thought we could stammer in their tongue, like Europeans who trade with them, was so much surprised at hearing the French, that he has since sought by all means, to gain our good will. After this assem- I' 'n4 ; m 164 ONONDAf^A. ' i; bly, we wero employed several days in gaining over the dif. ferent nations, wlio wore at Onondaga, and who every day camo there to decide, or be present at tlio decision of State affairs, and at the great council of Avar, which is usually held at this villngt!. The deputies from the Sonecas and Cayugas having arrived we went to salutt them. They first e.\hil»itc'd their mourninf for one of their cliiefs, siain by the Mohawks at Three Kiv- ers. They filled the air with mournful howls, dismal indeed, We made them a present to console their grief, but when thev answered, the Cayugas took the word and said, that the wound of the Senecas, had changed their joy into tears, and their voices into sighs and songs of mourning. All the nations being assembled, it as as necessary before holding council, to purify the village, on account of the death of a chief the night before, who by great good luck for him, had received the holy bai)ti3m, with pious instruction, forty-eight hours previously. The purification was made by two presents, one of which served to dry the tears »f the Onondagas, and to restore to them the speech of which this death had deprived them. The other, to wipe away the blood, Avhich might have fallen from the dead body upon the council- mat. The Onon- dagas replied by two other presents; one to say, that they were about to buiy the body, and the other, to announce that ihe council would afterwards be opened. This people had convoked all the states of the country, or rather the allied nations, to reconcile the INIokawks with the Senecas, who were on the point of commencing a war, for the death of the captain of whom we have spoken ; to treat of our establishment, in the heart of their country, and to invite all these people, to place something in the great Wiir-kcttle. That is to say, to advise upon the means ol attacking and defeating their enemies, and of providing for some common expenses. Such were the designs of these people, but God, had higher purposes ; he Avilled himself to be preached and announced in an assembly of the most notable and numerous nations, which caa be named in this country. MISSIONS. 165 -vinfT arrived This grftnd council, was hekl on the 24th day of July, when ;tll the nations referred to Achicndase the cause of the Mo- liiiwks iuid 8enccas, which was very soon terminated. They afterwards agreed, with evidences of extraordinary good will, that wc should remain and permanently establiah ourselves in the country. Finiilly every one put his presents into the war- kettle. Now these people being great orators, and often using itllegorics and metaphovH, our Fathers, in order to attract ;hem t' (rod, adapt tluiuselves to their custom of speaking, v.liicli delights them vei v Tnuch, seeing avo succeed as well as they. We have so well arranged our presents, that they are won- derfully captivating. But Father Chaumonot, who speaka the Iroc^uois language as well xs the natives of the country, ,n'eatly cidianced their value by interpreting them. It may not be improper to remark in passing, that these presents con- sist of porcelain beads, arquebuses, powder, capotes, axes, kettles and similar utensils, which are bought of the mer- chants for beaver skins, tlie money demanded in payment for their merchandize. If a Jesuit receives or collects some of these, to aid in the immense expenses made in such distant missions, in order to gain these people to Jesus Christ and to incline them to peace, it would be desirable, that those who should be at such expense for the preservation of the country, >lioiild not at least be the first to condemn the zeal of these Fatliers, and make them blacker than their own robes, by scandal. They should leave this sort of reviling to the low populace, always ill informed of what is going on, whose igno- vanco is a sufficient excuse for calumny. But let us act well and leave evil speakers to themselves, since calumny alone, 'vill make cemc> ■ for virtue. They have written us from France, that they could no longer continue the great expenses which we incur in these new enterprises. We give our labors, our sweat, our blood and our lives, to them. For want of assistance, wc shall be compelled, to relinquish a station so advautagous to the faith, and the preservation of the country. J:? » IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) / O 1/ /C^#. ^ 1.0 I.I 1.25 |50 "'^^ 2.0 U lllill.6 A % *^^ /S c?/^^ i'hote)graphic Sdences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 5 166 ONONDAGA. J*! 'it'".- „. Those who persecute us will not be the richer, and God will be less glorified. Let us turn again to the presents. ^ The Father Joseph Chaumonot, afterwards rising, explained eight or ten presents, made to soften the regret for the death of several chieftains, and to cause a revival of the faith in the bosoms of the children and friends, of some of our most de- voted Christians, men and women, who had lately passed from earth to heaven. He united the Algonkins and Hurons in his presence, so as to make but one heart, one mind, and one people,^ of all those nations. He savl aloud that Onondaga, being like the parliament of the whole country, and Agoch- iendaguete being the most renowned chief in all these countries, Achiendase,as the mouth of Onnontio, joined himself to Agocli- iendaguete, (forming a union of tAvo governments,) that he might assist him to rebuild the fallen houses, to resuscitate the dead, to sustain what was in good order, and to defend the country against disturbances of the peace. While the Father explained all these things in detail, admiration and acclama- tions arose from all the people, who were delighted to see us so well acquainted with their mode of procedure. He made a present, in token of thanks, because they had shared with Onnontio in the spoils they had taken from their enemies, having sent to him two children, whom they had captured and carried off from the nation of the Cat. He made two other presents, one in token of gratitude for our courteous reception in their country, and their earnest invita- tions, and the other, to cause them to put the canoe in the water and carry news of us to Quebec. At last the Father raising his voice and becoming more animated, exclaimed, it is not for trade that you see us appear in your country. Our pretensions are far higher, your pel- tries would never cause us to undertake. a journey of so much labor and danger. Keep your beaver, if you find it profita- ble, for the Dutch ; even those which should accidentally fall into our hands, would be employed for your benefit.' ^\c seek not perishable things. It is for the faith that we have I MISSIONS. 167 quitted our country-it is for the faith, that we have aban- doned our parents and friends-it is for the faith, that we have crossed the wide ocean— it is for the faith, that we have left the great ships of the French, to embark in boisterous waters, m jour little canoes-it is for the faith, that we have left our splendid mansions, for your bark cabins— it is for the faith, that we deprive ourselves of our natural nourish- ment, and the delicacies we might enjoy in France, to eat your provisions, which the dumb animals of our country would loathe ; and taking in his hand a beautiful belt of beads skil- fully wrought, he continued; it is for the faith, that I hold in my hand this rich present, and that I open my mouth to remind you of the word, which you gave us, when you went (loTvn to Quebec, to conduct us to your country. You have solemnly promised us you would lend your ear to the words of the Great God ; they are in my mouth, listen to me ; I am only his organ. He sends to warn you by his messengers, that His Son became a man for your love. That this man^ the Son of God, is the prince and master of men. That He has prepared in the heavens, endless pleasures and eternal delights, for those who obey his commandments, and that He kindles horrible fires in hell, for those who will not receive His word. His law is mild ; He forbids us to do any wron- either upon property, or upon life, or upon woman, or upo^'n the reputation of our neighbor. What if thou deniest God ^\hosoever thou art, whether an Onondaga, a Mohawk, a feeneca, a Cayuga, or an Oneida, know that Jesus Christ, who animates my heart and my voice, will precipitate thee, one day into hell. But I beseech you prevent this misfortune, by yielding to conversion ; be not the cause of thine own loss obey the voice of the Lord. On the 27th of July, we returned to the shores of the lake ^vhere a large party of our French, have long and faithfully worked m preparing us a dwelling, which we shall call St. Mary s of Genentaha. On the 30th, the eve of St. Ignatius day, the chiefs of Onon- daga came to visit us and made us several presents, to bind i'i I' 11 168 ONONDAGA, US 80 Strongly, tliat henceforward we should bo but one people, and to warn uh thut wo must not trust the OneidaM ; tliat this nation was fraudulent in actions and deceitful in words, and they prayed ua to fortify ourHolves well, and to render our fortress capable of recoiviufr them and sheltering them from their enemies, in case of necessity. That they were going to take the axe and build us a canoo, which was to carry iKnvs of ua to Quebec. The month of vVugust was a time of labo- rious exercise for us in every nuinner. We had built a chapel at Onondaga, part of our Fathers having remained there, the others held conversation among the cabins. They hardly ceased from nior.iing till night to preach, teach catechism, baptize, teach prayers and answer questions, from all (juartcrs,' these good people showed so much inclination for the faith! The French who were a,t St. Mary's, of Lake Genentaha, per- formed all the trades of a city, to get us lodged and preserve us amidst these ))arbarians. None of this was the work of frolic or amusement. We had to labor much, sleep little, lie upon the ground, sheltered only by miserable barks, eat only a httle meat, without bread or wine, or other seasoning {'"ra- gout") than hunger. We were tormented both night and day by musquitoes, {'' Manngouws") which there assailed us on every side. All this, combined with the change of climate and the great labor of the journey, so injured our constitu- tions, during the greatest heat of summer, that we all f.;ll sick. It was a pitiful sight to see sometimes as many as twenty, al- most piled upon each other, at a time, and in a country where we had no other help than heaven. The sickness here spoken of, continued till late in the au- tumn, during which a number of the French became dispirited, and sighed for tht groves and vineyards of their native coun- try. At length, health was in a measure restored ; and with its return, the drooping spirits of the colonists in a degree re- vived ; but, owing to the withholding of the necessary sup- plies of provisions for the sustenance of the French, and the requisite quota of articles suitable for presents to the natives, which alone could engage their attention. From this time MISSIONS. 169 forward the mission may be said to languish, and the colony to dwindle away. About this time, a noted Seneca hunter came to visit the Father (Jhaumoiiot, and to offer liim a suit of furs, to keep the warmth of friendship which he had just contracted with him. It has been related to us, that the Dutcli wislied to bring us horges and other things, rejoicing at our settlement in these countries. An aged chief of the Cayugas, an intelligent man, employed in public affairs, came to visit us, on the part of his whole nation, to beg Aahicndnse to grant him the assistance of some of our Fathers, assuring tliem if they would, a chapel should be erected, that the people desired to bo instructed in our creed. The Father Rend Mesnard, and two Frenchmen were sent with him, notwithstanding our great want of laborers. Fatlicr Joseph Chaumonot is to accompany him as far as the Cayugii, towns, and then to pass on to the Senecas, there to found a permanent mission, hoping to reap an abunii.int har- vest, if it pleases God to assist us and preserve us in peace and send us laborers, sufficient for the harvest. At this time, a party of Ilurons, settle at Onondar a, who have previously been instructed in our religion, and who manifest a lively in- terest in everything relating to the faith. We took them at once into our keeping, encouraging and instructing them in the true and lively way. They were of some service to us by their example to the Onondagas ; for they, observing these Christians worthily engaged in the service of God, felt them- selves bound to make more diligent inquiry, after the salva- tion of their own souls. This year also, the Father Le Moyne visits the Mohawks, and revives the mission among them ; an account is given of the progress of the Gospel generally among the Iroquois, their manners and customs, and other details. The succeeding chapter commences with a description of the country as it then appeared. " Relation," 1056-7. Publication of the faith to the Onon- 22 170 ONONDAGA. dagas. For the better understanding of these missions, we say that the exercises are conducted in much the same man- ner and degree of order and decorum, as in European assem- bhes. More than two hundred have been baptized within a short time. Five of the most prominent individuals in the nation are among them ; more than two hundred are the hv- ing stones who comprise the foundations of this church. The liead chiefs were so much engiiged that they became exhorters of the hiw and commandments. It wouhl be de- sirable if thousands of others would follow their virtuous ex- ample. During the latter months of the year 1656, new hopes were awakened in the progress of the affairs of the missionaries at Onondaga, and New France, generally ; but they declined in the former, and linally early in 1658, the mission was broken up, and the colonists dispersed. As Charlevoix gives the most condensed an.l satisfactory account of the abandonment of the Onondaga mission, v,c will follow liim in preference to the Father Paul llagueneau whose delation is before us; an<] while upon the subject of Onondaga missions, we give the his- tory of Charlevoix in full, of the colonizing and Christian- izing the Onondagas. iMoYc jn-occeding, however, as we have not before had much occasion to mention this author, we would state, tliat Peter Francis Xavier de Charlevoix, was a learned Jesuit, famous for his travels and his authentic historical compositions. lie lived to the age of 78 years, and died in 1761, after having traversed a large portion of the continent of America. His writings (in the French language) relating chiefly to this country, were very voluminous, consisting of three large quar- to volumes, of from 500 to 700 pages each. In the vear 1720, he was directed by the king of Franco to visit Canada, and to pay particular attention to the condition, manners and customs of the Indians. He passed up the river St. Law- rence, and through the great lakes to Mackinaw, thence through the Lake Michigan, and the rivers Illinois and Mississippi lo New Orleans. At the end of one of the volumes, he gives a MISSIONS. 171 list of the works and authors consulted for his work, which list contains many works scarcely known and very profitable to aid in the researches of the antiquarian student. Charlevoix, Tome I, page 320 : — It was on account of the great sincerity and regard Avhich the Onondugas appeared to possess in the cause of religion, vhich induced the Governor General to send to them Fathers Cliauinonot and Dablon. The former was of Italian origin, and tlie oldest missionary who was then in New France, where he labored to an extreme old age, with unwearied zeal ; and whore his memory is yet revered. Father Dablon profited by liis arrival in New France, and was not long in establishing for himself a great reputation for wisdom and virtue. The two missionaries set out from Quebec the 19th of September, Kjoo, with the deputies of the Onoudagas, who were sent to invite them, accompanied by a great number of savages of the same nation, and tlioy waited only for the appointed time of their ministry to perform their duties. The chief <leputy had with him his wife, who was extreme- ly pleased with every thing she had seen among the Chris- tians, and especially in the two communities of Daughters of the -Convent. There was no end to the questions put to Pcto Chaumonot, by her, about our ceremonies and our mysteries. Seven or eight Iro(piois joined with her for instructions. They were much affected with the preaching of our missionary, and on their arrival in their own country, found themselves in a state to receive baptism, which was administered with much ceremony. These examples of piety in the French, had pro- duced in the hearts of the Iroquois, of whom I am to speak, the fervor and zeal of the Huron captives. These feelings spread through the difierent villages, in which they had been manifested ; and the missionaries found, in these villages, a true and just appreciation of Christianity, with hearts and minds already disposed to embrace it. They arrived in this canton the 5th of November, and they had evory reason to predict their success, by the reception which was given them in the principal village. They were loaded with presents on 172 ONONDAGA, the part of Monsieur de Lauson ; they were accepted with re- spect and presents made in return. They immediately hail assigned to them, hind for buihling, and as soon as they were comfortably lodged, they made known to the elders that thev wished to declare, in full council, the intentions of those who had sent them. This proposition was well received, and the meeting was very large ; Pere Chaumonot spoke of the Chris- tian religion in a manner which excited their admiration and love. He dwelt much upon the marvellous change which Christianity produced in the hearts of those who embraced it sincerely ; and this portion of his discourse made a great im- pression on those who had before their eyes these living ex- amples. When he had finished, an orator thanked him, in behalf of all, for the zeal which he showed in procuring for them eternal happiness, and said to him, that in comparison with the French, the other Europeans did not know how to speak. They commenced immediately the erection of a chapel, and so many put their hands to the work that it was finished in a single day, and that same day they baptized a convert. From that time the missionaries performed all their duties with the same freedom as if they were in the midst of a colo- ny of French, and they knew well in their hearts those of whom the Holy Spirit had taken possession. A young woman, who was not yet baptized, refused the two best offers of her village, for the only reason, that her suitors were idolaters. A few days after a warrior, having in vain urged her to evil, sought by violence to subdue her, but the generous proselyte had the courajre to withdraw herself from his friends, and to place herself in safety from his persecutions. After such a trial. Father Cliaumonot did not believe it his duty to defer administering baptism to her, which she had urged with great entreaty ; and he had the consolation of hearing the infidels themselves say, that she was worthy of being a Christian ; a decisive testimony in favor of a religion, of which wickedness and hardness of heart could not prevent from acknowledging its true piety. A very estimable woman in this village, whose rank was the first among them, wished to be baptized, and all MISSIONS, 178 her family follovred her example. Several idolaters wished to persuade her that she would repent of it ; and a short time after she fell sick. She had a grand-son of ten or twelve years of age, whom she loved much, who was attacked with the same disease as his grand-mother, and was soon reduced to a leanness so great, that it was painful to see him. The enemies of Chr'stianity did not fail to triumph over their misfortune. But tlieir triumph was short. God inspired the sick with firmness and resignation, who hecame the subject of conversation and admiration of all the village, and at the time of their receiving baptiam, they were restored to health. This wonder, whicli was followed by many others, did not pre- vent the missionaries from enduring Avell this opposition and running many risks, principally upon the part of some Hu- rons, who being hard of heart, whilst they were in their country, did not cease to insinuate to the Irociuois, that if they introduced this strange religion among them, it would in time make the same progress, and produce the same results, which they had known Avherever these doctrines had been preached. Seeing that nothing could make any impression upon the minds of this people, they imagined every day new devices to draw the Onondagas to their designs, but they did not succeed, as they had taken care to anticipate the Hurons upon these points. Meanwhile preparations were in progress for the reception of the missionaries, who were expected to be sent from Quebec. The people of the whole canton were in ecstasies, in anticipation of so fortunate a circumstance. Father Dablon had set out the 2d day of March, in the year 1056, with a large escort of savages, and made the voyage to Quebec for the purpose of persuading M. de Lauson to esta- blish a French colony at Onondaga, but he did not arrive at Quebec until the commencement of April following. He had no difficulty in causing M. de Lauson to enter into the pro- jects of the Iroquois. A Huron, who was one of the compa- ny who accompanied M. Dablon, and who had been a long time with the Onondagas, used his secret influence to prevent M. de Lauson from encouraging the mission, but could not ! n »| *>•>* '' ill rl.f'. if m ONONDAGA. prevail upon him to change his purpose. Fifty Frenchmen "Were selected to form the proposed settlement, and Sieur Du- puys, an oHicer of the garrison, was appointed commandant. Father Francis le Mercier, who had succeeded Father Jcromo Lalleniant, in tiie office of Superior (Jeneral of Missions, ear- nestly desired to conduct in person these missionaries, who were destined to establish the first Iroquois Church, who were the Fathers Fremin, ^lesnard and Dablon. Their departurt' was fixed on the 7th of May, and although the harvest had been indifferent, tlu^y gave to Sieur Dupuys an abundance of provisions for his people to supply him during the year, and enough to soav the land of which they were going to take pos- session. The circumstances of this new enterprise being noised abroad, gave the Mohawks great dislike, and revived in their breasts, their ancient jealousy of the Onondagas. A general council of the nation was called, for the purpose of taking into consideration this momentous affair. It seemed to them as of tlie utmost importance ; and the result was, that tlieir united resources must be put in requisition, to oppose this new establishment. A party of four hundred men wjis imme- diately raised, and orders were issued, eitlior to disperse or annihilate the company of M. Dupuys. They failed however to accomplish their object, and only expended their Avrath upon some straggling canoes, which were plundered, and a j)art of those who conducted them were wounded. After a short stay at Three Rivers and at I\Iontrcal, M. Dupuys left the latter place on tlie eighth of June, and tlic same day fell in Avith a party of Mohawks, whom he plundered as a reprisal for the outrage committed by them. On the 29th of the same month, tow^ards 9 o'clock in the evening, they heard from the camp, a voice of a man com- plaining. The comnninder caused the drums to be beat ; and soon they perceived a savage, who approached as if in great distress. This was the young Huron (of whom I have before spoken) who had escaped from the expedition, to the Isle of Orleans. The skin upon his body was half roasted, and for MISSIONS. 175 seventeen days that he had traveled, ho had taken no other nourishniciit tlmii wild fruits, gathered by the way. The Onondagas who accampanicd the French, gave him a drink, which strengthened him in a short tijne. They gave him at'ter- wiinls, provisions also, and sent him forward to Quebec. The remainder of the voyage Avas very pleasant, except that they suffered very severely from a scarcity of provisions, (if which they had been quite too prodigal. They had calcu- lated considerably on the fisheries and upon the chase, but !iotli these failed ; and the French, who were unaccustomed to fast like the savages, would have perished of hunger, had lint the chiefs of the Onondagas sent them some canoes loaded with provisions. They learned from the same, that a large party of Iro(iuois, from all the villages, and a great number of other savages, awaited their arrival upon the shore of the Lake Genentaha ; and M. Dupuys on his part, prepared him- self to make his entrance into their country as imposing as possible. Before arriving at the place where the savages were wait- ing, ho landed five small pieces of cannon, and made a dis- rharge. lie then re-embarked, and rowing in beautiful order, "iiterod into the lake ; wliere, in less than a (luartcr of an hour, he made two discharges of all his musketry; and judg- ing from all appearances, he was received in the most cordial :in(l respectable manner possible. They wore welcomed with -peechcs, feasts, songs, dances, and with every demonstration •fjoywliich savages were capable of oifering ; in fact nothing '.vas spared on tlic occasion. On the following day, the 12th 'if July, the To Deum was sung at the end of a solemn mass. The chiefs then made presents as they are accustomed to do in making treaties of alliance ; and on the IGth, the French all partook of the sacrament of the Eucharist, with great de- vonon, which was a beautiful example, and made a. great im- pression upon the minds of the savages. The next day, they roiiinicnced the building of cabins, in which to lodge them- selves, and Father Le Mercicr visited the principal village of the Ouondagas, where he was received with great ceremony. m m m i ? 4l I'Mra 8 S ;■« 170 ONON l>A(J A. On llio 'JItli, II ^niml nmnril wiiH ImM, at wliicli FiithorH Mrrricr niul ('Imimionol, ovpliiiiMMl iil lar/^o llif viowH of the l'r«Mi('li, iiinl IfiitltTtMl llu»ir LiikI n-j^mtlM (o llicir now iioigh- Ihmm. |''n(li('r ('liiniiiiniKd H|i(il\tM»r llu> ('liiinlian rcli^idii with i\w HiXWW (<itM|U(MI(*(> aiul KIIOOOHM, tllUt \w luitl (loUO U|l()|l ll'lH iit'rival in IIiIh villa^o. 'ri\t« mn\r (liiv lilt- il('|»iilics tif lilt' villaj^(< of <!a_vii|j!a, «muu(< to asK a misHionarv. and llit'V M»«nt tlifin M csnai'i Mppoiirctl rciiilv in the ninvruicnt of tlio OmMulaj^aM, lor their «'nil»riiciM<i ( 'lirinlianil y, ami it lu'canio nt'i't'ssiiry lo cnliir^t' tin* cliiiiM'l, wliifli limt lu'cn Iniilt llit> year lu'lort', ami wliich otuild Mol rontain near all llii»s(> who wish.cij to lu» inslnictcd 111 oui- uivstoncs. Thcro had Ium'ii, tlmin;' tlif month of An- j^usl, i»\c('ssi\(« Ileal, which was llu< oaMiHion ol iiiiich mivoiv siokiK'Ns, Imt l>_v lln> kind atlt<nlion of tln> savaj^os, nil iho nick woro rt'i'oviMt'd in a short linio. This last mark of iho alVt'clion of iIiomo iicoplo, luM'Humlod tlio more rrcdiiloiis of lh(> h'tfiich to hcliovt', that they foiiM ill all cases rely npoii them. Novertlndess, thos(> who weiv more sagacious, ludieved it iu>eessai'y to provide nt loiust nuaiiist their ineonslaney, and they loiind it in tho end iiiuoli the wisest course to follow their etmnsel, notwithslandiiij; their Jissurances of friendship. It wns thought advisable to hold in restraint the inliahilants of this villajjje, and conseipiently a strong fort was biiill, and all duo eautitni used to prevent SUV prise, and all jnoper diligence exorcised to secure | )re- tectii>n in case of an alarm. Meanwhile supplies from Que- boc were not readilv granted for the sustemnu-e of this colony; suitable articles for jiresents \vert> wanting to draw the niiads of the savages, favorably towards the French. Kvcn the ~ ft nocessarv expenses, were relnctantlv yielded. It was stated • I ft • in reply tv> the demands necessary to sustain the colony, that all the lands of Camula were not enough to contribmc salli- oient t'or so great an outlay of expenses. The Indians iiud- ing the French slow in bestowing presents, and becoming in a il<groo tired of supporting tlieni, as might naturally be sup- MIHMIONH 177 jioHtMl, their ic^ard tor ('hriHtiiiiiily rctlaxtid, m thoir afl'oo* tinriH for the KrcuicJi dot^liiKMl. VVIiilHl lli('H(< tliiiij:;rt wort) piiHHiiif^ amoiij^ the OrioiuhigiiH, tli(> lliiroiiH of tho iHh* (if Orh'iiiiH, who did not foid uHHUiod (if their Hiifet y, took refiij^e at (^iiehi'ir, and in a niouutnt of v('Xiilit»M, had heen iihaiidontMl hy th(> Kreneh, they Hent pri- \nU'\y to the Mohawks, to have? thcMiiHtdveH a(hnitt(!d into their cimtiiii, lo heeonie as one p«'oph^ with them. They had lianlly taken lIiiH Htep h«'loni. they reh'tited ; hut the MohawkH took iluMii at their woni, and Hiunn^^ that thc^y wished to hreak thoir ciifjiil^cnient, t(M»k measures to eompcd th(!iri t(t conform to it. Tliey conniieiMMMl hy h'ttinj^' htose upon them war parties, who iimssncred or curried away nil tiiose who attempted to hsave the coiinlry, iin<l when they heli(!ved that these hostilities had huIkIikmI tii(* s|)irit of these peoph>, they sent to Quehoe thirty aiuliasHiidors. Nothin;^ eoiihl e(|ual the <li^nity with which these messen;^ers iieijuitled themselves of their commission. They iul(lr(>ssed M. de Laiison and tlemaiidtid of him a hear- ill};, in an assemhiy of llin'ons and {''nMieh. The (Jovernor (iciioral haviii"!; consented, the chief of tin; depntation, spoke liist to the lliiroMs and said to lliem : '" My Hrother — tho time has heen when thou hast extended thy arms to entreat me to eonduet (hee into my conntry ; hut evei-y time 1 have [lUt myself in the way of my <hity, thoii hast withdrawn, and it islo punish thy inconstancy, that I have raised my hatchet. lU'liovc me, and j^ive nm no cause again lo treat thee in this iDiumer; remove ihysidf and avoid me." Finishing those Wdnls, he presented two necklaces — one, said lio, is to aid the lliirtMis in raising themselves, and the other, to assure them tliiit lieucelorth the iMohaw ks shouhl live with them as hrothcrs. llo tlu>n turned towards the ({overnor (jieneral, and spoke to him in these wcu'ds : '' Onnontio — raise thy arms and give up thy children, which thou holdest in thy bosom ; for if they should commit any folly it is to be feared, that in punishing them, my blows might fall upon thee. I know," continued he, "that tlie llin-on loves ]>rayer, and that he adores the Author of all things, and that in all liis nccoasitios, he has -■:n^ !■■ ,'- i 1 • l| n% 1 I 1 I! r'f rn fill t ,j ^^1 * 1 H :[ji, I'M 1 III H 178 ONONDAGA. access to him ; I wish to make as much of it. Agree that Ondessonk, who has left me, I know not why, should return to instruct me, and as I have not a sufficient number of canoes to carry so many, do me the favor, to lend me thiiie." He then presented two necklaces and retired. They had much <^', .culty in comprehending what caused M. de Lauson to suf- fer this insolence, at a period Avhen the French had no other enemy but the single canton of the Mohawks. Perhaps he wished to see, before showing his displeasure, in what manner it might :urn the affairs at Onondaga. It is certain he did not show to the Mohawks any resentment, to the haughty speech of their orator ; this was Avell observed by the Ilurons and greatly embarrassed them. The experience of the past. and the conduct of the Iroquois, caused them to fear their ruin would be certain and complete. In this difficulty they were divided, some declaring they would not quit the French, others resolving to give themseb'es to the Onondagas, witli whom they had already formed an engagement. There was only the tribe of " Ours' who kept their word, given to the MohaAvks. These resolutions taken, the council re-assembled and although the Governor General had not taken, it appears any measures to establish his reputation, he yet wished to assist Pore la Moyne, who served as interpreter, who first spoke and said: " Onnontio loves the Hurons,they are hi'- children ; but if they do not hold themselves und'n- his pro- tection, they are of an age to take cave of themselves. He opens his arms and gives them their liberty to go where they wish. As for me, I shall follow them, wherever they go, and if they are with the Mohawks, I shall instruct them how to pray and to adore the Great Spirit. But I dare not hope that thou wilt listen to me. I know Ihee, and am acquainted with thy indocility : but I am pleased with the Hurons. As to the canoes which thou demandest, thou sccst Avell that we have not enough ourselves. Make them, if thou hast not a sufficient number." The chief of the Ilurons of " Oun" took the word and said : " My Brother— I am with thee ; I throw myself with my eyes shut into thy canoes, determined MISSIONS. 179 withal even to die : but I wish to go alone with my house- hold, (" %e,") I will suffer none other to embark with me. If in time the rest of my nation desire to follow, I shall not oppose them ; but I am well satisfied, that they sec in what manner thou wilt treat me." He then tlirew down three belts, which signified that liC engaged the Mohawks to treat him well, and to neglect nothing that would cause him to forget what he had sacrificed, and to facilitate the voyage. The deputies accepted the belts, ^nd appeared well satisfied. They went to work immediately to make canoes, and when finished, they embarked in them with the Huron and Pere la Moyne. A few days after their departure, the deputies of the Onondagas arrived at Quebec, to summon three of the Hurons, who had offered themcelves to them on their word, and were much displeased when they learned that the tribe of " Oi«-6-," had followed the Mohawks. The Hurons made luost unsatisfactory excuses and were much embarrassed. The French were no way desirous of entering into a quarrel with these people, who took so high a stand in the cause of Christianity and the affairs of the new colony. Finally, the Governor General made known to the deputies, that if they failed in respect due to tlieir Father, that a party of Hurons were ready to follow them, and as they did not bear about their persons the equippage of warriors, but the garb of friends and brothers, that the Hurons being desirous of doing things in the right way, they should return with the Onondagas and keep their Avord. To sliow that their words were not deceit- ful, the Hurons visited thciu at Slontrcal and gave them hos- tages. This reply soothed tiie Onondagas, wlio gave a great i'east and returned apparently contented. Notwithstanding these frequent altercations, the dissolution of this body of Christians, on v-hom tlie French had cherished the most lively hopes, ;\nd the hostilities of the Mohawks, caused great uneasiness to the Governor General, and to the missionaries. It is true these received consolation, from the number of conversions which took jdace every day among the people, even among those who had shown a great opposi- I i m iiiiiiiiii > V 'J r 180 ONONDAGA. tion to the Church, and by the examples of grace and virtue ■which they daily saw in their converts. The remembrances of this time are filled with very edifying traits of the fervor of these Christian savages whom we leave with regret. It is thus that the Lord keeps his ministers in continual changes of hope and fear, which nourishes in them two virtues, the most neces- sary to the duties of Apostleship — distrust in themselves, and confidence in Him of wliom they are ministers. The Onondagas arrived in the Isle of Orleans to receive the Hurons, and to carry them with them, as had been previously arrani-ed. Some of the French, and two Jesuits were to uc- company them, but they were much surprised, Avhen on the day of their departure, the Onondagas declared that the Hu- rons alone should embark with them. They relented how- ever, in favor of the French, but still persisted in excluding the two Jesuits, who on their part did not wish to leave theiv converts, were obliged to embark in a canoe which they found upon the bank, without any other provision than a small bai; of corn. This conduct of the Onondagas, for which they were wholly unprepared, augured an unpropitious beginning for the Hurons. Many foresaw the unhappy Ic t which awaited them, and their presentiments were well founded. These un- fortunate Christians had not proceeded far, before they knew they were inevitably lost. A young Avoman avIio liail refused the offer of an Iroquois chief, was shot by the savage ininic- diatcly. As if they had only waited for this signal to re- move the mask, which covered the blackest of their crimes, a great number of the most respectacle Hurons were massacred on the spot. Otliers were regarded as prisoners of war, and some were burned, Avithout knowing beforehand the cause (if such inhuman treatment. A resolution had been formed of putting tue French to the sword. Wo know not how they prevented the execution, but they avoided this d mger only to fall into another, where it appeared to them for a long time that they Avould inevitably perish. The first thing vrhich they learned upon their arrival at Onondaga was, th it a conspiracy had been discovered atiainst th." French. A band of Oneidiu MISSIONS, 181 having gone to the chase near Montreal, surprised three Frenchmen in a secluded place, killed them, and brought their scalps into the village where they Avere divided. This, with other flagrant indications of hostility, were soon given, which left no doubt in the minds of the French, that an effort would be made to destroy their new colony. Monsieur de Aillebout, who commanded at Quebec, in place of M. De Lau- son, who had returned to France, demanded satisfaction for this outrage, and to oblige the nation to render it, he gave orders that they should arrest all the Iroquois in the colony, lie was obeyed, and the first movement Avhich the news of this order caused in the cantons, was to form the most violent resolutions. These were not enforced, however, and they held to those which were formed with more deliberation. Pere le Moyne, who was with the Jlohawks, was entreated to deliver the Iroquois under arrest, under pretence of doing him honor, and of sustaining the offenses of the young men against the French. It was determined to give Father Le Moyne a nu- merous escort, with which to visit Montreal, and then to let loose parties of warriors, who, scattering themselves through the colony, where as soon as they were informed of the liberty of their men, they would pillage and massacre all the French and their allies, whom they should chance to meet. Pere Le Moyne, contrary to their expectations did not go, and their plans were thereby frustrated. But in the month of February of the following year, (1658) numerous bands of Mohawks, Oneidiis and Onondagas were in the field, ready equipped as warriors. It is not necessary so much to give the suspicions of Monsieur Dupuys, as he was very soon informed by a Christian Indian, of all of which they plotted against him. He found himself in great perplexity, and in truth saw no way of extricating himself from his present danger, without much trouble and hazard. To fortify himself and sustain a seige, was only to post- pone his destruction and not prevent it, because he had no as- sistance to hope for from Quebec. lie found himself driven to the necessity of being obliged, sooner or later, to give him- t >H».i 182 ONONDAGA. self iij), or die in fighting, or perish miserably by famine. In order to effect a safe retreat, it became necessary to construct canoes, for they had taken no precaution to secure any in case of emergency. To make them there, in a public manner, was to proclaim their retreat, and thereby render it impossible. Something must be resolved upon instantly, and thus the commander decided. He commenced by sending an express to Monsieur Do Aillebout, to inform him of the conspiracy, and then gave orders to construct, with all possible speed, small light boats, and to hinder the Iroquois from hearing of it, they went to work at them in the store room {^'- grenier') of the house occupied by the Jesuits, which was more secluded than the others, and much larger. This done, he ordered all his men to be in readiness at a moment's warning, and each in- dividual to supply himself with provisions sufficient for the voyage ; and to be careful to avoid giving the least cause of suspicion to the Iroquois. He waited only to take such pre- cautionary measures as might be necessary to embark in so secret a manner, that the savages could have no knowledge of the retreat of tlie French, until they had so far advanced as to have no apprehensions of being pursued, and this they accomplished by the following singular stratagem. A young Frenchman, who had been adopted into one of the principal families of the Onondaga s, and wlio had acquired considera- ble influence with the Indians, arose one morning and pre- sented himself before his adopted father, saying, that during the previous night he had dreamed of one of those feasts where it became necessary for the guests to eat all that was set be- fore them, and he prayed he would make a similar one for all the people of the village, and that he had a presentiment that if so much as one thing were wanting to render the feast such an one as he desired, he should surely die. The savage re- plied, that he should very much regret to see him die, and that he would make this repast immediately, and that he would have the care of making the invitations, that noth- ing should be lacking to make the entertainment precisely what ho desired it should be. Upon this the young man as- MISSIONS. 183 signed the lOtli of March, which also was the clay fixed upon for the (lepnrture of the French. All the provisions which could veil bo spared, throughout the village, were brought forward to grace the entertainment, and all the savages were invited to attend. The feast commenced in the evening, and in order to give the French an opportunity of putting their boats into the water, and to load them for the voyage, without being ob- served, drums and trumpets sounded cheerily around the place of their festivity. The boats being now launched, and all things in readiness for departure, the young man, at a certain signal, which was made to him, said to his adopted father, that he pitied the guests, of whom a great number had asked quarters, that they wished to cease from eating, and give themselves up to repose, adding that he would procure for them all, a most agreeable sleep. He immediately commenced playing upon his guitar, and in less than a quarter of an hour there was not a single Indian who was not sound asleep. He instantly rushed out, joined his companions, who were in waiting, and the little fleet in a moment left the shore. The next morning a number of savages, according to their custom at waking, went to see the French, and found all the doors closed and barred. This novelty, and the profound si- lence which every where reigned throughout the French set- tlement, greatly astonished them. Their first impression was, that the French were at mass, or that tliey might be holding a secret council, but after waiting several hours for a solution of the mystery, they knocked at the doors, but were only answered by the barking of some dogs left by the French. They saw also a number of fowls walking upon the walls, but no person could be seen or heard. They waited very impa- tiently till towards evening, and finally broke open the doors, and great indeed was their surprise on finding all the houses vacant. For a long time the savages were unable to compre- hend how the French, who they really supposed had no ca- noes, had been able to get away, and tlu ; ould not imagine *rf' % t' ' r , '1 'i 1 184 ONONDAGA. t r p li 1 1 m m !M how it was possible for tiiera to effect their escape. It was in truth the first time they had made use of boats upon such voyages ; but if they had been provided with canoes it would not have been possible to have used them, because there was yet large bodies of ice in the rivers, and this circumstance prevented the Iroquois from pursuing them with any hope of success. Monsieur Dupuys did not however believe himself entirely safe, but used such speed, that in spite of contrary winds, which detained them on Lake Ontario, he reached Mon- treal in fifteen days. The joy of deliverance from so great danger, did not however prevent this officer from feeling sen- sibly that a flight so precipitous was a disgrace to the French nation, and regretting that for the want of a little timely as- sistance, he was unable to sustain an establishment of so mucli importance, and of governing a people who acquired the power and right of insulting the French on account of their own weakness. Reception of Pero le Moyne by the Onondagas :— The next autumn they received at Quebec letters from Father le Moyne, dated from Onondaga. This missionary, having experienced many dangers in his journey on account of the Mohawks, the Oneidas, and the Senecas, who had no part in the deputation of the two other cantons. He arrived at last without any serious accident, at two leagues from On- ondaga. He there was met by the great chief of this canton, named Garakontie, who awaited him there with a numerous suite to do him honor. He was much surprised at this event, as it was not the custom of the savages to go more than one league to await the deputies; but his astonishment ceased when he knew to whom he was indebted for this act of po- liteness. Relation of the years 1659-60. Gives a comprehensive view of the country of the Iroquois, and of their customs and cruelties in war. The state of the country of the Algonkins, and of some new discoveries. Of the state of the Huron na- tion and its last defeat, by the Iroquois. The state of the remaining Hurons, after their last defeat. The state of the MISSIONS. 18") mission among the Hurons, and the opening which was made anew, and of the burning of some Iroquois prisoners at Quebec. Relation of the years 1000-01. (Jives an account of the wars which raged with great violence between the French and lro(|uois. The theatre of cruelty and rapine, Avas in the vi- cinity of Montreal, whither the Iroquois had carried the war. The French had suffered great distress, not only by the rava- ;fos of war, but by pestilence and famine. A large number of prisoners of the French had been taken, many of whom ^uftbrcd all the excruciating pains of savnge torture, crowned hy (loath itself. Several had been sj)ared this refined ordeal (if suffering, and although prisont/s of war to a savage people, were permitted to enjoy a good degree of liberty. It is said, tliere were at this time at Onondaga, not fewer than 'thirty Frenchmen. These captives by the assistance of some pious Onondagas, relics of the former mission, and some of the Hu- lons, who, since the conquest, had taken up their abode there, liiul converted a spacious cabin into a chapel, where they re- gularly assembled to say mass ; and, through all the wars be- tween the French and Iroquois, some persons Averc at Onon- daga, Avho kept up the worship of (Jod, and kept alive for a series of years, a spirit of Christianity, and an interest in the faith. This Ilelation gives an account of a conference for peace between the French and some of the Iroquois. Of the establishment of a new mission among the Killiste- nous, called that of St. Francis Xavier, towards the North Sea, on Hudson's Bay, and a journal of the first visit of the French to that quarter, and the dangers of the road, and sundry let- ters to and from Father Le Moyne. Also a marvellous ac- count of the flight of some French prisoners, who had escaped from the Iroquois, and other accounts of captive French, and savages. Relation 1001-02, by Father Jerome Lallemant. Gives a continuation of the wars with the Iroquois, and of various mur- ders. The wintering of the Pere Pierre Balloquet, with the Montagnais and the Algonkins ; also the Avintering of the Father Le Moyne in the country of the Superior Iroquois, 24 .-. if 186 ON ONI) A (J A ' it 'J (Senecas, Ciiyuga.s) which rehitcs principally tho cruelties of the Iroquois towards the French, the torture of prisoners and the persecutions of the Christians and the Church. Tho re- turn of Father Lc Moync, the deliverance of eighteen French captives, of several murders of the Gaspee savages, and others called " Papinuchionetkhr Relation, lOOi^MJ-'}. Describes certain inctoorological phe- nomena, tho grout oartluiuako of 100;}, and tho solar eclipse of September in tliat year. liclation, l<;(i:M. Treats of the missions among tho IIu- rons, Algonkins and Five Nations, and the war between the Mohawks, and the Moliegans and Abena(|uis. It gives an ac- count also of an embassy which the Irocpiois sent to the French to conclude a poaco, being alarmed at the preparations of the latter against tJiom. Relation, lOlU-f,. Gives an account, of the arrival of Monsieur I)e Traci in Now France. His reception by the savages of Canada ; his negotiations with the Iroquois ; also of the arrival of the Superior Algonkins at Quebec, and the mission of the Father Claude AUoucz, and of the first forts, constructed on tlie rivers of the Iroquois ; desci-iption of their country, and the roads thither. Journal of the second vo} age of a, Father of the Society of Jesus, to tho Lake St. Eavnabo, continuation of the wars with the Iroquois, and of their defeat at the Lac " Puizonafiami " called Lake St. John ; particulars regarding comets and si^ns which appeared at Quebec, and in that neig]il)orhood ; cir- cumstances upon tho arrival of the vessels from France ; the king interfering with the rights of Carignansalieres and a let- ter of the Mother Superior of the Hospitaliors Order of Nuns, at Quebec. Relation 1005-'G, by Pore Jerome Lallomant : There is supposed to be but one copy of this volume in the United States or Canada, and this in possession of J. Carter Brown, Esq., Providence, R. L It contains but three chap- ters. But many interesting particulars of the expeditions of the French in IGGO. Alludes to a colony formed at Ononda- MISSIONS. 187 ,,.^ — (lr.4cii)»os tlie oxpodition led by T)e Cnnrcclles in January iifiiinst the Oiieidas and Mohawks, in the course of which five humhTd men marched on snow-shoes from Quebec to Scho- noctiidy and 1)ack, a distance of three hundred leagues. The (itlicr commanded by Monsieur do Traci, then an octogenari- an, and proceeded in September following against the Mo- hawks. Chapter 2d treats of the Huron, Algonkin and Pa- pinakioises missions. Chapter M gives an account of the wars and treaties of peace between the French and Iroquois, and mentions a letter of the Mother '' Supcrieur llospitalicres," nuns of (.^lebec and New France, dated 3d Oct., IGGG, which is not here published. Relation IGGG, 'G7, by Pe>e Francis Lc Mercier: — Upon the state and condition of Canada for the last two voars; of the journey of Perc Claude Allouez in the country of the Outaouacs. On the arrival of the missionai'ies at L'ance th St. Ki^prit^ called ChagouaviH/cv;/. General Council of the nations in the country of the Outi'.ouacs. Of some of the superstitions and of the false gods of the country. Continu- ance of the niissi(jn de St. Eaprit in the Lac de Traci. a\Iis- sion of the Tionnontuteheronnous. The mission of the Ou- taouacs, Kiakakoumas and Outaona Simar/oue. The mission of the Foutconatamiouec, and those established among other tribes of Indians called Ous aki Oiickout, Agamivuck^ IlU- vmiec, Nadout'sioiu'k, Killutinoucc, Xipis IriniemH, and the voyage of the Father Claude Allouez to Quebec, and his re- turn to the Outaouacs, and to the mission of Lac St. John ; the re-establishment of the Iroquois missions ; recital of the wonders of the Church of St. Annie of the little " Cap Coste (Je Beau pray Nouvellc France.'' Relation IGGT, 'G8, by Pdre F. Le ^Mercier :— After a " resume" of the advantages derived from the mis- sions among the Five Nations ; we have in this volume the French names of several missionary posts among the Mo- hawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas and Senecas. Refer- ence is also made in it to the drov/ning of Arent A'^an Curler in Lac Champlain on his way to visit Gov. de Traci. In ■M f¥ 188 ONONDAGA. conclusion, it contains a letter from Monsieur do Petrea, first Bishop of Quebec, on tiie state of the Church, and an account of the death of the Jlcv. Mere Catharine. As this Relation con- tains many things relative to Onondaga, wo again resume, and insert somewhat at large. The Fathers once again made strenuous eftbrts to re-establish the Christian Church anioncr the Mohawks, but owing to the dissolute habits of these peo^ pie, and their constant hatred of the French, the mission was not eminently successful. This year, KiOT, the mission of St. Francis Xavier was established among the Oneidas. Father Jacques Bruyas, having arrived among the Mohawks, in com- pany with Fathers Frcmin and Pieron, separated from tlioni in order to pass towards the Oneidas' village, which is the second nation of the lower Iroquois ; the least numerous in- deed, but the proudest and most insolent of all. We arrived there in the month of September, KJOT, to lay the foundation of a new Church, which Providence had destined to be es- tablished hero. I cannot better begin my narrative than by relating what has passed this very day, in which I have had the consolation of saying the holy mass, for the first time in my little chapel, which has just been finished by the hands of our Iroquois themselves. I hope that the feast of the glorious Archan^re] St. Michael, will bring a good omen {'■' ainjure') for us, be- cause he is the prince of the Church. I trust he will take especial care of this one, which is but newly born, and give it protection and increase. Next follows the account of the establishment of a new mission at Onondaga, styled that of St. John the Baptist. We follow the locations in the order of our chapters, for after the nation of Mohawks and that of Oneida, between the south and west, Ave meet Onondaga, a large village, which is the centre of all the Iroquois nations, and where every year a sort of State's General council is held, to consider the differences which may have risen amongst them during the course of the year. Their policy in this is very wise, since their preserva- tion depends upon their union. As it is very difficult amon'^ MISSIONS. 189 a people, where the most unlimited license in every thing pro- vails with impunity, especially amou^ the young men, ko it seems necessary that soinothing should keep them in restraint, that nothing may occur capable of causing a rupture, and of producing discords among them. Each year they hold a general usseml)1y at Onondaga, where all the deputies of the other nations meet to make their com- plaints, and receive the necessary satisfactions, by mutual presents, by which they best keep on good terms with each iithcr. On this account it is, that amongst all the Iroquois missions we shall find here that with which wo have most cause to 1)0 pleased. IJesidcs, as we have before said, Onon- (la<'ii, first of all, received the light of the gospel, and this may pass for the most ancient Church of the Iro((uois. Providence has taken a favorable occasion to create, or rather to re-establish in its first estate, the (Christianity which was once tndy fiourishing there, and which still would be if the treachcrios of some of those barbarians had not forcibly driven off the Fathers, some ten years since, througli the war ivliich they then carried on against the French. Father Ju- lian Gamier, having gone up in the course of last summer to Oneida, to labor there, conjointly with Father Bruyas, for the salvation of those people, found himself obliged by every mo- tive of charity, to proceed as far as Onondaga, which is but a short journey distant. He was there received with every testimony of cordiality, affection and benevolence, which could be Avishcd for from a people who although barbarians, were strongly affection ed towards our Fathers, so much so that they liad committed a gentle violence upon him to prevent his re- turning to his post, undertaking to satisfy him in all things lie should desire of them. As he had declared to them that he could not remain alone and without a chapel, Garakontie, that famous captain of whom we have before spoken in preceding Relations, resolved to gratify him to the utmost of his wishes. In fact in a few tlays he built a chapel, and immediately after undertook a voy- age to Quebec to visit the Governor of Canada, who had long 4 % r 5 ' 1,' I ^l %ki Nir 11)0 ONONDAGA. -• I' I doflircd to 806 this grcHt nn.l good man, so ohVi^mif towards the French. One principal object of liis vinit was, to take away with him some of the Fathcri., whom ho wished to con- duct into his own country. In order bettor to .succeed in his ombassy, ho tnkes with him the four principal nu-u of the villnRo, who represent the principal Caiuilics o[' which it is composcl. With this com- pany he arrived at (.>uel)ec, on the L'Oth of last Ai.^'ust, whore having appeared before the Governor and Intendant, lu^niade five presents, which were to be the interpreters (,f five speech- es whi.-h he hrou-ht in behalf of his whole nation, (iura- kontio goes on to niak(> and explain liis presents, first, how- ever, he speaks to the French Governor as follows : *' I for- meriy boasted, to have done for the French nation what no frien.l among us had over done for another, having ransomed more than twenty-six of their people fr.nn the hamis of those who would certainly Imve burned them, had they not been liberated by my hand. But now I dare boast no longer for what r have done in this respect. Since you, Onnontio, have <lone so much more for us, by giving life, not only to the Oneidas, who are among you, whilst they, on whose behalf they came to ask for peace, were sliiying you. But moreover you have restored ((uitc as many other persons, who arc of our Five Nations. When having led into our country a pow- erful army, and being able to carry every thing by' fire and sword, whilst every one fled before it, you have been content- ed to humble the Mohawks alone, wherein you have greatly surpassed my expectations in the clemency of the French. And whereupon I now come to thank you, and would fain be able to thank our great King Louis, inasmuch as he has not desired our blood, nor our total ruin, but only to hniiide us. I come also to wipe the tears from your cheeks, whir]) F: Hit Gonneau told us had flowed from your eyes becaubo of the death of our men killed l>y the Andastes." Father Gonneau, upon entering Onondaga, said, it was Onnontio, who had commanded him on his departure from Port-R;.ya\ ^o visit our poor nation, and see the condition it M I H S I O N H , 191 was in. This courteHy 1ms ho glatMencd our lioarts, that wo have lavisiiod upon him many cnchnirmontH, ami have en- treattMl him not to leave us. He liaHaj^reod to thi.s, provideil we wouhl huihl for him a chapel, and seek out a companion for him. Wo have now done botli, the chapel was completed two days after his ttrrivul, and now behold us here, first to thank you, because you have remembered us, and after this, we ask of you a priest, ('' Noir robe,") and also that you will ;'ivo us a hunter. You cannot doiiijt my fidelity. I pray you to believe, that all our nations, will henceforth live in the terras which they have proiuised rhe great Onnontio. Do not listen to the fugi- tive llurons, Avho wish to make you distrustful. We have never, never held the ^^ Lonps" as our enemies, vet they slay us. Therefore cause the voice of Onnontio to resound in their country, that they may no longer infest the roads, which we keep open in order to visit each other. If you do not, they will proceed to kill you, as well as us. After the chieftain had thus spoken, he was answered in as many words, accompanied by five presents. The answers wore given, on the 27th of August, 1(;)(J8, to the words of the Iro(iuois, through the nation of Onondaga brought by the ^•I'eat cliieftaln Garakontic. The French iigree Avith the nations, and are assured that they are rightly esteemed and highly regarded, on every oc- casion, and cannot doubt the truth of the Avords of the great chief. Thus has it given a testimony of its pleasure, and marked its gratitude to thee, for thy good offices which are esteemed meritorious since they are sustained, by the most exemplary conduct. We hope that time Avill never cause your sentiments to vary, and that thou wilt ins])ire thy brothers, :i '^ ^'y children to keep their faith inviolably, towards the French, since thou perceivest in them, such good feelings of compassion and clemency, and art persuaded, tiiat being able to destroy thy brothers and children, they have had the good- ness not to do so. Let the tliought be foi-gotten then — only cherished by some inconsiderate youths, that if the French '.'# '>! »k, ■ij^' mw wt I 1 Jii % m 11 III 11>2 OiNONDAGA. had not destroyed the village of Oneida, it was because tliey could not, or dared not. Make them understand, that even if there were no troops liere at present, capahle of such an en- terprise, tliat great Onnontio, called King Jiouis, is so powerful and so jealous of the respect, which his children owe him, that he could send here twenty times as many troops as there arc hero at present, upon the sliglitest information, that any of the Iroquois, should have done the least injury, not only to his own subjects, but also to such of the savage nations us are under his })rotection, and who have recognized him its their sovereign, as thou hast done for the Five Nations, TIio interest which the French have taken, expressed by tears of grief, for thy brothers slain by the Andastes, shows the fath- erly tenderness the king lias towards thee, as his ehild, and the gratitude, wliieli thou sliowest for the favor which he has done thee, will oblige him to continue them o?i every occasion. Thus always pursuing the course of testifying gratitude for benefits received, liecause it is the surest nu'thod of preserv- ing his good will towartls thee, ami to perpetuate his favors. As this distinguished chieftain figures largely in the Onon- daga mission, and seems also to have been a great as well av a good man, we deem it not inappro])riate to give his charac- ter in the language of the lli;-torian Charlevoix, who says (Tome I., page •5')^.) (Jarakontie was by birth and educii- tion a savage. With the many excellent qualities with which by nature he was endowed, he was enabled to elevate himself to the highest place in his nation. He possessed a noble nat- ural nninner with great afiability, a disposition of much swcct- 7iess, a superior genius, with mueli integrity and ujtrightiic.ss of character. His braveiy in Avar, liis dextrous dijiloniacy. his lively spirit in council, had acquired f^r him the greatest esteem in his nation. His most comuKin employment was, ti' moderate the violent resolutions of the national council, and to cultivate peace with the French, which he sincerely wished to preserve, lie had given to the French the most sincere and indubitable proofs of his aifection, in recovering from the hands of tlie English a great number of prisoners, and all MISSIONS. 198 itioiis. Tlic those who were actually captives in his own canton. And in the other cantons many were under the greatest obligation to him for their lives and liberty. After thus describing the chiiraotor of this illustrious chief the same author gives us (Tome i. page 427) the following account of his Baptism. Through the pru<lencc of (;larakontie, who had been sent by the people of his canton, and the firmness of the Governor General, the agreement was concluded to the satisfaction of all piirties. (iarakontie then spoke to the Outawas, on the un- ivorthy manner in which they had treated the missionaries, whom they acknowledged he hiid the kindness to confide to their trust. And as if he had waited cx[)ressly for the gathering of so numerous an assembly before whom to make the declara- tion of his faith, he declared himself pu])licly, a worshiper of Jesus (Jhrist. He added, that long since, he had been a Christian at heart, that he had all his life detested and abhor- red the superstitions in which he had been brought up, and that lie could defer no longer to retain to himself the advan- tages, which he had been the instrument of procuring for so niiiny others. Then addressing the ]>ishop who was present, lie conjured him to receive him among the children of God, ^vithout delay. Every thing seemed to encourage the prelate to grant to so illustrious a proselyte, that which he asked for with so much earnestness,— Apostle as he had been, before declaring himself a Christian. J le had always seemed to take as much at heart in the establishment of Christianity in his nation, as the missionaries themselves, and the whole colony '.vas always under great obligation to him. Uesides all this, there was nothing which Avas bettor calculated to give credit m\ character to our religion, among tlio nations of this con- tinent, than to render their deputies witnesses of the conver- sion ■ a, man, so generally esteemed. The Bishop therefore, made no objection, to admitting this illustrious proselyte, to the bosom of the Church. He knew him to be sufficiently instructed, and he baptized him himself. The Governor Gen- eral insisted on being his God-Father, and Mademoiselle de Bouterou(i, daughter of the Intendant, was his God-Mother. B,. 1* ' I 194 ONONDAGA. From the former, he received the name of Daniel, which was his own name. Nothing was omitted to give celebrity to this ceremony— all the deputies of the nations were assistants and witnesses, and after the exercises, all were regaled profusely. It was to this great chief, that the French, were under great indebtedness for the establishment about this time, of a colony in the country of the Onondagas. This colony was supposed to have been located on the Butternut creek, about one mile south of Jamesville. The circumstances and facts relating to it, were taken froui a Jesuit's Journal, and from the sachems of Onondaga. As the history of this colony is re- lated almost solely on the authority of the late Dewitt Clinton, being part of a discourse delivered before the New- York His- torical Society, we give it in his own words. "From the Jesuit's journal, it appears that in the year 1666, at the request of Garakontie, an Onondaga chieftain, a French colony was directed to repair to his village, for the purpose of teaching the Indians the arts and sciences, and endeavor, if practicable, to civilize and christianize them. We learn from the sachems, that at this time the Indians had a fort, a short distance above the village of Jamesville, on tlie banks of a small stream near ; a little above which, it seems the chief, Garakontie, would have his new friends set doivn. Ac- cordingly they repaired thither and commenced the labor, in ^vhich being greatly aided by the savages, a few months only were necessary to the building of a small village. This colony, remained for three years in a very peacea- ble and flourishing condition, during Avhich time, much addi- tion was made to the establishment, and among others, a small chapel in which the Jesuit used to collect the barbarians, and perform the rites and ceremonies of his Church. About this time, (1669,) a party of Spaniards, consisting of twenty- three persons, arrived at the village, having for guides some of the Iroquois, who had been taken captives, by some of the southern tribes. It appears evident, that this party came up the Mississippi, passed Pittsburgh and on to Olean Point, where leaving their canoes, they traveled by land. They had MISSIONS, 195 been informed that, there was a lake to the north, whose bot- tom was covered with a substance shining and white, which they took from the Indians' description, to be silver. Having arrived at Onondaga Lake, and the French vil- lage, and finding no silver, they seemed bent on a quarrel with the French, Avhom they charged with having bribed the Indians, so that they would not tell where the silver might be found. A compromise was finally eifected. They agreed that an equal number of French and Spaniards should be sent on an exploring expedition. The Indians seeing these stran- gers prowling through the woods, with various instruments, suspected some design to be in operation, to drive them from their country. Tliis jealousy, was much increased by the ac- cusations of the Europeans themselves. The Spaniards told the Indians, that the only object of the French was to tyran- nize over them. The French on the other hand asserted, that the Spaniards were laying a plan to rob them of their lands. The Indians, by this time becoming jealous of both, deter- mined in private council, to rid themselves of these intruders. Having privately obtained the assistance of the Oneidas and Cayugas, they agreed upon the time and manner of attack. A little before daybreak, on AU Saints Day, 1GG9, the little colony, together with the Spaniards, were aroused from their slumbers by the discharge of firearms, and the war-whoop of the savages. Every house was immediately fired or broken open, and such as attempted to escape from the flames, were killed by the tomahawk, and not one of the colonists or Spaniards were left alive to relate the sad disaster." " The French in Canada, on making inquiries respecting the fate of their friends, were informed by the Indians, that they had gone towards the south, with a company of people who came from thence, and at the same time, showing a Spanish coat of (u-ms, and other national trinkets, confirmed the Canadian French in the opinion, that their unfortunate countrymen, had indeed gone thither, and in all probability perished in the nnmonse forests. This opinion was also measurably con- hrmcd by a Frenchman, who had long lived with the Senecas, H,u , ; I, .li'i' 196 ONONDAGA. and who visited the Onondagas at the time the Spaniards were at the village, but left before the disaster, and could only say he had seen them there."* Thus perished the second Christian colony, so far as known that was attempted to be settled in western New- York. The first at Lake Genentaha, having been broken up in 1656, and those who composed it, were compelled secretly to leave for Canada. Relation, 1667-68. Gives an account of a newly estab- lished mission among the Cayugas, and of a colony of Cayu- gas newly established on the north coast of Lake Ontario. Father Estienne de Carheil and Lc Pe're Millet, went up among the Iroquois to share their labors and cares ; the one destined for Onondaga, the other for Cayuga. There is a fourth Iroquois nation about thirty leagues distant from Onon- daga, always going up between the west and south. These people are well disposed, for Iroquois. It can never be said they have borne arms against the French ; and, if some of them, have done so, it has been by small parties, in simple skirmishes, without any preformed design or concert of the whole nation. They are quite susceptible of kind impressions ; we have often experienced this, even ten years ago, when we were much among them; the same mind still proves their kind- ness and docility ; in proof of which, they have erected for us a chapel in their village, which is well attended. They were very willing the faith should be reestablished there. Father Carheil came, who has just revived their church, composed of Hurons and Iro(|uois. The fear of enemies, obliged many of the nation to leave, and to plant themselves on the North coast of Lake Ontario. This detachment of the Cayugas, or of this new nation, needed pastors to confirm the spirit of the faith in this new church, Avhich we had cherished for two years, and this has been well done, by Eev. Monsieurs Fenelon and De Trouvc, two fervent missionaries, * Notes on Ihe Iroquois. MISSIONS. 197 who have been sent here by the Bishop.* But as they set out only at the end of summer, as -well as the two Fathers, none of them have yet been able to send any news of what has ta- ken place in this new church. The Relation continues, by giving an account of the Huron church at Quebec ; remarkable conversions and deaths of cer- tain Iroquois converts. A letter from the Bishop of Petrea, to Monsieur Poittevin, Curate of St. Joff, Paris. An account of the mission of St. Michael into the fifth nation of the Iro- i[Uois Scuecas, and a circular letter on the holy death of a hospital nun at Quebec. llelation, 1(508-69. The establishment of a mission, St. Francis Xavier, to the country of the Onoidas, or the nation of the "Stone." The nation of Oneida, is about thirty leagues towards the south and west, from the Mohawks, and one hundred and forty from Quebec ; arc of all the Iroquois, the least tractable ; and the arms of the French, not yet having penetrated so far, they fear us only, through the experience of their neighbors, the Mo- haAvks. This nation, which despises the others since their defeat, is in a disposition contrary to the Christian faith, and by its arrogance and pride, tries the patience of a missionary, very sorely. It was necessary that Divine Providence, should assign them a peculiar man, and choose for them a spirit, who might by his mildness conquer or allay their wild and fierce disposition. Father Jacpics Bruyas, has been the man, whom Divine Providence has destined for their service, but his la- bors have generally been rewarded, only by rebuffs and con- tempt. He does not however think his time wholly misem- ployed, since he makes it his joy to suffer. He writes in one * By the recent investigations of Mr. Robert Greenhow, it would appear almost beyond a doubt, that the llev.Mo}isienr Finibii, here mentioned, was none other person than the illustrious M. De i^t';u'fow, afterwards Archbishop of Caniliray. U" the identity of tlie two personages can be conclusively established, (and we think :t is by Mr Greenhow's showing) then the great and good Fenelon, is connected by the most sacred ties, with the history of our country. And it may yet appear that his labors have been abundant at Onondaga, at this time, the seat of Iroquois missions and the great centre of Indian missionary attraction. 198 ONONDAGA, •it«i- of his letters, that he considers all his labors well rewarded when he can baptize some dying child, and by this means se- cure its salvation. The number of baptized, amounts already to near thirty most of whom are already in glory. Such is the state of this mission, to which the Father has given the name of St. Fran- cis Xavier, who is the protector of this new world. As such he is honored here each year, by a solemn festival, which the' bishop of P6tre'a has established throughout France. Relation, 1668-69. New mission of St. Jean Baptiste, in the country of Onon- daga, or Nation of the Mountain. After the nation of the Mohawks and Oneidas between the south and west, wo meet Avith Onondaga. This is a ]ar<re town, which is the centre of all the Iroquois nations, and the place where the groat general assembly h held in each year. This mission was formerly the most flourishing of any among the Iroquois, which have been established by the Fathers, and still being one of the principal fields of labor, two faitiiful laborers have been assigned to its cultivation, viz. : Father Julian Gamier, and Father Pierre Millet. But it is not with- out much difficulty that they have revived the spirit of the faith, which had been for some years nearly extinct, in the souls of these barbarians. One of ^ the greatest obstacles which we find to the progress of Christianity is their dream, {''mere rerem,") which ap- pears to be almost the only divinity of this country, and to which they refer in all things. As they do not disturb our prayers, and even the most superstitious assist us in them, they cannot endure that we should interfere with, or oppose their ceremonies, and they think we desire their destruction, if we wish to destroy the charm of the dream, which they re- gard as a kind of talisman to their actions, whereby they live. One day a celebrated council was held over the dream of an old man who was sick. He said he had seen in a dream, a man no higher than a finger's joint, who had first pointed out to him drops of blood, falling from the heavens. lie added ifii MISSIONS, 199 moreover, that it had rained men from heaven, but in a very pitiable condition, for they had been treated there as captives, and had their fingers and noses cut off. Finally, this old man asserted that one of these little men had told him, that he also would be treated thus in heaven, and that all those Avho went there would bo given into the hands of the Andas- tes, their implacable enemies. Upon this one of the ^' anciens" immediately opposed his dream, to the dream of the other. I dreamed, said he, that I was in heaven. Every thing there was beautiful, joy, peace and love abounded, and that as soon as I wished for any thing it was beside me. Thus by one dream another was over- thrown, and this to please the missionaries, but very conveni- ent to refute the impertinence of this dream. The most en- lightened among them easily see that the greater part of these dreams are invented. They act upon them however, just as if they believed them true. This does not prevent the Onondagas from respecting the faith and the commands of God. Some of those who have visited Quebec, have been touched with the example of the Huron Christians, and the exhortations which they have made there in favor of the Christian religion. The man with whom Father Garnier dwells, has related at Onondaga the discourse which a Huron had with him at Quebec, to persuade him to embrace the faith. Nothing could be better calculated to ad- vance the cause of religion, or more effectually aid the mis- sionaries, than this harangue. Upon this, every one began to say some good of it, and to remark the advantages of the laws of Christianity over their own superstitious customs. Chapter IV, same Relation, gives an account of the mission of St. Joseph in the country of Cayuga, which makes a fourth Iroquois nation. It is about one hundred and sixty leagues from Quebec, and forty from Onondaga, always going between west and south. Father Estienne de Carheil arrived on the 6th of Novem- ber, 1668, and there presented to Heaven, as the first fruits of his labors, a female slave of the Andastes. He had come .1 i| I il/J IL J 'r 200 ONONDAGA. ,.li in 'i'i in i I 1 ** M ' in hor company from Onondaga, and this journey, which they made together, enabled hor to proceed on her way joyfully towards paradise, for having been instructed and baptized during this journey of two days, as soon as she had arrived at Cayuga, she was burned and eaten by these barbarians on the Gth of November. Father Garnier accompanied Father Carheil on this mission. They were very assiduous in their labors. A chapel was soon eroctod, many were invited to the faith, and a goodly number most joyfully accepted. The mission was dedicated to 8t. Joseph, by Father Carheil. It was ably conducted, and for a long time the Church was* tru- ly prosperous. ]}csides tho village of Cayuga, which is the scat of his mission, there are two others; one of four lou^r^es distant, and the other nearly six. Tho two last are situated upon a river, whifh coming from the side of tho Andcmoi/uc, descends at four loa^gucs distant from Onondaga, on its way to empty into Lake Ontario. The great quantity of rushw bordering this river, (Seneca,) has given tlio name of Thi- ohero, to the village nearest to Cayuga. Tlie pt^ople wlio compose the body of these three great villages, are composed in part of Cayugas, llurons and Andastes; the two latter being captives to the lro(iuois. It is there that the Fatlior exercises his zeal, and asks companions to assist in his apos- tolic labors. The great chief Carakontie exercised great iniluence at this new mission, as well as at Onondaga and Oneida,. lie en- couraged the new converts by exhortations, and strengthened the hands of the missionaries by his zeal and perseverance in the faith. Tho same Relation relates to the mission of St. Michael in the country of the Senecas, or nation of the great mountain. This, of all the Iroquois nations in which we have been, istlie most distant from us, and its inhabitants being the least fre- quently seen by us are called the superior Lxxjuois. It is reckoned from us about one hundred and eighty leagues. This country gives us the greatest hope of a successful mission, which has obliged Father Jaques Fremin, Superior of all the MISSIONS. 201 ^enince in Iroquois missions, to go there to establish a new church. Wo havo known tliis tlirough the letters of other niissioniiries, he liiivirif^ set out frotn Moliiiwk on tlie 10th of October, IGGb. IIu visited other missions on his way, and on the Ist of No- vember arrived at the Seneca's country, where lie was receiv- ed with all tiie honoi-s rendered to Ambassadors Extraordina- ry. Wo havo also learned that the chiefs luive ))nilt a chapel, !iii(l that every one shows an inclination towards Cinvistianity. Upwards of sixty persons were biiptized within four months. Thirty-three are supposed to be enjoyinj.^ a blissful heaven by ;i li;il»py death. The ^^ Jonijleurn,'' in many instances, inter- posed, so that it was diflicult to keep up an interest in propor- tion to the merit of the work. Of course it soon decreased, and the war also whicli then was waged against the Outaouaes, greatly retarded the progress of the faith ainong these people. A mission was also established in the country of the Al<'on- kins at St. Esprit, and among tlu; Outaouaes, and a mission of St. Croix, in the country of the Afonfar/jiitis at Tndoussffc, and the Huron mission of the Annunciation, of Notre Dame, nciir the city of (^ue))ec. Relation of 1(>(57, '71, gives an account of the embassy of Saonchior/oua, chief of the nation of Cayugas. lie having visited Quebec, as an ambassador from tin; Senccas. Also gives an account of the conversion of this chief captain of the Cayugas, under the name of Louis S\innchio(/oua. He labored incessantly to ac((uit himself of his mission, with Avhich he had been charged by the Senecas. He held a council with the Governor, who placed at his disposal all the captives Avhich had been taken from the Senecas, the chief at the same time making the most solemn protestations of submission and obedience of all his orders. The Governor and suite regaled him and treated him with no little kindness and respect. All things being well done, the chief next turn- ed his attention to the salvation of his soul. Ho conversed earnestly with Father Chaumonot, who has charge of this Huron mission. No great time was re(iuired to instruct and enlighten him in the knowledge of our holy mysteries, as ho 20 k It.} !5: h 1 |l " t ».fil > * t >fi 202 ONONDAGA. fi ii'!. had been sufficicMitly informed respecting them, for more than fifteen years, when he hud the good fortune to be present at an assembly of distinguished men of the Five Irocjuois Na- tions, hehl iit Onondaga, soon after our arrival in the country Avhero Father Cliaunionot had taught in the faith. The mis- sion is reported for 1(571, as being in a very prosperous state, three Imndred and twenty souls having been added to tlie Church, many of whom arc in Heaven. The mission of St. Francis Xavier at Oneida, 1071, was successfully continued and reported as fast growing in the af- fections of the peoi)lc under the missionaries who established it, and who now occuj)ied this grouiul. Of the mission of St. Joseph, at Cayuga, Father Estienne Carheil writes, that the advancement of the faith, and the progress in the salvation of souls being the only consolation which your Excellency expects each year, from our missions, I cannot give you more pleasure than in informing you of the progress of the Church, regenerated by the waters of baptism. Sixty-two received the life of grace, thirty-five having gone to live in glory, will be cause of consolation and rejoicing to you. The greater part who died after baptism, were children, whose age does not permit us to doubt their happiness, ^hi- ny were adults, whose demeanor allows me to believe that tliey have deserved, by the cooperation in grace, what those little innocents have received by the operation of the sacrament above. With respect to the mission of St. John the Baptist at Onondaga, the llelation goes on to say : We have been infornuul of two things of great comfort, in the mission of St. .John the Baptist, at Onondaga, which gives us reason to believe, that the faith has made great progress in this country. One is, that thirty-nine persons had received the grace of holy baptism, twenty of whom, a short time after, entered into full possession of their glory. This can- not be doubted, in the case of sixteen inf\ints and four other adults, who gave in their death, great marks of predestina- MISSIONS, 208 tion, particularly a young man nf twonty-fivc or twenty-six years of ago. Sonic of these people state, that after having })eon ill treated by some Frenchmen, they were well received by wonio of our priests of Montreal, which seemed not a little to bring them to God. The family of this young man, most of whom had |)iv>vionsly embraced the faith, Jiavo often manifested their gratitude, and he was eager himself for his salvation. His mother, was the first to teach him to pray to God, and to in- vite Father Millet, to instruct him. A short time before his (lentil, she herself went promptly to give information of the (l;inger in which her son was in, in order that ho might die hippy, and his death corresponded faithfully, to all his graces. I hope, says Father Millet in his letter, that he will not be the only Christian, nor the only predestinated one of this family. The joy which they ex})erienced, after his death, in the lio[)0 of his eternal h;ippin(fss, is no slight mark of their faith. Besides thev seem not far removed from the kincdom of God, through the great desire they manifest, of meeting him one day in heaven, and give us reason to hope, of seeing them all children of the Church. The other point which ought to cause joy to these soul.^, to see God glorified, in the c(uiversion of those people is in the constancy of the Chief, Daniel Garakontie, in ludding fast the faith, and in nuiking every Avhere, a high and impos- ing' profession of Christianity. lie solemnly made it two years since, when after having been baptized at Quebec, lu' declared on his return in a public assembly, he should no lonrrcr perform any duties of his station, which did not coti- form to the commandments of God. lie yet made another (leclaration in a more generous manner, in New Holland, in presence of the Europeans, who commanded in that country ami the chiefs of all the five Iroquois nations, who had been called together, to conclude a peace with the de Loups. The Father has informed us in his last, that he manifested a truly Christian courage, in the case of a young person in sickness, Avhich had reduced him very low. His parents and all his li'* ■U m I'f » ipj t 'ft ft- 1 20! n\(»\ I) A(i A, Iril.c rt'iniii;,' Ills ilr.itli, .sMlicitnl him with \n\u:U iiii|)()rtuMitv, tn |Miiiiit ihMii hi (iiiipluy Cor his rcctivcry, th(! onliimrv ^\i<>tiif/iiir.<," whu |>iiss lor |ihvsiciiiiis in this coiiiitry. Ho ri'Histt-d ihciii stntn;.';ly. Nfvcrlhchvss, they pci'loriiuMl mhii. |u'rHtitiniis cffcuioiiy in his \vin;\\iiiii, luronlinj^r t,, ihoir j,i-„i.. tici' when they iiii<h rfiikc lh(< cuni of a nick jhtmoii. The Kill her uiis iuroniicd of it, imd ciilcrliiiiictl Hum(< hiih- picioii lh;il the sick tiiiiii hiid cnnsriilcil to ii. lliMvcuttu visit him ill the fvciiiii<,', iiiid loiind with him nil tli(> old men, who li('Iit>viii;^' him near dciitli, nunc in ii hody to tnkc of him II Inst liircwcll. 'I'lic sick ninii riiiscd liis hciid, siiyiii;^': "mv l''iitlicr I liMvc Iiccii much ti'oiiMcd tuiLiy, in coiisci|iicncc df tlic ceremony, which has Iteeii iicrloniied wilhoiit my kimwl. i'dM;e, and out td' my si;:;lit at iIh- t';irlli<r end of my culiin. Alas! I have said to mystdf, what will the l''athcr think. \\v will hclieve nu' a hypocrite and a. (lect>iver. Uiit my I'^atl I have not chaiii'ed iiiv sentiments sin ce my haptisiM ; I UT, nil no loiii^er a iu:iii to einiseiil |o these loojerics, I h MAC (illly licimitl llieiii to sa<'ril iiid to shed a liltl(< lilooil lur llir testament. I'miI I helieve in this, ik.I to have ollciidcd (I.mI. I letd too deeply, my l''atlie!', and I have pi'omised •otidi!, too solemnly to kt'cp hi^^ holy I; Mv all mv life, ever to retiiri to' m V aneit'iit ciistoiib wiucli I I lave I'lven iiii willi all mv heart. No my l''athei-, I would never a^aiii li as 1 1 KIVi oe«'ii. Ill' I' .atlier coiilirnied liim in these i.rood seiitiiiiciits. with \\]\\r\\ the eoi K'taiiv weri' liiirlilv edilu Ail erwarus, one prosi'Iytt> lia\ imr reeovei'ed his health, proceeiled to Meii- ti'cal, as Jill ai'.ihass.ador of |Ih« lro(piois nations, to Iiolil a Council with tlu> Aliioukiua ami Anfoinh-Icx, who tliere lia4 their rendezvous, as well lor the transacti(Ui (d* luisiness, as I'm- the sale of their I'lirs. It was in this convoy of one lain- <lred and lii'ty canoes, that more than live hundred savages of dilVerent nations, wcri> asst'inhled to preserve Mons. DeCoui'- Celle, irovernor of the country, for whom all these peo))le liail a particidar regard. (.Jarakontie manifested his spirit and liis good sense, Imt particularly his faith and his zeal ; for, after * havin-ji; terminated their Imsincss, and confirmed tho treaty of peace, hy nits, he n MISSIONS. 205 peace, by in'W |irot(!Mtiiti(tiis of rriciiilMJiip and nuiiprocal prca- iiits, lie riiiM('(l Ills voiro to Hiiy to llu'iii, lliiit lie liiul forincrly liot'U iiH they were, in ij^'hoi'iinri) of tlio tiiU) ( lod, and a l)«!lio vor III itll tlicir siipcrslitioiis ciistonis. iSiit, that now ho wtiH a Christisiii, and that he lived liappy in keeping tho coininand- iiii'iilH oCiiod, and in thcliopc of eternal life. Ho concluded ills el(M|iient haran^iio, according to his custom, hy iiivitin;^ thciii to ri'llow him. Sucii a disfoMrsc comin;^' IVom the mouth of a fViciidly sav- ijjt', dcclariii;^ thus IVaidviy the sentiments of his heart, often jifiMJuces more olfeet upon such minds, than ono from tho most •iiiious misni(»n:uy. Mehold another examph! which lias come Id iiur kno\vled;.'e. The sanu* l)ani(d (larakontie, says the I'l'i'e he liamlierville, in hin letter of 2-»il (d" Septond)or, hav- 1111.' met on his return to lii:< eonnfry, on(! of his parents sick iitilo death, eanu' to ii\e to ask for her some remedy. "My liiotiier," said I to him, "the only renmdy which will ho of iiM' to her in her present stale, is haptism, to preserve her :Viiiii hell ; liiit she has no (ii'positinn I'or this sacrament, she inTsists in wishin;^; to ^^o to the |>retended country of souls. It'tlioii hast any trui' alVection lor her, put lorth all thy efforts to render her more docile; hut hasten thys(df, she has not a ioiii; time to live. These are the words of the Father." lie has nothin;i: of the Irnqiiois savnp;o in him, hut the l)irtli ;iii(l the name. J le went to \isit her instantly ", produced hy , lii.s zeal inid earnestness ati eflect so wonderful, tluit slio was iiiiuiLMliately instructed sulfuMiMitly to receive bai)tism, to the ,:,'i'i'at joy of all the fannly. The Father was not able to ap- pruaeh another dyin^ creature, to sjx'ak of her salvation, be- (';uise she numifested so ji;reat an aversion to Christianity, and stuli an ineredibl(> attaehnu'nt to the su})erstitions of her coun- tvv. In this diiliculty, he had recourse to a friendly woman of tiiis fandly, v.ho was not yet a catechumen, neither had she boon known to come to jirayers ; she had, however, some kiu)wled<re of our mysteries, with jjood intentions. She way isosuccessfid from the lirst time she addressed the sick Avoman, and managed with so much tact, and so becoming a Christian, ' u i iM lii 206 ONONDAGA. vMrn i I that the Father was most favorably received into her cabin and she listened to him witli profound respect After being sufficiently instructed, she was baptized, and shortly after died like a Christian. It is thus, says the Father, in concluding his letter, not- withstanding the drunkenness which prevails here to the greatest excess, and the other obstacles which the evil one incessantly opposes to the advancement of the faith, we are permitted to Avin some souls, and reap some fruits, from the blood of Jesus Christ. The same Relation gives an account of the mission of St. Joseph among the Cayugas, with a letter from the Father llaffeix instructing him to take charge of this mission in the absence of Father Carheil, giving a clear and intelligent ac- count of it. Also an account of the mission of the Conception of St. James, to the Senecas. Letter of Father Garnier, dated July 1672. Also an account of the mission of the Martyrs to Annie by the Father Claude Dablon, Rector of the college of Que- bec, and Superior of the mission of the society of Jesus in IS'ew France. Relation of 1671—72 contains a further notice of the missions among the Iroquois, and of the mission of the Mar- tyrs to Annie. Father Boniface to the Oneidas. Of the Francis Xavier mission to the Oneidas, by Father Millet : The Father de Lamberville governed the Church of St. John the Baptist at Onondaga. The Father Carheil, by a nervous debility, was retained at Quebec, but returned in the spring to his mission of St. Joseph, at Cayuga, after having been cured of a sickness, in a miraculous manner, by the re- course he had to our lady of the faith and to St. Annie. We learned afterwards that he arrived in perfect health, and that Father Rafleix, who had the care of this mission in his ab- sence, aided by Father Garnier, in the labors of the three missions of the Conception of St. Michael, and of St. James MISSIONS, 207 to the Senecas, in which they gained in all near twelve or thirteen thousand souls. The mission of St. Francis Xavier to the Oneidas, is rep- resented as being in a very flourishing condition. From a Jesuit map, published 1770, we find the locations of several missionary stations to be as follows : Mission de St. Esprit, situated near the west end of Lake Superior. Mission of de Ste Marie du Sault, at the entrance of Lake Superior. Mission of St. Ignace, at Mackinaw. Mission of St. Francis Xavier, at the south end of Green Bay, or the Bay des Puans. Mission of St. Simon, established at Missisague, Lake Huron. These Relations are continued for several years, though not successively. Charlevoix gives a condensed continuation of the progress of these missions, more or less interesting. While the Jesuits themselves have committed the summary of their hibors to manuscripts, Avhich arc widely scattered. Charlevoix, relating transactions of 1693, brings to view two distinguished chiefs who have not been named, and relates the death of the famous Garakontie. Oureouliarie was one who had taken great interest in the affairs of the Romish Church. The Fathers lunl made frequent journeys tlirough his cunton, (Onondaga,) and had been greatly aided by his counsels. He omitted nothing of that Avliich he esteemed most proper to dispose the minds of his people, so that they should he nearer the French. Besides, this Garakontie Avas still alive, :iii(l although a fervent Christian, ho had remained at Onon- (higu, wlierc his presence was considered necessary to profit by the opportunities which presented themselves to re-estab- hsh commerce between us and his countrymen, which had de- clined. This veneral)le old man, deprived as he was of all spiritual succor, in the midst of this Jiabylon, never allowed his piety or zeal to relax ; and by the coui-se which he took, uhvays to husband his credit, which like another Daniel, he 208 ONONDAGA. i' i 1 I If Mim found more than once to be the secret, to cause the intrigues of the English to wreck, which witliout such help, would often have reduced us to dreadful extremities. lie died at St. Louis, (Canada,) 1G03. I could not know whether Teganesorens was at that time a Christian or not, but it is certain he was one while at Onon- daga, and that ho perfectly seconded the good designs of Gar- akontie, and I feel bold to assert that New France was in a good degree indebted to the good offices of these three sages, without which the country and inhabitants would have been continually overrun by parties of the enemy. It seems by what follows, that these missionaries were in continuid dread of the English, who certainly were continually gaining favor with the Iro(|uois. 1(395. ile says that forty pioneers, having gone towards Onondaga, some of them had advanced as far as the River Chouguen, (Oswego,) where they saw thirty-four boats of the Iroquois coming down, and even heard some of them say to each other, that they would soon pay the Fathers and the brethren of the Sault St. Louis such a visit as they did not expect. Other parties confirraed the intelligence, that a great number of Iroquois were in the field. All used due diligence to convey the intelligence to the Governor of Montreal, that he might have opportunity to secure his posts free from insult, advising ]Monsicur De Frontcnac to form a body of eight hundred men in the Isle of Perrot, to check them. A battle ensues, in which the Indians are defeated, by Momieur De La Durantaye. 1709. He further says : It was more than a year since Father Mareuil, a missionary of Onondaga, had given advice to the Governor General, that the Irof^uois were anxiously so- licited to declare against the French, and that one of these savages, to whom much influence had been awarded, wiis the secret author of this intrigue. :M. de Vaudreuil had given no credence to the advice, prejudiced as he was in favor of the perfidious Iroquois, but all along had treated them with the greatest confidence and friendship. MISSIONS. 209 The Jesuit Missions among the Iroquois began sensibly to decline after the year 1700. Still there were for a season martyrs and proselytes ; and although isolated members of the Society of Jesus were occasionally to be found, their influ- ence was greatly weakened with the advances of the English ; and when that people gained the ascendancy by the conquest of the French colonies of North America, the French mis- sionaries, one by one, reluctantly relinquished their posts, and abandoned their fields of labor. It is true, the Passamaquad- (ly, Penobscot and St. Regis Inc^ians, held on longer than the rest, but even they have dwindled to almost nothing, and what little of Christianity remains to them has nearly if not quite yielded to Protestantism, while among the Mohawks, the Onei- tlas, the Onondagas, the Cayugas and Senecas, the traces of these missions, once so famous and so interesting to the whole Christian world, are entirely obliterated, and the posterity of those inhabitants, who once listened with eagerness to the sound of chapel bell, " the deep toned summons to worship God," and united in the devotions of the mass with earnest- ness and zeal, know nothing of these things that have passed. To them it is as if nothing had been done. The blood of martyrs has been freely shed, the blood of martyrs to a pecu- liar faith. logues, Du Poisson and Souel, fell mangled with clubs, and their bones bleached in the wilderness. Brebeuf, Lallemand and Senat, died at the stake, amid the yells of in- furiated demons, quietly yielding their spirits to God with re- signation and in prayer. Charlevoix gives a particular and minute account of the life and death of several Iroquois Christians and martyrs who juffered for the faith. xV host of the natives at different seasons have suffered mar- tyrdom among the Iroquois, but it has signified nothing ; the blessing of God did not sustain them ; a few generations have passed away, and all foot-prints of Jesuit teachings have dis- appeared ; their existence among the sons of the forest is un- known, and but for their own preserved records, their history would be a perfect blank. 27 ! n I ... ^ 210 ONONDAGA. CHAPTER VII. ENGLISH, GERIMAN, AND AMERICAN MISSIONS. Hpl |l wil^ m n ' 1 ! li New-England Mission, by Rkv. John Eliot — Mohawk Missions — German Mir BioN AT Onondaga, 1760 — Oneida Mission, Rkv. Samuel Kirkland, 176G Rev. Samson Ocoum, 1786 — Bishop Hobart, Mission at Oneiua, 1816 — Mis- sionary Operations at Onondaga, 181C — Methodist Missions at Oneida AND Onondaga, 1829 — Indian School. While the scenes were enacting, which have just been re- lated, it is not to be supposed that all Christendom, except the Jesuits, were asleep or unconscious of what was passing ; or, unmindful of the spiritual welfare of the savages. At a very early period, some of the clergy of New-England, took into consideration the possibility and propriety of introducing among these benighted people, the light of the Gospel. As early ;n 1647, Parliament was solicited to aid in so beneficent a work. The result was, that that body passed an ordinance, July 27, 1649, authorizing the orgaiiigation of a society for the ad- vancement of civilization and Christianity, among the Indians of New-England. Under the patronage of this society, schools were established, and the Gospel gratuitously preached among the Indians. Among those who were foremost in this good work, was the great Apostle to the Indians, John Eliot, who, after ministering for many years to the spiritual necessities of the In- dians, in 1663, had translated the whole Bible into Indian, with a Catechism and the Psalms of David, in Indian verse. Eliot's Indian Bible, was the first vcivsion of the Scriptures ever printed on the American continent. A copy of this Bible is in the library of Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass., to the MISSIONS. 211 IIONS. ! — Gkeman iMlS- CiRKLAND, 176tj IDA, 1816— Mis- eons AT Oneida ist been re- 1, except the passing; or, At a very :1, took into ucing among As early ;h 3ent a work, ce, July 27, for the ad- the Indians iety, schools ched among s good work, ;, who, after es of the In- Indian, with •se. Eliot's ever printed e is in the ss., to the accomplished librarian of which, the author is indebted for a sidit of this highly interesting and antique volume. The title to this Bible is as follows : " Mamussc Wunneetupanatamkve. Up Bibliim God Naneeswe Nakkone Testament, kah wonk Wuskii Testament." Other works were translated and published in the Indian language, for the advancement of Christianity among the In- dians. It is by no means asserted, that there were no visible marks of the progressive labors of the Xow-England Mission- aries. For a long time the missions were considered flourish- ing. Many reverend gentlemen, and even laymen of piety and intelligence, learned the Indian language, and visited and prayed among them. They were prepared to carry the Gos- pel to every hut and every heart,and often found such respon- ses, as gave them renewed courage and flattering hopes of per- manent success. On the 12th of May, 1700, there were thirteen Protestant ministers of the Gospel supported by the .government in the plantations of North America, receiving from ten to thirty pounds each, besides some other Protestants who were missionaries on their own account.* Although large sums of money were expended for the ad- vancement of this plan, and the energies of a powerful corpo- ration brought to bear in its aid, and all the learning and talent of New-England, and much of that of the mother country, applied in pressing on this important work, still the missions of New-England in their time and in their turn, declined, lan- guished, and at length expired. Two hundred years have not yet rolled around, and a Bible, the fruit of many years of diligent labor^ translated expressly for a people whose salva- tion was the end and aim of the great, the gracious and the good of that era, lives only as a literary curiosity, on the shelves of a very few libraries in Christendom ; while not a being who now inhabits this earth, can intei'pvct a solitary sentence of it. Tlie race for whose benefit these holy words II '. < { * London Documents, 1700. Am 212 ONONDAGA. were arranged, has passed away, and with them then- religion, their literature, and even their very names. In the year 1700, the Earl of Belomont, then Governor of New- York, memorialized the lords of trade and plantations, on the want of " some ministers of the Church of England, to instruct the Five Nations of Indians, and to prevent their l)eing practised upon by the French priests and Jesuits." Whereupon the said lords submitted a representation on the subject to Queen Anno, who by an order in council, sanc- tioned their proposal, for the appointment of two clergymen, and referred the accomplishment of the plan to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Even before this. Lord Belomont intended to build a fort and chapel in the country of the Onondagas, and the matter was carried so far, that King William ordered and sent over plate and furniture for a chapel there, but the design of building it was abandoned upon the death of that monarch, which event took place in 1702.* In 1701, the As- sembly of New-York, granted sixty pounds a year to Rev. Bernardus Freeman, minister of the Gospel at Schenectady, as his salary for instructing the Indians of the Five Nations, and fifteen pounds a year for his charges and expenses. f Al- though the measure submitted to the consideration of Queen Anne, so far as the government was concerned, appears to have been suggested by motives of political expediency, quite as much as by a desire for the conversion of the savages. Still the society took advantage of the opportunity of establishing a mission among the Iroquois Indians. The Rev. Thoroughgood Moor arrived at New-York, on this noble service, in the vear 1704. The enterprize, hoAvever, was not attended with that success which its importance seemed to demand. The Indians from appearances, were wholly unprepared to profit by missionary instructions. In the first report made to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, under whose pa- tronage the mission was established, it is said, " there are de- mandss upon the Society for ministers, schools and libraries. * London Documents, 1700, p. 139. t Ibid. MISSIONS. 213 For the Mohawks. For the Oncidas. 1 for the Onontages. 1 for the Cayougas. 1 for the Sinnekes." In 1700, four sachems went to England, to confirm the peace which had been m{ide by their nations with the Governor of New-York, and to request Her jMajesty would be pleased to take measures for the instruction of their subjects in the truths of Christianity. This request having been submitted by the Archbishop of Canterbury to the Society, it was agreed to send two mission- aries, together Avith an interpreter and school-master to the •'Mohocks and Oneides Indians;" i'ld the Queen gave direc- tions for the erection of a fort, with a chapel and house for the clergyman, in the country of the ]Moliocks. The Rev. William Andrews, the first missionary selected, arrived at Al- bany, in 1712 ; and in giving an account of his reception, he says : " When we came near the town, we saAV the Indians upon the banks, looking out for my coming. They received me with abundance of joy ; every one shaking me by the hand, biddina: me welcome over and over." A school was established with this mission, at which about twenty children usually attended. After about six years of labor, toil and disappointment, Mr. Andrews solicited that the Society should remove him from his mission, which was finally done. He gives anything but a favorable report of the suc- cess of his labors, saying, " There is no hope of making tliem better. Heathen they are, and Heathen they still must be." After this, for many years, the Rev. Henry Barclay, D. D., Rev. John Ogilvie, D. D., and others, who were missionaries at Albany, continued to visit and officiate among the Mohawks. Although most of the Christian Indians were from among the Mohawks and Oneidas, still the Onondagas did not fail to ob- tain some knowledge of the duties and doctrines of Christi- anity from that source. The Queen Anne had the good of the Five Nations, at all times, very much at heart, and sought by various means to arouse their minds to a sense of religious duty. It appears, this sovereign took no ordinary interest in their spiritual wel- , , ! \< •ill ^nr 214 ONONDAGA. faro, and among other proofs of her beneficence, she ordered the erection of a neat and commodious chapel in the Mohawk country, and the gift of a valuable communion service to that people. A set was ordered for each of the other four of the Five Nations ; but it appears that only the Mohawks received theirs. There Avcre five pieces, of plain, pure and massive silver, and each piece bears tlie following inscription : " The gift of Her Majesty Ann, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland, and of Iler Plantations in North America, Queex, to her Indian Chappel of the Mohawks." The chapel at Fort Hunter was erected of stone, about tlie year 1710, and a glebe of three hundred acres of land attached to it. It was fur- nished Avitli a bell, which we are informed is now used at the Academy in Johnstown. This chapel was torn down in 1820, to make room for the Eric Canal. The parsonage is still standing in siglit of the canal, an antiquated ])uilding two stories high, with a square roof, about half a mile below Schoharie. The author has been informed, that the bell in St. Peter's Church, xVlbauy, N. Y., has this inscription : " St. Peter's ""'Mirch, in Albany, ITol, J. Ogilvie, ^.^inister, J. Stevenson, K. Collins, Vrardens." The Bible used there, is over one hun- dred and thirty years old, having been printed in 1710. The communion plate, which is very heavy, and numbers six pieces, was a present fr(nn Queen Anne. Upon each piece is engraved as follows : " The gift of Her Majesty, Ann, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland, and of Her Plantations in North America, Queen, to her Indian Chappel of the Onondawgus." A. R. \_Coat of Arms.'\ The plate consists of six pieces, viz. : one chalice, two flag- ons, and three patens. By this, it would seem, that the good Queen contemplated the erection of a chapel in the Onondagas country, and the furnishing it with a suitable communion service ; and why the plan was broken up, or the valuable plate designed for it, re- ceived another destination is now probably past explanation, MISSIONS, 215 unless it be the following, which we have presumed. On the plate presented to the Mohawks, the date is 1712. The two sets were undoubtedly ordered at this time. But as yet, there had been no chapel erected for the Onondagas and the proba- bility is, the date was omitted at the period of its manu- facture, to be engraved at the time it should be proper to pre- sent it to this people. And it is highly probable that the missionary intrusted with its care, was instructed also to effect the building of the chapel. Frequent mention is made in the London Documents, of the anxiety of the Home Government to effect that object. St. Peters was organized in 1716, and Hi the chapel for the Onondagas was not built as was antici- pated, this valuable memento of a sovereign's kindness was lost to them and retained at Albany. Sir William Johnson, during bis sojourn in America from 1750 to 1775, used the whole weight of his influence and en- ergies for the advancement of the cause of Christianity, schools and civilization among the Iroquois, especially the Mohawks, in Avhose country he was located ; and missiona- ries, catechists and school teachers, were continually among them. The Divine blessing followed these pious endeavors, and many of the Mohawk nation, and individuals of other tribes, were converted to Christianity. At the approach of the great contest of 1776, as was very natural, the Mohawks took sides with the crown of Great Britian, from Avhom they had received numberless favors. Their attachment to the royal cause, naturally excited the hostility of the republicans, and they were eventually com- pelled to flee their native country, as they termed it " the country which the Great Spirit had given to their forefathers." The local attachments of the Iroquois are said to be stronger than in any other race. It is not easy, therefore, to estimate the sacrifice of feeling, which this expatriation must have cost. In 1776, one party, consisting of a majority of the nation, fled to Niagai'a, under the guidance of the celebrated captain Joseph Brant, and eventually settled on Grand River, where they still reside. The other party, under cnptain .John Dese- r ' J 1 'III b n I ': ' f H ) II In i i I'M I i ii 216 ONONDAGA. rontyon, escaped to Lower Caniidii. After a Rojourn of seven years at La Chine, in that province, they proceeded to the spot selected by their chief, on the Bay of Quinte', \v the upper pro- vince, W'hic'li they reached on the 15th of May, 1784, and have occupied ever since. This tract of hmd was immedi- ately surveyed and called Tyendenaga, in honor of the prin- cipal chief of the nation, which name it still retains.* There are now, (1848) exclusively Mohawks, at this station, four hun- dred and eighty souls. At the Grand River station, there are over two thousand souls, including those of other tribes of the Six Nations. The Indian Church at the Bay of Quinte, was originally a square wooden building, used both as a school house, and place of worship ; but as the congregation increased, it was lengthened, and a spire and belfry added. Since this, it has been confined to sacred purposes exclusively. It stands on a gentle elevation on the borders of the Bay of Quinte. The spot selected for its location is a beautiful one, and does credit to the taste of its founder. The first cottages of the Indians, which have long since fallen to decay, stood along the margin of the Bay, having the church in the centre, forming what was called the " Mohawk village." The occupants of these, subsisted partly by tilling the soil, and partly upon the chase and waters. But the rapid settlement of the adjacent town- ships, and the increase of steamers which ply upon the Bay, have so diminished these last resources, that their descendants have been obliged to disperse over the tract, to seek a liveli- hood by the more laborious, but certain process of farming. In 1843, this portion of the Mohawk tribe resolved on re- placing their old church, which was fiist falling to decay, with a new one of stone, which has since been done. This new church is very much admired, as well for the elegance of its structure, as for the beauty of the site upon which it is erected. It is * The author is indebted for these facts, to a pamphlet piibhshed in Londnn, ] 6-13, by Rev. Saltern Given?, missionary among tlie Moiiawks at Bay of Quints, iuid parts, adjacent politely furnished by him, and also for his communication. M I S R T O N S . 217 furnished with a neiit altar-piece, contaiiiln{» the creed, the Lord's j)rayor and the ton conunan(hncnta, in the Mohawk I;iii;,'uago, surmounted by the royal arms of England, hand- sKinely carved and gilt, as well as a fine toned l)ell, cast 1787. These Avero the gift of his majesty George the third, and were brought from England by the late Sir John Johnson. Besides the church furnitm-e already alluded to, they have in their possession a part of the plate, (two pieces,) a ilagon anil paten, originally given to tiie nation by Queen Anne. Tiie "gift" was fii-st intended for the nation collectively, but it has been divided, and a part (three pieces) retained by their brethren, at Grand lliver ; ami althougli it has been confided to the care of individuals of ^the nation for at least one lum- ilred and thirty-five years, the articles are in an excellent state of preservation. Even the " fair white linen elotli for the oommunion table," beautifully inwrought Avitli (Unices, emble- matical of the rank of the royal donor, although unfit for use, is still in such a state of preservation as to admit of their being easily traced. The gray-haired matron, a descendant of the chief, the present guardian of thc-se treasures which she considers as the heir-loom of her family, accounts for the mutilated state of the cloth l)y o))serviug, th;.t during the revolutionary war it was buried to prevent its falling into the liaiuls of their enemies. This mission is at this day represented as being in a very prosperous condition. They have a prosperous Sunday school. The service is conducted partly in English ami partly in j\Io- liawk, as many of the Indians understand English and a num- ber of white families attend. The instruction from tho pul- pit is conveyed through an interpreter. The singing is in Indian. In this sacred service, the Indians are thought by competent judges to excel. The sacraments of the church arc duly administered : the number of communicants is about forty-five. The translations among them are as folloAvs : The four Gospels, St. Paul's Epistles to the Corinthians, and a selection of important texts of scripture. 28 ;'l :i \% u.. ( • i , I i T i; i '. ■J '(. ■i.l ' 1 I* ' .y i I J.. I , ■ ! 218 ONONDAGA. The Common I'niycr with the offices, and a form of fumilv prayer. A selection of Hymns nnd Psahns. The Book of the propiiet Jsaiah and otlier portions of the Holy Scriptures. They have various portions of the Old Testament translatt'd l»ut not printed. Of late years, the Indians of Canada have attracted movv attention than formerly, nnd it is gratifyin<^ to he enahU'd t(i state that the missionary endeavors nuide hy various hodies of Oiiristians have been crowned with a great measure of suc- cess. The Wesleyan Methodists have several missions, and the Moravians two. There are two niissions supported hy the New .En;,dand com- pany, on the (Jrand Kiver, in connection with tlie Protestant Ei)iscopal churcli. One under the charge of the Rev. Abra- ham Nelles, among the Mohawks, and another under the Rev. Adam Elliott among tlu; Tuscaroras. This company was originally established for the conversion of the Indians, in New England and the parts adjacent, ami still possesses considerable landed property in one of the New England States. At the Tuscarora village is a church styled St. Johns, at which the Onondagas assemble for divine worship. About one half of the Onondagas are adherents to the Church. Mr. Nelles has a co])y of the Holy Scriptures printed A. D. 1701, and presented to the Mohawks in 1712, probably by Her Majesty, with the communion plate.* Mr. Elliott's mission is at Tuscarora village, where are set- tled about three hundred and sixty Tuscaroras, two hundred and eighty Onondagas, five huiulred Cayugas, about two hun- dred Senecas and Oneidas, and a few Mohawks, making in all over two thousand souls. These are settled on lands as- signed them by the English government, amounting to about fifty thousand acres, and are the national property of the In- * Rev. Adam Elliott's letter. MISSIONS, 210 (liaiis. No iiidlvidiuil hns any porrnunciit jji-operty in a sin- <l\c acre of them. Here they are repreHented us making icspoctable proficiency in the connnon arts, in agricnltiu'e, and in school education. The other, Mr. Nelles' mission, is established at Brantford, (iiiiiiu'd after the celebrated FJrant,) attheheail of ])\irlin;^ton Hay. At this [)laee are about ei^ht hundred Mohawks, with ;i tew of the above nations intermixed. At both of these stations arc schools, which employ si,x school masters and one scliool mistress. At each of them, there is a house of industry or nu'chanical institution, main- tiiiiu'd by the New En,f.dand society, where the Indians are taiijllit to construct their ordinary farming utensils and other iiiipK'incnts in common use amonu; them. Tlu're is also a >elio()l where ^'irls are tau<;ht needle work, knittin;.', writinti, roadin;:, &c. The results of both these missions are, that the Mi)liinvks, Tuscaroras and Oneidas, are entirely Christians ; the Onondarras and the few Dclawares mostly so, the latter hoinji recent converts. Of the Seneci'S, not so many as half hiive been baptised, and the Cayugas hold out obstinately, al- li'ilaiajr that thev have not been well treated bv the British."'' Both these stations are adorned with beautiful chui'chcs, and the one at the ^Slokawk settlement has one half of the valua- hlc connnunion set, originally fui-nishe<l the nation by Queen Anne, consisting of a ilagon, chalice and paten. Every thing relating to these missions is most floiuishing. The missionaries, the schools and the mechanics' institution?-, at these places, besides other schools throughout the Indian (settlements, are all supported by the bounty of the New Eng- land society and reflect the highest credit on that respectable liody. Their exertions for the temporal and spiritual auielio- ration of the Indians of this diocese merit the thanks of every Christian in the colony. f Thus we see that the attention of the Christian public is * Indian n)i-<sions in Upper Canadn, .Tames Beaveu, U. P.. London Edition. 1S40. t Journal of visitation by tlie Lord Bishop of Toronto, London Edition 1^11. P I . I' I %• > ii ■ f. • fi I ; f f f '* 220 ONONDAGA. yet directed to the spiritual wants of tliis lonp; ncfrlected and much injured race, and if it was increased, it would greatly ameliorate their lot. The Hernhutt, or Moravian Brethren, who were organized as a society in 1722, under the patronage of Count Zinzen- dorf, also formed the idea of establishing an affiliated society in America, and a mission among the Indians, about 1740. Their principal settlement and scat of operations, was at Beth- lehem, in Pennsylvania, where they had an establishment of considerable importance. This little colony was formed at first under the strict laws of the original society, viz : " Se- clusion from the world, enjoyment of a contemplative life, and possession of all worldly goods in common." They were for a while very successful in their enterprises among the Indians, the Delawares, Shawnese, Lenna-Lenapes, and made a de- cided and strenuous effort to establish themselves among the Iroquois, of which the following is the history : Account of a German ^Mission at Onondaga in 1750 : — Tt is a matter which has been often doubted whether or not the Dutch had ever established a mission at Onondaga. The Indians themselves retain no knowledge of it by record or tra- dition. The following from the Indian Historiographer Hecke^Yel- der, sets the matter at rest. Loskiel mentions the same facts in substance. The individuals engaged in this mission were Moravian Brothers. Heckewoldcr says : The most remarkable occurrence of 1750, was the journey of Bishop Cammerhof and brother Da- vid Zeisbergcr to Onondaga, the chief town of the Iroquois. They set out from Betldehem on the 14th of jNIay, having ob- tained a passport from the Governor of Pennsylvania, request- ing all subjects of the British Government to forward their undertaking, and to lend them all possible assistance. The inhabitants of Tioga, a considerable Indian town, as Avell as those of other places, were surprised to find that the Brethren were going to Onondaga, and were ac(|uainted with the head chiefs of the Six Nations. And as their guide purposely MISSIONS. 221 spread this account wherever they came, it gained them great respect. On the 19th of June they reached Onondaga, the chief town of the Six Nations, situated in a very pleasant and beau- tiful country, and consisting of five small towns or villages, through which runs the river Zinoehsaa. They Avere lodged at the house of Gronassatako, who received them with much cordiality. The object of this visit was Ijoth to fulfil the promise of a visit to the great council of the Iroquois, made last year to the deputies at Philadelphia, and to obtain leave for some bretliron to live either at Onondaga or some other chief town of the Iro'^uois, to learn the language, and to preach the gospel. Bishop Canimcrhof and David Zeisberger having notified their urrival to the council in the usual manner, they were ad- mitted and received as the Deputies of the Church of the United Brethren, and their message taken into consideration. The council then consisting of twenty-six elderly men of ven- erable itppcarance. The consultations upon the message last- ed long ; many questions were put to the Brethren, ond many belts and fathom of wampum delivered. The Brothers choos- ing to let the subject rest for a while, proceeded to the settle- ments of the Cavugas and Sonecas. On their return thev found that the chiefs had made no advances in their cause. They therefore renewed their petition, and were so successful that on the 20th of July, with the usual ceremonies, they re- ceived the followins decision : That the Iroquois nnd the Brethren on both sides of the great Ocean, should regard each other as l^rothevii. That this covenant should be indissoluble, and that the two Brethren should have leave to live at Onondaga or some other town, to learn their language. The mission was for a season very suc- cessful, many wore converted and led a new life, being bap- tized in the faith. The Brethren returned to spend the win- ter in Bethlehem. In July, 1751, the Brethren Zeisberger and Godfried Rundt and Martin Mark, set out for Onondaga, agreeable to the it Eii'f^B.'H ' I i I ' ml 'ill 222 ONONDAGA. ■- i.j ; :■] 1, i. !':'!r:. p-'g H,g |! ^ "."■' ' '■iffiW B'sa I , i 1 ' ii III t * <& t' 11 y i I 1 treaty, by which the f^rcat council permitted two Brethren to reside at Onondaga and learn the language. The Oneidas were opposed to the introduction of these missionaries at On- ondaga, and did tlieir best to prevent it. The Brethren, how- ever, would not be repulsed. They were gladly received and highly flattered by the Onondagas. They were lodged in the chief's house, and all things prospered. The Brethren were treated Avith great esteem for near a year, when, by the advice of a great council, and on account of the troubles and war they were advised by the Onondagas to retire to their lionK's. In 1754, Zeisberger returned to his post in Onondaga, with a brother named Charles Frederick, and resided there almost a whole year. The chiefs erected a house for him, which proved such a comfortable retirement that they resolved to spend the winter, which they did, but left for Bethlehem early in the following summer. The missionary Zeisberger was adopted as the son of the principal chief, Canassetago, and had much influence with the Onondagas. This zealous missionary at no time lost sight of the importance of this mission, aiid althouglv not a laborer on the ground, his mind Avas occupied, and his hands and heart engaged in preparing for an effectual and permanent estab- lishment in this fruitful land, of a prosperous and happy mis- sion. The same author says, (page 428,) Zeisberger, about the year 1768, wrote and completed two grammars, one written iu English, and the other in German, adapted to the Indian lan- guage, and a copious dictionary, German and Indian, contain- ing seven quarto manuscript volumes of more than seventeen hundred and seventy pages of writing, consisting of German words and phrase; , with their translation into Indian ; upon which he justly remarks that there are not many dictionaries of this size, and if this is filled with genuine Iroquois^, it is in vain to speak of the poverty of that language. In 1776, he published a spelling book, and other primary books for learners, with juvenile devotional books, calculated to advance the cause of Christianity among the Indians. We ■'^ma MISSIONS. 223 find no permanent fruits of this mission, or that it was ever re-established, although feebly continued for several years. In 1770, the Rev. Mr. Ashley, who was a missionary at Ocquaga, states that he had occasionally preached at Onon- daga to the Indians, and that a Rev. Mr. Crosby had succeed- ed him. He also mentions the names of the Rev. Messrs. Peter and Henry Avery, who had preached among the Tus- caroras, Onondagas, and Ocquagas. The next mission of note among the Iroquois, was that es- tablished by the Rev. Sanmci Kirkland, among the Oneidas, which commenced about the 1st of August, 1760. Since a brief account of this mission was written, and since this work was in press, the author acknowledges the receipt of the Life iif Samuel Kii-kland, by his grandson, Samuel K. Lothrop, number XV. of American Biography, conducted by Jared Sparks, with tlie author's permission to use it in this connec- tion, whicli has been made available. Samuel Kirkland was born at Norwich, Connecticut, on the 1st of December, 1741. His fatlier was the Rev. Daniel Kirkland, who was pastor of the Third Congregational Church in Norwich, the parish of Newcut. His mother was Hannah Perkins, daughter of a very respectable gentleman of Wind- sor, Connecticut. Samuel was the tenth in a family of twelve children, of whom five were sons. The ancestors of the Kirk- liind family were from Scotland. At the age of twenty we find Samuel Kirkland a student, at the Rev. Dr. Wheelock's School at Lebanon, Conn. In the autumn of 1762, he en- tered the Sophomore class, at Princeton College, New Jersey, which was a place of resort for Indian youth, who were desir- ous of procuring a classical education, and others who were desirous of becoming missionaries among the Indians. At Lebanon and Trinceton his studies were pursued with a con- stant and determined reference to his preparation for a mis- sionary among the Indians. In this benevolent design, he was cheered and encouraged I'y the celebrated Whitefield, and the Rev. .Air. Kirkpatrick, ifather of the late Dr. Kirkpatrick, of Salina,) to proceed^ 8 W''' tmi \ n^, ^Wn 1 ' « I 1. ilii ',; f" 224 ONONDAGA. and by their suggestions and advice, was induced finally to lo- cate himself among the Oneidas. While at school, he had ac- quired some knowledge of the language of the Iroquois. In the autumn of his senior year, he left College for the purpose of visiting the Senecas, and to learn their language, habits and dispositions, and thus become qualified to be their spiritual teacher and guide. In November, 1764, he set out for his mission, and in hit- course, spent some time with Sir Wm. Johnson, at Johnson Hall. On the IGth of Jan., 1765, ii. company with two Senecas, he set out for the Indian country on foot. The weather was severe, and the earth covered with a great body of snow, over which they had to plod their way by the help of snow shoes. Our young missionary was burdened with a pack, containing clothes, provisions, and a few books, in all weighing about forty pounds. The whole country was a wilderness, and the last vestige of civilization was seen at Johnson Hall. Every thing looked gloomy and forbiding, but the fervent heart of this pious and devoted youth, beat with hopes too high to languish, and with aspirations too holy to relent. On the fifth day, the party arrived at a village of the Onei- das, where they rested and were refreshed. Afterwards they proceeded to Onondaga, where they remained a night, and nearly all the next day. The object of Mr. Kirkland's mission was explained to the Indians in the council house, "a building nearly eighty feet long, and containing four fires, in which they assembled in crowds about ten o'clock in the morning." Towards the evening of this day, they left Onondaga, and proceeded on their journey. On the 7th of February, towards evening, twenty-three days after leaving Johnson Hall, they reached Kanadasegea, the principal town of the Senecas. In due time the object of his visit was explained in council, and he was permitted to remain with them, and was taken into the family of the head sachem, by whom he was ultimate- MISSIONS. 225 ly adopted. During his stay among the Senecas, his life was often in peril, and after the death of his host, which occurred soon after, he visited Johnson Hall, and on his way spent a night at Fort ^^ Bennington,'' (Brewerton,) where he was sup- plied with provisions by the commanding oflScer of the gar- rison. After visiting the Hall, he returned to the Senecas on the 29th of June, where his arrival was hailed with joy. Hia intercourse with the Senecas was full of interest and adven- ture. (See Lothrop's Life of Kirkland.) He left the Senecas country in May, 1766, and we find no traces of his return to them again as a missionary. On tlie 19th of June, 1766, Mr. Kirkland was ordained at Lebanon, and on the same day received a commission from the " Connecticut Board of correspondents of the Society in Scotland," as an Indian missionary. He set out for his new mission on the 7th of July, and commenced his labors among the Oncidas, as before stated, about the 1st of August, 176G, with whom he remained up- wards of forty years. He at once earnestly engaged in the good work of teaching the Indians the principles of the Chris- tian religion, and in preaching to them the gospel. He made himself master of their language, became intimately familiar with all their customs and fancies, and greatly endeared him- self to them by the kindness of his disposition, his assiduous attention, and by liis amiable and sympathizing spirit. He soon gained by these rave qualities, the unlimited confidence of a very large majority of the Indians, and especially of two principal chiefs, Good Peter and Skenendoah. All looked upon him as a friend and father, all were anxious to hear his words, and listen to liis instructions. He was particularly in- strumental in banishing from among the Oneidas that bane of tlie race, intoxicating drinks, an article which had been freely furnished by traders, and which, through his influence, would not be received even as a gift, and when offered in one instance, the answer Avas, '• It is contrary to the minister's word, and our agreement with him." On the 19th of September, 1769, he was married to Jeru- 29 K. I i :.: . 1 1 )] }" 226 ONONDAGA. sha Bingham, a niece of Dr. Wheelock. She was a v^oman of uncommon energy, sterling good sense, with a vigorous understanding, and a most devout heart, with a mmd deep y imbued with the principles of Christianity, and with a lively interest in the cause of propagating the gospel among the In- dians; she was therefore well qualified to be a partner and help to her husband, and to share with him the labors and sa- crifices of an Indian missionary. Mr Kirkland continued his residence and labors among the Oneidas, with such success as the turbulent state of the times admitted. The storm of impending revolution lowered oyer the western horizon, and even the distant wilds of Oneida were not deemed secure from its portentous fury. Mr Kirkland was in religion and politics a pure American patriot His influence was eagerly sought by the master spirits and actors in the grand drama that was about to open to the world, and his advice and opinions were solicited .vith an earnestness which proved the character and excellence ot the man. and the estimation in which he was held abroad. ^_ By a vote of the Continental Congress, 18th July, li.o, the Commissioners of the Northern Department were recom- mended to employ the Ilev. Samuel Kirkland among the Six Nations of Indians, in order to secure their friendship and to continue them in a state of neutrality, with respect to the controversy between Great Britain and the Colonies. For this purpose, Mr. Kirkland was employed, and to accompLh the object he exerted his powers to the utmost, took long jour- nies among the Indian nations, and atteu'ded councils at Al- bany, German Flats, Oneida and Onondaga At first he .as flattered with a prospect of success, and felt confident that the Six Nations would not take part In the approaching con- test But through the wiles and machinations of those most in the Interest of the crown, his hopes and expectations .'crc defeated, and all but a portion of his faithful Oneidus we ranged in the ranks of Britain. L the commencement of the great contest of the revolu- tion, Mr. Kirkland removed his family to Stockbridge, Mass,, MISSIONS. 227 a woman for fear of danger which might arise from proximity to a hos- tile foe, while living in a location likely to become the theatre of sanguinary war. He still continued his labor as an Indian missionary among the Oneidas ; his healthful influence over them, it is thought, contributed materially to secure the neu- trality, and in several instances the friendship and services of a considerable portion of the Oneidas to the American cause. He was appointed a chaplain to the garrison at Fort Schuy- ler and other posts, Avith rank and pay of Brigade Chaplain, and when duty permitted, still continued his labors among the Oneidas. In 1779, he was Brigade Chaplain with General Sullivan, in his Indian campaign, after which he returned to his family at Stockbridge. During the remainder of the war, he was part of the time at Fort Schuyler and the neighborhood, de- voting his services to his country and to the Indians. After the close of the war, (in 1784,) Mr. Kirkland, at the earnest req^iest of the nation, resumed his missionary labors at Onei- da, and received some pay for special services rendered dur- ing the war. Harvard College rendered him some assistance, and altogether, comfortable provision was made for his sup- port. He was on several occasions employed as an interpre- ter in the formation of treaties, and every where possessed an influence which could not well be dispensed with. The summer of 1788 was spent by him in visiting the wes- tern nations of the confederacy, as far as Buffalo Creek, the main object of which was to learn their disposition towards the Christian religion, and the prospects of the usefulness of a missionary who might reside among them, and to be present at a treaty to be held in their country. For his valuable services, Messrs. Phelps and Gorham granted him two thousand acres of land, which they subse- quently confirmed by deed, bearing date, April 22d, 1792. This land was located in Ontario County, township No. 7. In 1790, the State of New York and the Indians, granted to Mr. Kirkland and his sons, in the neighborhood of Oneida, 111 i P i J' U i ' 228 ONONDAGA. about four thousand seven hundred and sixty acres of land. During this time, his labors were incessant as a Christian minister. Ho preached three times on every Lord's day. He held evening and daily conferences during the week, and often visited remote villages of the Indians. In 1792-3, he projected his " Plan of Education for the Indians, particularly of the Five Nations," in addition to smaller schools, which had previously been in operation. Out of this "Plan," grew the Hamilton Oneida Academy, which was incorporated early in 1703. Soon after the charter was obtained, he endowed the institution with a valuable donation of lands, amounting to several hundred acres, including a lot of about twelve acres, on which a large and commodious build- ing was erected. In 1810, it was elevated to a college, and received liberal additions to its funds from the State of New- York, and the donations of sundry public spirited individuals. Additional buildings have from time to time been erected, and the college has held a reputable rank omong the classical in- stitutions of the State. The establishment of this institution of learning, for the mutual benefit of the frontier inhabitants and the Indians, was the last important act of Mr. Kirkland's life . Afterwards, however, so far as strength and health would permit, he continued his missionary labors among the Indians; and, as a citizen, took a lively interest in everything pertain- ing to the welfare of society, and the rising prosperity of the country. The remaining fifteen years of his life, were marked with peculiar vicissitudes. Ill health, bodily infirmity, pecu- niary embarrassments, family bereavements, and many pain- ful events, that may not here be dwelt upon. He was a man of unbounded benevolence and hospitality, and daily supplied the necessities of numbers of his red brethren, from his own board ; a custom which, though burdensome and expensive, could not be departed from. He loved the Indians, and by them in turn was he most sincerely beloved. Among missionaries, there are few who have been more faithful and devoted to the cause of truth, or have made larger sacrifices, exposed themselves to greater perils and hardships, MISSIONS. 229 or had their efforts crowned with a greater measure of succeas, than the Rev. Samuel Kirkland, Missionary to the Onei- (las. He lived and acted through a most interesting period of our history, was identified with many important events and trans- actions, was well known, and his worth appreciated by most of the great men of his time, and sunk to his rest amidst the regrets and lamentations of his countrymen. He departed this life on the 28th of February, 1808, in the 78th year of his age, after a short but severe illness. His remains were conveyed to the village church at Clin- ton, and after appropriate services, which were conducted by Rev. Dr. Norton, they were deposited in a private grave near his dwelling, where they still await the summons which shall cause the sea and the earth to give up their dead. On one side lie the remains of his Avidow and a daughter, and on the other, those of the venerable Shenandoah. If the character of a man may be estimated by the good he Joes to his fellow men, by the privations he endures in their behalf, by the blessings he confers upon them, by the labor lie performs in the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom, then the character of Mr. Kirkland stands preeminent. He stands forth a shining example to youth, a noble precedent to manhood, and a profitable model for old age. Mr. Kirkland was the intimate friend of the Rev. Samson Cecum, a thoroughly educated Indian, who was ordained a minister by the Suffolk Presbytery, on Long Island, in 1759. He came to Oneida from Long Island with a party one hun- dred and ninety-two Montauks and Shinecocks, among the Stockbridge and Brothertown Indians, as a missionary in 1786, and was eminently useful as a preacher of the Gospel among the simple sons of the forest. Mr. Occura was the first red man educated by the celebrated Rev. Dr. Wheelock at his Moore Charity School at Lebanon. Mr. Occum left this school in 1742, and for several years was engaged as a teacher among the Long Island Indians, to whom he was greatly endeared. He passed the early part of his life on J I ' ^i'll h . 230 ONON nA(J A. Long Island, tlio pliico of his nativity. After his ordination ho waa Hcnt to Enghiiui, hy Dr. Whciolot-k, in company witli Mr. Whitakor, to solicit benofactiona for a college. The ap- pearance of Mr. Oecum in England, excited strong Honsationa in the minds of all intelligent people, particularly the pious and benevolent. Benefactions were solicited with a success which greatly outran the most sanguine expectations. Among the patrons to the proposed college, were the King, and many persona of rank and distinction; a la' go anm of money was collected and forwarded to America, whore others cotitributed liberally to swell the amount, lie often preached to very crowded houses, and was the first Indian clergyman who had ever visited that country. In those days, it was considered a great novelty. The noblest chapels in the kingdom were open to him, and oven the pulpit of the great Whitefield, was filled with acceptance. After his return, he labored in his mission among the iStockbridge and Brothertown Indians, several years, with great success, and even to this day, among the few survivors of his race, his name and mem(n*y are held in grateful remembrance. He died in July, 17!>2, at New-Stock- bridge, Madison County, New-York, aged sixty-nine years. Both he and the Rev. Samuel Kirkland, were well accpuiintcd at Onondaga, often visited and occasionally officiated there among the Indians. By the early settlers we have been in- informed, that Mr. Kirkland, on several occasions, preached to them in their dwellings and in their barns, and was proba- bly the first Potestant Clergyman wlio ever officiated in our county. Bishop llobart's establishment of a mission at Oneida, in 1816 :— In 1816, Mr. Eleazar AVilliams was selected to take charge of this important mission. lie was a son of Thomas Wil- liams, who was a distinguished chief of the St. Begis branch of the Mohawk nation, and a descendant of the Bev. John Williams, of Deerfield, Mass., who with his family and parish- ioners was taken captive at the sacking of his native town, by the French and Indians, in 1704. MISSIONS. 281 Mr. Eloazar Williutns had received a liberal education for the purpose of being useful as a missionary among his people, and was appointed by IJisliop Ifobart and the committee of the Protestant Episcopal Cliurcli, for propagating the gospel in the State of New-Y(n'k, a catechist, lay-reader and school miwtcr, to the Oneida nation. He had been educated in u different communion, (Presbyterian,) but connected him- self with the Protestant Episcopal Church, from conviction. Mr. Williams arrived at Oneida Castle, and entered on hi.«i duties, --Jd of March, iHlfJ. One large portion of the Onei- das had previously adhered firmly to the religion of their fath- ers, and had always been denominated in business transac- tions, the '"'■ Payan purty of the One Ida nation." Mr. Williams, in taking upon himself this new responsibili- ty, felt it a duty first incumbent upon him, to prepare a translation of portions of the Holy Scriptures, the Liturgy, and other devotional portions of theComraon Prayer Book, into a language they could luore easily understand than the English. This, in duft time he effected, by following Brant's transla- tions of the Gospels and Prayer Book of the church of Eng- laml, which were altered and amended to suit the circumstan- ces of the case. It is worthy of remark, that these translations of Brant's, of the Gospels and Prayer Book, are to this day in use, as devotional books, with some trifling alterations, among all the tribes of the Six Nations, even among those who are not Episcopalians. At this period, a large portion of the Oneid<is, resolved to throw off at once and forever, their idolatries and pagan prac- tices, and embrace Christianity. The following communication to the Governor De W^itt Clin- ton, will show with what zeal they were animated in their re- nunciation of Paganism, and in the embracement of the Chris- tian faith, as well as the success of Mr. Williams' exertions. " May it please your Excellency — wo, the chiefs and prin- cipal men, of that part of the Oneida nation of Indians, heretofore known and distinguished as the " Pagan Party \ ,4' k I i, i;:; 232 ONONDAGA. it'll f^'*! ' I'-' \ii in tho name of the said party beg leave to address your Ex- cellency, on a subject, which wo hope will be as pleasing to your Excellency, as it is to us. Wo no longer own the name of Par/an. We have abandoned our idols and our sncrificos, and have fixed our hopes on our Blessed Uedcemcr. In m- dence of this assertion, we here tender to your Excellency, sincerely and une<iuivo(!ally, our abjuration of I'liganism and its rites, and take the Christian's God to be our (Jod, and our only hope of salvation. Wo believe in God, the creator and preserver of all things. As omnisciont and omnipresent, most gracious and most mer- ciful. We believe in Jesus Christ, that he is the Son of God, the Saviour of the world, the Mediator between God and man, and that all must believe in him, and embrace him in order to obtain salvation. We believe in God, the Sanctifier and Comforter of all the children of men. W^e believe in a gen- eral resurrection and a future judgment, in which all mankind shall be judged according to their works. We believe the Scriptures to be the word of God, and that in them are con- tained all things necessary to man's salvation. We present to your Excellency this abstract of our faith, in order to demonstrate the impropriety of our any longer re- taining the name of Pagans. We trust, that through the mercy of God, we have abandoned the character of Pagans ; let us also .abandon the name. We, therefore, request your Excellency, that in all future transactions with this State, we may be known as " 21ie aecond Ohristian Party of the Oneida Indians."* and we pray that your Excellency will take such means as may be necessary * " Tlie (First) Christian Party" was that portion of the Oneidas who had been under the teachings of the Rev. Samuel Kirkland ; but wiio were at this period under the guidance of the Rev. Mr. Jenivins. At the time of Mr. Williams' lirst appearance at Oneida, the mission was in a lanfruishing condition, and those adiitt- ring to Mr. Jenkins, constituted about one-tenth of the nation. Mr. Williams at once addressed the Oneida.s in their own language, and with this advantage was successful in gaining tlie affections and confidence of a large portion of the peo- ple, which very soon had tlie eflect to draw away from Mr. Jenkins, those who were favorably disposed to Christianity. MISSIONS. 288 »ntl proper, to cauBo us to be recognized in future by that name. And in the name of the most Holy Trinity, we do here sign ourselves, your Excellency's most sincere friends. Done in general council, at Oneida, this 25th day of Jan- uary, A. D., 1817." The following Indians subscribed to the above, each one making his mark : — Cornelius Otliaeaheat, Arius Tehoraniogo, John Cahellius, Jacob Atoni, Wm. Toniateshen, Peter Sauthecalcos, Nicholas Garongontie, Moses Schuyler, Wm. Tegarcntotashon, Wm. Tehoratatshe, Peter Tewaserteshe, Mr. Williams pursued his vocation with a well tempered zeal, and with a desirable degree of success. Devotional books in the Indian language, were placed in the hands of these devoted children of the forest, and several of the youth made very respectable proficiency in learning to read them, so that in due time the devotions and renponses of the Church, were made with great order and propriety. Several of them became familiar with the English language, and wrote letters to the Governor of the State, and to the Bishop of the Diocese, whicli were highly creditable to their scholarship. The style of these, is marked with peculiar simplicity, as the following extract of an address, written by a young Indian, a commu- nicant in the Church, to the Bishop, will show : " Right Reverend Father — we salute you in the name of the ever blessed and ever living sovereign Lord of the uni- verse. We acknowledge this Great and Almighty Being, as our Creator, Preserver and continual Benefactor. Right Reverend Father, we rejoice that we now, with one heart and one mind, would express our gratitude and thankfulness to our venerable Father, for the favor he has bestowed on this nation, viz : in sending Brother Williams among us, to instruct us in the religion of the Blessed Jesus. We hail him as our friend and brother, and our guide in spiritual things, and he M 30 234 ONONDAGA. ml shall remain in our hearts and minds as long as he shall teach us in the ways of the Great Spirit above. Right Reverend Father — we beseech you not to neglect us. We hope the Christian people of NeAV-York will help us all that is in their power. We hope our brethren Avill by no means withdraw from us. If this should take place, the cause of Religion will die among us, immorality and wickedness will prevail. Right Reverend Father — as the head and father of the Holy Apostolic Church, in this State, we entreat you to take a spe- cial charge of us. We are ignorant, we are poor, and need your assistance. Come, venerable Father, and visit your children, and warm their hearts by your presence in the things which belong to their everlasting peace. May the Great Head of the Church, whom you serve, be with you, and his blessing ever remain with you. We, venerable Father, remain ever your dutiful children.' Signed by the following chiefs and head men of the nation : Hendrick Schuyler, Moses Schuyler, Silas Anosente, Ilestael Peters, William Tehoiatato, William Schuyler, D?niel Peters, Abraham Schuyler, Nicholas Garongontie, Stofle Schuyler, William Sonawenhese, Hendrick Schuyler, Jr., William Tewagarate. Done at Oneida, the 19th day of January, A. D., 1818. The Bishop answers them in a style of the most unaffected love and simplicity, which shows the benevolence of his heart, and the tender regard he cherished for this portion of his flock. The address may be found at large, in the Christian Jour- nal of February, 1818, and is highly characteristic of that eminent Prelate. On Sunday, the 13th of September, 1818, the Right Rev- erend Bishop Hobart, visited the Oneida Indians for the purpose of administering the sacraments and ordinances of the Church. On this occasion the morning prayer was read in their own language. The Indians present joined in the MISSIONS. 235 services witli great solemnity and devotion, and many of them repeated the responses. The Bishop addressed them, and his address was interpreted by INIr. Williams, who also interpre- ted to them the various offices of baptism, confirmation and' the Lord's supper, which rites the Bishop administered. Twen- ty-four children were baptized, eighty-nine young persons (In- ilians) were confirmed, and tAventy-four receivad the holy com- munion. None were confirmed but those whj had been thor- oughly instructed, and felt a willingness to resume their bap- tismal ol)ligations by living a righteous and godly life. The services at this visitation of the Bishop, are represented by eye-witnesses as peculiarly affecting. The place of worship was filleil to overflowing ; all present were deeply affected with ;!ie solemnity, reverence and devotion, with which the young, the middle aged, and the grey haired, joined in the confes- .ions, supplications, prayers and praises to the lledeemer, ai'd '.vith the solemn attention with which they listened to the in- structions and exhortations of the Bishop, and the humiUty and thankfulness evidenced by their prostration on their knees and by the tears which flowed down the cheeks of several wiio levoted themselves in the Apostolic " laying on of hands" to the God who made them, and the Saviour who shed his blood for them. The clergy present were some of them so affected that they could not remain to witness the scene, and retired to give vent to their feelings in prayers of thankfulness and in tears. The Bishop remarks that " the Oneidas amount to above one thousand souls, and it must afford high pleasure to every be- nevolent mind to hear that the labors of Mr. Williams, under the authority of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this State, for the cpiritual improvement of his unfortunate coun- trymen, are thus attended with the divine blessing." The second Christian parti/, in 1818, sold a piece of their land to the State of New York for the express purpose of raising funds for building a Church edifice, from which sale about four thousand four hundred dollars was realized. This edifice, a chapel, was completed the following year, I ■: 286 ONONDAGA. under the supervision of Mr. Williams, and consecrated by Bishop Hobart 21st September, 1819, under the title of St. Peter's Church. This congregation of Christian Oneida?, with their new and neat Church, became a great favorite with Bishop Ilobart, iiud the pride of the Church in New York and the praises of Mr. Williams were lauded in all the Churches. At this visit tiie Bisliop confirmed fifty-six, and baptized two adults and iorty-threc children of the Oneida nation. Rev. Daniel Nasli, in his report for 1821, says : " In the month of May last I visited the Church at Oneida, and with pleasure can testify to the excellent order observed. In no congregation, although I have seen many solemn assemblies. have I beheld such deep attention, such humble devotion. " He, in company with the Rev. Dr. Orderson of the English Church, baptized fifty children and five adults of the Oneida nation. Mr. Williams was succeeded by Mr. Solomon Davis, in 1822, to the charge of the Oneida mission, Mr. Williams hav- ing, with a large portion of the Oneidas, removed to Green Bay, where was estitblished a mission under the auspices of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church. The Church at Oneida progressed under the ministrations of Mr. Davis, who for several years acted in the capacity of lay-reader and catechist. The Government of the United States appropriated five hundred dollars for the support of a school among the Oneidas, and two hundred dol- lars for the purpose of aiding in the erection of a suitable school house. Tlie school was conducted by Mr. Davis, and during his stay at Oneida was regularly attended by a respecta- ble number of children, and numbers were yearly added to the Church by baptism and confirmation. On the 18th of June, 1826, Mr. Eleazar Williams was or- dained a Deacon, by Bishop Ilobart, at Oneida Castle, at which time addresses were interchanged between the Bishop and Mr. Williams, and between the Bishop and the Indians, .f i MISSIONS. 237 which, although highly interesting, are too long for insertion here. (See Christian -^'turnal.) The Bishop, in lii. .nual visitations, visited the Oneida Church, and was always most cordially received by his red brethren. They became extremely attached to him, and al- ways treated him with great reverence and respect. One of these visits is thus described by an eye-witness of the sceno : On the 21st of June, 1827, information having been pre- vi'msly given of the Bishop's intended visit, a party of fifty or sixty Indians, on horseback, with their chiefs and interpre- ter, came out about four miles to meet hiin and escort him to the chapel.* This was a novel and gratifying spectacle, and the groups of Indian women and children that might be seen hurrying across the fields towards the church, as the procession approached, added much to the interest of the scene. On arriving at the house of worship, the Bishop and Clergy took their stations, when the services commenced, with a few verses, translated into Indian, from the Psalms of Da- vul, sung by about one hundred natives in the gallery, joined bv those below. After the usual services, whicli were con- ducted in English, and translated by an interpreter into Indi- an, the holy rite of confirmation was administered to ninety- m-en native Indians, and about fifty partook of the sacrament of the Lord's suj)per. The confirmations among the Oneidas, including some Onondagas, by Bishop Ilobart, from first to last, exceeded five hundred persons, many of whom continued faithful to the end, and more than twice that number were baptized on various occasions by different members of the Church. On the 14th of September, 1829, Mr. Solomon Davis was admitted to the holy order of Priests. That he might the bet- ter be enabled to administer all the ordinances of the gospel *Tliis practice of escorting the Bishop to the place cf public worsliip on liorseback. is still continued at the Oneida Reserve Mission, iieur Nashola, Wis- '.unsin. as we are infurnaed by a cotnniunication from the missionary. Ko v. J. LloyiJ Preok. . lil 238 ONONDAGA, ^ i i! to them, ii was deemed expedient to ordain him to this office, for wliich purpose several of the Clergy attended with the Bishop, and joined in the imposition of hands. lie was ad- mitted to the order of Deacons the summer previous, at Christ Church, Manlius. Mr. Davis continued with his flock at Oneida, with undi- minished success, till 1888, when the remaining portion of the Oneidas removed to (Ireen Bay ; consecpiently this inter- esting mission was broken up, their lands at Oneida were sold, and at present there are but few (about one hundred and fifty) of the nation remaining at that place, and there is no Pro- testant Episcopal Church Mission among them. The church edifice which belonged to the Indians was sold in 1840, and removed to Vernon, where it is now occupied by the Unitarians. The mission at Green Bay has since been continued witli moderate success, many of the Indians having become Chris- tian. It has been an interesting; field of labor. The confre- gatlon, as well as the nation, is said to be increasing in num- bers, and in the arts and virtues of civilized life. In 1834 or '35, the Rev. Richard V. Cadle, witli groat self- denial, sought out the Oneiihis and gave them a year's most faithful labor. Under his efliorts the waste places of their lit- tle Zion were repaired, and many wandering members were brought back to the fold. By many of the nation his servi- ces were unappreciated, although the eommunicants regarded him with the most tender affection. From the avails of the sale of a parcel of their lands to the United States, in 1838, a neat church and parsonage have been erected, and the mission, in other respects, placed on a respectable footing. Mr. Davis continued his services up to 1847, since which the Rev. Franklin Haff has had charge of the mission. Missionary operations among the Onondagas : — The first person connected with the Protestant Episcopal Church, who called the attention of the Onondagas to the sub- ject of religion, was Mr. Eleazar Williams, lay-reader, catechist MISSIONS, 239 and school-master among the Oncidas. By the request of several of the Onondaga chiefs, he visited the nation first, on 31st of March, 1816. Extract from his journal. "Reached this village (Onondaga) about ten o'clock this morning, and' came thither by the special invitation of the principal chiefs and people, by whom I was received with much kindness. They gave me no time to refresh myself, but hurried me to their council house, ' to hear' as they said ' the words of Him who diuclls in the Heavens.' " Mr. Williams, on this occasion, addressed them on the sub- ject of repentance, and the jjerfections of God, held several conferences at their houses, and all seemed anxious and con- cerned for thoir salvation, lie at this time spent several days among them, and received many encouragements of repent- ance among his l)rethrcn, the Onondagas. During this year, and afterwards, Mr. Williams made frequent visits to Onon- ilaga, cxliorting them publicly, and from house to house. Be- ing master of their own language, he Avas listened to with great attention, and his labors attended with success. In another part of his journal, Mr. Williams remarks : " In ray first visit to Onondaga, I attempted to ascertain whether the "aiits of the labors of the Father Jesuits, could be traced among them, but I could find none." Again he says, " What little thoy know of the Christian faith, they received it from tlie noted and pious missionary, Rev. Samuel Kirkland." Again: "In 181(3, they had no idea that they had ever been taught by a Jesuit missionary." *In the year 181G, the Rev. Timothy Clowes, Rector of St. Peter's Church, Albany, was re(iuested by the Indians to pay them a visit, lie did so, in company with Mr. Williams, who acted as his interpreter, on the 18th day of July, preach- ing to attentive congregations, and administering the sacra- ments, lie baptized eleven children among the Onondagas. They expressed their thanks for the instruction given, the * MS. of Rev. Henry Gregory, D. D., and the Journals of Diocesan Conveo- lion. 240 ONONDAGA. "mm ll §m hi I attentions paid to them, and requested the clergy of the church to visit them as often as circumstances would allow. Most of the Pagans attended these meetings. In July, 1817 the Onondagas were again visited by the Rev. William A. Clark, accompanied by Mr. Eleazar Williams of Oneida, and the llev. Mr. Gear. In the opinion of Mr. Clark, one-half the tribe was friendly to Christianity, and acquainted with the elementary principles of the Gospel. Even the Pagan portion of them did not refuse to hear. Baptism was admin- istered by Mr. Clark, to ff teen, and by Mr. Gear, to four or Jive. Mr. Gear continued to visit frequently, and preach among the Onondagas, so long as he lived at "the Ilill." After the church edifice was completed at Onondaga Hill, the Indians frequently came there to the public worship, and some- times brou^z;ht their children to be baptized in the presence of the congregation. Several couples were also married pub- licly in the church. On one occt^ion at their village, four or five (and one a principal chief) who had been baptized by the Romanists at St. Regis, signified their wish to leave that clwirch, and make a new profession of Christianity. Mr. Gear having instructed them as well as possible through an interpreter, in the true principles of the Gospel and the Avorship of God, and having required of them to assume their promises and vows imposed in the baptismal service, received them with several others whom he baptized. This was done on a raised platform, in the presence of the whole nation, and the scene was one of the deepest solemnity and interest. These persons were sub- sequently confirmed at Oneida, on some of those occasions when Bishop Ilobart visited the Indian Church. It was at the instance of Mr. Gear, that a school was opened among the Onondagas, by one of tlieir own people. Mary Doxtator, a Stockbridge by birth, was taken when young by some Quakers, to Philadelphia, and educated in all domes- tic duties. After she returned to her people, she was married to an Oneida, a Pagan, and who opposed all her efforts to be Ui-t'ful among them. After his death, however, aiiil vrhen left MISSIONS. 241 with the care of tliree children, she opened a school of indus- try at Oneida, and taught the Indian women to sew and spin, and weave blankets and coverlets. There Mr. Gear became acquainted with her, and induced her to attempt the same thing among the Onondagas. This she did in the year 1820, and with considerable success. She Avas baptised and admit- ted to the Holy communion, and brought her children to bap- tism. Her house was a pattern of neatness and order — her example was that of a woman deeply imbued with Christian temper and principles, and the white people of her acquaint- ance gave her both their esteem and assistance. She died two or three years after the opening of her scliool among the On- ondagas. We possess no other evidence of Episcopal Church missions among the Onondagas, except those before named in the bio- ffrapbical notice of La Fort, although they frccpiently at Onei- da attended tlie ministrations of Mr. Eleazar Williams and Mr. Solomon Davis, and took much pains to attend whenever Bishop Ilobart officiated there, to whom they were particularly attached. After the departure of Mr. Gear, it seemed there was no person in the ministerial office of tlic Protestant Episcopal Church, who was specially charged with this business, or who by habit or inclination was qualified for the peculiar duties of a missionary among these singular and benighted people. The consequence was, that for several years they were with- out religious instructicm, Methodist Mission at Oneida and Onondaga, 1829 : — The first religious society of the Methodist Episcopjil Church established at Oneida, was in 1829, by the Rev. Dan Barnes, and was composed of twenty-four Indian members. At this time, also, Indian exhorters Avere appointed at Oneida to visit the Onondagas, which they did under the direction and super- intendance of ministers located at Oneida. It was impossible to make any direct approaches to the Onondagas, on account of their hostility to the plan. But all missionary operations were carried on at this time, rM iiif ) til 242 ONONDAGA, *; in a Becrot manner unknown to the Pagan party, at private houses of the Indiana. For a period of twelve years, this people were only visited occasionally by licentiates, oxhorters and local preachers. The head men of the nation were opposed to the erection of a church and schools, and it was not till 1841, when the Rev. Rosman Ingals was appointed a missionary at Oneida and On- ondaga, that any thing like a regularly organized society was formed at Onondaga. At this time there were but nine mem- bers. On the first of January, 1842, for the first time the holy communion was administered after the forms and order of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the Onondaga Castle, and from the first of August of this year, the Onondagas en- joyed the services of the Methodist Church, a Sunday once in four weeks, and the Oneidas the remaining three Sundays of the month. These services were conducted by Rev. Ros- man Ingals, and the substance communicated to the natives through an interpreter. During the year 1842, the natives procured and fitted up a building formerly occupied as a dwelling, so as to answer very well as a substitute for a church. In this building meetings were regularly held till 1846, at which time the new school house was built, after which meet- ings were held in it. Mr. Ingals continued his labors once in four weeks, and Indian exhorters in the intermediate Sundays, and occasionally on week days, till August, 1846, when the Rev. Daniel Fancher took charge of the mission, and meet- ings were held at Onondaga, three Sundays in each iT.onth, and one Sunday at Oneida, thereby reversing the order of things. The reason why these missions have never been sepa- rated is because the Onondagas have never yet till now, been strong enough to sustain themselves without the assistance of the Oneidas, who are by far the most susceptible of religious impressions and improvement. Henry Jones, David Hill and his son, are among the first fruits of this mission, and bid fair to continue faithful to the end. After the commencement of Mr. Fancher's ministra- tion, the number of communicants rapidly increased, so that MISSIONS. 248 it the present time there are not less than sixty who receive regularly the bread of life. A new end commodious church was erected during the summer of 1848, which cost a trifle over one thousand dollars, which sum was raised by donations from individuals of the Methodist Society, the Indians contri- buting, by materials and labor, about one hundred and twenty lollars. The missionary has had a laborious task in bringing this work to a favorable termination, constantly superintend- ing the whole, and doing much labor with his own hands. It was consecrated with appropriate services Oct. 12th, 1848. At Oneida a Methodist church was built in 1841, and was owned by the Indians ; Avhen their lands were sold in 1843, the church was sold with them, and in 1844, another church was erected by the benefactions of the Indians and whites, and is owned by the Methodist Episcopal Society. This mission, with the one at Oneida, is considered in a prosperous condition, and it is thought they will each be able soon to sjistain themselves. Indian School. For several years a portion of the Onon- Jagas have manifested a willing disposition to profit by the advantages of schools. Several have been persuaded to avail themselves of the opportunities which have at times presented themselves, and sent their children to the district schools of the whites, contiguous to their reservation. In the year 1845, a very respectable young lady, Miss Mary Hitchcock, was induced to open a school on the reservation, ex- clusively for Indian children. Her efforts were unwearied, and attended with a measure of success ; so much so that the pat- rons of tlie school (it being supported mainly if not entirely by benevolent individuals) thought the experiment a success- ful one. From twenty to forty Indian children usually at- tended with commendable regularity, who, considering the dis- advantages they labored under, made very respectable profi- ciency. She boarded herself, and the school was kept in the building occupied as a church. Through the instrumentality of sundry benevolent individu- als, who appreciated the necessities of the red men, and who f i !r5 ; p; 244 ONONDAGA. were dosiroua also of improving their mental condition a plan was set on foot for the purpose of procuring for them a school exclusively their own. With this kind intention, during tho winter of 1845-0, petitions were circulated ia various parts of the county, «»lcii)o;tho Legislature to grant a sum of money, to enable ih.MU t> ..rcct a suitable school house, and employ a teacher. The petition was favorably received, and in April, 1846, an act was passed autliorizing the agent of the Onondaga Indians, by consent of tho chiefs of the Onon- daga nation, to cause to be built and furnished, a suitable and sufficient school house on tho Ouaudagu Reservation, at an expense not exceeding three hundred dollars. The sum of two hundred and fifty dollars annually, was also appropriated for the term of five year.^, for the payment of teachers' wages, and other expenses of maintaining said school. The following season a suitable and well arranged school house was completed, under the direction of tho Indian agent, and a numerous body of citizens attended its dedication, among whom were several clergymen of dificrent denomina- tions from tho adjacent villages. The services on this occa- sion, were of a highly interesting character. A school ivas commenced under very favorable uuppices, and promised all that its most devoted friends could anticipate. A comptlent teacher, Mr. L. B. Whitcomb, was employed, who fur a time kept up the interest at first excited. Few persons can realize the disadvantages and discouragements which present them- selves in a purely Indian school. Not a single family uses the English language in their intercourse among themselves or neighbors. The children only learn if at a more advanced age in their communications Avith the whites ; consequently the teacher meets in the beginning, pupils who cannot under- stand perhaps a word he utters. A new language is to be learned, new ideas formed, new objects present themselve?, and tl relish for application is soon lost, after the novelty Avhich new scenes at first present, has died away. !3o far as they can learn by observation and imitation, many of the pu- pils make respectable proficiency. Hence, in drawin- and in MISSIONS. 245 mental arithmetic, as stolveil on the bhick-boniHl, in vocal mu- .je, iic, they exhibit talent and progresH not une<iual to white pupils having the same amount of instruction. One ot" the rreatost causes of embarrassment to the teacher is lack of iitfcndancc on the part of pupil-^. The parents do not, in all instances, rc(juiro or compel their children to attend school, and they having little to ;ittract them there, ar( of themselves, ill many instances, unwilling to submit to the confinement or iljsoipline necessary to good order and improvement, so that many only occasionally attend. Of the forty or fifty chil- dren who arc of suitable age, and ought to attend school, not uiio half that number ordinarily avail themselves of the bene- fit« ?o favorably presented. It requires great patience and equanimity of temper suc- cessfully to conduct a school composed entirely of Indian ihildren. It is well known that the system of domestic go- vernment is very loose among them. Children are seldom (becked or restrained at homo ; they become restless by cf-n- tincment at school, and often feel as if the restraints there im- posed upon them were irksome and unnecessary, consequent- ly they must, from the peculiarities of their case, bo far be- hind those who are instructed in their native language, in les- ?nn'^ of obedience to N'achers, and in the rudiments with which they are easily made familiar. The efforts which are at present making are attended with a degree of success. But iu order to have them completely successful a change will have t' be wrought in their manners, customs and language. The district officer.^' nre of the Indians, assisted by the agent, town -iuperintendant and teacher, wdio manage tlio school af- fairs with credit to tb<mselves, and for llio benefit of the na- tion. For the last yenr, April, 1849, Rev. Rosman Ingals IS had charge of the scho d. The Pagan party do not give their cordial support to t^ >■ measure, and until there is more unanimity of sentiment, the subject of education will noi reach e elevated position anticipated by its Viends. 246 ONONDAGA, CIIArTER VIII. EARLY HISTORY OF TIIK ONONDACAS, AND INCIDENTAfXY THAT OF THE SIX NATIONS. I H Bahbauitiks ok tuk Troquoib Caitains, CoMi'AKrn with IIkhoks ok ANciEfrr AN1> Monr.IlN TiMKs — NoTlCKH (IK TlIK O.NtlNDAltAS, IIY K.iKI.V I llrtTOlllANH— FiKST Intkiicoubhr ok TirK lndyooi.s \,-iTii TlIK l''iiKN(Mi — Aruuai, OK Mow Ohamvimin— IFis Visit toOnondaoa IN 11115 — Ok Moss. 1)k Tiiaoi wini fnui NI8TS ANi> Hoi.niEKS — KAKi.y ('r.Nsi'soKTiiK Iiioyi.oirt — M. Dki.a Uariik— Mar QUiH I)k NiiNVM.i.K — Invasion ok Montukai, iiythk Iiioyt'ois in ItlSH — Oreai DiSTBKHS OKTIIK FltKNC'll DkPUTAI'ION FUOM N KW-IiNliL^NDTOTlIK luoQlOIH— Dk Fim .iknai'sNk(;()TIati()Ns wiTiiTiii'; Fivn Nations — Sn; William I'liii'i'. Exl'KDITIUN i" diUKIlDC InC'IIIWIONO OK TUK KlVF, NaTIONH TO C VNAIIA, l690-i)l — FttKNOH Attack upon tuk. Mohawks — Nkuiotiations k(,ti I'kack— Fkkncii 1'kki'auation kok an Atiack upon (JNONKAm — Tin; Attack and DlSAPPOINTMKNT OK TUK FuKNOIl — WaK CoNIINlKl) — !'KAt.'K OK RVHWllK' 1697— KwoLian NEiiOTiAxioNa with thkFivk Nations. The two folUming chapters containing an account of the civil and military history of the Onondagas, and incidontalh that of the Five Nation;^ is taken mainly from Charlcvoi.x. Historic de Nonville Frsvncais, Francis Creuxius Ilistoroc Novae Francine, Colden's Five Nations, Smith's History of New-York, Brodhead's Collection of London Do(!ument8, and Marshall's Life of Washington. Many of the early historians, in describing the character of the Iroquois, set them down as vindictive, (rruol and blood- thirsty, without one redeeming quality, or a. single human feeling of compassion, virtue, honor or gr;ititude, and univer- sally stigmatize them, as barbarian and savage ; while others. viewing them in a higher light, are lavish in their pruisc. By '|..iil EARLY HISTORY. MV Golden, Do Witt Clinton, and othors, thoy have been styled tiio Uoinans of Americii ; and tho French tourist, Volney, coinpan'H tlioiri to the ancient Spartans. " Notwithstanding 1 havo seen much of tho savai^es of America, I persist more firndy in tho comparison herctoforo made, for I find that tho first book of Thucydidos, and all that part whicli gives tho customs of the ImcedemonianB, proves them in every respect similar to the Five Nations; I do not therefore, hesitate to declare tho Spartans to be the Iro- ijunis of tho old world." Were we strictly to compare tho Iroquois with civilized nations, the real dificrence would not bo as wide as at first iraairined. It is wonderful how custom and education are able t" soften tlio most revolting actions among learned, polite and Christian people. Whoever attentively reads the history of ancient or modern heroes, will find them little better in many respects than the distinguished war chiefs of the Iro- quois. Does Achilles' behavior towards the dead body of the valiant Hector, appear less savage ? Does King David's saw- ing the Amoritcs in sunder, or harrowin^r them with harrows of iron, or driving them through burning brick kilns, appear less barbarous 'i Does the infamous example of Napoleon at Jaffa, appear less horrid, or the murderous scenes on board the British prison ships at New-York, or tho quartering and exposure by hanging, of the mutilated body of the valiant King Philip of Mount Hope, appear less revolting, than the most detested acts of Indian barbarity ? The horrors of the Inquisition, the auto-de-fe, or the scourgiugs and burnings of New-England, for opinion's sake, and the sale of helpless In- dians to West Indian slavery for sordid gain, are all far be- yond the capacity or imagination of Indian refinement in cruelty. Father Henepin, speaking of the Iroquois, says : Lib. 1, page 17. The Iroquois are an indolent and barbarous people, that has shed the blood of more than two millions of souls, in that vast extended country. They would never cease from » i t- :i'i : Jfli j .If',!' 248 ONONDAGA, disturbing the repose of the Europeans, were it not for fear of their fire-arms. Again at Piigo 23. The Five Cantons or districts of the Iroquois, do inherit, for the most part, the south side of the Lake Ontario. The Mohawks and Oncidas are the nearest neighbors to New-IIolland. The Onondagas or those who live in the mountains, are the most warlike people of all those nations. The Cayugas and Senecas, are the most populous of them all. There are also on the north side of the lake, three Iroquois villages, viz. : Tejajagon, Kente and Ganne- ousse, which is not distant from Frontenac above nine leagues. Lib. II, page 104, he further says : Tiie Onontagues or Iro- quois lligliianders, are more subtle and crafty than the rest. They deliberate maturely upon everything, and endeavor to understand merchandize before they trade for it. They steal very cleverly. Charlevoix in his letters to the Duohess De Lesdiguieres, speaking of the Iroquois, country of Onondaga, says :* All the coast along this country, is variegated with garden grounds and highlands, something sandy, and covered with very fine trees, especially oak, which appear as if they had been planted by the hand. A Jesuit Father, P. C. Rageneau, in his Relation, 1657-8, in describing the country of the Onondagas, remarks : The country of the Iroquois, which they occupied before their con- quest, is situated between the fortieth and fiftieth degrees of north latitude. However, ve are ignorant of the extent of their ancient dominion, Avhich has been gieatly extended on all sides, by their military valor. Our demesne (Onondaga) is between the forty-second and forty-third degices of north latitude, ou the shores of the small Lake Genentaha, and would be one of the most splendid lo- cations in the world, not even yielding to the rising grounds * " Toute la Cote dans cet espace est variee de Marais et de Torres haiites ua peu siibionneuses couvertes de tre-jcau arbres et surtout de chunes qui seniblanl avoir etc plaiUus a la niaiii.'' EARLY HISTORY. 249 of the River Loire, were its inhabitants as polished and affable. In another place he says, the word which signifies a moun- tain in the Iroquois language, has given name to the village called Onontac, or as others call it, Onontaguo, because it is upon a mountain. The people who inhabit it arc consequently called Onontav.;ronnons or Ouontagucoronnons. Charlevoix, Book I, page 270-1, says : Seven or eight leagues Avest of Oneida, between two l)eautiful prairies, is sit- uated the canton of Onondaga, contiguous to a beautiful lake, called Genentaha, about which there are many salt foulitains, the shores ot v.hich are always covered with very fine salt. Two leagues further off, drawing towards the Canton of Cayu- ffa, we find a fountain, the Avatcr of whicli is white as milk, having a very strong odor ; which, being put upon the fire, becomes a kind of salt, as acrid as lunar caustic. All this country is charming and well adapted to all kinds of tillage. Francis Creuxieus, a Jesuit, who wrote a large quarto vol- ume in Latin, which was published in Paris, 1074, entitled a History of Canada and New France, in ten books, to the vcar 1(J;jG. After describing his par-sage along the shores of the Cadnraqui, (Ontario) he says : Lib. X. page 7-30, (literally translated) therefore, four days afterwards, with a great com- pany, wc were conducted to the place fixed upon for the set- tlement and abode of the French, four miles distant from where we had first ;.et ouv foot. It is scarcely possible to find anything naturally more perfect. And if it was aided by art as in France and other parts of Europe, it would not suffer in a comparison with Baiix;.* A grove of beautiful cedars near the hank of the Lake Genentaha, surrounds on every side an extensive meadow,, whither tlie four principal nations of the Iroquois were able easily to asseml)le in their canoes, as it \vere at a centre, and from which in turn there \*as the most easy access to each of the nations, through the rivers and lakes. * Bairp, a town oi' raini);uiii;i, notoii by Cicero for its fertility and v, arm baths, and as a favorite resort for the Romans, the gardens of which were irrigated witJi :ts tepid waters. 32 1 , ♦■''"^^", 260 ONONDAGA. i II i M The supplyofvenison compares with the abundance of fish, and that nothing may be wanting, tortoises collect there at the opening of spring, in such great numbers, that they may be taken with a net. Indeed, so great is the supply of fish, that there are said to be fishermen who in the space of a single night, take a thousand eels with a single hook. Two foun- tains intersect the meadoAV about one hundred yards from each other. The salt water of the one, furnishes an abun- dant supply of the best of salt, and the clear pure water of the other, is excellent for drinking, and what is truly wonder- ful, each bubbles up from the same hill. While the French admire these things, the Iroquois present a mournful spectacle, which affects us with great grief. Wentworth Greenhalgh in 1677 made a journey among the Five Nations, and visited their several villages. His journal is preserved among tlie Brodhead papers and is entitled "Ob- servations of Wentworth Greenhalgh, in a journey from Albany to y'e Indians westward. Begun May 20th, 1677 and ended July y'e 14th following." He thus remarks upon his visit to the country of the Onondagas. " The Onondagoes have butt one towne, butt itt is very large ; consisting of about one hundred and forty houses, not fcnoud, is situate upon a hill thatt is very large, the banke on each side, extending itself att least two miles, all cleared land, whereon the corne is planted. They haVe likewise a small village about two miles beyond thatt; consisting of about •24 houses. They ly to the southward of y'e Avest, about 36 miles from tlio Onyadas. They plant aboundance of corne, which they sell to the Onyadas. The Onondagoes are said to be about 350 fighting men. They ly about 15 milcf. from Tshii'oqui."* At the time the French commenced the settlement of Canada. in 1603, they found the Iroquois at war with the Adirondacks, * Tshiroqui is mentioned in a preceding part of the paper, as Lake Teshiroque uear the village of the Onyadas, and is evidently Oneida Lake, at the outlet ol *-hich was an Indian village of considerable extent. EARLY HISTORY, 261 then the most powerful nation in North America. The Adi- rondacks had always a contemptible opinion of the Iroquois, who then had settlements in the vicinity of Montreal. The Iroquois were driven from their homes, and took shelter on the banks of the great lakes, where they have since inhabited. As they had been losers in the war, it obliged them to apply themselves more vigorously to the use of arms, in which they daily became more expert. They conquered the Satanas, and adopted the remnant of them. They soon carried the war in- to the heart of the Adirondacks country, and forced them to leave it, when they settled near where Quebec is now built. Soon after these changes, the French arrived in Canada, and settled at Quebec, and at once thought it advisable to gain the confidence and friendship of the Adirondacks, in whose country they had settled. Mons. Charaplain, the first Gov- ernor of Canada, joined the Adirondacks in an expedition against the Five Nations. They met a party of two hundred men of tlie Iroquois, in Corlear's Lake, afterwards called Cham- plain, and both sides went on shore to prepare for battle. The French kept themselves undiscovered till the battle was joined, when they interfered in favor of their friends : and bv the discharge of their fire-arms, surprised the Iroquois, who were soon put to confusion, having never before seen such weapons. This affair it is supposed occurred in 1009. There is a traditionary account of the wintering of Monsieur Champlain in the country of the Onondagas, based upon the conversations of an old Frenchman, fifty years ago, with Mr. Thomas Wheeler, of Salina. By this it would seem that Champlain, with a party of French and Algonkins, made an attack upon an Iroquois fort, late in autumn, and that the hunting and fishing was so favorable that the party resolved upon spending the winter, and did so, and it was said they did so on the shore of the Onondaga Lake. In confirmation of this tradition, Mr. 0. II. Marshall, in a communication to the N. Y. Historical Society, gives the fol- lowing, which goes in part to establish the tradition, and which proves conclusively that Monsieur Champlain did visit the ^^^■; 252 ONONDAGA. V" -ill 1 Onondagas as early as 1615 : " In the summer of that year, accompanied by an interpreter, one French companion, and ten savages, Champlain embarked from Quebec in two ca- noes, ascended the Ottawa River, visited the Algonkins and Hurons living near its sources. He had been preceded a few days by ten Frenchmen, well armed, and by a Franciscan Fa- ther, Joseph Le Caron, who had gone to found a mission in the Huron country at that early day. Soon after his arrival among those tribes, Champlain was induced to join them in a warlike incursion against the Iroquoia,dwelling south of Lake Ontario. The expedition left in September, 1615, accompanied by Champlain and the armed detachment of the French. The details which he gives are so meagre that their route cannot easily be traced. After discovering the lake which perpetuates his memory, and Lake Huron, our bold adventurer and his companions were the first white men who sailed on the Avaters of Ontario. The river avo descended, says he, entering into the great lake of the Untouhonoroiis, (Lake Ontario.) Proceeding east- ward, we crossed the eastern end of the lake, from which flows the River St. Lawience, we passed large and beautiful islands on the way." It is supposed the party traversed by a circuitous route the wilderness, from tlie southern shore of Lake Ontario to On- ondaga, crossing the Oneida River at tlie fishing place, now Fort Rrewerton. After crossing this river, they mot a party of Iroquois going to the fishing, about four leagues from the fort, of which they were in search It must, therefore, be concluded that the fort was southerly from this place about four leagues. The following is Monsieur Champlain's own account as translated by Mr. Marshall, of Bufi'alo. (See proceedings of N. Y. H. S., March, 1840.) After describing their passage across the eastern end of Lake Ontario, the substance of which has already been given, the narrative proceeds as follows : — "After wards the of the lak woods nea over a sai pleasant C( which emf ries, and s and vines, agreeable All the is eighty L by land tw crossed a i which emp This lak thirty leag Iroquois cr On the 1 met and Cii tlieir fisher tives consii girl. The savf by cutting buked the ( to desist fn On V'.e 1 fort of the ilians, whic' until the nc the desire t un the ener eJ with my never befor * Oneida Ls EARLY HISTORY. 268 "After going fourteen leagues in a southerly direction, to- wards the territories of the enemy, we reached the other side of the lake, and the Indians concealed all their canoes in the woods near its bank. We traveled by land about four leagues, over a sandy plain, where I remarked a very beautiful and pleasant country, watered by many creeks and two small rivers, which emptied into the lake. Besides these were many prai- ries, and smaller lakes, abounding in game. Beautiful forests and vines, and groves of chestnut trees, bearing a small but agreeable fruit, were also noticed. All the canoes being thus concealed, wo left the lake, which is eighty leagues long and twenty-five broad, and proceeded by land twenty-five or thirty leagues. During four days we crossed a number of streams, and a river issuing from a lake,* which empties into the lake of the Entouhonorons. This lake, in which arc beautiful islands, is twenty-five or thirty leagues in circumference, and is the place where the Iroquois catch their fish, of which there is great abundance. On the 9th of October, as our Indians were scouting, they met and captured eleven Iroquois who were on their way to tlieir fishery, distant four leagues from their fort. The cap- tives consisted of three men, four women, three boys, and a girl. The savages commenced the usual torture of the prisoners by cutting off a finger of one of the women. Champlain re- buked the chief who was guilty of the act, and induced him to desist from further cruelty. ^ On t'v 10th of October, at 3 P. M„ we arrived before the fort of the enemy. Some skirmishing ensued among the In- dians, which frustrated our design of not discovering ourselves imtil the next morning. The impatience of our savages, and the desire they had of witnessing the effects of our fire-arms on the enemy, did not suffer them to wait. When I approach- ed with my little detachment, we showed them what they had never before seen or heard. As soon as they saw us, and ♦Oneida Lake and its outlet. :^f^;r.mmfi^ ■ati:mi* 254 ONONDAGA. El ' ' ii^ heard the balls whistling about their ears, they retired quietly into the fort, carrying with them their killed and wounded. We also fell back upon the main body, having five or six wounded, one of whom died. The Indians now retired out of sight of the fort, and re- fused to listen to the advice of Charaplain as to the best mode of conducting the siege, lie continued to aid them with his men, and in imitation of the more ancient mode of warfare, planned a kind of moveable tower, sufficiently high, when ad- vanced to the fort, to overlook the palisades. It was con- structed of pieces of wood placed one upon another, and was finished in one night. The village, says Champlain, was enclosed by four rows of large interlaced palisades, thirty feet high, near a body of unfailing water. Along these palisades the Iroquois had placed conductors to convey water to the outside, to extinguish fire. Galleries were constructed inside of the palisades, pro- tected by a ball-proof parapet of wood, garnished with double pieces of wood. When the tower was finished, two hundred of the strongest men advanced it near to the palisades. I stationed four marks- men on its top, who were well protected from the stones and arrows which were discharged by the enemy. The French soon drove the Iroquois from the galleries, but the undisciplined Ilurons, instead of setting fire to the pali- sades, as directed by Champlain, consumed the time in shout- ing at the enemy, and discharging harmless showers of arrows into the fort. Without discipline, and impatient of restraint, each one acted as his fancy pleased him. They placed the fire on the wrong side of the fort, so that it had no effect. When the fire had gone out, they began to pile wood against the palisades, but in such small quantities that it made no im- pression. The confusion was so great that nothing could be heard. I called out to them, and pointed out, as well as I coold, the danger they incurred by their imprudent manage- ment, but they heard nothing by reason of the great noise wL.h they made. Perceiving that I should break my head EARLY HISTORY. 265 in calling, that my remonstrances were in vain, and that there vrere no means of remedying the disorder, I resolved to effect, with my own people, what could be done, and to fire upon those we could discover. In the meantime, the enemy profited by our disorder. They brought and threw water in such abundance, that it poured in streams from the conductors, and extinguished the fire in a very short time. They continued, without cessation, to dis- charge flights of arrows, Avhich fell on us like hail. Those who were on the tower, killed and wounded a great number. The battle lasted about three hours. Two of our chiefs, some headmen, and about fifteen others were wounded. The uns(i(!cessful issue of the assault, induced the besiegers to think of retiring until they should be joined by a reenforce- ment of 500 men that was daily expected. Champlain was twice severely wounded with arrows, the first time in his leg, and the second in his knee. Tliey remained before the Onondaga fort until the 16th day of October, when, in opposition to the remonstrances of Cham- plain, and their chiefs, they raised the siege, and began their homeward march. Champlain being unable to walk, wa« placed in a basket of wickerwork, and so doubled up and fas- tened with cords, that he was unable to move. Thus bound and confined, ho was carried by the Indians on their backs for several days. The Iroquois pursued them for half a league, in hopes of cutting off some stragglers, but their arrangements for the retreat were such that they suffered no loss. The wounded were placed in the centre, and tlic front, rear, and wings were protected by chosen warriors. When they arrived on the borders of Lake Ontario, they were rejoiced to find their canoes had not been discovered and broken up by the enemy, Champlain was now desirous of returning to Quebec by way of the St. Lawrence, a route yet untraversed by the white man, but the Indians refused him a canoe and guides. He was thus compelled to accompany them home, and pass a long and dreary winter in the Huron country. ' ih I ml 256 ONONDAGA. fie did not reach Quebec until the following June, where he was received aa one risen from the grave, — the Indians having reported his death a long time previous." It is thus satisfactorily shown, that this Iroquois fort was on the shore of Onondaga Lake ; and, it is highly probable, that it was on the grouiMl subsequently occupied by Sieur Du- puis in 1GG5, and also by Count Frontenac, in his expedition against the Onondagas, 1696, and by Col. Van Schaick, in 1779. The locality was always described by the Fathers, as being destitute of trees, and as a place of surpassing beauty. The Iro({uois were delighted with the stratagems of war, and no superiority of force ever made them neglect them. They amused the French and their allies, the Ilurons, by sending to the French and desiring peace. The French de- sired them to receive Jesuit Priests among them, in hopes these prudent Fathers would, by some art, reconcile them to their Interest, and engage their affections. The Five Nations readily accepted the offer, and some Priests went along with them. But after they had these in their power, they used them only as hostages, and thereby obliged the French to stand neuter, while they prepared to attack the Adirondacks and Hurons, Avhom they defeated in a dreadful battle within two leagues of Quebec. This defeat, in sight of the French set- tlements, struck terror into all their allies, who were at that time very numerous, because their trade with the French fur- nished thorn with many of the most useful articles ; for, be- fore this time, the Indians had no iron tool among them. The neighboring tribes, the Utawawas, the Nipecerins and the rem- nant of Ilurons, left their territory, and fled for safety to the remote wilds of the south west, beyond what was thought to be the reach of the Five Nations. The successes of the Iroquois had so emboldened them. that th^y gave out, that the following winter they should pay a visit to the Governor of Canada, Under this pretence, they fathered over a thousand men, and set out. But meeting on the way the famous Pi.skaret, a chief of the x\dirondacks, they professed only a visit of fiicnd.shlp, and obtained from EARLY HISTORY. 267 him the information that the Adirondacks were divided into separate parties, engaged in hunting. After learning the lo- cation of these parties, and by their address, securing all tho information necessary to their success, they murdered the un- suspecting warrior, who had for a long time been a terror and a scourge to the braves of the Five Nations. Thus, at the hands of professed friends, perished one of the bravest chiefs of Indian history. The Five Nations also divided into two parties, and fell upon the unsuspecting Adirondacks, sur- prised them, and completely cut them in pieces. This proud and high spii'ited nation, were now completely conquered and nearly annihilated, by a people they at first contemned. Thus norished tho most numerous, haughty, polite and warlike na- tion. then in North America. The Five Nations afterwards discovered the retreat of the Ilurons and UtawaAvas, and not having fully glutted their ven- ireance, soon satisfied their enemies, that no distance could hinder their ap})roach, or time set limits to their master pas- m\\. These })eople being apprized of their approach, silently left this home for another, among the PottaAvatomies. The Five Nations pursued, and finally entered into an agreement for peace. This is said to be the first time (1G50) the Five Nations had visited these Avestern tribes, Avho were so much overaAved by the presence of these victorious warriors, that many of them left for places of security, further Avestward, leaving these indomitable braves in quiet jjossession of their territory. A ncAV accession Avas made to the French forces, by the ar- rival of Mens. De Traci, in June, IGt)"), Avith four companies of foot soldiers ; and in September of the same year, Mens. Coursel brought Avitli him a regiment of soldiers and several families, Avith conveniences for the permanent establishment of the colony. Their forces being now considerably aug- mented, the French Governor feeling his superiority, resolved to chastize the insolence of the Five Nations ; and for this purpose, the folloAving Avinter sent a strong party against the Mohawks, which expedition proved highly disastrous, and 33 •i b If I . , J 258 ONONDAGA K*.. •would have proved cntiroly ho, but for the hospitality of the Dutch, who kindly rurnishod them provisiona in thoir great diHtrosH. The followini^ year, WM, th(( whole disposahh- forco of Canada was eonwutrated with a view of inakitij; a descent in- to the Mohawk (!ouutry, and if possible to annihilate them. Tboir march was ;i hold one, considering the iinmense dreary forests through wliich tlicv were conipelled to traverse, Sdinc ei"ht hnndrcd or a thousand miles. On the approach of this warlike host, the Mohawks retireij to the forests, with their women andchihiren, leavinj^ the French the in;zlorious triumph ofhurninj; their hamlets and mnrderinj); sonuMd" their ageii warriors, who prcl'errcd to die rather than desert their lamies. The ill success of this expedition, h'ssened in a f!;reat do- cree, the i)ride and vanity of tlie l-'rench, who had felt suro of an casv conquest of the eomitrv. lint the fati<^ue and loss consequent upon so tedious an expedition, without an oppor- tunity of giviuL!; Iiiittle, made th.in desirous of ])eace, which was finally brou'jht about llu" following yeiir, l(l<!7. Deposition of William Teller before Lord Belomont, says, that "about the year KUKi, the French of Canada earaowitli a larire nartv into the country of the Maipms, and set up there the arms .-i" h'rance, in brass plates, before their castles, but were driven hack by a party of Maquas, and would have perished or bcon il'stroyed but for the humanity of the Dutch, who were settled at Schenectady."* In consequen;.'e of the discomfiture of tlie French, the Five Nations assum -d an air of importance not easily stilled. A party of their hiritevs, some time after, f,,ilin>; in with a party of French, maU' ba'ale upon them, slew several, ami carridl one home a pvi-ouer to their own country. Monsieur Do Coursel threat em 'd the Five Nations with imni'diate war, in case they would not yield up the jjartieipators in this act ot hostile treache.-y. And the F'ivo Nations, to show their rea- diness to yield satisfaction, sent Agariata, the captain of the London Docunieiits, vol. 11. p. I.m. KARI.V HISTORY. 269 company that connnittcd the ajrf^roHsion, with sonic forty oth- ers, to ht'g pardon. But Monsieur ('oursel instantly hanged .\;^ariata na an example, hul'orc the faees of hi.s country- inon, wlio returned panie-stricken by this severity of the French. The fieace however was maintained for several years without itiiVaetion. In 1(17-, the subtle Count Frontenac, who was now Gover- nor of (Janada, jxTsuiided the ehiefs of the Five Nations to ;ilI()W iiini to build several forts within their territory under pretence of stores for tiicrehandize, and the scc^urity of Ills traileis. The En<:;lish an. Dutch, on the contrary, prosecuted tlicir uicasures only by th(.' arts of peace. In 1<!77, a census was taken of the Irofjuois, by Ool. Cour- soy, an agent of Virginia, which states their warriors to num- ber : Of the Ma(iua3, .^00 Oneidas, 200 Onoiulagas, '550 Cayugas, 800 SenecuH, 1000 Total warriors. 2,150 During the revolutionary war, the British had in their ser- vice according to the calculation of a British agent : Mohawks, 800 Oneidas, 150 Tuseai'oras, 200 ()non<lagas, 800 Cayugas, 280 Kenecas, 400 Add those who adhered to the United States, 220 Total warriors, 1800 In 1788, Jlev. Samuel Kirkland estimated the warriors at 1900, and the Aviiolo p(.pulation at 6330. Schoolcraft, in 1845, makes the whole population residing within the State, 3733 ; add 2000 in Canada, makes 5733 for the whole. The wars between the English and T)utch, and those between the Five Natioiio and river Indians, had considerably hinder- ed the trade already favoral)ly begun. These dilliculties, however, were speedily overcome, and peace at length restored in all quarters, which left the Eng- lish and French at full liberty to prosecute commerce in its greatest latitude, and both did so with great advantage to the i I t> x^ IMAGE EVALUATrON TEST TARGET (MT-S) /. r/- 1.0 I.I 11.25 |50 "™^^ ^ i;^ 12.0 2.2 1.8 14 IIIIII.6 1 ilL;(ugi.apIliLi Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 m. ■^ iV iV N> "9> >^.. ^> \ M ■%" 6^ «^ u. /. 260 ONONDAGA. respective colonies. But from what can be gatliered, the French were by far tlie most enterprising and persevonn<^ ; often pushing their emissaries far beyond where the whites had ever been, they every v.here spread the fame and splen- dor of the " Grand 3Ionarque." It must be acknowlodccd that for a long period, the French had a decided snperioritv over the English in the Indian trade, who in their Indian af- fairs, always entrusted the chief management to the special care of the Governor and principal oificcrs of the jirovince whereas the English left it almost entirely to their tnulers, who Avere mostly personally interested, and men who had lit- tle knowledge of public affairs. The French, with the greal- CBt perseverance, pushed their traders, and built forts for their protection far in the interior. The only opposition they met with was from the Five Nations, who continually allowed the English traders to come among them. The local advanta-'es which the English possessed over the French, caused the lat- ter much alarm, for thej'' plainly foresaw that the Enirlisli would not only bo dangerous rivals, but would be able to un- dersell them with their goods, thus their trade would become ruined, their labor lost, and the interest destroyed, which had been gained at great expense. The Iro-juois carried on war with many of the nations, wlio yielded a profitable trade to the French, and frequently intercepted supplies of goods and ammunition and converted them to their own use. This in a measure weakened the French power and influence, for they saw clearly thr.t they were not able to protect their allies from injury or insult. The Senecas always had a peculiar aversion to the French, and could scarcely ever be induced to receive any priests among them. They were consequently more firmly attaciied to the English, who constantly supplied them with powder, arms, &c. The (xovernor, Do la Barre, for these reasons, made complaint to the English Governor, Dongan, (a profess- ed papist,) of New York, 1084, stating the injuries the Sene- cas had done the French. To which the principal Seneca sachem returned a spirited reply, vindicating the conduct of EARLY HISTORY. 2C1 his nation. Monsieur Do la Barre, at this time, Lad gathered the disposable force of Canada, at Cadaraqui. His design was to throw a French army into Onondaga, and thus fright- en the Five Nations into terms of his own proposing. This avmy consisted of nearly two thousand men, including Indian allies, which for that time was a formidable force. While stationed at this place, in the heat of August, his a^my suf- fered so much from sickness, fatigue and hunger, that he was completely unable to accomplish any thing, except by treaty. Accordingly, Monsieur Ue la Barre passed across the lake with as many men as were able to travel, and arrived at the Kaihohage River. The Indians, especially the Mohawks and Senccas, had little inclination to treat, while the Onondagas, Oneidas and Cayugas, over whom the resident Jesuits held considerable influence, were more favorably inclined. Al- though strict alliance and friendsliip existed between the two crowns, still tlie English, seeing it much to their advantage, advised the Five .Nations not to be influenced by the French. It Avas at this coancil, held at Kaihohage, that De la Barre, on the part of the French, and the famous Garangula, on the part of the Five Nations, carried on one of those remarkable debates which sometimes so effectually brings out the charac- ter of the diplomatists of sovereign nations. The firmness of Garangula very much frustrated the plans of the French, who had calculated upon the easy control of affairs, and of manag- ing things entirely in their own way. On the 2d of August, 1684, the Onondaga and Cayuga sa- chems made proposals to the Governor of New York asking permission to be taken under the protection of the King, stat- ing that they were willing to grant to him their lands ^'on the Susquehanna River to prevent the colonists of Pennsylvania from settling on them, and to protect themselves against the French.* The following is the speech of the Onondaga chief Dekan- issora, on the occasion :f m M i' Hi * London Documents, vol. 4, ]\ 1S2. t Ibid vol. 5, p. 107. f'i 262 ONONDAGA. "Brother Corlear — Your sachem is great and we but a small people. When the English came to Manhattas, that is New York, Aragiske, which is now called Virginia, and Ja- quokrandgare, called Maryland, they were but a small people and we a great people, and finding they were a good people, we gave them land and treated them civilly ; and now since you arc a great people and we but a small, you will protect us from the French, which if you do not, we shall lose all our hunting and beavers, and the French will have them, and be angry with us for bringing them to you. Brethren — We have puL all our land and ourselves under the protection of the great Duke of York, the brother of your great sachem. We have given the Susquehanna River, which we won with the sword for this government, and desire that it may be a branch of that great tree that grows here, whose top reaches to the sun, under whose branches Ave shall shelter ourselves from the French or any other people, and our fire burn in your houses, rnd your fire burn Avith us, and we de- sire that it always may be so, and will not that any of your Penn's people shall settle on the Susquehanna River, for our young folks and soldiers are like wolves in the wood, as your sachems of Virginia know, we having no other lands to leave to our wives and children. We have put ourselves under the protection of the great sachem, Charles, that lives over the great lake, and we give you two white dressed deer skins, to be sent to the great sa- chem, Charles, that ho may write upon them, and put a great red seal upon them. That we do put the Susquehanna River above the Washiata or falls, and all the rest of our land, un- der the great Duke of York, and no one else. Our brethren, his servants, were as fathers to our wives and children, and did give us bread Avhen Ave Avere in need of it, and we Avill neither join ourselves or our lands to any other government than his, and Ave desire that Corlear, the Governor, may send over to your great sachem, Charles, that dwells over the great lake, with this belt of Avampum-peag, and another smaller belt for the Duke of York, his brother, and we give a beaver to Corlear to se; of Virginia, ( ginia,) we let in Corlear's 1 (juehanna Rii under his goA of what Ave n your friend tl are a free pe( and do give ^ The Marq government ( from France, cover the fad continued thi themselves ui encouraged i who bought French. In arranged ano they repaired visions. The Montreal, cor dians. Order as possible at agara in ord( force of Fren Five Nations used every e They sent to plied by the ] and destroye( ated near the ments, who a fidy. It was between the I pedition, det( EARLY HISTORY. 263 Corlear to send over this proposition ; and your great man of Virginia, (meaning the Lord Effingham, Governor of Vir- ginia,) we let you know that great Penn did speak to us here in Corlear's house, by his agents, and desired to buy the Sus- quehanna River ; but we would not hear!:en to him, nor come under his government, and therefore desire you to be witness of what we now do, and that we have already done, and tell your friend that lives over the great lake, we know that we are a free people, uniting ourselves to what sachem we please, and do give you one beaver skin to establish it." The Marquis De Nonville succeeded De la Barre in the government of Canada, in 1685 ; having brought with him from France, a considerable reenforcement, he resolved to re- cover the fading honor of his nation. The Five Nations still continued the war with many of the tribes who had placed themselves under the protection of the French. They were encouraged in these predatory excursions, by the English, who bought their furs, the other nations selling theirs to the French, In order to divert the Five Nations, the French arranged another expedition in May, 1687. For this purpose they repaired the fort at Cadaraqui, and supplied it with pro- visions. The whole disposable force of Canada was gathered at Montreal, consisting of fifteen hundred men f .ad five hundred In- dians. Orders were then sent to Mackinaw, to assemble as many as possible at that post, when the whole were to move on to Ni- agara in order to make an attack upon the Senecas. A large force of French and Indians were here congregated, and the Five Nations being informed of these mighty preparations, used every exertion to give the enemy a warm reception. They sent to Albany for ammunition, and were liberally sup- plied by the English. In the mean time, the French attacked and destroyed two small settlements of the Five Nations, situ- ated near the Cadaraqui Fort, destroying their prisoners by tor- ments, who all the while upbraided the French for their per- fidy. It was on account of the strong attachment existing between the Senecas and English, that the French by this ex- pedition, determined to chastize them. The party from the M Hi' 264 ONOiNDAGA. west met M. De Nonville's party at lerundequat. Here the French erected a fort, where four hun(h-ed men Avere left to guard the baggage and canoes. The sole object of the expedi- tion, was to stoj) the English trade. The French proceeded to search out the villages of the Senecas, and coming near their principal settlement, about seven leagues from leruii(lc((u;it, found it entirely deserted. Whereupon they concluded to try and overtake the women and children, and make them prison- ers, thinking thereby to accoinplish their object by treaty. During their march to the Seneca towns, they had passed a body of Senecas, who lay in ambush near where the French had passed. The French finding no traces of them, for a while concluded all had fled beyond their reach ; but suddenlv, while on their march, they were attacked by a large body of Scnecas, who loudly raised the war cry, and discharged their firearms with deadly effect upon the French, who were thrown into complete disorder ; and, had it not been for the friendly Indians, they would probably have been irrecoverably I'outed. Then- loss as it Avas, amounted to over one hundred slain. The Senecas lost about eighty. The French commander, De Non- vdle, was very much disappointed in this unexpected turn in affiiirs, and his men ineeting so bold a reception, could hardly be persuaded to 'renew the attack. Having taken time to rest, M. De Nonville concluded to mai'ch on and burn the Senecas' village; but on their arrival, they found it in ashes, and not an enemy to be seen, except two aged warriors, who. like devoted martyrs to their country's glory, died heroically under the most excruciating torments inflicted by the French. They also destroyed a few hamlets that fell in their uay, and much corn in the fields. After these exploits, they re- turned to the banks of the lake, where the little garrison had been left, and proceeded to Niagara. Before the French left for home, they erected a strong fort at Niagara, and left a garrison of one hundred men, and eight months provisions. Upon the breaking up of this armament, the western Indians returned thanks to the French General, for establishing so strong a fort for their protection against the Five Nations, EARLY HISTORV. 265 and both mutually pledged themselves not to make peace with them. Tiio garrison of which wo have just spoken, was soon so closely besieged by the warriors of the Five Nations, that they all perished of hunger, except seven or eight, who es- caped through the interference of some of the western Indians. The French gained notliing but shame and disap.pointment through the whole of this affair ; and to make a show, and to keep up appearances, sent thirteen of the Iro(juois whom they liiid formerly surprisf.'d at Cadara(iin, to France, as trophies of their victories, and to the everlasting disgrace of the French, thoy were placed in the galleys as rebels against a Christian king. From this bold irruption of the French into the strong- est hold within their borders, the Five Nations had just cause of alarm, and the Onondagas made the following pro- position to the-'' ancient ally, the Mayor of Albany : Dokanissora speaker — We have heard that the French are going to make war upon us. We have been to Cadaraqui ,in(l taken some prisoners. We have not seen the Maquas. We desire of His Excellency to send for our fort at Onondaga, SIX great guns. The Governo'- of Ca(hu'aqui desired us to come to him this spring, but wo did not go. V>'e desire to deliver the French prisoners to your Excel- lency. The F'rench have a fort at Onyngara, (Niagara.) The Cayougas and Sinnekes begin to groAv faint-hearted be- cause the F'rench are strong. His Excellency spoke of making a fort, which was pro- posed to be made at Kajonhare, but we are of opinion, that it would be better to be at Sowego, (Oswego) a place a day's journey from Onondaga. We renew the covenant chain and give a belt of wampum ten deep. Answer — by Peter Schuyler, Mayor, and Aldermen, who commends them not to go to Canada, oi to hearken to the visit of the French Governor ; for if you do, says he, you will suffer as have the Senecas. He recommends them to be firm and united, and they will be protected by the English. 34 K' 206 ONONDAGA. He advises tliem to winter at Catskill, Rooloffe, Johuson'a Kill, and other eonvoniont places. Let none stay at the castles but such as are fit for war. The women and children should he protected. The Mayor recommends the Five Nations to send one hun- dred men from the Senecas, fifty from the Cayugas, sixty from the Unondagas, fifty from the Oneidas, ami forty from the Maquas, to be at Schenectady this winter, (17H7-8) to join the militia, for it is expected the French will come by way of Corlear's Lake. This message was acceptable to the chiefs, Avho send with joy to acquaint the brethren. Hth February, 1087-8. Col. Dongan, Governor of New York, declares to the chiefs of the Five Nations, that the French shall deliver up all prisoners and goods taken from tne Indians, and that he will protect them against all attacks of the French, threatening war if they continue opposed. The French, he declares are the sworn enemies of the Five Nations, and states that they have declared to him that they built the fort at Onyagara to protect themselves from harm agjiinst the Five Nations. He states that an armistice of fifteen months is agreed up- on to give time for the two governments to agree upon terms of peace, and proposes to assist them in the prosecution of the war by furnishing men and arms, if the war should be continued. Answer of the Six Nations to Governor Dongan, through Dekanissora, chief speaker : — The sachems return thanks. for the care of the Governor. and because he resents the acts of the French, and for not hiding any thing from them. We condemn the claim of the French to any part of our territories, and demand that their forts be speedily demolished. They have no claim even to Cadaraqui or Mont Royall, nor none of our lands towards the Otowawas, Diondadies, Twichtwichs. They claim title because they burned our cabins and destroyed our corn. If that is a title, we have a title to the whole of Canada, for there we subdued whole nations of Indians, and der i EARLY HISTORY 267 Indians, and deinolislied their castles, in so much, that great trees grow where they were built. Our lands have been placed under the protection of the English King, and ho must protect them and suifor no en- croachments. We formerly had a friendship for the French, but it was held l>y the left hand ; that is broken off now, and the English htivo the right hand, fast and firm, and we renew the chain, that it may bo firm and lasting. If the Governor of Canada will not restore the prisoners and goods, we will continue the war. But we leave the whole business with the Governor of New York, and whatever he and the great king agrees to, we stand by, whether peace or war. The great captain of the Onondagas, called " Canadgcgai," (Black Kettle,) Avas invited in to the house of Madam Toulon and there met Pore Valiant, who desired a discourse. And upon Avhat Avill you discourse, said the captain 'i Do you speak first. "Whereupon the first asked how it was with the Five Nations, and how they were inclined ? Why do you ask mo how it is with them, Avhen you daily converse with the Gover- nor, who is their head ? I should rather ask you how affairs stand, that have been so long in agitation with him, to whom he referred all things, and whose commands we only obey ? The Five Nations Avere advised by their English allies not to listen to any proposals of peace from the French, and they were promised supplies of arms and ammunition for carrying on the war. But in spite of all the efforts of the English to prevent, the Five Nations continued their wars with the south- ern Indians. Through the influence of the Jesuit priests, many of the Five Nations about this time settled in Canada, for the sake of enjoying religious instruction ; but declared, that if a Protestant priest was settled among them, they would return. M. De Nonville called an assembly of the chiefs of the Five Nations at Montreal, and all French officers were ordered to cease hostilities till the deliberations should be . M t >1j 1 1 t \i It Li y i lii 268 O N O N D A G A . known, for he confidently expected to conclude a peace with the Five Nations. In the mean time, Adario, the great chief of the western Indians, finding that his nation had become suspected hy the French, since the time they had shown so much favor to the Ihiglish, when they attempted to trade iit Mackinaw ; resolved hy some notahle action against the Five Nations, thereby to recover the good opinion of tne French. For this purpose, he set out from Mackinaw with one hun- dred men, and ciiiuc to Cadara(|ui for intelligence of M. De Nonville. lie was informed by the commander of the I'arri- son, that a negotiation for a peace was on foot, and that am- bassadors from Onondaga would be expected in about ten days at Montreal, and he was advi^sed to I'eturn to Mackinaw with- out an attempt to accomplish his wishes. Adario, surpviseil at this news, was greatly alarmed for the safety of his nation who he thought would become a prey to the rapacity of the Iroquois, through the perfidy of the French. He dissembloil his concern, and instead of returning to Mackinaw, as tiie French oliicer i)roposed, he concluded to wait at the Cadaraijiii Falls, a place which he knew the ambassadors must pass, and intercept them. After a suspense of four or five days, the deputies came along, guarded by about forty warriors. They were surprised, and all killed or taken prisoners. The ambassadors being greatly surprised at this piece of what they supposed to be French perfidy, told Adario the de- sign of the journey, Avho instantly assumed an air of ani^er towards M. De Nonville, and promised revenge upon him at the first opportunity, for making a tool of him, to commit so horrid a treachery. After mutual explanations, the crafty Adario dismissed his prisoners with presents and provisions, at the same time declaring, he should never be at ease till the Five Nations had been fully revenged upon the French. The manner of Adario was so perfectly in keeping with his asser- tions, that the deception was complete. The ambassadors were all Onondagas and Oneidas, with the far-famed Onon- daga Chieftain, Dekanissora, at their head. They had all along, through the influence of the Jesuits, entertained great EARLY HISTORY, 269 affection for tho French. 15ut this triui.suction greatly changed their mindH ; and instead of friendship and love, revenge and (li.'tj.'ust pervaded their hearts, and tho Five Nations resolved unanimously, to prosecute the war with vigor against the French. It was not long before tho French felt the bloody effects of this fell passion. For on the 2(!th of July UiHH, twelve hundred of the Irocjuois invaded the Island of Montreal, with- out the least previous notice, and the Froncli had not the least suspicion of such an attempt. They burned, sacked, plun- dered and laid waste all tho country around, and made a ih'eadful slaughter of nu'n, wdiuen aiul children. Over a thou- sand French are supposed to have perished by this invasion, iind they were, as it seems, completely at the disposal of the Indians. Several French were carried away captives, greater part of whom, miserably pei'ished under the most excruciat- ini!; t(U'ments. The whole colony was thrown into conster- nation, and Valrenes, the commander at Cadaracpii, by order 'n De Nouville, abandoned the fortress at that place. The 'larharities of the massacre are too shocking to relate."- The Five Nations lost but three men in this expedition, and those arc said to have been drunk and were left behind. The Five Nations were far from jjcing satiated by this invasion, for in the October following, they attacked and destroyed all the lower part of the Island of Montreal, and carried off manv prisoners. The consequence of these exjicditions, was the abandonment by the French of fort Cadara([ui, and their liiiht vessels upon the lake ; and they were completely shut up on the Island of Montreal, in comparatively very narrow limits. The news of the success of the Five Nations, spread through all the Indian tribes. It had the effect to bring the French into very low repute among them, and their affairs were thrown into great disorder. The great body of the west- * Charlevoix says, " lis ouvireiit le seiu des tcniniC!) tnoientt's pour en arra- liier le fruit qi'i files |K)rtoient ils iiiirenl des enlan,« tout vivnns d la broche. El iL'or.traignirent les meres de les tourner. pour lea faire rotir." ; ) h 'lit TW^l 270 ONONDACJA. orn IndiariH, had already faultcrcd in tlioir allogianco to the Fri'iicli, and many were making ovorturos to tho EniTJish throuf^h tile Fivo Nations. At this cri.sia, tho French oom- niandor at Maokiiiaw oxpericiKied groat dillioulty in niaintuin- ing his post, lint tho oMt('ri)risiiig and sagacious Mons. Pe- rot had tho prudonoo and sncooss of divortitig this order of allairs, .so tiiat tho contomphitod sohonios of a general union wore not fully carried into ofToot. Tho colonists of Cainida were in a most doplorahlc condition ; their men had heen con- tinually harrassed hy watching and fighting tho Five Nations, and in extending their enterprises among tho western Indi- ans, so th;it tillage and hushnndry had heen entirely ncs- lected. During the several incursions of small parties of tlic Five Nations, the French lost several thousands of their in- habitants. It is difficult to conceive the deplorable situiition and distress they were in — none could plant or sow, or pass from one place to another, wit'iout danger of being killed by a skulking foe. The whole country being laid waste, famine began to rage, and a mi.-orablo end was like to come of the colony. Had the Indians understood tho method of attack- ing fortified places, nothing could have saved tlie French from entire destruciion. Considering the state; of Indian af- fairs during this p(M-io(l, that the Five Nations were divided in their sentiments and measures, that the Onondagas, Cayu- gas and Oneidas, wci'o more or less inllueneed by French Jesuits, and were by them diverted from pr(jseeuting the war against (';inada, by urging these three nations against the southern Indians, and persuading them to send their war par- ties that Avay ; considering that the Senecas had a war at the same time with the western Indians, and that the mea- sures observed by the English, during all the reign of King James II., gave the Indians rather ground of jealousy than assistance ; whoever considers these things and what the Iro- quois did actually perform, will hardly doubt that they at that time were an overmatch for the French in Canada. In September, 1689, a deputation was sent from the New England colonies, to renew the friendship of the Five Nations, I i:ari,v II I hto uy. m and to engage thorn imains«t the eastern Indians, who made war upon those (:()h)ni('(4, and wore instigated by the French. The eastern Indiiins had ahoady preceded them, by four mes- Mges on tho sanie errand, and the En^'lish were anxious to know the reception they had met with. The <U«putie.s of New England wore tohl by Tahajadori.s, a Mohawk Hadiem, on the 24th of September, that ho and his peoph> were willing' to briglitt'ii tho chain of friendship, and ex[iressod in unmeasured terms their hatred of the Krench, and to continue tho strug- gle 80 h)n;; as a Frenchuian remained alive, even to their own .lestruction. 'i'hey couhl not be prevailed upon to engage in •nvar upon the eastern Indians, but declared their intention iif living;; and dyiiijix iu peace with them. The Kngiish in New- York and Albany, having fears of the French in Canada, and their Indian allies, held a private con- tVroncc with the chiefs of tho Five Nations at Albany, 2r)th September, wheri' they engaged to stand by their English t'ricnils in any emergency whatsoever, and to continue their war with the French. On the 27t'i December, TOSH, the Mayor of Albany, Peter Schuyler, was notified that a council would be held at Onon- daga, to consult on injportant business, with a desire that the English would be represented there. But little notice was taken of tho invitation ; only to send three Indians to dis- suade the Five Nations from entertaining thoughts of peace, or yielding to a cessation of arms. On the 22(1 of .January, a general council was opened at Onondaga, consisting of eiglity sachems. The Albanians had sent a messenger to attend this assembly. Sadekanaghtie stated that tho Count Froutenac had returned to the govern- ment of Canada, and invited an assembly of the Five Nations to meet him at Cadarai^ui, and in particular, that Dekanissora should be there to treat of peace. Some of the sachems, who were favorably disposed towards tho French, advised their meeting the French Governor in the spring. But after a long and tedious debate, it was concluded not to send Dekanis- sora with a delegation to Cadaraqui, and finally sent word to ill: T Pit. 272 ONONDAGA. Governor Frontenac that they had little faith in the French, and could not rely on their treaties, nor trust their professions of friendsliip. The Count Frontenac was still desirous of rousinn; the drooping spirits of the French in Canada. The English and French wore now engaged in war, and to rally the coi'vago of his desponding countrymen, it was arranged that i/iirce several parties shouUl make sepai-ate at*^acks upon the English colonies in liopes to lessen the confidence the Five Nations had in the English. One coniniandod by ^^ D. Ail- lebout, M. D. Mantel, and 1*. Le Moyne, made a descent upon Schenectady, in Fcl)rnary, ](!8iJ-l,)0, whicli conii)lete!y dcso- hvtcd that village. The colonists of both countries were now heartily engaged in the war ; the course the Five Nations de- cided to pursue, was of infinite importance to both. The very being of the French colony depended upon it, as well a; the .safety of the Englisli. Affairs were >iow destined to take a turn decidedly favorable to the Froich, and tliis in tlio main was owing to the .-(ubtloty, wisdom, prudence and pensevorance of M. Do Frontenac, in whom the colonists of Ciinada had unhesitating coTiildence i'l respect to his public spiiit and ca- pacity. They entered into all his measures with alacrity, and obeyed his commands with cheerfulness, whereas the English people held their colonial Governors in no very higti esteem. The Count Frontenac Vr-as in hopes the Five Nations would incline to peace, and uifoi'ed further proposals, l)nt Ids ambas- sadors were taken prisoners, and after being compelled to run the gauntlet, were delivered to tlio English. This conduct satisfied M. Do Frontenac, that tliere was little hope in nego- tiation. Tiic French were continually harrassed by small par- ties of the Five Nations, on their route to remote posts, and also in the immediate neighborhood of Montreal, oftentimes victorious, spreading alarm and desolation throughout the whole country. The English at this time did not render the jissistance the Five Nations expected, in consecpience of which the Mohawks, being neareat to the English, sent one of their chiefs to Monsieur De Fi'ontenac with a view of negotiating a peace. The ambassador found the Count ready to treat on terms of friem to his nation, and friendship cute the war w operate. The idle words of ] ly to the work would succeed on the M'ar by an attack upor hundred men, ter Schuyler, \ expedition of 1 command of S Montreal, bein force such a re Ham, by his im ment, and was i gage that had failed, and not tinned their ex rence, from Mr Notwithstandin continual hara> under of keepi ground, or of r tress throughoi added to the 1 kept up his woi anee of convin with the Englif afraid, — that 1 invasion. The eitirely engro> In lian allies W( mon enemy, wl among them. EARLY HISTORY. 278 Til terms of friendship, and gave a belt, with proposals of peace to his nation. Thoy also renewed their professions of peace and friendship with the English, and their resolution to prose- cute the war with the French provided the English would co- operate. The Five Nations were no longer to be amused with idle words of English professions, and unless they came bold- ly to the work, there was every reason to believe the French would succeed in making peace, and leave tho English to carry on the war by themselves. Finally a plan was arranged for an attack upon Quebec and Montreal. A land force of five hundred men, and a large body of Indians, under Major Pe- ter Schuyler, were to advance by Lake Champlain, and a naval expedition of thirty sail, by the Gulf of St. Lawrence, under command of Sir Wm. Phipps. M. Do Callieres, Governor of Montreal, being apprised of these intentions, gave the land force such a reception as obliged them to retire, and Sir Wil- liam, by his imbecility and inactivity, let slip the golden mo- ment, and was repulsed with the loss of all the cannon and bag- gage that had been landed. The whole expedition signally failed, and nothing was accomplislied. The Five Nations con- tinued their excursions in small parties all along the St. Law-- rence, from Montreal to Quebec, and destroyed many persons. Notwithstanding the French preserved their country, these continual hiirassiug^, and the necessity they were continually under of keeping guard, prevented them from cultivating the ground, or of reaping the harvest. This occasioned great dis- tress throughout the colony, and the miseries of famine were added to the horrors of Indian war. The aged Frontenac kept up his wonted energy ; he was well aware of the import- ance of convincing the Five Nations, that their joint attacks with the English had neither digcouraged him or made him afraid, — that he was as vigorous for war as before the last invasion. The distractions in the province of New York, so entirely engrossed the attention of the English, that their In lian allies Avere left almost alone to contend with the com- mon enemy, which was the cause of considerable disaffection them. They had made proposals of peace through 35 1.1 '1 i i *. I .1 among 1 < m 274 ONONDAGA. the Mohawks to Count Frontenac, but through the interposi- tion of Colonel Sloughtcr, then Governor of New York, it was not consummated. The Five Nations continued their incur- sions during the whole winter, (1090-01,) greatly distressing the French. In the summer of this year, Major Peter Schuy- ler, then Mayor of Albany, made, witli a party of the Five Nations, a bold irruption upon the French settlements by way of Lake Champlain. This expedition was successful. The Enirlish returned victorious, which inspired the warriors of the Five Nations with new vigor and new hopes. They con- tinued their hostilities under their favorite leader Kanahjeaga, who with his warriors, and by his frequent incursions, kept the country in a constant state of alarm, and continually har- rassed the French borders. In the midst of these distresses, the French Governor preserved his accustomed sprightliness and humor, animating every body around him. He learned that a considerable body of the Five Nations were hunting beaver wc;>t of the Niagara lliver in fancied security, and he resolved at once to surprise them. For this purpose three hundred young men Avere sent forward under command of •Monsieur Beaucouv, in the heart of winter, and the party suffered severely during the march from cold and want of provisions, having none but what they carried on their backs. After an almost incrediljlc march, for so severe a season, they succeeded in surprising about eighty of the Five Nations, who made a brave defense, and only yielded after they had lost most of their men dead on the spot. The French re- treated to Montreal, with a few prisoners to grace their tri- umph. This was a severe expedition, but it tended to revive the flagging spirits of the French, and taught the Five Nations that they were by no means a despicable enemy. In return, the Five Nations, took possession of all the passes, and entirely c; structed the communication of the French with their western allies, intercepting every traveler who chanced to pass that way. Kanahjeaga, with a large band of warriors hung around the Cadaraqui River, in hopes of meeting parties from the upper lakes, or of French, proceeding that way succeeding ii the country { had with hin the country j The populati diers had stri tirely on the jeaga had be length began four hundred least cxpecte French had the Indians f ing twenty r French lost fc caped from th puting the p captain, who, was himself I French for t the forts, and his scalp. T when he four bravados of h his good nam torture of t\ cruelty, M. II could invent, treaty was en of the Englisl June, 1092, a dislike, becaui sistance as h reason to exj after much coi edr This CO Not EARLY HISTORY, 275 succeeding in his designs, he resolved to carry the war into the country around Montreal. The French accounts say, he had with him six hundred men. This famous chief overran the country as the sweeping torrent does the lowly valley. The population sought shelter in fortified places, and the sol;- diers had strict orders to remain within their forts and act en- tirely on the defensive. After the warriors under Kanah- jeaga had become weary of slaughter aad desolation, they at length began to retire. Mons. Vaudreuil pursued them with four hundred men. He overtook them at a time when they least expected it; a desperate battle ensued; although the French had nearly surrounded about two hundred of them, the Indians fought bravely, and cut tlieir way through, leav- ing twenty men dead on the spot ; the rest escaped. The French lost four ofBcers and a number of privates. Having es- caped from this attack, we next find them below Montreal, dis- puting the passage of a flotilla under convoy of a French captain, who, as he passed through the isles in Lake St. Pierre, was himself killed and his whole party entirely routed. The French for the whole summer, were obliged to keep within the forts, and not a man could stir out without danger of losing his scalp. The Count Frontenac was pierced to the heart, when he found that he could not revenge these insults and bravados of his enemies. At this time, he signally tarnished his good name and venerable character, by the murder and torture of two unfortunate captives. Notwithstanding tliis cruelty, M. De Frontenac, used every device his imagination could invent, to bring about a peace, but without success. A treaty was entered into between Capt. Ingoldsby on the part of the English, and the chiefs of the Five Nations, at Albany, June, 1692, at which time, the Indians manifested considerable dislike, because the English did not so fully render them as- sistance as had been agreed, and as the Five Nations had reason to expect, considering they were at open war. But after much counselling, the chain of friendship was " brighten- ed." This council was managed on the part of the Five Na- 3li '^ 276 ONONDAGA, tions by Ohedaun, an Oneida sachem, who made a long and very sensible speech. The Count De Frontenac knew well, that unless some bold and successful enterprise should succeed, it would soon be too late to effect a reaction. An attack upon the Mohawks was contemplated, for the purpose of showing that the English would not protect their nearest neighbors. The winter was chosen as the most appropriate season for surprising their ene- mies, who could not keep scouts abroad at that inclement sea- son, or the English render timely assistance. An army, con- sisting of French and Indians, amounting to seven hundred men, and supplied with snow-shoes and everything necessary for a winter campaign, set out from Prairie de Magdaleine. 15th of January, 1693. After a march of incredible hardship through pathless for- ests, they passed Schenectady on the 6th of February, and succeeded in capturing the three lower Mohawk castles, with little opposition. Three hundred Mohawks were made pri- soners, and several slain, the French having lost thirty men. On the retreat of the French, they were pursued by a party of Albany militia, under Major Peter Schuyler, but nothing decisive accomplished. This invasion of the French into the immediate neighborhood of the English settlements, produced the greatest alarm, and had the eff"ect also to dishearten the Mohawks, but still, through English influence, they were in- duced to continue the war. Hitherto, for a number of years, the French had been unable to bring down their furs and pel- try from Mackinaw, and they had so accumulated, that there were large stores on hand. The Five Nations had so blocked up the passage, that there had been but little communication. But now, a time had come, when it was so, that two hundred canoes loaded with furs, had arrived safely at Montreal, which caused as much joy there, as ever the richly laden galleons did in Spain. By the bold stroke before related, the warlike ardor of the Five Nations was considerably abated, and as it was the pohcy of the French, to secure a peace on as favorable terms as pos- sible, negotii tinned throu the Jesuits, caused them oil for that p of Albany, ^ arras, ammui to the Five cas, Cayuga for continuii Mohawks, m( held back, ambassador informing th considered, head of whoii is said to ha\ He rehearse(] of the Engli have done ho nation, with is said to ha\ tiation was ] praying Indi branch of tli French and attachments, vention at All raissioners wc ehusetts and were desirous which were, t fort at Cadar English shou; dians. But French shoult raqui, nor inc EARLY HISTORY. 277 sible, negotiations for that purpose were set on foot, and con- tinued through the years 1693 and 1694. The influence of the Jesuits, and the disappointed hopes of English assistance, caused them more willingly to yield to the opening of a coun- cil for that purpose ; but, through the agency of Col. Fletcher of Albany, who distributed timely and liberal presents of arras, ammunition, knives, hatchets, clothing, provisions, &c., to the Five Nations, the negotiation was staid. The Sene- cas, Cayugas, Onondagas and Oneidas, felt more in mood for continuing on friendly terms with the French ; but the Mohawks, more under the immediate influence of the English, held back. The four nations met and resolved to send an ambassador to the Governor of the French, but not without informing the Mohawks and English, whose advice was to be considered. Several sachems were sent to Albany, at the head of whom was Dekanissora, whose speech on this occasion, is said to have been a brilliant effort of native tact and genius. He rehearsed the aff'airs of the French, and the pusillanimity of the English, with an accuracy and ingenuity, that would have done honor to the most skilful diplomatists of the polished nation, with which he was then in contact. Sadekanashtie is said to have taken a part in this council. While this nego- tiation was pending, Dekanissora visited Montreal and the praying Indians, in order to secure the cooperation of that branch of the Five Nations. But they, true alike to the French and their Jesuit priests, remained unaltered in their attachments. Dekanissora returned, and laid before the con- vention at Albany, an account of his mission to Canada. Com- missioners were present from New- York, New-Jersey, Massa- chusetts and Connecticut. His report was, that the French were desirous of peace only on their own terms, the chief of which were, that they should have the privilege to rebuild the fort at Cadaraqui, and keep a garrison there, and that the English should not be encouraged to trade with Canada In- dians. But the policy of the Five Nations was, that the French should not be permitted to rebuild H^-, fort at Cada- raqui, nor include their Indian allies in the p\.'a> o, with whom ' m < iJ] Sl-!l 278 ONONDAGA. the Five Nations wished to be at war. They were dismissed with a large supply of presents, and many fair promises in case of compliance. They threatened the Five Nations with utter destruction, in case of their refusal of the terms they had offered. The Five Nations refusing to come to the terms proposed, the Governor resolved to force them, and as he suspected they continued obstinate through English influence, he resolved to make an attack upon the Mohawks, but a prisoner, learning his design, escaped and informed them, and the expedition was abandoned. In the summer of 1695, the Count Do Frontenac sent a body of French and Indians to repair the fortifications at Ca- daraqui, which were found to be in a much bettor condition than was expected. The French certainly possessed them- selves of a great advantage in this place, as it was considered one of great security to their traders in passing from Macki- naw to Montreal. It served as well for stores, as a place of security and retreat, in all enterprises against the Five Na- tions, an ''. it greatly exposed them in their irruptions to the neighborhood of the French. The English were exceedingly uneasy when they found that the French had regained posses- sion of Cadaraqui, and blamed the Five Nations for not pre- venting it. The French were also troubled upon hearing that the western Indians had nearly concluded a peace with the Five Nations. Had the western Indians perseveringly ad- hered to their first intentions of making peace, it would pro- bably have ended the colony of the French in Canada, for without their aid it Avould have been impossible for them to continue. These nations being continually at war with the Iroquois, they were obliged to keep at home a large force to defend themselves against those nations, otherwise the Iro- quois would have been able to throw their whole force against Canada. Having secured the alliance of the western Indians, and failing of making a peace with the Five Nations, the Count Frontenac resolved upon a signal effort to conquer and subdue them. Ilaviuj now called by 1 ammunition an and wounded i Nations feel tli ing his terms c assembled all t body of Canac mustered, consi Adirondacks, i Indians of the Instead of wa<j country as he 1 through rivers whenever the r mus, rendered On the 4th ^ end of the Isla under the conn ornor of Mont: under the comr van. He had small pieces of sils and ammur followed the C accompanied b young and acco four battalions Ramezai, Gove regulars and a ell, brought up that those who ■ following. Inc gence of the they were oblij bateaux, partiei twelve days ma: EARLY HISTORY. 270 them. Having repaired and garrisoned the fort at Cadaraqui, now called by his name, making it a place of deposit for arms, ammunition and provisions, as well as a retreat for the sick and wounded undta' his command, resolved to make the Five Nations feel the full force of his resentment, for their refus- ing his terms of peace. For this purpose, in June, 1696, he assembled all the regular troops under his command, the whole body of Canadian militia, and all the Indians that could be mustered, consisting of Oweniigungas, Quatoghies, of Loretto, Adirondacks, Sokakies, Nipiciriniens, the proselyted praying Indians of the Five Nations, a few F^awawas and Abenaquis. Instead of wagons and horses, which were useless in such a country as he had to march through, the army was conveyed through rivers and lakes in light barks, which were portable, vrhenever the rapidity of the stream, or the crossing an isth- mus, rendered it necessary. On the 4th of July the army left La Chine, on the south end of the Island of Montreal. Two battalions of regulars, under the command of Le Chevalier de Callieres, then Gov- ernor of Montreal, Avith about five hundred Indians, chiefly under the command of Baron de Beaucourt, constituted the van. He had with him two large bateaux, which c.';rried two small pieces of cannon, the mortars, grenades, artillery uten- sils and ammunition, afterwards followed the provisions, then followed the Count himself, at tlie head of the main body, accompanied by a large number of volunteers, under the young and accomplished Chevalier de Grais, his engineer, and four battalions of the militia, commanded by Monsieur De Ramezai, Governor of Trois-Rivieres. Two battalions of regulars and a few Indians, under the Chevalier De Vaudru- eil, brought up the rear. In this order they marched, only that those who Avere in the van one day, were in the rear the day following. Indians were kept out as scouts, to gain intelli- gence of the enemy, and for fear of ambuscades, when they were obliged to carry the canoes, and drag the large bateaux, parties were detached to cover the men. Aftw twelve days march, they arrived at Fort Frontenac, one huu- i ■ ■ J ( iwr ¥ ''^^H^^^^B'^ ■ -m f .|^B& ■■ ''i^^B^B ^B- ■jt^iB' ' '^^^HIH ^H ' 1 il 8 iHi 1 280 ONONDAGA. dred and eighty miles from Montreal. They waited at this place some time, for the Utawawas, who finally disappointed them, and in the mean time raised a bateau, which had been sunk, since the fort had been deserted. They then crossed the Lake Ontario to Oswego, on the 28th of July. Fifty men wore ordered to march on eacli side, to prevent sur- prise. A military road was cut around tho falls, and carry- ing their transports over the portage, they moved slowly alon? the river, according to tho intelligence obtained from the scouts. They had found a tree as tliey passed along, on which the Indians had in their manner, painted tiie French army, and lying by it was a bundle of rushes. This was a defiance after the Indian custom, to inform the French, by the number of rushes in the bundle, that fourteen hundred and thirty-four men would oppose them. Finally the whole flotilla debouched upon the waters of the Onondaga Lake. " It must have been a gallant sight to behold this warlike pageant floating on that lovely water, surrounded as it was by the lofty hills and unbroken forests, which for the first time, had now displayed their beauty and grandeur to an in- vading army. It must have been sublime, to see the veterans who had served under Turenne, Vauban and the great Conde, marshalled with pike and curiass, side by side with the half naked Hurons and Abenaquis ; while gay and youthful cava- liers, in the tawdry garb of the court of the magnificent Louis, moved with towering plume and flowing mantle, amid the dusky files of the wampum-decked Utawas, and Algon- kins. Banners were there which had been unfolded at Steen- kirk and Lauden, and rustled above the troopers that Luxem- burgh's trumpets had guided to glory, when Prince Waldeck's legions were borne down beneath his furious charge. Nor was the enemy that this gallant host were seeking, unworthy those whose swords had been tried in some of the hardest fought fields of Europe. The Romans of America, as the Five Nations had been called by more than one writer, had proved themselves soldiers, not only by carrying arms among the native tribes a thousand miles away, and striking their enemies alik Carolina and bearded one! shut up anotl with the sami vanquished tl George." (II their army d: that the enei their landing a fort. A S Canada, and was sent out dagas, who w their homes i pose, they h woods. But French arm} and that the^i air, which fal tering fire t their weak s most prudent and bark cot^ Count Front( of battle. 1 commanded t on the left, c tre of a batti fallowed ther Her de Vaud ions, in the s ried in an el was found pe ing through t dable mannei embers of t K A R L Y HIS T O II V. 281 enemies alike upon tlie lakes of Maine, the mountains of Carolina and the prairies of Missouri. They had already bearded one European anny beneath the walls of Quebec, and shut up another for weeks within the defenses of Montreal, with the same courage, which half a century after, they had vanquished the battalions of Dieskau upon the shores of Lake George." (Hoffman.) When the French entered the lake, their army divided into two parts, coasting along the shores, that the enemy might bo in uncertainty as to the place of their landing. As soon as a landing was effected they erected a fort. A Seneca who had been some time a prisoner in Canada, and who had pretended an attachment to the French, was sent out to make discoveries. Ho deserted to the Onon- dagas, who were waiting for the French, determined to defend their homes and castle to the last extremity, for which pur- pose, they had sent their women and children far into the woods. But upon the Seneca's informing them that the French army, was as numerous as the leaves of the trees, and that they had machines, which threw up largo balls in the air, which falling on their cabins would burst in pieces, scat- tering fire and death every where around, against which their weak stockades could be no defense ; thoy thought it most prudent to retire, and after setting fire to their castle and bark cottages, moved off to the wilderness. As soon as Count Frontcnac heard of tliis, he marched forward in order of battle. The array was divided into two lines. The first, commanded by the Chevalier de Callieres, who placed himself on the left, consisted of two battalions of militia, in the cen- tre of a battalion of regulars on each wing. The artillery fbllowed them. The second line, commanded by the Cheva- lier de Vaudrueil, composed of tlie same number of battal- ions, in the same order. The Count De Frontcnac was car- ried in an elbow chair, directly iifter the artillery. But it was found perfectly impossible to preserve this order in pass- ing through thick woods and in passing brooks. In this formi- dable manner, the aged general, marched forward to the dying embers of the desertcl villnjro, luul tlius he caused the i u h ifi 282 ONONDAGA. destruellon and exerted his fury on some fields of Indian corn the only aciiiiisition to the arms of the French. A briivt' old sachem, then upwards of a hundred years old, by his own desire was left behind, and was the only person wlio tarried in the castle to salute the French, and wjio chose this time to end his days. The French Indians j^it Jiim to the torture, which he bore with astonishing presence of mind, and with that heroic fortitude which so well becuDio ;i chief of the Onomhigas. lie told his tormentors, to remem- ber well his death, when his countrymen should come to take terrible vengeance of them. Upon which, one of them stab- bing him several times with a knife, he thanked him ; "but," said he, "you had better make medic by fire, that these dogs of Frenchmen may learn to suffer like men. You In- dians, their allies, you dogs of dogs, think of me when you shall be in a like condition." It was, says Charlevoix, a strange and curious spectacle, to sec many hundred men sur- rounding a decrepid old warrior, striving by tortures, to draw a groan from him. While life lasted, he reproached the In- dians with becoming slaves to the French. When one stabbed him Avith a knife, "You do wrong" said ho, "to shorten my days ; you should have taken more time to learn how to die like men." He bore their inflictions with the most stoical in- difference. Never Avas a man treated with more cruelty, nor did any ever Ijcar it with superior magnanimity and resolu- tion. He died as became an Ind'an warrior. This sachem was the only man of the Onondagas killed. The Chevalier de Vaudrueil, was sent with a detachment of six or seven hundred men to destroy the Oneidas' corn, a feat which he performed Avithout resistance. Thirty-five remained in t])eir castles, to make the French Avelcome, but the only favor they obtained, was to be made prisoners, and Avere carried to Mon- treal. Though the French army Avas much an overmatch for the Onondagas, both in their arms and number of men, yet the Onondagas Avere not so far dispirited, as not to follow them in their return. They found many opportunities to revenge themselves, by cutting off every canoe that happened at any time to bo at a the French gen( to Montreal on little by this for and their bark ( old sachem avIk glory. The French i planters being t or in watchinn famine ensued had often happi had been callec] (he Five Natioi and the Frencl Albany and Scl r\'ing off their parties of Indi scalping the inl ern Indians thii in spite of the . The reason the_ to them cheape tions were disc captain Avith a fected their sur] who, at the ini burned alive, : Montreal, Avere DeLanissora 1697, to use h: Nations from i peace, but if n lO prosecute th The Cayugas tiu'ough three ( der and lead, 1 EARLY HISTORY, 288 time to bo at a diatanco from tho main body. This obliged the French general to hasten his march, so that ho returned to Montreal on the lOtli of August. The Onondagas suffered little by this formidable expedition, but the loss of their corn and their bark cottages. They lost not a man, except tho old sachem who yielded himself a martyr to his country's glory. Tho French suffered materially by its consequences, for the planters being taken from their labor, either in this expedition, or in watching and securing their forts and country, a famine ensued througliout the liind a circumstance which had often happened in Canada, wlieu the men fit to bear arms, had been called away on such like enterprises. Afterwards, the Five Nations sent several small parties against Canada, and the French and their Indians, in turn hovered around Albany and Schenectady, murdering several families, and car- rying off their scalps. Thus the war was continued by small parties of Indians on both sides, harrassing, surprising and scalping the inhabitants of Montreal and Albany. The Avest- ern Indians this year concluded a peace with the Five Nations, in spite of tho French, who used every means to prevent it. The reason they assigned was, because the English sold goods to them cheaper than the French. A party of the Five Na- tions were discovered hovering around Corlear's Lake. A captain with a party of men Avere sent against them, and ef- fected their surprise. He killed several, and took one prisoner, who, at the instance of the French Governor, was publicly burned alive, and upon whom the Indians then trading at Montreal, were invited to feast. Dekanissora proposes to Col. Peter Schuyler, June 0th, 1697, to use his influence to prevent the people of the Five Nations from settling in Canada, that they are inclined to peace, but if need be, they are ready with their whole force lO prosecute the Avar against the French. The Cayugas also made application 28th of September, 1697, through three of their principal captains, for a supply of pow- der and lead, to defend themselves against the French and m ONONDAGA, western Indians, and desire tho condolence of the English, for the loss of their people slain in battle with Indians of the west. The treaty of Kyswick was signed September lOth, lODI, by which the French and English were to be at peace. The Governor of New-York, being first informed, sent an express to the Governor of Canada, with the news, that hos- tilities might cease. The Five Nations learning the fact ear- lier than they of Canada, took advantage of it, in huntiri" heaver, near Cadaraqui Fort. Tho Governor of Canada bo^ ing informed of this, and believing that tho Five Nations thought themselves secure, by the general peace, resolved to take his last revenge of them. For this purpose, he sent ii considerable party of Adirondacks to surprise them ; whicli they did, and killed several, but not without loss on their own side. The murder of the distinguished war chief, Kanahjeajah of Onondaga, at this time caused the greatest aflliction through- out all the Five Nations. After the peace, a dispute arose between the Governors of New- York and Canada, relative to the disposition of tho prisoners, which the Five Nations had in their hands. The French were not willing to include the Five Nations in the peace ; but the English had them too much at heart, to suffer them to be injured by tho French, and the English Governor assured the French, that were hostiii- ties continued against them, it would be sufficient cause for the English to continue the war. This put a stop to the threatenings of the French, and both sides made complaints to their masters. Tho two Kings ordered their respective Governors to be assisting each other in making the peace efTcct- ual to both nations. The Count Frontenac died while these disputes continued ; Mons. Dc Caliercs, who succeeded him put an end to them, by agreeing to send a deputation to Onon daga, to regulate an exchange of prisoners there. For t',i purpose, Mons. Joncaire, and the Jesuit Bruyas were sent. When the French commissioners were within a mile of Onondaga Castle, they arranged themselves in order, and marched with the French colors flying, with as much display as possible. Th- grave old chief, Uekanissora, met them with- out the gate, ar wampum. Thoy respect and eHte( of firearms, take taineil. Tho co! factory peace ; i exchange of pris The French c( the Five Nations of the greatest b Xothing could b( ate their bread DUt of his o^^n 1 laboring in 'Ii f of being killed, dole out a long torments. In si suspended ; whil tenances of the French commissi of the Five Ni inented, and red the French, at ^ people, who struj triumph with ho friends among many had becora ing could induct to Canada, agai days among thei EARLY IIISTORV. 285 out the gate, and complimented them with tliree strings of wampum. They were received with every demonstration of respect and CHtcem, and were saluted with a general discharge of firoarmH, taken to the bcHt cabinH, and sumptuously enter- tained. The commissioners succeeded in negotiating; a satis- factory peace ; and an agreement was made, to facilitate the exchange of prisoners. Tiie French commissioners, now being assured of peace with the Five Nations, the inhabitants of Canada, considered it one of the greatest blessings which could be bestowed upon them. N'otiiing could be more torr'blc than this last war ; the French ;ite their broad iti continual fear. No man was sure, when out of his own house, uf ever returning to it again. While laboring in *!y^ fields, they were under perpetual apprehension of being killed, or carried off to the Indian country, there to dole out a long and fearful captivity, or to die in lingering torments. In short, all business and trade was often entirely suspended ; while fear, despair and misery, blanched the coun- tenances of the wretched inhabitants. On the return of the French commissioners, they brought with them several chiefs of the Five Nations from Onondaga. They were compli- mented, and received with every demonstration of respect, by the French, at Montreal ; and thus it always is with a brave people, who struggle through every difficulty, until they finally triumph with honor. Notwithstanding the French had many friends among the Five Nations, who were prisoners, yet many had become so attached to their new friends, that noth- ing could induce them to return ; and, some who did return to Canada, again went to the Onondagaa, and ended their (lays among them. i^iri , I 286 ONONDAGA. CHAPTER IX. EARLY HISTORY CONTINUED, Council at Onondaoa — Councii^ at Albany, 1700 — English aoree to bhilu a FORT AT Onondaoa — Earl Helomont'h instuiktions to Col. Romkr— Col. RoMEr's RETURN AND RKPORT — ViEWS OK THK FlVE NATIONS — ATTACHMENT TO THE English — Iroquois join Col. Sciiuvlur in an ExrEnrnoN a(;.mnst thk French, 1709 — Unsuccusskul — Aukaiks oi- tiii-. Five Nations, and the French and wustkrn Indians— (!ov. IluNirR and tiik Fivr, Nations— Oov. Burnet — Trai)in(j House and 1'\>ut ai' ()s\vkc;o — Kxtr ait from the Journal OF Conrad Weiskr — Of the sevkkai. Nations incoruorated with the Iii(>- <iuois — Operations on the North Western Frontier — Extract kikim Sergeant Deoarimo's orderly Uook— Extract vrom Sir William Jonx- son's Journal — Col. Bkadstreet and Gen. Shhu.ey at Osweco, 1775-7B— Loss OF Oswe(;o — Fall of (Quebec — Peace — Approach of the Hevoli'tiox— Course pursued by the Indian Nations during the Revolution — ^V.\n ir 1812 — Present condition ok the Onondagas. The Onondagas and Oneidas made a proposition, 3d of February, 1698, to the Governor of New, York, through De- kanissora and Carondowaune, an Oneida sachem, the former being chief speaker. They informed the Governor and Council, that deputies were on the point of leaving Onondaga, to treat with the French Governor of Canada, who had made them many fine promises. Upon which the board expressed great surprise, and forthwith proposed to send a messenger post to Onon- daga, to prevent them from going. Whereupon, John Bap- tist Van Epr, was ordered to make all possible haste to On- ondaga, charging said messengers not to depart, or if possi- bly they had gone, that they should be brought back : desir- ing that a gt Nations shoul and other gen out Avith John chiefs at Onoi On the 21 si to Albany M-it overtui'cs of t of prisoners. for tlic sccurit iety to havo tl Onondaga, an and their desii to them to spc U{)on the r r^chuylor and Governor and the chiefs of t to Canada was Those gentlcin to dissuade thi la'euk up their ancient coventi protection ; re to do Ihem hai Baptist and the motions of ,,'oing to Canat i.ith the Fren( and promising L'ovcrnment w( means to prev( In a council .^lay, at whic Arnont Viele, hannis Bleekei The Earl of 1 EARLY HISTORY. 287 ing that a general council of all the sachems of the Five Nations should be held at Onondaga, at which Col. Schuyler and other gentlemen would attend. Johannes Glen, was sent out with John baptist, and a conference was held with the chiefs at Onondajja. On the 21st of March, 1G99, John Baptist was dispatched to Albany with a message from tlio Onondagas, stating the overtures of the French, and their promise of the restoration of prisoners. In this they expressed the desires of the French for the security of peace, and Monsieur Do Marricour's anx- iety to have the ancient councils with the French continued at Onondaga, and to break off with the Governor of New-York, and their desire to send M. De Lamberville and Pere Bruyas to them to speak of peace. Upon the representations of John Baptist, Captain John :>chuy]er and Captain John Bieeker, were dispatched by the Governor and Council, with all possible expedition, to inform the chiefs of the Five Nations, that their sending messengers to Canada Avas very ill received by the Governor of New-York. Those gentlemen were charged to use all possible arguments to dissuade them from a repetition of such evil practices ; to break up their correspondence with the French ; to revive the ancient covenant chain, and renew the Governor's promises of protection ; reminding them, that the French were always first to do ihem harm. Baptist and Arnont were to be left at Onondaga to watch the motions of the Indians, and prevent their deputies from ,,'oing to Canada, and from holding any sort of correspondence vith the French ; persuading them to go to Albany as usual, and promising them, if they desired to be made Christians, the government would provide fit persons to that end, and by all means to prevent the Jesuits from remaining among them. In a council, held at Onondaga, on the 1st and 2d days of May, at which Averc present John Baptist Van Eps, and Arnont Viele, interpreters, and Johannis Schuyler, and Jo- hannis Bieeker, with chiefs and head men of the Five Nations. The Earl of Belomont's instructions were submitted for the i - Ja:!! :iir ^n -..JlL^' 288 ONONDAGA. consideration of the Five Nations, which were treated with great decorum and respect, while the belts of the Governor of Canada were received Avith contempt by the Indian depu- ties, who kicked them about with every demonstration of in- dignity, declaring they would hold no correspondence Avith the French. Dekanissora took the lead in this council on the part of the Five Nations, who at this time expressed great anxiety about the Christian religion being introduced among them, inasmuch as Jesuits had been prohibited from being ad- mitted into tlieir country. Tliey ask that assistance may be granted them against the French and western Indians, and gave assurances that they would hereafter hold the great coun- cils at Albany, and that one should be 'ndd at that place at the expiration of fourteen d;iys. They demand that goods shall be made cheaper to them, and that they shall be more lib- erally supplied witli powder and lead. At the close of this council, which lasted several days, John Baptist Van Eps was sent to Albany, as bearer of dispatchcti, and upon his presenting the demands of the Indian nations to the Governor and (Jouncil, they were acceded to and ap- proved. Upon this Islr. Robert Livnigston, Secretary of In- dian Affairs, was dispatched to Onondaga, and raakes the fol- lowing report and observations of his voyage in April, 1700, for the consideration of the Earl of Belomont, of which we here give the substance : — Many of the Maquas moved to Canada, thereby very much lessening the numbers of that nation, more than two-thirds of whom had removed. These Avere clothed and maintained by the French, Avho took particular pains to have them in- structed by their missionaries, in the Roman Catholic faith. He attributes the cause of removal to tAvo sources. First, fear, — seeing the French so formidable as to be able to sub- due them, and the English not able to render any protection. Second, neglect, — by not sending missionaries among thcni. He recommends that the Maquas should come nearer to Al- bany, and that a stockade fort should be built, and have a minister to instruct them, and provision made for him, Avith servants, tha seven or eigh He recomr grant it to th dians, that oi That the ( remove neare ing attacked miles nearer The Onont them, and avc once settled ; in converting redound not < would keep tl to Canada, ai have got of la of those in the He thinks to the Englis the passes to the mouth of Oneidas' Rive Five Nations be a key to t He recomii ti'oit,) anothe Howatoa,'' (I risons to be 1* sliould be gai employed in I itrms should 1 ven to the ch cannon, bate each carrying; Cadaraqui wa drcAT many o EARLY HISTORY. 289' servants, that he may keep a horse and caw, and be withia seven or eight hours ride of Schenectady. He recommends that the king should purchase land and grant it to those nations, to be located so near the praying In- dians, that one minister might serve for both. That the Oneidas and Onondagas should be persuaded ta remove nearer to Albany, on the river, out of the way of be- ing attacked by the French. The Onondagas to come twelve- miles nearer Oneida, on the same account. The Onondagas are much inclined to have a minister among them, and were willing to maintain him. If ministers were once settled among them, it would not only be a pious work in converting them to the Christian faith, which honor would redound not only to His Majesty and the English nation, but would keep those firm to us, draw the rest home, who are gone to Canada, and prevent " that diabolical practice ivliieh they have got of late, in poisoning one another, by tohich^neans most of those in the English interest are dispatched out of the way." He thinks it impossible to keep and secure the Five Nations to the English interest, without building forts, and securing the passes to their country. A strong fort should be built at the mouth of the Onondagas' River, where it intersects the Oneidas' River. This being well fortified, would secure all the Five Nations from the inroads of the I^'rench, by water, and lie a key to the Indian country. He recommends the building of forts at ^^ Iktroett,'.' (De- troit,) another between " Sweege,'' (Ontario) Lake, and " 0. Howawa," (Huron) Lake, and other forts westerly, and gar- risons to be kept in them. That the fort at Onondaga River, should be garrisoned with one hundred youths, partly to be employed in boating and carrying provisions. That the king's arms should be put up at all the castletS, and silver badges gi- ven to the chiefs to wear about their necks. Magazines of cannon, bateaux, clothing, provisions, &c., should be kept at each carrying place. He made complaint that the fort at Cadaraqui was not destroyed, and that the French, by threats, drew many of tlie Indians away fiom their allegiance, who. t« 290 ONONDAGA. would otliovwise be serviceable to the English in vrar. That the Governor of Canada threatens to erect forts in the coun- try of the Five Nations, one at Onyagara, (Niagara,) another at Irondequot, a tliird at Kaneenda, (near Fort Brewerton,) a fourth at Kahioghage, (Sackctt's Harbor,) a fifth at Ojcen- rudde, on a branch of tlie Mohawk River, three days jour- ney from a village of the Mohawks, called Dekanage. That the French are continually circulating reports, that the Eng- lish design to destroy the Indians by depriving them of pow- der and lead. That the English government would not clothe them, which reports were proved to be false. The Mohawks earnestly desire, that a minister maybe sent among them, and wonder why the English cannot do so as well as the French. On the 2otli of April, 1700, Col. Schuy- ler, j\Ir. Jjivingston and Mr. Ilanse, held a council at Kacli- nawaacharcgo, a fishing place eight miles north of Onondaga^ at which tlireo Onondaga sachems were present, who said, the Governor of Canada, had charged them not to hearken to Corlear ; for, if they did so, he Avould take them off by poi- son ; that Pero Bruyas, threatens tlie English with war, uidess they consent to the admission of priests among them. The commiHsioners thence proceeded to the Onondaga Castle, ami examined s?\'eral Indians, who confirmed the tidings of the chiefs below, of the acts of the French. The Five Nations again desire iho English, to erect forts in their country. Th« Earl of Belomont, tlirough the commissioners, proposes to meet tin; Five Nations, in council at Albany. Strenuous efibrts are made, to secure the favor of the Five Nations, with assurances, that they may rely on the King's protection ; sta- ting, that th'-'V were in daily expectation of liaving the King's commands fo.- building a fort in their country, and for send- ing Protestant ministei-s among them, to give them instruc- tion in the Christian religion. The commissioners are op- posed to their holding correspondence with the French, and recommend, that their dwellings should be compact, and near together, for greater security. On the 21st of June, 1700, five hundred pounds were paid IS to Mr. Cham wards buildir ence money ^ April, to the Majesty's shi (juantities of the value of Nations. Tl dians, create Dekannissi council, and complaint to had killed m they would n Five Nations The affecti the English ; with presents resolved, to 1 tre of the Fi\ to send one." " It is the are baptized our people t^ that they ma gion, as oftei through the them ministei go, unless fori ordered a for pense, and wi out a suitable Schenectady proposes to h; guage, and g poses, that tl EARLY HISTORY. 291 to Mr. Champete, to be remitted to the Earl of Belomont, to- wards building a sod fort in the Onondaga country. Subsist- ence money was paid him for the soldiers, from the 24th of April, to the 19th instant. These were shipped on board His Majesty's ship, Adair, with four hundred light fusils, suitable (quantities of lead and powder, clothing, and other valuables, to the value of eight hundred pounds, for presents for the Five Nations. This was done to remove the jealousies of the In- dians, created by the French. Dekannissora Avas the leader of the Five Nations in this council, and through him, on the 30th of June, they make complaint to Corlcar and Quider, that the western Indians, had killed many of their men, and the French had declared, they would not take the hatchet from their hands, unless the Five Nations Avould submit to the French. The affections of the chiefs were in a degree alienated from the English ; they often visited the French, who loaded them with presents. Said the chief speaker : " All of us here, are resolved, to have a Protestant minister at Onondaga, the cen- tre of the Five Nations, as soon as your Lordship shall please to send one." " It is the custom of the French, to feed and clothe, all that are baptized into the church. This is a great inducement for our people to become Papists. Our people express a wish, that they may be instructed in the Protestant Christian reli- gion, as often as they visit Albany." The Earl :snggcsted, through the commissioners, that he was in favor of sending them ministers, forthwith; but, that they were unwillin-^ to go, unless forts were first erected for their security. We have ordered a fort to be built, and a tax levied, to defray the ex- pense, and will immediately send the King's engineer, to look out a .suitable site. The Indians arc told, that Albany and Schenectady shall be fortified, and that the Earl of Belomont proposes to have Rev. Mr. Lidius, of Albany, learn their lan- guage, and get the Bible translated for their use ; and pro- poses, that they should send two or three of the sons of the 1' .n I h f'' ''m ii JM 292 ONONDAGA. Bachems of each nation, to New- York, to be educated at the King's charge. On the 26th of August, 1700, the council was reconvened at Albany, agreeable to arrangement. In a speech of some length, the Earl of Belomont reassures the five nations, of the King's protection ; laments, that the French Jesuits are so successful in making them believe the English design to de- stroy them. He informs them, that he has sent for ministers, to instruct them ; and, in the mean time, has settled Mr. Vree- man at Schenectady, who will learn their language in one year, and then be able to teach them in their own tongue. He promises them another minister before winter, and hopes they will learn the difference between the Protestant and Ro- man Catholic religions ; advises them to use all means to draw those Indians the French have seduced, back to their own country. On the 2d of August, eleven Mohawks, six Oneidas, eleven Onondagas, eleven Cayugas, eleven Senecas, and fifty war- riors, were present. Sadekanaghtie, the chief speaker, replied, that they came hither, by his Lordship's order ; that they will discredit the idle tales of the French, and are resolved, to continue firm to the crown of England, if it will protect them from their ene- mies ; that they were thankful for the promise of Protestant ministers. "The French also promise us, Jesuits, through Fathers Maricour and J. Bruyas ; but, we are determined to stick to the religion of the King." The Indians agree to furnish two hundred men, to work at the fort, for the same pay as the English, and the fort to be completed within three months ; and, that they will seize all Jesuits, and send them prisoners to Albany, for which they shall receive a hundred pieces of eight, for every Jesuit. The Earl remarked to them, " We have a law for seizing and securing all Popish priests and Jesuits ; and I would gladly put that law in execution against these disturbers of mankind." In answer fore him, an His Lords be large en( hundred En^ be added, an The India to assist in b " As to yc " that is a si women entin Colonel R country, and gas were cho ration. Whi nish provisioi fish. On thi ing list of f hundred weig of lead, two dred knives, Ions each, si bacco, &c. 31st of A steadfast in tl religion, and " God hatl shined long i and union to^ taught to be , Let us theref were liere bei v.hen you wei and cherished to you, if yoi that matters ; may not be tt EARLY HISTORY fl98 In answer, they promise to seize them, and bring them be- fore him, and prohibit their coming into the Indian country. His Lordship tohl them, that the fort at Onondaga, should be large enough to receive two hundred men ; always, one hundred English, and in case of war, a hundred Indians should be added, and cannon should be forwarded for defense. The Indians agreed to send twelve men from each nation, to assist in building the fort at Onondaga. "As to your oifcr to educate our children," said the chief, " that is a subject, not under our control ; it belongs to the women entirely." Colonel Romer was selected as the engineer to explore the country, and fix the site for a fort, and four young Ononda- gas were chosen to accompany him on his journey of explo- ration. While engaged in building, the Indians were to fur- nish provisions for the workmen, of corn, venison, pigeons and fish. On this occasion, the earl gave the sachems, the follow- ing list of presents, viz. : two hundred bags of balls of one hundred weight each, two hundred fusees, two hundred pounds of lead, two thousand flints, one hundred hatchets, two hun- dred knives, two hundred shirts, forty kegs of rum, two gal- lons each, sixty-three hats, three barrels of pipes, with to- bacco, &c. Slst of August, Sadekanaghtie answers, that they will be steadfiist in their resolution, to be instructed in the Protestant religion, and declares it in the following words : " God hath been pleased to create us, and the sun hath shined long upon us. We have lived many years in peace and union together, and we hope by your instructions to be taught to be good Christians, and to die in the Christian faith. Let us therefore go hand in hand and support each other. We were here before you, and were a strong and numerous people when you were but young and striplings. Yet we were kind and cherished you, and therefore, when we propose any thing to you, if you cannot agree to it, let us take council together, that matters may be carried on smooth, and that what we say may not be taken amiss. When we are to be instructed in the li \m 294 ONONDAGA. Protestant religion, pray let not such severity be used as the Jesuits do in Canada, who whip their proselytes with an iron chain ; cut oft" the warriors hair ; put them in prison, and when the men commit any heinous sin, the priest takes his op- portunity when they are asleep, and beats them severely. Now as a token of our Avillingness to be instructed in the Protestant religion, we give nine beaver skins." The Indians stipulate for free trade of the French at Albany, and desire that a smith may be sent among them at the same time with the minister to Onondaga ; state that Pere J. Bruyas wished to come among them as a physician and surgeon, but his request had been refused. Sadekanaghtie returned thanks for the presents and for the attention the delegates received, and the council adjourned. The following are the instructions of Lord Belomont to Col. Romer, Ilis Majesty's chief engineer in America, with respect to locatinc the fort at Onondaga. " First, you are to proceed with all possible dispatch to the Onondagas' country, where you are to find out the best place for erecting a fort for the defense and security of that nation and the other nations, if it may be so, taking in your way thither, visiting the Mohawk and Oneida Indians. Second, you are to proceed on to the Oayugas' nation, after you have well viewed and visited the Onondagas' country, and from thence to the Seneca nation. Third, you are to observe the country exactly as you go and come, with the lakes, rivers, woods, plains and hills, that you may make a report thereof to me, and that a map may be made thereof, tc be laid before His IMajesty; and you are to take a particular view of the carrying places, and to report unto me your opinion, how much they may be shortened by clearing and making the creeks navigable for boats and ca- noes. Fourth, you are to inquire out and view the salt spring. which is said to bo in the Onondagas' country, and to taste the water, and to give mc your opinion thereon. You are to inform yourself about the salmon fishing, which is so much spoken of, ant that country- the inhabitant Fifth, you eight miles be told me, blaze into it. Sixth, you as you can, bj protection, an power to then vince shall be that they neet You Avill do they continue pondence with priests and Jc are carefully I vice. Given undc tembor, A. T>. Col. Romer until he came build a fort, the ledge calk that the prope He fulfiled returned in du From this ti ered as entirel English. Eai of New-York every popish f This was prov who Avere cont * See Loudon '. EARLY HISTORY 29,' spoken of, and also about other fish in the lakca iind rivers in that country — wiiat sorts of fish — wliat i)lenty — wiiat ways tho inhabitants have to take tlio fish. Fifth, you are to go and view a well or spring, which is eiglit miles beyond the Senecas further castle, which they have told me, blazes up into a flame when a lighted coal is put into it. Sixth, you are to encourage all the Indian nations as much as you can, by assuring them of the king's care of tliem, and protection, and you are to magnify the king's greatness and power to them, and assure them that the frontier of this pro- vince shall be Avell fortified and secured in a short time, so that they need not to fear the French of Canada. You will do well to assure them of my kindness, provided they continue faithful to the king, and keep no sort of corres- pondence with the French in Canada, nor receive any of the priests and Jesuits among them. All which instructions you are carefully to observe and perform for His iNIajesty's ser- vice. Given under my hand, at Albany, the third day of Sep- tember, A. D. 1700, and in the 12th of His Majesty's reign."* (Signed) "BELOMONT." Col. Romer explored the Onondagas' country, passed down until he came to the Oneida liiver, but found no fit place to build a fort. They passed on to a place called Quichook, near the ledge called Kagnewagrage, (near Oswego,) and reported that the proper place for a fort should ])e in that region. He fulfiled his instructions in visiting other localities, and returned in due time to Albany. From this time forward, the Five Nations may be consid- ered as entirely wedded and devoted to the interests of the English. Early in 1700, the Earl Belomont and assembly of New- York had passed a law, (severe indeed,) for hanging every popish priest, who voluntarily came into the province. This was provoked by the great number of French Jesuits, who were continually tampering with the Indians. * See London Documents, vol. 13, p. 430. 296 ONONDAGA. In 1701, tho King of England gave five hundred pounds, for erecting a fort in the country of the Onondagas, and eight, hundred pounds to bo laid out in presents to the Indians. In return, tho Indians conveyed a large tract of tho Mohawk country to tho English, to prevent the necessity of submit- ting to the French, in case of war. The government of New- York, was not insensible of the importance of the Indian in- terest, and of the infinite acts of the French to seduce theui from their English alliance. The propriety of making suitable presents to the chiefs and warriors of the Five Nations, was strongly recommended ; a list made out of wliat the articles should consist, together with an estimate of tho charge. Funds were soon raised, and the presents purchased and dis- tributed. In 1709, an expedition by the American colonies, was pro- jected against Canada. The Indians of the Five Nations were engaged, through the indefatigable exertions of Col. Schuyler, to join heartily in the attempt. To preserve the friendship of the Five Nations, without which, it would have been impossible to prevent the western frontiers from becom- ing deluged in blood, he studied all tho arts of insinuating himself into their favor. He gave them all possible encourage- ment and assistance, and very much impaired his own fortune by his liberality to their chiefs. They never came to Albany but they resorted to his house, and often dined at his table. By these means he obtained an ascendency over them, which was attended with advantageous consequences to the colonies, for he could in a great degree, obviate or eradicate the preju- dices and jealousies, by which the French Jesuits were inces- santly laboring to debauch their fidelity. As a further means of securing their cooperation, Col. Schuyler, at his own pri- vate expense, visited England, accompanied by five principal chiefs of the Iroquois, to pay their respects to the Queen, Anne, who had all along taken a lively interest in the afi'airs of these people. The arrival of the five sachems, created a great sen- sation throughout the kingdom. Splendid garments were prepared for them, and great parade and solemnity attended the audience tli ted in splendid Chamberlain, v royal presence, the 19th of A I The attempt The French a New England ' at this period, their Indians, ■ for the peace o land with Col mended tho re reduction of C the northern C( apprised of thi General, sent ( the works he possible, and should be in r The western Ii Messrs. St. P took up the lu But the trca settled definiti\ ish crown bee cerned, to the Nations. There being and English, t ward and resii the Flat-Head ties they rctui who came off ; The death oi greatly aft'ecte been to them, j EARLY HISTORY, 297 the audionco they had of Iler Majesty. They were conduc- ted in spknidid (ioachos to St. James' pahice, and the Lord Chamberliiin, with much ceremony, introduced them into the royal presence. Their speech on this occasion was made on the 19th of April, 1710, and is preserved. The attempt to make attacks upon Canada proved abortive. The Frcncli and Indians ravaged the northern frontier of New England with impunity. A treaty of neutrality existed at this period, between the confederates, and the French and their Indians, whicli was the only security the colonists had for the peace of their frontier. The chiefs who went to Eng- land with Col. Schuyler, having returned, strongly recom- mended the renewal and prosecution of the scheme for the reduction of Canada, as the only effectual means of securing the northern colonies. The French in Canada, were not un- apprised of these designs. Mons. Vaudreuil, the Governor General, sent orders to the Sieur De Beaucourt, to complete the works he was engaged upon at Quebec, as speedily as possible, and commanded that all the regulars and militia should be in readiness for a march, at a moment's warning. The western Indians arrived at Montreal, at this time, under Messrs. St. Pierre and Tonti, who with the Caughnuagas, took up the hatchet in favor of the French. But the treaty of Utrecht, concluded 81st of March, 1713, settled definitively the Avhole m-itter. By this treaty, the Brit- ish crown became entitled, so far as the French Avere con- cerned, to the entire sovereignty to the country of the Five Nations. There being now a prospect of peace between the French and English, the Five Nations turned their attention south- ward and resumed hostilities against their ancient enemies, the Flat-Heads, living in Carolina, and after a scries of bat- tles they returned, and soon after adopted the Tuscaroras, who came off from that country a vanquished people. The death of Queen Ann, in 1714, was a circumstance which greatly affected the chiefs of the Five Nations. She had long been to them, as a mother to her children, and the many instan- 38 |i if i 1 it! I !:'# ' H 298 ONONDAGA, ces of her kiiulnoss and jifTcction towiirda those sons of tlip forest, wore long lioM in lively ronien»l>rance. In behalf of the Five Nations, at a council hold at Albany, •list Aiiiijii.st, 17ir>, Dt'kaiiissora coiif^ratulatod the Governor on tho aoci'sjiion of Cieor;,'o I. to tho throne, and renewed with Xroiit pomp ;ind Holniinity the aneicnt covenant eliai!! of the Five NutiiMis, promising the Hanio should he kept invi'iliihle. desiring nn uninterrupted course of prosperity and peace. The Five Nations were solicited to use their iniluenee in restoring' peace between the Catawbas and tho colony of Carolina, wh(» had been at uar. A proposition was made by the Five Nations, 2d of Sep- tember, 17 IT), at a council held at Albany, at which was pre- sent iviilian Van Rensselaer, Teter .Matthews, Jojin Cuyler, llendrick ILinson, Teter Van iJrugh, and several sachems of the Five Nations, witli Dekanissora at their head. Here tlie liead chiefs engaged to renew the war with the southern Indians, should tliey persist in continuing hostilities against the whites, and to ratify the matter, desired an appro- priation of arms and ammunilion to be made at once, that they might Itc in readiness, whenever called upon, to march in a body, and not in detached parties, and destroy them at once. The connnissioners in due time returned the answer of the Governor, stating that arms and ammunition were i-endv for them, bat were not to be delivered till such time as it beeume ne- cessary for their warriors to depart. In the mean time, the Five Nations sent eight ambassadors to tlie southern Indians to treat of peace, and had during the past year made a success- ful attack u])on the southern rebel Indians, and returned with some scalps and prisoners. Governor JTunter assures the chiefs of the Five Nations, in council assembled, ISth June, HIT, of tlie good will of his master, the king ; rencAvs the league of friendship, and allays their apprehensions about evil designs of the English towards them. In this reply, is a curious appeal to the superstitions of an inconstant peof introduction of •.'DCS on to say, ly the small po allies. But wo iif that kind, as an breaking of ries, and tho lik wo have a like i there is not one and at present i Jerseys, and wc the practieo of fn tho same c tir, that the Fr i]uat, in tho co Mipply the Inili asrninst tho sout which stops nuv country. In 1720, Wil t-rnraent of tho necessity of cul the Five Natio secure tho com friondship of tl French, in conf ahing the sea cc Mana. With t; trading house a vision t'' bo ma( the Senecas an from the Frenc This year, a I'onunissioners, uiicient friendsl Nothing coul KAIILY HISTORY, 299 inconstant people. They Imd previously complained of the iiiti'oductiun of the small pox ainoiij^ them, ami the (xovernor ;.'i)es on to Hay, " I am sorry for the loss that han happened liy the small pox to the hrethren, or any of your friends or allies. Hut wo Christians look upon that disease, and others ,if tliiit kind, as punishments for our misdeeds and sins, such ;iH lireakinii; of covenants ami promises, murders and rohbe- rics, and the like. Wliatever sh;ire we have had in these sins, \v(> have a like share in the punishment, for in I'ennsylvania tliL're is not one {Christian family that has escaped the disease ; ami at present it rages, and luis the last twelve months, in the iorspys, and we firmly believe it will, sn lonr^ as wo continue tlio practice of these sins, our plafjue will also continue." fu the same conference, Dekanlssora informs Governor Ilun- ti'f, that the French had erected a tradinji; house at lerondo- iiiiiit, in the country helonrriu-^ to tiie Senecas, where they supply the Indians with powder and lead, to pursue the war aiiJiinst the southern Indians, and also with goods ami clothing, which stops much of the peltry coming down from the upper country. In 1720, William Burnet, Esq., took upon himself the gov- rrnmcnt of the Province of New-York. He early foresaw the iK'Cossity of cultivating amicable relations with the cliiefs of the Five Nations, and concluded it was highly necessary, to secure the conunand of Lake Ontario, as well to retain the friondship of this people, as to frustrate the designs of the Froiich, in confining the English colonics to narrow limits, along the sea coast, by a chain of forts from Canada to Loui- <i;ma. With these views, he commenced the erection of a tniiling house at Oswego, in 1722, and recommended a pro- vision t' bo made for the residence of trusty persons, among the Senecas and Onondagas, to keep their minds alienated from the French. This year, a convention of several colonial governors and tommissiouers, was held at Albany, upon the renewal of the uucient friendship with the Indians. Nothing could more naturally excite the jealousy of the •If 11 800 ONONDAGA. BXSI 1 ^^r French, than the erection of a tradinpj house at Oawc^o. To secure the trade of the west, and eountoruct the inlhienco of the English ; JJaron l)e Lonj^^ueil, who had the chief command in Canada, visited the Ononihiga canton in person, for leave to erect a storehouse at Niagara, and by false representations in- duced them to consent. But the other Irocjuois nations, de- clared this act of the Onondagas void, signifying that the country in which the French were at work, belonged solely to the Seneeas, and reciuired them to desist. The French were regardless of the rights of the Senectas, but used their utmost exertiims to complete their work, wliile the Jesuit Joncaire, ex- ercised all his address among the Indians, to prevent thera from demolishing wiiat had already been erected. Joncaire was a man much esteemed by the Senccas and Onondagas, by the fornier of whom he was adopted. He spoke the Indian, as Cliarlevoix infoinis us, " Avec la plus SHbli»u' eloquence Iroquoine," and had lived with them, from the year 1700. The French completed their works at Niagara, and Governor Burnet, who was unable to accomplish anything else, erected a fort at Oswego, 1727. This necessary undertaking, was pregnant with the most important conseciuences, not only to this, but all the English colonies ; and what renders the mat- ter abundantly more creditable to the Governor, he built the fort almost wholly at his own private expense. Mons. Beaii- harnois, the Governor of Canada, who superceded Longuiel, was so incensed at the erection of a fort at Oswego, that he sent a written sunmions to the officer posted there, to abandon it. Not only so, but he sent Mons. De la Chassaigne, Governor of Tiu-ee llivers, to New-York, with the strongest remon- strances to Governor Jkruet, upon tliat head. Ilis Excel- lency answered the French Governor very }iolitely, and in a determined manner, on the eighth of August, in which he re- futed the arguments of the Frencli Governor, and remonstra- ted against his proceedings at Niagara. Colonel John Montgomery, succeeded Governor Burnet, on the lath of April, 1728. On the first of October follow- KARl-V HISTORY. 801 injj, lie hold a treaty with the Six Nations, for a renewal of the ancient covenant, Avas lavish of presents, and engaged tliciii iti the deferiHe of Oswego, Nothing could be more sea- sonable than this interview ; for the French, who eyed that important garrison, and our increasing trade there, with the most restless jealousy, prepared, early in the following spring, to diMnolish the works. (lovernor Burnet gave the lirst intcl- liircnce of tliis design, in a letter to Col. Montgomery, dated ;it Boston, .'Hstof jMiiTch, 1720; whereupon, the garrison was imiiKMliiitoly rccnfoiH^ed, whicli, together with the resolute pro- fessions of the Indians to protect the fort, induced the French [0 desist from the projecte<l invasion. From this time to the your llfA, this garrison was kept ordy by a lieutenant and tffoiity-fivc tnen. The following extract, from the journal of Conrad Weiser, nil interpreter among the united Indians of the Six Nations, furnished the author by Henry C. Van Schaack, Esq., pos- soHSOs something of consequence to this work, as showing the iiillucnce of the Five Nations, the interest manifested in their proceedings, and the importance attached to their opinions :iiid policy towards the French and English at that early day. It thus begins : — " Extract from the subscriber's journal, taken New- York, the ir)th July, 1745 :— 11th June last past, set out from Onontago for Oswego, accompanied by the chief of the nation, and about one hun- dred persons, men, women and children, going to Canada .t an invitation of the French Governor. On the 13th, about eight o'clock in the morning, we arrived at Oswego. The Indians at a distance saluted the fort, with a discharges of their guns a second time, and in return were answered with a discharge of some guns from the fort. Af- ter we had landed, the officers of the fort came down and re- ceived us kindly. They cordially invited me to the fort, and accordingly I went with them. Soon after, the Onontagas, with others of the Six United Nations, came to the fort to visit the officers. Thev were i!:.li_Mii 1; "'% 302 ONONDAGA. severally served with a drara. The Black Prince soon asked for another to drink the king's health, which was freely (riven and afterwards the same Indian, at a second visit, asked for a third, for the purpose of drinking the health of the Governor of New York. This request was also granted them. Wiiile they sat with us and smoked their pipes, they asked several questions about the war between England and France ; com- plained that their brethren, the Commissioners of Indian Af- fairs in Albany, had never told them the truth relative to tlio progress of the war. Sometimes they would inform them of the number of ships the English had taken from their enemv but never a word of the loss themselves had sustained. When on the other side, the French would always tell them whether they had lost or gained, and would never hide any thine; from the Indians. They desired to know every thing particularlv. and as they were now on their way to Canada for the puljlic good, and for the preservation of their house at Osweco, it was expedient they should be informed. They gave all tlic assurance tliat could be expected from an Indian council, that their intent was good, and that the Governor of Canada would never prevail upon them in any thing hurtful to their brethren, the English, who they knew did not lila; their going to Cana- da, which only arose from a distrust of the motives of tlieir brethren of the Six United Nations. That their brother, tlie Governor of New-York, and the Commissioners of Indian Af- fairs in Alban3% desired thorn to stay at home ; ret thcv were resolved to go, in order to convince their brethren that their a,pprehen:-.ions were groundless. They said furthei', that on their return from Canada, their brother, the Governor of New-York, should know all that passed between them and the Governor of Canada, which they positively allirmed, and pointed with their fingers towards Heaven, and said, that God heard them now speak, who would certainly punish them if they told any lies in that affair, which was of such great im- portance. After they had done speaking, I advised that the officers might go into a room by themselves, and agree upon an answer, Avhich was immediately done. The Indians Mere told by me, wi "Brethren of Canada, hear months agij, lii English, his |)e borders of Ne^ women and c!ii French carried of St. LaWi'fMK many hundreds England p^vjul the hatahc!, an that town, and them to assibt J jiblc make th; great King Ge which say ti);it. great guns a.;rl to be mast -vs < weeks. But Lti it for truth. As to tlio tal from the Frenc ports of Bo.-toi of tliem, and S( taken from n/,, ilom hear of th commissioners <. sometime aftcrv was no more lo( or a cow, sin-'o according to tin got the better money, which -a As for their ; thing as stoppir We believed EARLV 11 1 STORY 303 told by mo, v.-ith the approbation of the officers, as follows : '• Brethren of the United Six Nations, now on your Avay to '■ Canada, hear : — When the King of Franco, about twelve j months ai^o, first proclaimed war against your brethren, the |: I English, hiri people immediatoly cut off a little town upon the borders of Now England, which Avas settled with ploughmen, ivomen and children, who knew nothing of the war, and the French carried off some prisoners to an island, near the mouth of St. Lawrence River, where they have a strong town, with many hundroli uf soldiers, besides the inhabitants. The New England i)oo;)le, therefore, made thcm:;;elves ready to return the hatahet, and went with an array of their people to take that town, and some of the great king's ships of war went with them to as:U:;f; them in their undertaking, and they will if pos- sible make tliat town, and the whole island, sihjoet to the great King George, over the Avaters ; and we Iiave had letters which say tliit your brethren, the English, have taken several ;.a'eatguns and a strong fortification already, and are in hopes to be masi,;rs of the chief town and whole island in a few weeks. But ihis news must be confirmed, before we receive it for truth. As to tlio taking and losing of ships, Avhen any are taken from the Erencli in North America, they are brought into the ports of Boston, New-York or Piiiladelphia, and wo soon hear of them, and :x'e tliesn with our eyes. As to those that are taken from ui, tliey are carried into Frencii ports, and wo sel- dom hear of thonxtill after a twelve montli, iind tiicrefore the commissioners could not give a certain account of them, till sometime afterwards. Besides, the taking or losing of a ship was no more looked upon than to hear of the death of a horse m- a cow, sin.-e so many have been taken on both sides. But according to t:io calculation made by wise men, the English got the better a great deal, considering they got the most money, which was what the Europeans fight for. As for their going to Canada, there was at this time no such thing as stopping them. We believed what they said to be the truth, and that it was V iist 4)04 ONONDAGA. for the public good, and for the preservation of their house at Oswego. We wished them a good journey and a safe re- turn, and concluded I would inform the Governors of New- York and Pennsylvania of the promise they had made, with which they were pleased. The Indians desired that their brethren might give them a meal of victuals, according to what poor Indians do to the council of the United Nations, on their travels, and to the white people themselves. But the officers had been at some charge already. A gallon of rum at Oswego is two dollars, and four or five gallons had been spent, to serve all the Indi- ans going to Canada Avitli two drams each. They were at a loss how to do, but gathered about three bags of peas, about thirty pounds of pork, and four or five loaves of bread, and gave it to the Indians. They returned thanks, and were well pleased. But it was not sufficient for one quarter part of them to serve for one meal. They complained to me of the covet- ousness of their brethren of Albany. That they reaped a great profit of thousands of pounds at the house of Oswego, but would never give them a meal of victuals at Oswego." The 14th of June, the Indians came again to the fort. I treated them with a dram, and gave them a two gallon cask of rum on their journey, with which to drink the health of the King and Queen of Great Britain, in Montreal, after their arrival. I presented their chief speaker with a watch- coat, shirt, and a pair of stockings. The 15th I set out again from Oswego, for Onontago, where I arrived on the 16th. The 17th, spent one day with Cathkerrowano and Canasa- tego, the very chiefs of that nation, who staid at home, to meet the Crovernor of New- York, in Albany^ (as they said,) .some time this fall. The 18th, set out for the Mohawks' country; passed through the Tuscaroras' and Oneidas' countries, and arrived at Canashocany." The remainder of the Journal relates to several interviews had with the Mohawk chiefs, at which interesting speeches were made- of the Engl Onondaga— allies the E While the and their ] Nations we: over one hu many of whc cases, were early part oi the Satanas, on the south considerablv age. After most implacf long and blc Quatoghies, perly, occupi and Ontario year 1052. confederates, the French, \ nation of thi sanguinary ci were comple since been he ited the soutl hilated by th( thus became i the western \ part of the S and adopted, tied amono; tl CD Tutelos, who country. Th age — they sp( EARLY HISTORY. 305 were made— during which, the interpreter explains the policy of the English towards the Indians, the object of his visit to Onondaga— beseeching the Indians to remain faithful to their allies the English, which they promise to do. ♦ While these events were passing, relative to the Iroquois and their French, Dutch and English neighbors, the Five Nations were engaged nearly the whole time, (a period of over one hundred years,) in wars with various Indian tribes, many of whom they conquered ; the remnants of which, in many cases, were adopted and were settled among them. In the early part of their wars with the Adirondacks, they conquered the Satanas, a feeble nation, whom they adopted and settled on the southren shore of Lake Ontario, which conquest added considerably to their numbers, and raised their drooping cour- age. After the overthrow of the Adirondacks, ever their most implacable enemies, with whom they had carried on a long and bloody war, they subdued the Hurons, called also Quatoghies, who lived north of the great lakes, or more pro- perly, occupied that groat peninsula between Lakes Superior and Ontario. This conquest was accomplished about the year 1652. Many of those who survived, settled among the confederates, while others who continued their attachment to the French, settled near Quebec. The Eries, called also the nation of the Cat, were wholly destroyed after a long and sanguinary contest, which closed about the year 1654. They were completely extirpated, and no remnant of them has since been heard of in existence. The Andastes, who inhab- ited the south eastern shore of Lake Erie, were nearly anni- hilated by the Senecas, about the year 1672. The Iroquois thus became masters of their lands, comprising what is now the western part of the State of New- York, and the eastern part of the State of Ohio, besides these, had been conquered and adopted, the Kasoongktas, who were subdued by, and set- tled among the Onondagas ; and again, a small tribe, called Tutelos, who were conquered and settled in the Cayugas' country. These last were supposed to be of Winnebago line- age—they spoke a harsh, rough sounding dialect. In 1712, SO i' Jtii »i I'll :.J.. 306 ONONDAGA. a terrible Indian war broke out in South Carolina, in which colony the Tuscaroras then resiiled, and bore a distinguished part. They were finally subdued, after immense loss to them- selves, which was computed to be over one thousand warriors in a single campaign. They soon after this disaster, abandoned their country and united themselves with the Iroquois, who assigned them a portion of their territory, near the Oneida Lake, in the Oneidas' country ; after which, they removed to western New- York. The Scnecas gave them lands on the great ridge, in the present county of Niagara. Here they have since continued to dwell, having added to their posses- sions, by an early purchase from the Holland land company, made with the avails of the sale of their reservation in North Carolina. They number at present, in New- York, (1848,) little less than three hundred souls. A portion of them have joined the Mohawks in Canada. The acquisition of the Tus- caroras to the Five Nations, gave them the nominal title of the Six Nations. They are supposed by some, to be of the lineage of the Iroquois, speaking a similar dialect. In 1722, the strength of the Six Nations was further augmented by their reception among them, of a considerable body of Nicariaguas. Their residence had been on the north of Macki- naw. It has been said* that about the year 1765, the Messa- aagnes were admitted as a seventh nation. They lived adjacent to Lakes Huron and Superior. They were about two thou- sand in number. This connection, however, (if ever formed,) must have been broken oft', for there is at present no traditioD imong the Onondagas, of such an event. Hostilities again broke out between the French and Eng- lish, in 1744 ; but, by the treaty of Aix la Chapelle, signed 30th of April, 1748, it was stipulated, that all conquests made during the war, by either party, should be restored, entirely on the principle, status ante helium. But this had not the effect to remove the controversies previously existing between the eolonies of England and France, respecting their bounda- • Drake's Book of the Indians. EARLY HISTORY. 807* ries. The English had taken possession of the Atlantic coast, and considered themselves, as having a preemptive right to all the country west to the racific. The French settlements Btretching from Canada on the north, to Louisiana on the Bouth, seriously interfered with those of the English. Canada and Louisiana united, would have formed, as has been aptly said " a bow, of which the English colonies would have consti- tuted the string ;" and France insisted on confining them to the eastern side of the Allcghanies. The contest was for the extensive and fertile valley of the great Mississippi. At this period, the white population of the English colonies, is supposed to amount to upAvards of a million souls, while that of the French, scarcely amounted to sixty thousand. Notwithstand- ing this disparity in numbers, advantages inclined in favor of the P'rench. Their whole power was concentrated under one governor. The genius of the people and the government was military, and great reliance was placed on the Indians, who, with the exception of the Five Nations, were firmly attached to the French cause. On the other hand, the British colonies were divided into distinct governments, unaccustomed to act in concert, already jealous of the power of the crown ; besides, they had for a long time remained in peace, consequently^ unused to arras, but they still continued their alliance with the Five Nations,, who were ready and powerful auxiliaries. Such was the po- sition of these rival nations in America, at the opening of the campaign, in 1755. General Braddock this year arrived from England ; expeditions Avere planned against Fort du Quesne, forts Niagara, Frontenac, and Crown Point ; and another by the Massachusetts colony, against Nova Scotia. That against du Quesne proved disastrous, in the defeat of General Brad- dock. The two northern expeditions, though not so disas- trous as that against Fort du Quesne, were neither of them entirely successful. Although General William Johnson ob- tained the victory over the Baron Dieskau, the advantages were not as great as might have been anticipated, or would have been, had the victory been more complete. While Gene- IT J'f| rvl ■I- ill H!i -.iLi! 308 ONONDAGA ral Shirley experienced so many delays, that he accomplished nothing against Niagara, but to leave a garrison at Oswego and return to Albany. In the expedition under General Johnson, the warriors of the Five Nations, principally Mo- hawks and Onoudagaa, under the renowned King Ilcndrick rendered signal service to the English, and sustained in a dis- tinguished manner, their former character for courage and bravery. The Onondagas were ready with their whole availa- ble force, to assist General Shirley, and only waited an oppor- tunity to prove themselves every ^vay worthy the conlideace and consideration of their friends. The Marcjuis do Montcalm, who succeeded General Dies- kau in command of the army of Canada, in the mean time advanced with five thousand men, including Europeans, Cana- dians and Indians, against Oswego. After a siege of three days, in which Colonel Mercer, commander of the garrison, was killed, the whole force capitulated, and were made prison- ers of war, and the forts, in the presence of the Onondagas demolished. A respectable naval armnmcnt, then on the lake fell also into the hands of tbe enemy. Tlie following year, 175". 'he successful and vigilant Montcalm, laid siege to Fort William Henry, v.-ith so much vigor, that the garrison under Colonel Munroo capitulated, after an investment of six days, surrendering their militai-y stores, and material of war, stipu- lating that they should not serve against the King of the French, or his allies, for the space ef eighteen months. The campaign of 1757 closed, leaving the affairs of the colonies of Great Britain, in America, in a more gloomy situ- ation than at any former period. By the reduction of Fort William Henry, tlie French ac- quired possession of Lakes Champlain and George, and, by the destruction of Oswego, secured the dominion of the Lakes, Ontario and westward to the waters connecting with the Mis- sissippi. The campaign of 1758, opened with brighter pros- pects, although at first, it seemed to forbode anything like success. General Abercrombie was repulsed before Ticon- deroga, with great loss ; but, to make amends for this, Colo- nel Bradstri tenac, with i all the soutl principal de armed vessel razed the fc easily remov to Oswego ; with unexan yielded to tl; 17')!>. The same Lake Ontari had scarcely had been le rously attacl repulsed Avitl flict. Mean and investei the siege, th upon which A battle was lish were vie by Avhich th( The authc expedition, i book of Ser Highlanders the archives H. R. Scho ance to inser lished. " On the i Johnson, wit pedition agai 19, 1759, af Boats, baj EARL Y HISTORY. 8D9 nel Bradstreet, in the mcth of August, took the Fort Fron- tenac, with its larpfc miigizine of military stoves, from which all the south-wostcrn posts drew their supplies, it being the principal depot for articles designed for the Indians. Nine armed vessels also fell into the hands of the English. Having razed the fort, and demolished such stores as could not be easily removed, Colonel Bradstreet recrossed the Lake Ontario to Oswego ; the expedition throughout having been attended with unexampled success. Ticonderoga and Crown Point, yielded to the English arms, under General Amherst, in July, IToD. The same month, July, General Prideaux embarked on Lake Ontario, with an army destined against Niagara. He had scarcely departed from Oswego when that place which had been left in command of Colonel Haldimand, was vigo- rously attacked by a body of French and Indians, who were repulsed Avith considerable loss, after a somewhat severe con- flict. Meanwhile, General Prideaux proceeded to Niagara, and invested that fortress in due form. In the progress of the siege, the General was killed by the bursting of a cohorn, upon which the command devolved upon General Johnson. A battle was fought on the 24th of July, in which the Eng- lish were victorious. A capitulation Avas immediately signed, by Avhich the garrison became prisoners of Avar. The author having in hand, a manuscript relative to this expedition, it being no other than that of the original orderly book of Serjeant John Degarimo, of the 44th regiment of Highlanders, company of Capt. John McKenzie, found among the archives of the NcAv-York Historical Society, presented by H. R. Schoolcraft, Esq. We think it of sufficient import- ance to insert entire, inasmuch as it has never before been pub- lished. " On the 21st of June, 1750, Gen. Prideaux and Sir William Johnson, AA'ith the army, set out from Oneida Lake, on an ex- pedition against Niagara, Avhich terminated at OsAvego, August 19, 1759, after the capture of that post. Boats, bateaux, &c., were prepared for the conduct of the ri «10 ONONDAGA. whole army. Among which arc mentioned, masons, sawyers bricklayers, wheelwrights, colliers, carpenters, house and ship! joiners, turners, blacksmiths, gunsmiths, &c., &c. Orders were given, to have all the bateaux ready in three divisions, each one to be numbered, as soon as a sufficient number of them shall be assigned to each. During the march, tho most particular regard was paid to order and precison in dis- cipline. On tho 23d, the army passed Fort Brcwington, and encamped at Three Rivers. On the 24th, at 5 o'clock, A. M. all were ordered to bo in readiness for the March. The pi- quet guard, and quarter guard, to march along shore. 24th; arrived at the great falls and encamped, and re- mained there the 25th and 26th. On the 27th, arrived at Oswego, and were engaged in procuring provisions, 28th, 29th and 30th, and in making preparations for the march. July 1st, moved on to Osenodus Bay ; next day moved on to Nidenindequeat, and were there through the 3d at Prideaui Bay on the 4th, and at Johnson's Creek, 5th, 6th, and 7th, and before Niagara, from the 8th of July, to the 2d of Au- gust ; during which time, it was duly invested and taken ; af- ter which, the army returned to Oswego, on the 6th. The journal closes with the 19th." Another journal by the same hand commences with a col- lection of troops from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New- Hampshire, Connecticut, and New- Jersey, with the 44th Highlanders, under command of Colonel Woodhull, and their march to the frontiers of New- York, being at Albany, May 3d, 1760, and terminating at a camp near Fort Ontario, July 16th, 1760. These troops were nearly all collected by the 1st of June, and were ready to proceed on the 9th. On the 10th, they were mustered at Schoharie ; June 15th, encamped at Willihea ; 10th at Frey's ; 19th to 29th at Canajoharia ; Ju- ly Ist at Fort Stanwix, and at Fort Brewington on July 6th. The journal thus goes on, "July 6th, 1760, camp at Fort Brewington. No man to presume to damage any thing be- longing to the Indians, on penalty of receiving one Imndred lashes, without benefit of court martial. The officers com- manding com bateaux, with what species. stay with it a that man is t of each com] o'clock, to th Camp at I The third board their b at ten o'clocl mediately. Camp at 1 R. 0. Ai such prisoner Capt. Yates, Cannon, mei The army They arri\ closes with tl nal gives the turn of Gen< close of the ending at So From a m Library of tl lowing relati dagas, &c. : July 17, 1 Brewerton,* chem of Gai der to suppo of the dearn &c. After ' ties had beei * It iB « little ia spelled Brewi EARLY HISTORY. 811 manding companies to give in a return of -what number of bateaux, with the number of barrels each will contain, and of what species. That a man shall be assigned to each boat to stay with it all night, and keep her always bailed out, and that man is to be answerable for it. A return of the state of each company to be given in to-morrow morning, at six o'clock, to the serjeant major. Camp at Fort Brewington, July 7ih, 17G0. The third New-York Regiment to bo ready to embark on board their bateaux at half past nine o'clock, and to push oflF at ten o'clock. The Serjeants to see that their men cook im- mediately. Camp at Three River Rift, July 8. R. 0. A regimental court martial to sit immediately, to try such prisoners as shall be brought before them, consisting of Capt. Yates, President ; Lieuts. Deneyck, Vrooman, Hanson, Cannon, members. The army proceed to Oswego Falls, and again encamped." They arrived at Oswego on the 9th July, and the journal closes with the army at Oswego, July 20th. The same jour- nal gives the orderly's record of the same regiment of the re- turn of General Bradstreet's army from Detroit, 1764, at the close of the Pontiac war, beginning at Sandusky Bay, and ending at Schlosser and Niagara Falls, Nov. 13, 1764. From a manuscript journal of Sir William Johnson's in the Library of the New York Historical Society, we glean the fol- lowing relative to Indian councils, held with the Oneidas, Onon- dagas, &c. : July 17, 1761, Sir William Johnson having arrived at Fort Brewerton,* west end of Oneida Lake, Sequarisero, chief sa- chem of Gauayhsaragey, came to his tent to buy some pow- der to support his family in hunting, and complained greatly of the dearness of goods and the low prices of beavers, furs, &c. After which Sir William asked him whether any depu- ties had been sent by the Five Nations in the spring or sum- * It is a little singular that at this time, and at nil times, the name of this place is spelled Brewington and Brewerton— the latter is right. ''I 312 ONONDAGA mor, either by the Indians living about Detroit, or to tnj other nations of Indians. To wliich ho answered, that there were some sent by tiio Senecas, and that the Cayu^ruH wc-o to have sent some also, but that on the arrival of the Cayuga Indians in the Scnocas' country, ho was toM it would not be prudent to go so far alone, whereupon they proceeded without him. To confirm what had on a previous occasion been said, tho journal continues, '' I then sent by an Indian a string of wam- pum to desire the Brant, and other chiefs of the Onondagas, to meet us at Oswego in order to talk over the business with them, as also to deliver the medals sent by (Jeneral Amherst, to all those of that nation, who ai^eompanied tho army to Montreal the last year, but on mentioning some particular chiefs. Sir William was informed by tho Tuscarora sachem that they were gone, on tho Governor of Pennsylvania's invi- tation, to attend a meeting of deputies of that'jjrovince, ad- ding that this nation and the Oneidas refused sending a depu- tation thither. Sunday, July 10th, Sir William Johnson arrived at Oswe- go. On the 20tli, several Messasauguas and other Indians waited on Sir William, whom he informed of the cause of his going to Detroit. Two o'clock P. M. Two Onondagas arrived and acquaint- ed Sir William that forty of their nation were on their way to meet him agreeable to his summons." At a meeting held at Oswego, Tuesday, July 21st, 1761 present, Sir William Johnson, Part., Maj. Duncan, Capt. Gray,' and several officers of the r).5th regiment, Lieut. Guy Johnson! acting as Secretary, with interpreters, and upwards of forty sa- chems and warriors of Onondaga. Sir Willlnm opened the con- ference by welcoming them to Oswego, and after the usual cere- mony of condolence for their friends slain at Niagara, acquaint- ed them with the reasons for his not calling them to a gen- eral council, since his return from Canada ; Informed them of the cause of his journey to Detroit, and of his discovery of the evil intentions and proceedings of tho Indians, and cautioned thr ho expected t ing which ho hunting and i lish during hi idle reports w ing to create dians. He t gas, and del General Ami they withdra^ returned, wlu turning man through tho i of wampum ; ly been given go against Ni " Brother army to the s ing with our of tho rest of trade, so as likewise prom ort ourselves whicii we cli you to Nlagai the wounds wl we find ourse] people in trad ral posts. Tl our expectatic of much unea meet with bet we shall be Ir told us Avoulc Selt given. "We are si KARLY HISTORY. 818 cautioned thorn againHt haviiif^ any hand in them, and that ho ox|)(!CtiMl tlic Five Nation.s would have attended the nicot- ing which he Wiis },'oiii<^ to call ; advised them to nund their huntinj^ and trade, and to hohave friendly towards the Eng- lish duriii;^ his absence, and by no means to pay re^jard to any idle reports which mi;^'ht bo cireidated about tiio country, tend- ing to create a misumlerstandinf; between the English and In- dians. He then presents a, belt to the cliiei' of the Ononda- gas, and delivers iti groat pomp the medals forwanh'd by General Amherst, to all the chiefs of that nation, after which they withdraw to consider an answer. In about an hoin- they returned, whereupon the chief speaker stood up, and after re- turning many thanks for what Sir William had said, wont through the usual ceremony of condolence, gave three strings of wampum ; then pulling out a large belt wiiich had former- ly been given them by 8ir William, when they were called to go against Niagara, he proceeded : " lirother Warraghiyagey — On your setting out with the army to the seige of Niagara, you then promised us a meet- ing with our nation. That after the reduction thereof and of the rest of the country, you would be enabled to regulate trade, so as to reduce the exhorbitant price of goods, and likewise promised us good treatment forever, should we ex- ert ourselves in conjunction with the army against tlio enemy, which wo cheerfully agreed to, and accordingly conducted you to Niagara, and assisted you in taking it, as a salve for the Avounds which you had received. Notwithstanding Avhich, we find ourselves very much wronged and ill treated by your people in trade, and frequently ill used, without cause, at seve- ral posts. This proceeding, so contrary to your promises and our expectations, has greatly alarmed us, and been the cause of much uneasiness. Wo therefore entreat you, that we may meet with better usage from the English in future, otherwise we shall be induced to believe what the French have so often told us would be the consequence of your reducing tliem. Belt given. " We are surprised, to find you are going to call a counctt W tli'f I ■ -^ m lLi 21''* h| ll rll 314 ONONDAGA. at Detroit, as you know that the chief and only council fire burns at your house, excepting that whicli we have at Onon- daga. Besides, the Avestern Indians, as aggressors, oucrht rather to have attended on you. You recommend to us to mind our hunting and trade, and to live on good terras with our brethren at the several posts, than which nothint^ could be more agreeable to our inclinations. But Ave are sorry to observe that your brethren do not seem desirous of living on any good terms with us, from the frequent acts of violenco offered, as well to us as to our women, and also from their hindering us from fishing or hunting about the posts, although in our own country, and frequently taking from us what we have killed or taken, contrary to promise and the friendship subsisting between us and you. We therefore beg, brother, that you Avill interpose and see justice done us — that Ave may have a free and reasonable trade, Avith powder allowed us, and that there may be, also, interpreters fixed at the several posts, who may prevent any future misunderstanding, Avhich otherAvise might happen, through our not understanding each other's language. " Brother — With regard to Avhat you spoke to us, concern- ing the intelligence sent from Detroit, and to your kind cau- tions to us on that head, Avhereby you advised us to avoid en- tering into any such idle project, Ave can truly answer, that we knoAV nothing of any such plot, neither are Ave, or shall re get drunk and suffer ourselves to grow giddy, being deter- mined to hold fast the coA^enant chain, and hope you will do the same on your part, so that Ave may both live together, till we become gray. This belt, Avhich you have delivered us, shall be sent to the soA'eral nations, our allies, to acquaint them Avith Avhat you say, Avith our resolutions thereon, Avhich we hope Avill be a precedent for them to follow, and Avhen they are all acquainted therewith, you Avill receive a belt in return. "Brother — We esteem it a great favor that the general hath thought proper to remember those Indians who attended him to Monti eal last year, by rcAvarding them Avith medals, and we return you thanks for delivering them to us, assuring arose at t nations rt may with to their w you must guished tt war. " Broth adaeta, w spring, wl: kettles, a then goinf you will i been grea chase clot " Broth came here leturn. ^ much the; which ren the maint( it, even fo wampum, have a coi until your to be forg In replj instances out in no length ass ment of tl of the On &c., on pr ceptable t Miruii^ EARLY HISTORY. 315 you that you may always depend on our remaining true allies to the English, and although, through misunderstanding which arose at that time, several of our and of the other Indian nations returned back, after the taking of Fort Levis, you may with great truth acquaint the general that it was owing to their want of zeal and inclination to serve the English, as you must know, that several of them have particularly distin- guished themselves in your cause, during all the rest of the war. " Brother — Here is one of our people present, named Kan- adaeta, who had his hunting house plundered (during the spring, while he was absent hunting) of thirty buckskins, two kettles, a gun, axes and other things, by some of the English, then going to Fort William Augustus. He therefore hopes you will inquire into it and obtain some redress, as he has been greatly reduced thereby, not having wherewithal to pur- chase clothing. " Brother — I now speak at the request of the warriors, who came here to see and wish you a good journey, and safe return. And I am, in their names, to let you know how much they are distressed for want of powder for hunting, which renders them unable to obtain skins for trade, and for the maintenance of their families, not being able to procure it, even for their money. They therefore, by this bunch of wampum, desire you to consider their wants, by letting them have a couple of casks of powder, with a proportion of ball, until your return, which they shall look upon as a favor never to be forgotten." In reply. Sir William reminded the Onondagas of the several instances of their perfidy, bad faith and fickleness, and deals out in no unmeasured terms, threats and rebukes; but at length assumes an evener tone, and finally threatens punish- ment of the marauders of either party, and grants the wishos of the Onondaga chief, by promising him the powder, balls, &c., on promise of future amendment, which proved very ac- ceptable to the Onondagas. 316 ONONDAGA. Sir William continues his journey, and holds other confer- ences at Niagara and Detroit. In September, 1759, the English forces, provincial and re- gular, with a large body of Mohawk and Onondaga Indians, were concentrated at Quebec, under General Wolfe, which even- tuated in the decisive battle on the plains of Abraham, and the surrender of the fortress and city of Quebec. In this im- portant battle, fell the illustrious commanders of both English and French ; General Wolfe and M. de Montcalm. Deaths more glorious, and attended with circumstances more pictu- resque, exhibiting more nobleness of soul and heroic fortitude, can scarcely find parallels in the annals of history. With this event, fell the power of the French in Canada. By the treaty of peace, which succeeded in 1762, the French King ceded to Great Britain, forever, all the territory to which France was entitled, on the eastern bank of the Mississippi, except the Island of New-Orleans. The cessation of hostilities between these two great powers gave also rest to the warriors of the Six Nations ; but, not- withstanding their favor was courted by the English, the ser- vices they had rendered to the colonies were of too import- ant a character not to be substantially remembered ; and, even at this late day, it becomes us, not to forget, in our reminis- cences of the past and our felicitations of the present, those distinguished braves who so freely shed their blood for their English allies ; nor feel reluctance in bestowing the due meed of praise to those heroic warriors and brilliant orators, who figured alike conspicuously in our history and their own. The great council fire for the transaction of business between the English and Six Nations had been usually lighted at Al- bany ; while that, for theiv own affairs, shone abroad with un- diminished lustre, from their time honored Onondaga. Had it not been for the long continued friendship of these distin- guished people, and the inestimable services rendered by them in the English wars with the French, it is not at all certain that the English would have been successful ; and it is nossille. if not probabl( the French. After th( the mother which at fii happiness, i storm gave ■ Lexington, ; at Bunker I came the p possible, of were unsucc neutral part in their cabi part against The Onoii war path, ar to the crown treated thoii In the treat_^ there was n( the legislatu them from a but, by the k the rash act the Six Nati( at Fort Sta sented by th part of the 1 *In 175S, tli( Johnson and otli title of the exten lakes. The com triu't oC upwards Brotherton. Th coininissii)ners, n Raritan. The ex The Mohawks present, to the m EARLY HISTORY. 8i*r not probable, that the colonics would have been governed by the French.* After the conclusion of this war, the difficulties between the mother country and the colonies, thickened. The clouds which at first cast their faint shadows over the sun of our happiness, at length thickened to a tempest, till the awful storm gave warning of its approach, at Boston, Concord and Lexington, and finally burst forth in its most portentous fury at Buiij^er Hill. Foreseeing a long and angry contest, it be- came the policy of the colonies to secure the assistance, if possible, of the Indians occupying the frontier. In this they were unsuccessful, and failed even to engage them to act a neutral part, except the Oneidas, a portion of whom lay idle in their cabins, while the Mohawks bore a most distinguished part against the cause of freedom. The Onondagas, Cayugas and Senecas, were often on the war path, and rendered, at different periods, essential service to the crown. After the Avar of the Revolution, the English treated their Indian allies with great indifference and neglect. In the treaty between the United States and Great Britain, there was no stipulation made in behalf of the Indians, and the legislature of Kew-York manifested a disposition to expel them from all their territory, within the bounds of the state ; but, by the kind offices of Generals Washington and Schuyler, the rash act was not consummated. A grand council of all the Six Nations, for the purpose of making a treaty, was called at Fort Stanwix, in 1784. The several nations were repre- sented by the chiefs and warriors. The commissioners on the part of the United States were Oliver Wolcott, Richard But- * In 17')S, the governors of Pennaylvania and New-Jersey, with Sir William Johnson and other agents, coacluded a treaty with the Indians, conveying the title of the extensive territory lying between the Apalacliian Mountains and tha lakes. The commissioners, with the eonsent of the Indian attorneys, purciiased a tra(tt of upwards of thirty til lusand acres of land, which received the name of Br.nherton. Tiio dned was taken in tlie name of the Xcw-Tersev gLivernor and commissioners, and their heirs, in trust for tlie natives in New-Jersey, soiith of the Raritan. The council Ijegan on the blh of October and continued to the '^Gth. The Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas, Senecas, and otiier nations wera present, to the number of (Ive hundred and seven. (Holme's Annals, II. p. 86.) lil Wti S18 ONONDAGA. ler and Arthur Lee. A definitive treaty was made, giving to each a suitable reservation of land, except the Mohawks, who had accepted a proposal from General Ilaldimand to sel^ tie in Canada. By this treaty, they were shorn of a goodly portion of their valuable lands, their power was destroyed, and their martial spirit completely broken. The result of this negotiation gave great dissatisfaction to the chiefs and war- riors of the Five Nations. They had fought for their favorite ally and been conquered ; they had severally been assaulted in their own country and been defeated ; they had raised the hatchet in defense of their homes, it had fallen unavenged and harmless to the ground, and they sat down mournfully to brood over their fallen fortunes. The western Indians had shared little in the trials of the confederates ; they continued their murderous incursions on the defenseless inhabitants of Ohio, Pennsylvania and Kentucky. The downfallcn confede- rates, could not but sympathize with them. Brant, the great captain of the Five Nations, the master spirit of their plans, urged them on to war. Bands of Senecas and Onondagas, under taeir favorite chiefs, were present with the MohaAvks, and assisted in the successive defeats of Ilarmcr and St. Clair, and manfully bore arms on the memorable day on which the tide of victory Avas turned in favor of the American arms, wielded by the brave men commanded by the gallant Wayne. Olieknugh and Oundiaga, of the Onondagas were there, the former left his bones to bleach on the plains of the Miamis ; the latter returned with a few of his heroic braves, to tell the tale of their avoc, and to teach a lesson of humiliation and submission, to their surviving brethren, spirit broken and disconsolate. After this defeat, the Onondagas saAV clearly the folly of cherishing any longer a hostile disposition towards tlicir im- mediate neighbors. They settled down in quiet, determined to submit with fortitude to their fate. Their numbers had been fatally thinned, they had gained nothing in the late con- test but honor, and even that was forgotten and neglected by their allies. Many had moved westward in disappointment and disgust, and the scattering few who still lingered around EARLY HISTORY. 319 their ancient council-fire, brooded in gloomy despondency over their fallen greatness. By degrees their confidence was re» stored, a season of rest gave them renewed vigor, a new gen- eration brought with it a returning spirit of national pride. The traditions of their ancient grandeur, awakened in the bo- soms of the maturing braves a spirit of martial independence. Again they seemed to be themselves, and when the sound of war's alarms was heard on the frontier of New-York in 1812, the Onondagas were ranged for battle, and gave decisive evi- dence of their prowess, on the plains of Chippewa, and at Lundy's Lane, under the gallant Generals Brown, Scott, Rip- ley and Porter. Their leader was lloh-a-hoa-qua, (La Fort,) father of the late head chief bearing the latter appellation. Ti-ungk-ta-ko-nae, (Capt. George,) was his companion in arms. The former was slain in the battle of Chippewa, on the mem- orable 6th of July, 1814, and his remains were buried with military honors roav fne spot Avhere he closed his earthly ca- reer, and there still remain, in a foreign land, " unwept, un- honored and unsung ;" no marble tells their resting place. At the approach of a contest at arms in 1814, General Por- ter, who had the confidence of the New-York Indians in a re- markable degree, came down to Ononda>i,?. and solicited their cooperation in the war. A council of the nation was held at Cayuga, at which it was resolved to aid the Americans. A subsequent council of all the Six Nations was called at Buffa- lo. The Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas and Senecas, were represented, — the Mohawks did not appear, — they had al- ready pledged themselves to their ancient ally, the crown of Great Britain, The Mohawks on all previous occasions had furnished the chief war captain of the confederacy. A grave question tirose in this council, as to which nation should now be entitled to this distinguished honor. Claims were set up by all the nations represented ; debate ran high, none seemed willing to yield the point, till at length Sagoyawatha, (Red Jacket,") with a magnanimity unparalleled, arose in the majes- ty of his might, and eloquently declared his sentiments in fa- vor of the Onondagas. He was seconded by various other '• M m 'II Hist ■ 5» 'Kit '1-ilPi > ! 320 ONONDAGA. chiefs who ha(i not yet spoken, and Iloh-a-hao-qua, was select- ed. He manfully responded to the call, saying, " I am ready to lead the brave men of our nations where duty calls, and if necessary, to shed the last drop of my blood for the good of the cause we have now embraced." Under their newly select- ed leader, the Onondagas and Senecas crossed the lines, pre- pared for battle, and honorably sustained themselves through out the fight. Previous to his death, Hoh-a-hoa-qua had a presentiment of its approach. He said to those around him, " I shall perish here ; this ground will be red with my blood '' a prediction literally fulfilled. ' The Onondagas followed the fortune of war, and at Lun- dy's Lane were engaged as scouts, not entering into the hot- test of that sanguinary conflict. These were the last battle- fields on which the Onondagas Avere engaged. Their services on the frontier and in an enemy's country, (they claim) have never been duly appreciated, and the scanty pittance meted for their services, is but a common illustration of the grati- tude and magnanimity of powerful nations towards the weaker. _ By the treaty of Fort Stanwix, held 1784, the several na- tions gave hostages for their good behavior, and were confined and restricted to the lands then actually occupied by thorn re- spectively, being all the country west of the " Old Property Line," except certain reserves at Oswego and along the Nia- gara River. Subsequently in 1788, the Onondagas, by a treaty made at Fort Stanwix, Avith the State of New York, relinquished all title to their lands, except about ten miles' square around their castle and contiguous to it. They also yielded one half of their right to all the salt springs on their reservation, and eventually surrendered the whole. For these benefits, seventeen hundred dollars was paid in hand, and an annuity of five hundred dollars was granted them, which was regularly paid by the State of New- York. By the treaty of Onondaga of 1793, and the treaty of Cayuga Ferry, 1795, and the treaties of Albany of 1817 and 1822, their territory was further reduced to its present limits, about three and a half miles long by two miles broad, for an equivalent by an graces which scale of ratio some worthy may be done, they now do, i individual anc p EARL Y HISTORY. 321 increased annuity of one thousand dollars. This domain they at present occupy in comparative comfort. Their present an- nuity is twenty-four hundr'ed dollars ; the resident population, three hundred and thirteen ; emigrated to the Alleghany and Cataraugus Reservations, some two hundred. There arc also residing among the Onondagas, of other luitions not entitled to the henefits of the annuity, about fifty. ' The general cliaractcr aud condition of the Onondagas as ii body at this day, is not remarkable either for industry, thrift, perseverance, temperance, or any of those higher virtues and graces which tend to exalt and elevate mankind in the great scale of rational being. To this remark, however, there are some worthy exceptions. Much needs to bo done, and much may be done, to enable them to take a much higher rank than they now do, in every thing that leads to human happiness and individual and nationa-l aggrandizement, 41 ■B^HRfl Hiin p"™ 'p ■ 822 ONONDAGA. I CHAPTER X. REMINISCENCES. Aboriqinal Names— Expedition ok Gol. Van Schaick against the ONOVDAOig, "'* n79— Revouitionaiiy Incident, 1780— Bioorai'iiical Sketch of Epuraim k WeBSTKU— TEKAT1E8 WITH THE OnONDAGAS— MILITARY TbACT, Ancient Aboriginal Names, of lakes, streams and locali- ties, in Onondaga county and vicinity :— Onondaga— written by the Jesuit Fathers two hundred years ago, Onontae and Onontague, and by early English | writers, Onontago, Onondago, Onondawgu and Onondaugua. : The interpretation of the word Onondaga, has been variously given, as "Under the Hill, at the end of the swamp," "the ; swamp at the foot of the mountain." But from the best in- formation we have obtained, we set it down as the " Residence of the People of the Ililh;' the word swamp having no con- nection with it. By the ancient Fathers and their own most distinguished chiefs, the people of Onondaga were styled "The Iroquois Highlanders," "Men of the Hills," "People of the Mountain," &c. This name included their valley, their hills, and the ancient scat of their council-fire. Onondaga Lake— was called by the Jesuits, " Genentaa." It is now called by the natives Oh-nen-ta-ha. Its significa- tion we have boon unable to ascertain. Its very appropriate name, and the one by which it is at present most commonly called by the natives, is Kotchakatoo, or lake surrounded by salt springs. ^^ i ? Onondaga Creek— is called by the Indians, Kah-yungk- wa-tah-toa. < Library, (by '^ daqua." Hec west branch ig through a deej ing from beti creek and ne Oh-na-ta-toom the canal and cuse, it is cal water goes thi Outlet op short stream, to the Seneca Rigole," onac (Dr. E. B. 0' Onondaga '. es the road. Onondaga ' ell's map of tl this range of ] and on an an Mountains." Otisco Lak times Otskah. Creek, is call is Kia-heun-ta gives " Ustuka Skaneatel] long lake. Tl is called Ilanc or hemlock ere res." Map in eatdie Lake. "Hananto." Oneida Lai us by an India REMINISCENCES. 828 English I iaugua. iriously ""the best in- isidence no con- vn most I styled V ' People ay, their lentaa." agnifica- |, iropi'iate f- •mnionly ndedby wa-tdh-toa. On a map in the New- York Historical Society's Library, (by Mr. Thurber, of Utica,) we find it called, " Kun- daqua." Heckewelder calls it the river " Zinochsaa." The west branch is called by the Indians, Swe-nugh-kee — cutting through a deep gulf. The east branch is called Sta-a-ta — com- ing from between two barren knolls. The estuary of the creek and neighborhood of Syracuse, was formerly called, Oh-na-ta-toonk — among the pines. Since the completion of the canal and the building up of the village and city of Syra- cuse, it is called Kali-ya-hoo-neh — where the ditch full of water goes through. Outlet of Onondaga Lake — is called So-hah-hee. This short stream, which issues from the Onondaga Lake and runs to the Seneca River, was anciently called by the French, " La Rigole," on account of its resemblance to a deep cut or trench. (Dr. E. B. O'Callaghan.) Onondaga Hollow — Teuaheughwa — where the path cross- es the road. Onondaga West BiLL-KaJi-che-qua-ne-tmg-ta. On Mitch- ell's map of the British and French dominions in America, this range of hills is called, " Tegerhunkserode mountains," and on an ancient Dutch map, they are called the " Table Mountains." Otisco Lake — is called by the Indians, Kaioongk, some- times Otskah. The outlet of Otisco Lake and Nine Mile Creek, is called Hoh-ste-kah. Its estuary at Onondaga Lake is Kia-heun-ta-ha. Map in the Historical Society's Library gives " Ustuka" for the name of Nine Mile Creek. Skaneateles Lake — is called Skehneahties, meaning very long lake. The stream that leads from it to Seneca River, is called Hanauttoo — water running through thick hemlocks, or hemlock creek. Charlevoix' map gives it " Lac Scaneate- res." Map in the Historical Society Library has it Skan- eatdie Lake. The same authority gives for the river or outlet "Hananto." Oneida Lake. — Although this body of water is known to us by an Indian name, it is believed the natives never called 324 ONONDAGA. it Oneida. The Onondagas call it Sc-ui/h-kn — i. c, striped witli bluo and wliite linos, separatinrr and coniin;:; ton-ctlior again. In order fully to comprehend this interpretation and Hignification, the person should occupy some one of the hii'ji grounds of Manlius or INnnpcy, where the whole extent ol' this lake may bo distinctly seen some ten or twelve miles dis- tant. At particular times the surface presents white and lihic lines distinctly traceable from its head :o its outlet. At sucli times it is strikingly beautiful, and its Indian name peculiar- ly significant. On the Jesuit maps, published from l(i)U to 1693, Avhich have come to the author's notice, this lake is coiled "Lac Techtroguen dos Onneiouts." Charlevoix has it "Lac Techiroguen." Thur])cr's map has it "Kanoaloka Lake." In Capt. Machin's journal, ho calls it, " Onida-ho-fjo Lake." Wentworth Greenhalgh, wdio visited it in 1677, writes it "Tsiroqui Lake." It seems to have been known to the early English writers, as the " Oneidas' Lake," afterwards tlie Oneida Lake, as it is now designated. On an old map in the Secretary of State's office at Albany, it is set down " Ca- hung-hage" Lake. Fort Brewerton — Ohaahaunijtah-Scurjh'knh — Literally. where the waters run out of Oneida Lake. Pere le Mcrcier names an Oneida village, near and south of this place, called " Ganayhsaragey," {Canasoraga perhaps,) and an English au- thority (Lon. Docs.) locates an Indian village near the oudct of Oneida Lake, called "■Kaneenda." Oneida River — Sah-eli. — Jesuits' map, " Tethiroguen."— Thurber's map, "Taguneda." Turee-Rivrr-Poixt — Te-u-unq-hu-lra — meetinsi; of waters or Avhere two rivers meet. Cross Lake — Te-^tngi-too — Thurber's map, " Yuneendo:" Schoolcraft, "Teonto" — signification, residence of the vise man. There is a singular tradition alive, amoiig the Ononda- gas, respecting an aged and very wise chief, who lived on tlie eastern shore of this lake many hundred years ago. Ili^ name was Hiawatha. — {Sec his story, page, 21.) TuLLY, Fabius, Truxton, &c. — Tc-kanea-ta-lming-ne- xigli — Very li water flows in lent hunting I'OMl'EY AJ much grass — this locality, ; much supersti lilood, or blooi It has been sa They certaiid^ LiMKSTUXK Tc-a-une-nog} wise, a strear through whicl: BuTTERNU'i Ka-soongJc-ta- litcrally, bark after being pe iiier, and thei winter, or tha Greex Pon fled with toba Deep Spri .spring. Neai tlement of th( ern fort, surrc tioned at this door of the m Cicero Sw L'veat swamp, Cazenovia iji'-lia-gah, (Oi iish swim, or 3 county, and w, Onondagas. uu the site of ClIITTENAXi i REMINISCENCES. 325 m ugh — Very high hills, with many small lakes, from which water flows in contrary directions. It implies, also, an excel- lont hunting ^'rouml. J'oMPKY AND La VAYKriii—Otc-tje-f/a-Ja-Jce—a. place of much grass — openings or praiiios. Another name given to this locality, not often repeated, and about which there is much superstitious reserve, is Ote-ipich-snh-he-eh, the field of Mood, or bloody ground — a place where many have been slain. It has been said, that no Indian ever visits this neijibborhood. They certainly very much dislike to converse about it. Lr.MKSTONK CiiEiiiK, passing through Manlius — Indian name, Te-a-unc-nogh'hc — the angry stream or Mad Creek ; other- wise, a stream that rises suddenly, overflowing the country through which it passes. BuTTKRNUT CUEEK, passing through Do Witt — Indian name Ka-soongh-ta — formerly called by the whites, " Kashunkta;" literally, barks in the Avater, or a place where barks are placed lifter being peeled in spring, that thoy may not curl in sum- mer, and thereby become unfit for covering their cabins for winter, or that they may always be in readiness for use. Green Pond, in the town of De Witt — Kai-yah-koo — satis- fied with tobacco. — See Be Witt. Deep Spuing — Te-ungh-sat-a-i/af/h — by the fort at the spring. Near this spring was anciently the easternmost set- tlement of the Onondngas. Thoy had at this place an earth- ern fort, surrounded with palisades. There were always sta- tioned at this place a party of warriors, to hold the eastern door of the nation. — Sec Deep Spring, town of Manlius. CiCEKO Swamp — Ka-nugh-wa-ka — where the rabits run — L'reat swamp, where is plenty of game. Cazenovia Lake — Iloh-wah-gc-neh (Onondaga,) — 0-wah- fli'-Jia-gah, (Oneida,). Literally, the lake where the yellow lish swim, or yellow perch lake. This lake is in Madison county, and w;is anciently a fishing ])laco for the Oneid;is and Onondagas. The Oneidns had a small village on the east side, oil the site of the villa";e of Cazenovia, extendin;' north. CliiTTENANUO Creek. — Pcre Ic Mercier, in 11155, calls it '11#!M M m m^ 826 ONONDAGA. Ooionho. Tho same authority calls a fishing place near Cross Lakk, Kachnawaachftrc^o. OswKcjo and outlet of Oawcgo River — called by tho Onon- dagas, Oah-wa-kef. Literally, I see every where — nee noth- ing. Charlevoix calls tho river, " Riviere des Onnoiitagucs." Early English writers call it tho " Onondagoes' river," and eomotimes the outlet, " Sweege." An Indian village, at the Oswego Falls, was called by Mercier, " Quiehook," and the ledge, over which the water falls, he calls, "Kagiiewagrage." Ontario Lakk. — Tho Onondaga:: called this lake, and do to this day, (hhivakee. The Mohawks called it Cadaraqui; the Senocas, Ohudeara. Jesuit map, 1H64, it is sot down "Lac Ontario ou dea Iroquois." Jesuit Relation, KiGf), haa it Ondiara. Father Ilenepin, " Lac Skanadario," or beauti- ful lake. Champlain, 1615, calls it tho Lake of the Entou- honorons. Teoronto Bay, or Jerundegut — called by the Jesuit Fa- thers, " Audiatarontagat," KJOf). Cheorontok, (Onondaga.) SoDUS Bay — Ganatio. Osonodus — Jesuits. Cayuga Lake — On Jesuits' map, "Tiohcro lac" — "Geju- goueu" by Charlevoix — " Gwaugweh," Thurber's map. Cayuga Marshes — Squagonna. Seneca River — Thiohero, or River of Rushes — Jesuits' map and Relation, 16G8-9. Charlevoix, gives the same. The lake bears the same name by the same authority. Besides the maps, books, &c, which have been consulted in order to prepare the foregoing list of Indian names of locali- ties, the author acknowledges his indebtedness to the late In- dian chiefs, Capt. Frost and La Fort, for much valuable assistance. Many of the foregoing names are given in other places, but for convenience and reference, it has been thought best to give them a place by themselves. EXPEDITIOI OAS, 177J) :— The shockii and 1778, by savage than I tiers, had irr( dod motivtm o national intei in the VVyom waste, and ilu and their still then hovering Brant, Johnsc on tho watch, nary atrocitie So alarming I apprehended most western Tlio Indian palling a char raander-iu-chi( force than ha( thiit part of t early part of the science o suaded of the sivc frontier o of forts whict country would than defensiv rapid moveme force sufficien towns, provide his making a contingent pa: duction of th< gave them an *-m RKMINISCF.NCES. 327 Expedition op Col. "Van Schaick against the Ononda- OAS, 177J) :— Tho Hhocking barburitios practicod during tho years 1777 and 177H, by tho Indians, united with white men, still more savage than Indians, on tho inhabitants of tho western fron- tiers, had irresistil'iy attracted tho public attenlion, and ad- ded motives of mingled resentment and humanity to those of national interest. The beautiful and thriving settlements in the Wyoming Valley and Cherry Valley, had been laid waste, and tlieir inhabitants massacred by the ruthless savages and their still more ruthless coadjutors, the IJritish and tories, then hovering around our borders, under the direction of Brant, Johnson and tho Sutlers. These leaders, continually on tho watch, were successful in committing tho most sangui- nary atrocities on tho settlements along the Mohawk River. So alarming had these irruptions become, that it was fearfully apprehended that Schenectady would speedily stand as tho most western boundary of the frontier settlements. Tho Indian depredations became so frequent, and of so ap- palling a character to the frontier inhabitants, that tho com- mander-in-chief soon found it necessary to employ a larger force than had been heretofore spared, for tho protection of that part of the country. General Washington, v/ho in the early part of his life had received many practical lessons in the science of Indian warfare, had been always firmly per- suaded of tho absolute impossibility of defending our exten- sive frontier on the west from their incursions, by any chain of forts which could bo erected and garrisoned ; and that the country would be much more certainly protected by offensive than defensive operations. Ilis plan was to penetrate by rapid movements into the heart of tho Indian country, with a force sufficient at once to accomplish the destruction of their towns, provided the circumstances of the army would justify ilis making a detachment sufficient for the purpose. As a contingent part of this plan, he had also contemplated the re- duction of the British post at Niagara, the possession of which gave them an almost irresistible influence over the Six Na- *. 328 ONONDAGA, tions. This plan constituted one of the various subjects of conference with the committee of Congress in Thiladelphiu, and received the entire approbation of that body. New-Yorlc ' Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Connecticut respectively applied to Congress for aid, urging the adoption at once of the most vigorous measures. A committee was a])pointed to confer with General Washingtan, and in conformity with their report, Congress resolved, "That the commander-in-chief bo directed to take efTicicnt measures for the protection of the inhabitants and chastisement of the savages," Other reso- lutions were passed at tJie same time for nUsing companies of rangers, for the sole purpose of serving on the western fron- tiers. The Indian settlements were extensive throughout the western part of New York, and from their long intercourse with the whites, had made considerable advances in civiliza- tion. In their populous villages were to be seen many com- fortable houses, and their fertile fields and orchards yielded an abundant supply of corn and fruit. So.ne of the Oneidas were attached to tlie United States, but generally, the Six Nations were entirely under British influence, fro'm whose posts m die lakes they received supplies of blankets, rum. arms, and other imported articles. ]\Iany loyalists who had ])een forced to quit their country, had taken refuge among them^ and added to their strength, without diminishing tlirir ferocity. They found an asylum among the Indians^ lived with them in their villages, and urged them on in iheir expe- ditions against the Americans. Against these congregated bands it was determined lo lead a force which jdiould"be''suffi- cient at once to crush any force they could possibly bring into the field, and effectually destroy their ^lllagerf. The comitry was to be entered by three divisions at the same time, the whole to be under the orders of General James Clinton. :riie principal body, to consist of about three thousand men, was to proceed up the Susquehanna, and penetrate the heart of the country occupied by the Senecas. The second, of about one thousand men, was to move up the Mohawk liivcr, and men, was to towns in thai secrecy were real destinat success woul Demonstrati( da, while the enterprise re was greedily this time the : can army, wl the whole pla ergies, autho and other dis been restored cation of the grand expedii though of les out with the Onondagas, o about fift}^ in within the re;; place. A pla approved by assisted by I marched from April, at the the mornin<i; ( pedition Avas i Indians at Fo army had pre Proceeding wi tenor of tluMr ter. Colonel '^ reached the jd Schaick and REMINISCENCES. 829 destroy the Cayugas ; and the third, of about five hundred men, was to move up the Alleghany River and attack the towns in that quarter. In carrying out this plan, address and secrecy were re(iuire(l, iu order to ensure success, for had the- real destination of the expedition been publicly known, its success would have been attended with greater difficulty. Demonstrations were made of a design to march against Cana- da, while the most active preparations were making for the enterprise really contemplated, and every item of information was greedily seized which could facilitate its execution. About this time the most alarming discontents broke out in the Ameri- can army, which very near had the effect to entirely frustrate the whole plan of the expedition. It required the whole en- ergies, authority and reputation of the commander-in-chief, and other distinguished officers, to quiet them. Order having been restored, preparations Avere made for the immediate exe- cution of the plan. But before the troops destined for the grand expedition were put in motion, an important enterprise, though of less extent, was undertaken, and attended through- out with the most complete success. The settlements of the Onondagas, one of the nearest of the hostile nations, lying about fifty miles from Fort Schuyler, were supposed to be within the reach of a detachment from the garrison of that place. A plan ha\ ing been formed by General Schuyler, and approved by the commander-in-chief, Colonel V^an Schaick, assisted by Lieutenant Colonel Willet and Major Cochran,, marched from Fort Schuyler on the morning of the 19th of April, at the head of between five and six hundred men. On the morning of their departure it was announced that the ex- pedition was destined to make an attnck upon Oswego. All Indians at Fort Schuyler were detained tliere, till the little army had proceeded beyond the reach of their espionaf/e. Proceeding with great dispatch and secrecy, according to tlie tenor of thfMr instructions, partly by land and jiartly by wa- ter. Colonel Van Scliaick, on tlie tliird day of his niarch, reached the place of destination. The route of Colonel Van Schaick and his party, was from Fort Schuyler to Wood 41,' ,(:•':* ■'i' 'i . ' J<. —Ml^- 330 ONONDAGA. f Creek by land, thence down the creek and Oneida Lake to old Fort Brewerton, v?hich place the party reached on the af- ternoon of the 20th. Opposite to this on the south side of the river, this little army landed, leaving a suitable guard with the boats. Tlie remainder of the party proceeded rapidly across the country, now Cicero and Clay, and the first night encamped about nine miles south of Fort Brewerton, in the 'densely tangled forest, in a marshy, unforbidding, uncomfor- table spot. The night was dark, wet, cold and dreary, and fearful their wary enemy might catch a glimpse of their camp- fires if made, those important auxiliaries to a soldier's comfort were dispensed with. For fear of surprise, the soldiers lay upon their arms. The march waa resumed early the next morning ; and the little army, after a march of much suffer- ing and fatigue, soon arrived at the Onondaga Lake, without being discovered. The spot where they first approached the lake was at Green Point. They then proceeded cautiously along the shore of the lake, built a log bridge across Mud Creek, a little north of Salina, the remains of which were in existence in 1794. Near this bridge Mr. Thomas Whee- ler, several years since, found a gun barrel supposed to have been lost by some soldier belonging to the expedition. Their course was then to the mouth of the Onondaga Creek, which stream was not at this season of the jear fordable, and all passed over in single file, on the trunk of a large sycamore tree, which had long been used by the Indians as a foot bridge. Captain Graham, of the advanced guard, here captured one of the warriors of the Onondagas, which was the first Indian seen on their whole route. Here scouts from the Indians ac- cidentally and unexpectedly came upon them, and instantly spread the alarm among the neighboring hamlets. At this time, as on a former occasion, the Indians pursued the retreat- ing policy, and made but a feeble show of resistance. Cap- tain Graham was ordered to advance with all possible rapidity and caution, for the purpose of surrounding the principal vil- lage, and the remainder of the forces were divided into small parties for the purpose of surrounding the other villages, and if possible t neous rush ^ of the Onor lets extendii was quite t< The alarm h overtake the A skirmis side of the 1 swamp east\ only show oi themselves i: the warriors struction of submission, says, " the u of the settle having been and the towi dians escape ty-four, inch though this I have a tradit and that was net, and afte: a tree. The and the hors dred guns w( tlement was and a brass i This batth the settlemei steps by rccr upon them a: by Lieutenar The day upo ment was mi , l{ REMINISCENCES. 381 if possible to secure the whole at a single dash. A simulta- neous rush was made execute these orders, but the celerity of the Onondaga wai .jrs was too groat. The chain of ham- lets extending from the Onondaga Lake, near ten miles south, was quite too extensive to be surrounded by numbers so small. The alarm had been given ; they had fled, and no foe could overtake them. A skirmish was fought near Mickle's Furnace, on the west side of the hollow, and the Onondagas were pursued into the swamp eastward of there, with a trifling .loss. This was the only show of fight made. The women and children secreted themselves in the neighboring forests, and thus escaped, while the warriors hung around and witnessed the burning and de- struction of their villages and property, with the most stoical submission. The official account of Colonel Van Schaick, says, " tiie utmost address was used in surrounding as many of the settlements as possible at t^e same time : but the alarm having been given on the first appearance of the Americans, and the towns being of considerable extent, many of the In- dians escaped into the woods. Twelve were killed, and thir- ty-four, including one white man, were made prisoners." Al- though this statement is undoubtedly correct, yet the Indians have a tradition that the Americans killed only one person, and that was a papoose, which a soldier stabbed with a bayo- net, and after twirling the innocent in the air, dashed it against a tree. The houses and provisions were consumed by fire, and the horses and other stock were killed. About one hun- dred guns were broken or otherwise ruined, and the whole set- tlement was utterly destroyed, Avith a quantity of ammunition and a brass swivel, which was mounted. This battle was on the 21st, and after the destruction of the settlement and property, the little army retraced their steps by recrossing the creek. A small party of Indians fired upon them after they had crossed. They were driven back by Lieutenant Evans' rifle corps, with the loss of one killed. The day upon which this attack upon the Onondaga settle- ment was made was cloudy, attended with a drizzling rain. 332 ONONDAGA, on The army encamped on the bank of the Onondarra Lake tlie night of the 21st. The precise spot where Colonel Van Schaick passed the night, on the shore of the Onondiiga Lake is urilaiowi), hut from the circumstance of there being an old picket work, and an excellent spring of Avater a little below Green l*oint, it is reasonable to suppose that it might have been there ; at all events, it Avas some where on the high ground between Salina and Liverpool. On the '2'2d, they marched to Fort Brewerton, and finding their bateaux in good order, proceeded to one of the Islands seven or eight miles from Jin^verton, encamped for the night, and next day proceeded to Wood Creek, and the day follow- ing, the L'4th, entered Fort Schuyler at 12 j\L, after an ab- sence of only five days and a half. Thus having completely effected the object of the expedi- tion, the detaehmetit returned to Fort Schuyler without the loss of a single man. For this handsome display of talents as a partizan oiHcor, the thanks of Congress-, were voted to Colonel A^an Schaick, and the ofhcers and soldiers under his command. Althoiigh the exjiedition had been completely suc- cessful, and from it the most propitious results were expected to follow, yet it had not the efieet to conquer the indomita- ble spirit of the Onondag-as. Revenge was a morsel too sweet for these warlike and liaughty people to sacrifice and stifle, for wrongs so boldly inflicted upon them. This malignant passion burned in their bosoms with renewed fervor, and an opportunity was only wanted, to enable them to glut their ven- geance to the utJiiost. it was a matter to tliem, of too seri- ous consequence to be piissed over lightly. Thev were lired with the strongest indignation at the destruction of their vil- lages, and tiie extinguislnnent of the national council-lire, which for untold ages had l)urned upon their sacred hearth. An opportunity soon offered itself, and three hundreil braves were upon the Avar-path. Oundiaga is said to have command- ed this party. They proceeded stealthily to the Mohawk Val- ley, and suddenly fell upon a German settlement called Cobles- kill, defeate the ollicer a; obstinate an the Onondai casion. Tli and tlieir vei icans was ru Avar, renderi ! y avenged t Onondagas. An L\cii tionary war, tlie Mohawk tlements, an ants of tiic neighborhoo sociates as ( quently asse place of ren and Oneida scene of the mit, and all ;ind pass ov tlie mischief a safe retrea On one of scji and Bra the Island ( men, mostly iceted Avith j thev Avere cc ileeds of the der their res in bateaux t and Oneida stream about R E M 1 1\ 1 H (; ]■] N C E S . 333 kill, (lofiiiitcd a Cii[)tain's coinniaiid sent against them, killing the oilicer and mast of his uion. The fight was protnicted, ohstinate and bloody, and resulted in a fomplcto triumph of the Onondagas, Avho lost hut two men an tliis memorahle oc- easion. Their (Irooj)ing siiirils were in a measure revived, and their vengeance fully glutted. Their hatred for the Amer- ieans was not diminished, and through the remainder of the war, rendered the British essential serviee. Thus was sirrnal- 1 y avenged the expedition of Colonel Van Sehaick against the Onondagas. An Incident of tjih j{r:voi.iTrox.~J)uring the Revolu- tionary war, at that period when the Johnsons, Hutlers, and the Mohawk chieftain, Bra)it, were rnvaging our frontier set- tlements, and spreading terror and alarm iimong the iidiahit- ants of the Mohawk Valley, Cherry Valley aitd Wyoming neigld)orhoods, the tories and Indians, with such Canadian as-" soeiates as could he suddenly called into serviee, would fre- (|uently assemhle at Niagara, Oswego, or some other convenient place of rendezvoxis, pass up the Oswego and Oneida Ilivers, and r)neida Lake, to a suitahle landing place, as near the scene of their anticipated operations as prmlenee would per- mit, and allow them to escape ol)ser\ation ; then disembark, and pass over land to the Tryon comity settlements, do all the mischief possible, return, hurry into their boats, and effect a safe retreat, by the route over which tlioy had advanced. On one of these occasions, in October, 17<S0, Sir John John- so!i and Brant had collected a body of forces at La Chien, on the Island of Montreal, consisting of about twelve hundred men, mostly Canadians and Lidians. These bands were col- lected with great secrecy and the motley materials of which they -were composed, rendered them capable of accomplishing deeds of the darkest die. After their organization, hey, un- der their respective leaders, ascended the River St. Lawrence in bateaux to Lake Ontario, thence to Oswego, up the Oswego and Oneida Rivers, to the Chittenango Creek, ascending that stream about six miles, where they landed on the east bank, at Stf : ' ■^.H 834 ONONDAGA. a short bend, opposite to what is now lot number one hundred township of Cicero. This spot was undoubtedly selected, not only for its contiguity to the scene of their expected operations and for its seclusion, but, was probably as near as they could approach Fort Schuyler, without alarming the garrison there which was at all times extremely watchful of these marauding parties. After landing, they proceeded to put in good repair the palisade enclosure, which had been first erected on some former expedition. A sufficient guard was left to protect the boats, and such stores as were not needed through the remain- der of the expedition, and then the party crossed the country to Schoharie, where they were joined by the tories in that re- gion. This little army was furnished with some pieces of light cannon, which were transported through the country on pack horses, aud were somewhat serviceable in their predatory attacks and rapid advances. After reenforcing their number with as many as eould be induced to join their ranks, they proceeded to the Mohawk valley, where ruin, desolation and death, seemed to mark their progress. Such was the secrecy of their movements, and the suddenness of their approach, that the inhabitants of the country were completely taken by surprise, panic stricken and amazed. After doing immense damage by murder, pillage and fire, the retreat of the hostile party was as hasty and precipitate as their advance had been unexpected and surprising. The Americans mustered under General Van Rensselaer, who pursued the enemy as far as Clocksfield ; and in a slight engagement at that place, gained a decided advantage over them ; and, had General Van Rensselaer followed up that ad- vantage with the spirit and energy the circumstances seemed to require, in all probability, the entire force under Johnson and Brant, would have been captured ; but he retreated in the moment of victory. In the meantime, however, General Van Rensselaer, having ascertained where Sir John's boats were concealed, had dispatched a messenger to Fort Schuyler, with a statement of the facts and circumstances relative to the movements of the hostile party. Whereupon Captaiji Vroo- man was di hasten on a of landing, his orders, ers, and sin to decamp, Sir John b( of Butler's forward, to By extra e and unawar to depart, a surprised t whole partj were highly of cannon si oners were number fell poor fellow gauntlet. . parallel line them, and i with a deter after which and subseipj literally roa spective lea; great difficu men have I unfortunate and was well Here it ma;) was divided by their res Bear. It is of Mohawks REMINISCENCES. 886 man was dispatched with a strong detachment, and ordered to hasten on and destroy the boats and stores left at the place of landing. Ho lost no time in attempting the execution of his orders, and succeeded so far as to make the guard prison- ers, and sink all their boats except two, in which they intended to decamp, and destroyed all their military stores. It seems Sir John became apprized of Vrooman's movement. A party of Butler's rangers, with some of Brant's Indians, were pushed forward, to intercept, if possible, Vrooman and his little band. By extra exertion and forced marches, they came suddenly and unawares upon Vrooman and his party, who were all ready to depart, and while they were taking their dinner, completely surprised them, and without firing a single gun, made the whole party prisoners of war. The Indians and Canadians were highly exasperated on finding their boats and two pieces of cannon sunk, and their stores rifled and spoiled. Tlie pris- oners were treated with the greatest severity. Three of their number fell immediate victims to their savage cruelty. On© poor fellow was compelled, bound hand and foot, to run the gauntlet. After being forced to take his position between two parallel lines of his foes, he was ordered to run or jump through thera, and if successful, thereby save his life. He started with a determined resolution, and made nine astonishing leaps, after which he was struck down, severely beaten with clubs, and subset^uently, to the groat satisfaction of his tormentors, literally roasted alive. Such was the distance of these re- spective leaps, that a well trained unbound Indian, could with great difficulty and exertion, perform the feat ; several white men have been known to fail. The pine tree to which the unfortunate man Avas tied, was standing not many years since, and was well known in the neighborhood, as tlie " Turtle Tree.'' Here it may be noted, tliat eacli of the original Five Nations was divided into three principal clans or tribes, distin^'uished by their respective emblems, the Tortoise, the WoX'i and tlu' Bear. It is supposed that it was a party of the Tortoise c];!ii of Mohawks who committed this massacre, and they left tln^ image of a large turtle carved on the tree, not only to desi"-- ■i, iiS. ^' ',1.1 830 ONONDAGA. nate the tree at whicli tlio man was buriiod, but the tribe also Avho perpetrated the aet. At every anniversary of this event Indians revisited this spot, to examine the tree and earefully renew the tracks nia(h' in the sand by the unfortunate man h(dd a sort of pow-wow and war dance around a circular fire and then dis!i[»pear. This practice was continued yearly by the Indians, as late as iSlo. The jA'rouud upon Avhich this event occurred, is about two miles north from ^latthcws' Mills, town of JManlius, on land occupied now or lately by Mr. Ezra Tucker. John Adams, Es((., who first surveyed a considerable por- tion of the lands in that re<!;ion, and the late Judge John KaowIcs, who first settled there in ISOa or LSOG, saw the pickets then stiindini;-, and they occasionally found guns, knives, hatchets, bullets, &c. : and at high water, many persons have seen whole boats and fragments of boats, driven up among the lloodwood, with timbei's vorv little if any decayed, leaving more than presumptive testimony in corroboration of the facts before stated, on the authority of the late Mrs. Storms, of Sullivan, who was a prisoner th.ere at the time, and was taken in this expedition of Johnson's and carried into Canada; and of a man who was one of Johnson's party, and known as Tory Foster, Avho, in former years was a resident of the town of Cicero, and a fretiuent visitor to his friends in the town of Manlius. It has been reported that Sir John, in his haste to retreat, lost his military chest, containing a considerable amount of specie, in attempting to cross the Canaseraga Creek, and many fruitless attempts have been made to recover it; and whoever passes the Canaser;iga Outlet, may now see a large curb, which has been sunk for that purpose. Several unsuc- cessful attempts have been nnule to discover the cannon also. The late William L. Stone, Esq., states this landing to have been on the Onondaga River, (see Stone's Life of Brant) but from the nature of the country, and the minute circumstances here related from sources the most reliable, from persons con- versant with i is believed th; This groun( event, which i alive in tho cj truth remain i A BlOGRAl first white pei county of Or was one of sir our readers wi Hempstead, ]t moved into the River, in Febi subject of this and served to i service. Afte toils of agricu] nation of Lis with a young r with the Oneid theA\ar, had S( stock of goods place of destin; Leavitt became persevered and his stock of go( to become a si knowledge of tl and application limited, was as i have been expei He was prose: in 1784, at whic and the United < ^s, Onondagas REMINISCENCES. 387 vcrsant with tho facts, and who coukl not well be miBtaken, it 18 behoved that so far, his statement must bo erroneous. This ground has evidently been tho scene of many a strange event, which tradition with her illusive conjectures, still keeps ahvo in tho excited imaginations of many, while history and truth remain silent. A BioaRAPiiicAL Sketch op Epuraim Webster. The first white person who made a permanent settlement in the county of Onondaga, was Ephraim Webster. As his life was one of singularity and adventure, we propose to present our readers with a sketch. He was born 1752, in the town of Hempstead, New-Hampshire. Ilis father, with his family, moved into the State of New-York, somewhere near the North River, in February, 1773. Sometime in the year 1778 the subject of this sketch enlisted in the army of the United States and served to the close of the war, making about three years service. After the war, he returned to his home. But the toils of agriculture, not being exactly agreeable to the incli- nation of his roving disposition, he left home in company with a young man named Leavitt, for the purpose of trading With the Oneida Indians, with whom he had, during part of thcA^ar, had some little intercourse. They laid in a small stock of goods at Schenectady, and proceeded on to their place of destination. During the progress of their journey Leavitt became discouraged and returned home. Webster persevered and finally located at Oriskany, where he exposed his stock of goods for sale. He soon learned that in order to become a successful trader, he must acjuire a thorough knowledge of the Indian language, which by constant practice and application he soon mastered. His trade here, though imitcd, was as successful as could, under the circumstances, nave been expected. He was present at the great council, held at Fort Stanwix, m 1784, at which a treaty was made between the Six Nations and tho United States. At this council, the Mohawks, Onei- us, Onondagas, Cayugas and Senecas were represented. 43 i!:is 338 ONONDAGA. But the Scnccag were slow in coming forward, und Webster was .lispatchcd for thorn. His moHsaj^o, it is said, ran tlius : "Til ■ great council of the tiiirtcon hres has been a long timo Icindlod— four of tlio great Indian nations, have laid fuel on tl J tire— tiic great pot i* alioady boiling, and the pottago cannot be cooked (business Oiuinot proceed) unless their breth- ren, the Seneca s, are present. They are desired to make haste." Ho remained two years at Oriskany, and during that time made several excursions with the Indiitp b"- tersto Onondaga. Webster became intimate, and ([uite a favorite with his new neighbors, the Onondagas, who invited him to come out and trade ,vith them. The invitation was cheerfully accepted. Accordingly in the spring of 1780, he came to Onondaga, in compauy^with a Scotchuuin, named Selkirk, with a small bout load of goods, brought from Schenectady by water. They erected a temporary trading house on the east bank of the Onondaga creek, near where it empties into tlie lake, and there exposed their stock of goods for sale. This spot is still pointed out by the Indians as Webster's camp. At the close of the season, they had actiuired a rich pack of furs.* With these, Webster proceeded to New-York. The following spring be came out alone, but was followed by two other tra- ders, whose names were Campbell and Maiboe. They pro- ceeded up the creek, to the Onondaga Hollow. Webster traded at his old location, and all departed again in autiimu to make sale of their furs, lie pursued this euurse for seve- ral years, but from this time made it a point to winter with his new friends. During the controversy with the western Indians, whicli^so soon followed the revolutionary war, between the years 178H and 1704, he was, on account of his knowledge of Indian mannci ,ind language, employed to gain intelligence in the vicinity of the Miamis. lie was fully successful in his inis- # About the time of closing' m[> the fall trade. Selkirk was taken sick, died an.l was buried suiuewhere on ti. bunk of the lake„not far di.laul from the.r trading Jioii!«e. sion, report* employed, i with the On by the Driti posed to be disguised. trusted he i spy. In ord expose hinis( liquor, and t They awakei harly in the ignorance ; I no advantage as Avhen the^ During tin granted to hi of the Hollo Uved Avith an lot of land, finally gruntc on the part o Legislature ii consistini; of son aihl Davi for, on the p; uf New-York After [he ( after this grai name of Dan bad a family uving ill the ( He vas in ^^12, with Li -ed of lii ^ w he held a Ca]- New-York, ar RKMINISCENCES. 889 Bion, reported to tlie satisfaction of those by whom ho was employed, and receiv: 1 a suitable reward, lie was often with the Onoiidugua at Uswc^o, while the fort was retained by the Jiriti.sii, and was, by tli.' ollicers of the f^arrison, sup- posed to be a full-))lood Indian, so eomplotely was lie usually dis/,'uised. From some cause or other, at one time they mis- trusted he was a white man, and churned him with being a spy. Ill order to induce him to declare his real character, or to expose hims(lf in some way, they plied him freely with strong liquor, and then used every device to efl'oct their purpose" They awakened him suddeidy from sleep, 8;i luted him fami- liarly in the English language, of which he expressed entire ignorance ; being always guarded and prepared, they gained no advantage over him, and ho left them as much in the dark as Avhen they commonceil. During the early part of his sojourn with tho Indians, they granted to him a mile s(iuare of lan<l in the most fertile part of the Hollow, west of the creek, an^l south of tho road. Ho lived with an Indian womm, aftrr the Indian custom. This lot of land, containing six hundred and forty acres, was finally granted to Webster, " as a free and voluntary gift," on the |>;irt of the people of the State of JS'ew-York, by the Legislature in 170.'), and tho commissioners of Indian lands, consisting of Philip Schuyler, John Cantine, John Richard- son and David Brooks, were directed to execute a deed there- for, on the part, and in the name of the people of the State of New- York. After the death of .'lis Indian woman, which li-ppenod soon after this grant by tlio State, he married a white woman of tho name of Danks, of very respectable connections, by whom he bad a family of sons and daughters, several of whom are now nving in the Onondaga va^ y. He was in the service of the United States, in the \>ar of 1^12, with La Fort, an Onondaga chief and some three him- ui-ed of hi'-? warriors, on the Niagara frontier. At that time he held a Captain's commission in th<' militia of the State of New-York, and wielded a salutary inllacnce over the Indians. IT ^''- ■ tiJt —*»f^. 840 ONONDAGA, Ho was at the battle of Chippewa, and acted aa interpreter in the transmission of orders from (Joncral lirown to lloh-a-ho- a-qua, the (Japtain of the Six Nations, on tliis oocasion. Tiio action commenced on the hank of tlio river, between a party of British Indians and American militia. The British Indians were in full view, and the Onondagaa were ordered to make a circuit through the woods and open a firo upon the Ihitish right Hank. In this they succeeded beyond their expectation. They stole stealthily along the woods and gave the C;inadian Indians a shot, upon which they <lispersed in all directions, and were closely pursued by our Indians. After this there was no such thing as order among the Indians, <iuring the rcniaiuder of the day. If a Canada Indian came in sight, he was im- mediately followed and hunted down. In the early part of the action, Captain Webster gave his gun to an Onondaga, who had none, and during a part of the battle was without one. At length he was supplied, taking one from the hand of a vrounded soldier. Hoh-a-ho-: i -qua was mortally wounded, during the iMittest of the fight. Captain Webster went to Ids aid, raised his head in his arms, and asked him if he was badly Avounded. The chief replied, "very bad" — "I die Captain of the Six Na- tions ; I have done my duty ; " and expired without a gi'oan. Towards the close of the action, Capta;n Webster found him- self alone, and passed from the woods to the open field. He soon ;;aw Doxtator, an Oneida chief, pavsued by five or six mounted Wyandots. They passed near him, and knowing well the Indian rules of warfare, he stood erect and firm, look- ing them full in the face ; they passed him unharmed. Doxta- tor was shot just as he leaped a fence near by, upon which the Wyandots wheeled and rode off. In this engagement, the Onondaoias lost six, Ijesides their loader. Mr.. Webster was for a great number of years Indian Agent and interpreter for the Onondagas. For several years ho held by lease from the Indians, three hundred acres of land, the title of which was afterwards confirmed to him and Ids heirs by the State Legislature. lie enjoyed the perfect coufidenco of the Indi men have ^ of their esl speak of hi days of his mild in disf a very rem! Peace and I of years ; f Onondaga, trade with n had influenc it. Mr. W( prepaiiig tl to make it s of commerc the Indians from the fre of Mr. Web; with the On( nese origin. medicinal pf not unlike li Panax trifoi Mr. Webs age of seven a large circle Many into of circumsta with the Indi Indian chara manner the a as once undo be wholly un It sometim eied or real and even go i REMINISCENCES. 841 of tho Indians an.! whites, and several distinguislifd gentle- men have given him, on different oeeasions, exalted evidences of their esteem and confidence. Ho has been often heard to speak of his wanderings among tho Indians, as tho happiest days of his life. Ho was a man, kind, social and ohligincr, mild in disposition, of excellent character, and on the whole a very remarknhlo man. Ho held the oJlices of Justice of the Peace and Supervisor of tho town of Onondaga for a number of years ; a Justice first in 1805, and tho first Supervisor of Onondaga, 1788. He was largely engaged in tho ginseng trade with a gentleman of Boston, and was the only man who had infiuonco enough with the Indians to engage them to dig It. Mr. Webster had acquired the art of manufacturing or preparng this tuberous root for market, in audi a manner as to make it semi-transparent, and at this time it was an article of commerce, carried on mostly with China. It is called by the Indians garentoquen, which signifies with legs separated, from the frequent divided form of the root. Since the death of Mr. Webster, tho digging and traffic have been discontinued With the Onondagas. The name ginseng is said to bo of Chi- nese origin. With that people it was considered a great medicinal panacea, being of a highly mucilaginous sweetness, not unlike liquorice accompanied with a slight bitterness— the Panax trifoUum of Botanists. Mr. Webster died at Tuscarora, in 182.5, at the advanced age of seventy-two years, much lamented by the Indians and a large circle of friends. He was buried at Onondaga. Many interesting anecdotes were related by Mr. Webster, of circumstances which occurred during his early intercourse with the Indians, some of which are singularly illustrative of Indian character, and from their exhibiting in an elevated manner the virtues of fortitude, fidelity, gratitude and honor, as once understood and appreciated by the Indians, may not be wholly uninteresting here. It sometimes happened that the Indians, either from fan- eied or real wrongs, would become offended with Webster, and even go so far as to threaten his life, and make the most 842 ONONDAGA. alarming demonstrations towards taking it. At one time they tied him to a tree, and there amused themselves by throwing a tomahawk at the tree to which he was tied, to see how near they could come to his head and not hit it. Sometimes the whistling missile would graze his hair. The sport was kept up for more than half an hour, during which Webster neither flinched nor moved a muscle, a circumstance greatly admired by the Indians, Avho usually have a contemptible notion of the white man's fortitude. After they became tired of the sport, they liberated him Avith shouts of exultation. In the early part of the intercourse of Mr. Webster with the Onondagas, he had occasion to go on business for the Na- tives to Canada. On his return, he employed a young brave of the Onondagas below Oswego, to pilot him through the woods to Onondaga. While on the route, he observed that the Indian felt sad and gloomy, as if something weighed heavy on his mind. In vain he tried to arouse him from his cold and frigid humor. Webster's faculties of cheering and amuse- ment were exhausted, without a relaxation of gravity or sad- ness on the part of the Indian. At length Webster accosted liim with a tone of anxiety, inquiring what could be the mat- ter. Upon which he answered, "Me going to die." Web- ster thinking it only a whim of the Indian, refrained from further conversation. They trudged silently along and in due time approached the castle. They had arrived there but a short time, when six Indians of the Cayuga nation made their appearance, and without one word, or the least ceremony, one of them Avalked up to the Onondaga and with an axe cleft his skull. In a moment the blow was followed by another of the party, and the youns; man was no more. The Cayugas retired as if nothing had hu.ppcned. The Onondagas lamented their brother, and there were injured ones ready to avenge his death. It seems there had for a long time been a family feud l^etween a portion of the Onondagas and some Cayugas, and this was continued by a succession of murders for several years. This young man, so unceremoniously slain, had been engaged in the murder of a Cayuga, and these Cayugas, on the watch, REMINISCENCES. 343 hutl caught a glimpse of him, and he had seen the track of the Cayugas across his path, which produced the sadness upon his countenance. But to retrace his steps would have betrayed cowardice, a feeling which an Indian in his own free, uncon- taminatcd state, knows nothing of. An Indian chief who was known as Capt. John, and who was a man of influence among the Onondagas, who lived to a great age, and who was greatly beloved by the whites, and uniformly tender and kind in his disposition, exhibits an in- stance of the most savage barbarity, illustrating in a remarka- ble manner, the sweetness of revenge to the savage. During the old French war, a French officer wantonly killed a little girl belonging to Ta-whis-kon-ta, (Spring-the-trap, or Capt. John.) The murderer of the innocent child, was discovered by the chief, who instantly set his mark upon him, and for several years visited Canada for the purpose of obtaining revenge. Long and patiently ho waited for an opportunity to avenge the blood of his child, by the blood of its murderer, but no opportunity presented itself in the person of the murderer. At length he caught sight of a child of the Frenchman's who was innocently at play near the house of her parent, rushed upon her, buried his tomahawk in her skull, and drag- ged the body into the woods. Here the monster stripped the corpse of its clothing, divested it of its skin, leaving it to decay, or become a prey to swine or wild beasts. Capt. John kept this skin hung up a long time in his cabin, as a trophy of his vengeance and ferocity, and often feasted his eyes upon it with joy, exulting in the murder of the innocent child as a worthy deed. In 1806, was a time of great sickness among the Onondaga Indians. Capt. John, feeling that his end was approaching, strayed to the west side of the lake, nearly opposite to Liver- pool, and died in the bushes. The latter part of summer and autumn of that year was unusually cold. The crops of corn were entirely cut off by early frost. In this dilemma, the Indians called a council to enquire why the Great Spirit Bhould inflict so great a calamity upon them. After due deli- !Vi ^ilwi) 844 ONONDAGA. beration it was decided, that it was because Capt. John lay colu, and the white people were solicited to turn out and bury him, which they did on the spot Avhere he expired. There was a place near the first gate on the plank road, north of Salina, formerly known as Capt. John's bear trap' a spot where he had been accustomed to bait and trap those' animals. During tho early sojourn of Mr. Webster among the Indi- ans, he was often in peril of his life, and frequently threaten- ed with immediate death, occasioned by the strange fancies of those by Avhom he was surrounded. But Providence seem- ed always to interpose in his behalf, and upon one occasion in rather a remarkable manner. It seems that for some real or fancied wrong which he had committed, he was judged worthy of death. So determined were the Indians to accom- plish his destruction that he gave up all for lost, and fully made up his mind that his time had come. His grave was dug and he was told to prepare for immediate death. A large ring was formed around him. His executioners, four in num- ber, were appointed, and their positions taken ; four glittering tomahawks gleamed in the sun-light as they leapt from the warriors belts. A sturdy brave was placed at each side firm- ly holdiT.- each hand, stretching his arms in a horizontal man- ner to their utmost extent. The fatal blow was about to be struck. It was asked him (as is the custom) if he had any request to make before he expired. He said he only desired a cooling draught of water. " None, none, none," exclaimed several voices at once. He appealed to them in afi-ecting tones, requesting them in the most supplicating manner not to deny a dying friend this last simple request. The venerable war chief, Oun-di-a-ga, stood forth, while the ready weapons were poised over his naked head. " Hold," said he, " stay your hands, offend not the Great Spirit. Let him drink one cup of water for the last time. " The cup was accordingly presented to him ; one hand was released from the Indian who held it. Webster took the cup, gracefully bowed his head, and most cordially drank the h( daga nation, This man( with so muc! and with so one voice thi one of us," ed quietly 1 after which none molestc Soon afte] a young bra^ himself befo while sitting man said, " '. if you will p^ and the hear name is Man whick-do-ta, i sit you down you can hun1 path with th( you deserve.' was appareni chase, most £ tween Mantii was formed, his companio: Webster whis the first glim parting glean from both thi his friend on( ley forever, perform. M true. My fr sented. Pre REMINISCENCES, 845 drank the health of the chiefs and brave warriors of the Onon- daga nation. This maneuver was so unexpected, so appropriate, and done with so much grace and aboriginal naiveU ; so respectfully, and with so much coolness and gravity of demeanor, that with one voice they shouted, "he is free," "let him go," " he is one of us," and was instantly released. The Indians return- ed quietly to their homes, conducting him with them, ever after which he was treated with the greatest kindness, and none molested him or made him afraid. Soon after Mr. Webster had located himself at Onondaga, a young brave of the Cayuga nation, one morning presented himself before the chiefs of the Onondagas and Mr. Webster, while sitting at the door of the council-house. The young man said, " I have come to dwell among you and your people if you will permit. I have left forever the home of my father and the hearth of my mother. I seek a home with you ; my name is Mantinoah, deny me not." The most aged chief, Ka- whick-do-ta, answered him, " Mantinoah, you are welcome here, sit you down with us. Be our son, we will be to you a father ; you can hunt and fish with our young men, and tread the war path with the braves of our nation ; you shall be honored as you deserve." Near two years passed around and Mantinoah was apparently contented and happy, always foremost in the chase, most active in the dance, and loudest in the song. Be- tween Mantinoah and Webster, a bond of firmest friendship was formed. When Webster climbed the hill, Mantinoah was his companion. When Mantinoah watched the midnight moon, Webster whispered friendship in his ear. Their eyes caught the first glimmerings of the rising sun together, and its last parting gleam, as it sunk below the western horizon, departed from both their visions at the same time. Mantinoah said to his friend one morning, " I must soon leave your peaceful val- ley forever. I go towards the setting sun ; I have a vow to perform. My nation and my friends know Mantinoah will be true. My friend, I desire you to go with me. Webster con- sented. Preparation was made for the journey. They left 44 ||||#|,1U 'mn^. 846 ONONDAGA. the Onondaga valley together. Mantinoah looked upon it for the last time. After a Avalk of tlireo or four days, taking their journey leisurely, hunting and fishing by the May, they arrived at an einincnee near Mantinoah's village. " llcro," said Mantinoah, " let us rest — let us here invoke the Great Spirit to grant us strength to pass triumphantly through the scenes of this day. Here," said he, " wewill eat, and here, for the last time, Avill smoke the pijje of peace and friendsliip to"-oth- er." After a repast of broiled venison and bread, the pipe was passed from one to the other in regular succession. " No^y " said Mantinoah to his friend, "a little more than two years have elapsed since in my native village near to us, in a burst of passion, I slew my bosom friend and chosen companion. The chiefs of my nation declared me guilty of my friend's blood and decreed I must suffer dc;ith. It Avas then I sought your nation. It was then I won your friendship. The nearest of kin to him I slew, according to our customs, was to become my executioner. ]\Iy execution was deferred for two full years, during which time I was condemned to banishment from my nation. I vowed to return. The term of two full years expires this day, when the setting sun sinks behind the topmost branch of yonder tree. Beneath the broad branches of this veneral)le oak, where we now stand, at the foot of this ancient rock, against which I now lean, I stand prepared to receive my doom. My friend, we have had numy a cheerful sport together; our joys have not been circumscribed ; our griefs have been few ; look not so sad now, but let new joys arouse you to happiness. When you return to the Onondagas, liear wit- ness, that ^Mantinoah died like a true brave of the Cavu- gas ; that he trembled not at the approach of death, like the coward pale-face, nor shed tears like a woman. My friend, take my belt, my knife, ray hunting pouch, my horn and rifle ; accept them as mementos of our friendsliip ; I shall need them no longer ; a few moments and the avenger will be here ; the Great Spirit calls, I am ready ; Mantinoah fears not to die; farewell." Webster firmly remonstrates against / ^ his determ sequences, tance. M and takes earlyfricm ter mutual ger addres our laws di time is coi steadfast. Upon this carefully 1 his manly 1 There he as adaman tomahawk edge sank earth dran a groan, a 1 magic, a h( reechoed t moved in parted ; tli mured thrc veyed the s the witness The feel easily imai: diately aft( Indians i\v gave him t protection, and when i to his lioin fiction, it if lated by '^ REMINISCENCES. 347 hi8 determination. In vain he urges him to escape the con- sequences. A short silence ensues ; a yell is heard in the dis- tance. Mantinoah responds. A single Indian approaches, and takes Miintinoah by the hand. He, too, has been his early friend ; but the laws of the savage cannot be broken. Af- ter mutual salutations and expressions of kindness, the aven- ger addressed him : Mantinoah, you have slain my brother ; our laws declare me his avenger, and your executioner. Your time is come ; death is at hand, prepare to meet him. Be steadfast, ])0 firm ; and may the Great Spirit sustain you. Upon tliis, Mantinoah gracefully elevated his manly form, carefully bared his broad bosom, calmly laid his arms across Ids manly breast ; not a muscle moved, not a breath was heard. There ho stood, ready for the voluntary sacrifice, immovable as adamant. Accompanied by a deafening yell, the bright tomahawk of the avenger glittered in the fading light ; its keen edge sank deep into the brain of the victim. The thirsty earth drank the life blood of Mantinoah, and he sank without a groan, a lifeless corpse before his friend. Instantly, as if by magic, a host of savages appeared, the mournful song of death reechoed through the forest, the gloomy dance for the dead moved in melancholy solemnity around the corse of the de- parted ; the low, guttural moan peculiar to the savage, mur- mured through the trees, and all was still. They silently sm- veyed the scene ; when slowly, in groups, in pairs, and singly, the witnesses of this thrilling sce^^ ") retired. The feelings of Mr. Webster on this occasion, may be more easily imagined than they can possibly be described. Imme- diately after the tragic event of which wo have spoken, the Indians most cordially invited Mr. Webster to their village, gave him the most solemn assurances of perfect safety and protection, very hospitably entertained him for a few days and when ready to return, a party of Cayugas conducted him to his home. However much the foregoing may appear like fiction, it is nevertheless true. The facts have often been re- lated hj Mr. Webster while living, to many old inhal^itants m mi M illiPt • !■ *l ■^■^m ...— — «o<iMJ»>- S48 ONONDAGA. and first settlers in the vicinity, who will yet bear witness to its authenticity. Treaties. — At a Treaty held at Fort Schuyler, formerly called Fort Stanwix, in the State of New York, by His Excellen- cy, George Clinton, Governor of the said State, and William Floyd, Ezra L. Hommedieu, Richard Varick, Samuel Jones, Eg- bert Benson, and Peter Gansevoort, Junior, Commissioners, authorized for that purpose, by and on behalf of the people of the State of New- York, with the tribe or nation of Indians called the Onondagoes, it is on the twelfth day of September, in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight, covenanted and concluded as follows : — First. The Onondagoes do cede and grant all their lands to the people of the State of New- York forever. Secondly, the Onondagoes shall, of the said ceded lands, hold to themselves and their posterity forever, for their own use and cultivation, but not to be sold, leased, or in any other manner aliened or disposed of to others, all that tract of land beginning at the southerly end of the salt lake, at the place where the river or stream on which the Onondagoes now have their village, emp- ties into the said lake, and runs from the said place of begin- ning east three miles ; thence southerly according to the gen- eral course of the said river, until it shall intersect a line running east and west, at the distance of three miles south from the said village ; thence from the said point of intersec- tion west nine miles ; thence northerly parallel to the second course above mentioned, until an east line will strike the place of beginning ; and thence east to the said place of beginning. Thirdly, the Onondagoes and their posterity forever, shall en- joy the free right of hunting in every part of the said ceded lands, and of wishing in all the waters within the same. Fourth- ly, the salt lake and the lands, for one mile round the same, shall forever remain for the common benefit of the people of the Stai3 of New- York, and of the Onondagoes and their pos- terity for :he purpose of making salt, and shall not be grant- ed or in ai. >' wise disposed of for other purposes. Fifthly, in considcrati State of IS one thousa pounds in pie of the and clothir r, people of 1 Onondagoc June in ev dollars in ' shall at an of the sale provisions, ) Governor c : of the ann }^ provisions, .| and at the 1 State of N if ^ people of t ;'■, shall deem 1 goes from ] ;^ the Onond 1 cultivation the people on the said aforesaid, 1 give notice State for tl their postei of the said York, in re only such i may happc such intrud justice. I warriors, ai tribe or nal REMINISCENCES. 849 consideration of the said cession and grant, the people of the State of New York do, at this treaty, pay to the Onondagoes one thousand French crowns in money, and two hundred pounds in clothing, at the price which the same costs the peo- ple of the State of New- York, (the receipt of which money and clothing the Onondagoes do now acknowledge ;) and the people of the State of New York shall annually pay to the Onondagoes and their posterity, forever, on the first day of June in every year, at Fort Schuyler aforesaid, five hundred dollars in silver ; but if the Onondagoes or their posterity, shall at any time hereafter elect that the whole or any part of the said five hundred dollars shall be paid in clothing or provisions, and give six weeks previous notice thereof to the Governor of the said State for the time being, then so much of the annual payment shall for that time be in clothing or provisions, as the Onondagoes or their posterity shall elect, and ut the price which the same shall cost the people of the State of New- York, at Fort Schuyler aforesaid. Sixthly, the people of the State of New- York may, in such manner as they shall deem proper, prevent any persons except the Ononda- goes from residing or settling on the lands so to be held by the Onondagoes and their posterity, for their own use and cultivation ; and if any persons shall, without the consent of the people of the State of New-York, come to reside or settle on the said lands, or on any other of the lands so ceded as aforesaid, the Onondagoes and their posterity shall forthwith give notice of such intrusions to the Goveri'or of the said State for the time being ; and further, the Onondagoes and their posterity forever, shall, at the request of the Governor of the said State, be aiding to the people of the State of New- York, in removing all such intruders, and in apprehending not only such intruders, but also felons and other oifonders who may happen to be on the said ceded lands, to tlio end that such intruders, felons, and other offenders, ma/ bo brought to justice. In testimony whereof, as well the sachems, chief warriors, and others of the said Onondagoes, in bohalf of their tribe or nation, as the said Governor and other commissioners ill' :,f^^'-^ 860 ONONDAGA. on behalf of the people of the State of New- York, have here- unto interchangeably set their hands and affixed their seals the day and year first above written. BEAR. Kahiktoton, Tehojiskeaiyea, Waghselonyahhe, by the chief of the clan DEER. Kanaghssctegea, Agogighkwayewa, TURTLE. Tehonwaghstoweaghte, fehagoyenawaghskwo, Kanadaes, Sagoeyons, Sagosaiewas, by the chief of the clan. BEAVER. by his cousin. Kanadakeawaghte, Adahswoandaahsea, Waghshaine, by the chief of the clan. WOLF. Tehoenagalaongh, Skawyadaliyo Kalonghyo, by his brother. EEL. Agwelondongwas. Thanehaaghkwa, by the chief of the clan. Shagohaasscgh, Hyanoenwe, by tlic chief of the clan. GOVERNESSES. Onocwileghto, Tjeanoenikhe, by the chief of the clan. Kaeghhewa. Geo. Clinton, Wm. Floyd, Ezra L. Hommediou, Rich'd Varick, Samuel Jones, Egbt. Benson, Peter Gansevoort, Jr. Witnesses present. Simeon De Witt, Surveyor General ; Louis Nyadeghhalongweah, of the Oneidas; Chief Govern- ess of the Senecas, Kayendatsyona; Senccas, Shagodyadyes- tha, Hanoweantho, Joayhgwalet, Sheanooewa, Shagokanyos. Cayugas, Kaneongwe, Haghgouthiyo, Sam. Kirkland, Inter- pret; John L. Bleecker, Interpret; P. Pcnet, Sam'l Latham Mitchell, Nicholas Jourdain, Wm. Colbrath, Friedrick Fox, Abr'm Bloodgood.* At a treaty held at Onondaga by John Cantine and Simeon Be Witt, two of the agents appointed for that purpose, by and on behalf of the people of the State of New- York, by an act * A treaty was held at Fort Stanwix, coniirniing former treaties, 16th of Junej 1790. REMINISCENCES. 351 of the Legislature of the said State, entitled " An Act rela- tive to the lands appropriated by this State to the use of the Oneida, Onondaga and Cayuga Indians," passed the 11th day of March, 1703, with the tribe or nation of Indians called the Onondagoes. It is on the eighteenth day of November, in the year one thousand seven hundi'ed and ninety-three, cove- nanted and concluded as follows : — First, the Onondagoes do release and quit-claim to the peo- ple of the State of New- York forever, all the rights reserved to the said Onondagoes, in and to, so much of the lands appro- priated to their use by the said State, commonly called the Onondaga Reservation, as is comprehended within the two following tracts of land, (to wit) the first of the said two tracts begins in the east bounds of the said reservation at a cer- tain bass-wood tree, marked for seven miles south, from the north-east corner of the said reservation, and runs from the said place of beginning, west to the river or stream commonly called the Onondago Creek, on which the Onondagoes now have their village, then northerly down along the said river or creek, to the lands appropriated for the common benefit of the peo- ple of the State of New- York, and of the Onondagoes and their posterity, for the purpose of making salt, then easterly and northerly along the said last mentioned lands to the lino run for the north bounds of the said reservation ; then east, along the said line to the north-east corner of the said reservation, and then south, along the east bounds of the said reservation, seven miles to the place of beginning. And the second of the said tracts, begins at a point in the south bounds of the said reservatior , four miles west from the south-east corner thereof, and runs from the said place of beginning, north, so far until an east course will strike the aforesaid bass-wood tree, marked for seven miles south, from the north-east corner of the said reservation, then east, to a point half a mile west from the aforesaid Onondaga Creek, then northerly along straight lines, connecting points successively, at intervals of half a mile northing from each other ; each of which points shall bo half a mile, measured west from the said Onondaga Creek, ;li 852 ONONDAGA. to the aforesaid lands appropriated for the common benoat of the people of the Stato of Now- York and of the Ouondagoes and their posterity, for the purpose of making salt, then along the same westerly and northerly to the line run for the north bounds of the said reservation, then along the said line west to the north-west corner of the said reservation, then along the west bounds thereof, suuth to the south-west corner thereof, and then along the south bounds thereof, east, to the place of beginning: Secondly; in consideration of the said release and quit -claim, the people of the State of Mew- York do, at this treaty, pay to the Onondagoes, four hundred and ten dol- lars, the receipt whereof the Onondagoes do hereby acknowl- edge. And the people of the State of New-York, shall pay to the Onondagoes, on the first day of June next, two hundred and eighteen dollars, and on the first day of June, annually, for ever thereafter, four hundred and ten dollars. Tlurdly,' the payments which the Onondagoes nre by virtue of these presents entitled annually to receive, and also those payments which they are by covenants heretofore c-.tcred into' entitled annually to receive from the people of the State of New-York, shall be made and discharged at Onondago, at the village where the said Onondagoes now reside, anything in any former covenants contained to the contrary notwithstanding. Fourth- ly, the people of the State of NcAv-York, shall, from thne to time, and at all times forever hereafter, have full pow r and authority to lay out and open roads through any part of the lands appropriated by the people of the State of New-York to the use of the Onondagoes, and not hereby (, ut-clairaed in the same way and manner, as roads now are, and hereafter may be directed by law to be laid out and made generally in other parts of the State. Fifthly, the several boundaries of the lands herein before described, the rights to which die said Onondagoes have by these presents, released and quit-claimed to the people of the State of New- York, and also the southerly boundaries of the lands appropriated for the common benefit of the people of the State of New-York, and of the Ononda- goes and their posterity, for the purpose of making salt ; shall, Si' n I' afl soon as coi at the expens of New- York, these present! said nation a said nation m running and i said. Signed by dagas, aad on tine and Sim( ster, interprel At a Treat; New York, b^ and John Ricl and on behalf the tribe or n; this twenty ei; and ninety-fivi Whereas there articles of a<rr Fort Stanwix, seven hundred articles of ag one thousand 5 said articles, pi subsequently t and nine^y-thr a certain deed of New- York, the treaties fir; the said deed c and ninety-thr( which said last the said Onond State, a perpet Now know all r REMINISCENCES. 358 I afl soon jis conveniently may be, be surveyed, run, and marked at the expenao and by the direction o*' the people of the Stat« of New-York, according to the true intent and meaning of these presents, in the presence of such of the Indians of the said nation as choose to attend, and of such persons as the said nation may appoint to attend and inspect the su- eying, running and marking of the said several boundaries as afore- said. Signed by twenty-five chiefs and warriors of the Onon- dagas, aad on the part of tlu State of New- York by Jo'm Can- tine and Simeon De Witt. James Dean and Ephraim Web- ster, interpreters. At a Treaty hold at the Cayuga Ferry, in the State of New York, by Phillip Schuyler, J ohn Cantine, David Brooks and John Richardson, agents, authorised for that purpose by and on behalf of the People of the State of New- York, with the tribe or nation of Indians called the Onondagoes, it is on this twenty eighth day -of July, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-five, covenanted, concluded and agreed as follows: Whereas there was reserved to the Onondago nation by the articles of a^^reement, made at Fort Schuyler, formerly called Fort Stanwix, ou the twelfth day of September, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight, and confirmed by subsequent articles of agreement, made on the sixteenth day of June, one thousand seven hundred and ninety, sundry lands in the said articles, particularly specified i.nd described, and whereas, subsequently thereto, in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-three, the said Onoadago notion, did sell, and by a certain deed of cession, convey untc the people of the State of New- York, certain part of the lands reserved to them by the treaties first abc .- mentioned, reference being had :nto the said deed of cession, made in one thousand seven hundred and ninety-three, will therefrom more particularly appear by which said last agreement there wa;? stipulated to be paid to the said Onondago Indians, on the part of the people of this State, a perpetual annuity of four hundred and ten dollars : Now know all men, thai the people of the State o.f New-York, 45 iTjiin :is^l <v^ "*,ai ^-V. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) fe /. .-^Z A fA & ^ 1.0 I.I |50 '""^ 1^ 1^ 11:25 i 1.4 — A" 21 1.6 Sciences Corporation 33 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 4\^ ^ iV qv \ :\ % ^«>v 6^ <^ ^ <^ ^i>^ A 1' Jr/i ^ "^i^^ ,<!•' S,^ X" & f/j fA J ^'i' •S^ :\ \ 6^ 354 ONONDAGA in order to render the situation of the said Onondago Indians more comfortable, have gi-anted, and by these presents do grant and agree, that instead of, and in lieu of the said four hundred and ten dollars, annually to be paid to them, the said Onon- dagoes, they shall be and hereby are declared to be entitled to a perpetual annuity of eight hundred dollars, and they having been already paid in the year one thousand seven hun- dred and ninety-three, four hundred and ten dollars, and the residue for two years being one thousand one hundred and ninety dollars, is now paid them in the presence of the wit- nesses whose names are subscribed to this instrument, and they are hereby declared to be entitled to, ;ind shall bo paid eight hundred dollars on the first day of June next ensuing the date hereof, and annually thereafter, on the first dny of June in each year forever, the like sum of eight hundred dol- lars, in manner hereinafter specified ; and whereas there was also reserved to the said Onondago Indians by the articles of agreement first above mentioned, a common right with the people of this State, to the salt lake, and the lands for one mile around the same, and by the agreement made in the year year cne thousand seven hundred and ninety-three, there was also reserved to the said nation and their posterity forever, all the lands lying on the west side of the creek, running from the northern boundary of the square tract surrounding their village, to the salt lake, an extent of one half mile from the said creek, Now know all men further by these presents, that in order to render the said common right, and the said lands adjoining to the creek aforesaid, more productive of an annual income to the said Onondago nation, it is covenanted, stipulated and agreed by the said Onondago nation, that they will sell and they do by these presents sell to the people of the State of New-York, and their successors forever, all and singular, the common right in the said salt lake, and the one mile of land around the same, together with all and singular the lands com- prised within one half mile of the creek between the northern boundary of the land reserved to them by the agreement of one thou salt lake State of tion of V granted, that the • nation, ii their nan common lars for t the exten do fur the the said the furthi dollars, a at the sal ing the d first day < and of tw of salt ; { the said e said sever and the si them by t together t annually ] county of United St and in cai: the Unitei the State said agent ondago na tiie count( said Indiii dago natic pie of the REMINISCENCES. 355 one thousand seven hundred and ninety-three, and the said salt lake, to have and to hold the same to the people of the State of New- York, and their ^'uceessors forever, in considera- tion of Avhich cession and grants it is covenanted, agreed and granted, on the part of the people of the State of New-York, that they shall pay, and do noAv pay to the said Onondago nation, in tho presence of the Avitnesses who have subscribed their names hereunto, the sum of five hundred dollars for the common right aforesaid, and also the sum of two huiulred dol- lars for the one half mile of land adjoining the said creek in the extent aforesaid, and the people of the State of New- York do further promise, covenant and agree that thoy will pay to the said Onondago nation, in manner hereinafter specified, the further sums of five hundred dollars and of two hundred dollars, and also one hundred bushels of salt to be delivered at the salt lake aforesaid, on the first day of June next ensu- ing the date hereof, and annually forever thereafter, on the first day of June in each year, the said sums of five hundred and of two hundred dollars, and the said one hundred bushels of salt ; and it is further covenanted and agreed that as well the said eight hundred dollars herein before mentioned as the said several sums of five hundred and two hundred dollars, and the sum of five hundred dollars stipulated to be paid to them by the treaty at Fort Schuyler first aforesaid, making together the sum of two thousand dollars, shall in future be annually paid them forever hereafter, at Canada ghquc, in the county of Ontario, to the agent for Indian Affairs under the United States for the time being, residing within this State, and in case no such agent shall be appointed on the part of the t'nited States, then by such person as the Governor of the State of Noav York shall thereunto appoint, to be by the said agent or person so to be appointed, paid to the said On- ondago nation, taking their receipt therefor on the back of tiie counterpart of this instrument in the possession of the said Indiiins, in the words following, to wii : ^Ve, tlie Onon- dago nation, do acknowledgi; to have received from tho peo- ple of the State of NewA'ork, the sum., of t^vo thousand dol- .11 11 !. \Bi ilil I «1t ilRII 1 ' 5 i ! 1 1 1 n 1 • i ii I'JI H li Iff 1 1 lij.l i i 356 ONONDAGA. lars in full for the several annuities within mentioned, as witness our hands at Canadaghque, this day of -179 - which money shall be paid in the presence of at least one of the magistrates of the county of Ontario, and in the presence of at least two more reputable inhabitants of the said county and which magistrate and other persons in whose presence the same shall be paid, shall subscribe their names as witnesses to the said receipt, and the said agent or other person so to be appointed, shall also take a duplicate receipt for the said money witnessed by the said witnesses, and which duplicate shall, as soon as conveniently may be, be acknowledged and recorded in the records of the said county of Ontario, and the original duplicate transmitted to the Governor of this State for the time being. Signed in behalf of the State bv Ph. Schuyler, John Cantine, D. Brooks, John Richardson and eighteen chiefs and warriors of the Onondago nation. At a treaty held at Albany, on the 25th of February, 1817, the Onondagas sold and conveyed the following described lands, viz : All that certain tract of the lards reserved to them in former reservations, and known as the Onondaga Residence Reservation. This land lies east of the present reservation, and amounted to twenty-seven lots of from one hundred and fifty to one hundred and sixty acres each, amounting in all to about four thousand acres. One thousand dollars was paid down, with an annuity of four hundred and thirty dollars, and fifty bushels of salt. On the 11th of February, 1822, at a treaty held at Alba- ny, they sold eight hundred acres more of their land, from the south end of the Onondaga Residence Reservation, for the sum of seventeen hundred dollars. This, so far, is the last treaty made with the Onondagas for the conveyance of lands. Military Tract. — The Military Tract, was originally bounded north by Oneida Lake, Oswego River and Lake On- tario ; west, by a line drawn from the head of Great Sodus Bay to the head of Seneca Lake ; south, by a line drawn from the head of Seneca Lake to the west line of the present county of Chemv and Osw the prese land, and and Way The ex of New-1^ able failu taa of tro< cient mea of the in] welfare. TheLe of this ne requisite 1 cure so d( on the 20i "two regi These re^ sisted, anc troops wei dischargee York, was the State, speedily a the States they contii time they vates, or ] should res] private, fiv proportion the survey acres ; bri^ Ueutenant and regim( acres; ead REMINISCENCES. 867 of Chemung ; east, by the counties of Chenango and Madison, and Oswego River, comprising within its boundaries, all of the present counties of Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca and Cort- land, and a part of each of the counties of Osw2go, Tompkins and Wayne. The exposed situation of the extensive frontier of the State of New- York in the years 1779 and 1780, and the unaccount- able failure of different states to furnish their respective quo- tas of troops for its protection, rendered it necessary that effi- cient measures should be adopted for the protection and safety of the inhabitants of that region, as well as for the general welfare. The Legislature of the State of New- York, were well aware of this necessity, and at once proceeded to adopt the means requisite to bring into actual service, a force sufficient to se- cure so desirable an object. Accordingly, a law was passed on the 20th of March, 1781, providing for the enlistment of "two regiments for the defense of the frontier of New- York." These regiments were to be armed, accoutred, clothed, sub- sisted, and paid at the expense of the United States, and the troops were to continue in service three years, unless sooner discharged. The Council of appointment of the St^te of New- York, was to commission the field officers, and the governor of the State, the captains and subalterns, who were to enlist as speedily as possible the aforesaid regiments. The faith of the State was pledged to the officers and privates, that should they continue to serve the full time of three years, or to the time they were respectively discharged, such officers and pri- vates, or in case of their death, their legal representatives should respectively receive, each non-commissioned officer and private, five hundred acres of land, and officers to receive in proportion to their r ., k, after the same had been surveyed by the surveyor general of the State. A major general, 5,500 acres ; brigadier general, 4,250 acres ; colonel, 2,500 acres ; Ueutenant colonel, 2,250 acres ; major, 2000 acres ; captain and regimental surgeon, each 1,500 acres; chaplain, 2000 acres ; each subaltern and surgeon's mate, 1000 acres. B ' '! 358 ONONDAGA. A.id this was all the bounty or emolument to be received from the State of New-York. In case these lands were not actually settled witliin three years after the war was closed, they were to be forfeited, and were to revert to tlie State. The forces raised upon these conditions, were to be mustered and commanded by the commander-in-chief of the armies of the United States. The year followin;^^ an act was passed providing for the raising of Col. Lamb's regiment of artillery, Avith the same privileges and bounties, and under the same regulations as the other regiments. The Congress of the United States also granted one hun- dred acres of land to each of these soldiers serving as afore- said. To each major general, 1000 acres ; brigadier general, 900 acres ; colonel, 500 acres ; lieutenant colonel, 450 acres ; major, 400 acres; captain, 800 acres; lieutenant, 200 acres; ensign, 150 acres. This land was located in the State of Ohio. It was after- wards so arranged between the State of Now- York and the United States, that any soldier legally relinciuishing his claim to the one hundred acres in Ohio, should draAV a full right of six hundred acres in New-Y'ork. But failing to relinquish that riglit by neglect or otherwise, the one hundred acres over five hundred reverted to the State of NoAV-York. Hence the origin of the term " State h Hundred," once so much in use on the Military Tract. The first grant of Military Bounty Lands comprehended all that tract of country bounded north by the Oneida Lake, Oneida River and Lake Ontario ; west, by a line drawn from Great Sodus Bay, on Lake Ontario to the foot of Seneca Lake, up Seneca Lake to its head. South by a line drawn eastwardly from tho head of Seneca Lake to the Oneida Reservation ; east, by the Oneida Reservation, and along the Chittenango Creek to its estuary, the place of be- ginning, except certain reserves for the Onondaga and Seneca Indians, and for the State of New-York, in the vicinity of the salt springs. In May, 1784, commissioners were appointed to proceed to grnt military bounty lands, and to settle individual claims. REMINISCENCES. 3r>9 The commissloncrg for granting bounty lands, &c., by law, consistt'd of tlie (jovernor, the Lieutenant (Jovevnor, the Speaker of the Assembly, the Secretary of the State, the Attorney General, the Treasurer, and Auditor thereof. Any three of whom transacted business, the Governor always being one of them. It should bo borne in mind that the Indian title to these military lands had not as yet been extinguished. vVnd there Bcemed to be some doiil)t and uncertainty as to the time when it would be. Some of the claimants became clamorous, con- sequently on the loth of May, 17H({, the Legislature passed an act authorizing the commissioners of the land oflice to or- der the Surveyor General to lay out several townships, Avhere the Indian title had been extinguished, to satisfy the claims of the officers and soldiers of the New- York regiments. These laiuls were located in the north part of the State of New-York, and consisted of twelve townships, numbered from south to north and back, two tiers, each toAvnship containing one hundred square miles, being each ten miles square, equal to about seven hundred and sixty-eight thousand acres. Num- bers one, two, eleven, twelve, are noAV in Essex county ; num- bers three, four, five, six, in Clinton county, and seven, eight, nine, ten in Franklin county. This was subsequently called the "Old Military Tract." Many of the soldiers' rights had been bought up by specu- lators, and it was soon ascertained by them that these lands were not to be compared to the lands in western New- York for fertility and prospective value. The Legislature was in- duced to defer the final settlement of claims until the Indian title was extinguished to the lands of the Onondagas, Cayu- gas and Senecas. By the Treaty of Fort S*anwix, dated 12th September, 1788, the Indian title was extinguished, and the several indi- vidual rights were located as was at first intended. The Military Tract originally contained about one million eight hundred thousand acres, or about three thousand rights, exclusive of reservations. Deceptions and frauds had already '■ 'I,... iiiiiiii^ir 360 ONONDAGA. been practiced to a considerable extent, and the settlement of these claims proceeded but very slovrly ; and it was with the greatest difficulty that the commissioners could distinguish be- tween the rightful and fraudulent claimants. In 1789, the commissioners of the land office directed the Surveyor Gene- ral to lay out as many townships as would satisfy the claims of persons entitled to bounty lands. He accordingly laid out twenty-five townships, numbering from one to twenty-five in- clusive. Township number twenty-six was added in 1791. Each township to contain sixty thousand acres of land. These townships were to bo subdivided into lots of six hundred acres each. In 1790, the Surveyor General completed the survey, and fifty acres, to be located in one of the corners of each lot, was suHfct to the payment of forty-eight shillings to the Surveyor General, as a compensation for his services. Hence the origin of the term " Survey Fifty;" and the further sum of eight shillings was charged by the Secretary of State, upon each lot in addition to his customary fees for perfecting con- veyances. The Surveyor General, Simeon De Witt, personally laid out the whole Military Tract, by plotting and mapping the boundaries and calculating the whole area. Moses De Witt and Abraham Hardenburgh, were appointed by the Surveyor General, as his assistants, to divide the Military Tract thus laid out, into townships, each to contain one hundred lots. Some of these townships were extremely irregular, and so of many of the lots. But wherever practicable, it was intended to have each township ten miles square, and each lot one mile square. The division of townships into lots was made under the direction and superintendence of Moses De Witt and Abraham Hardenburgh. But the labor was performed by several individuals, among .whom were Benjamin Wright, J. L. Hardenburgh, John Cantine, Josiah Buck, Comfort Ty- ler, Joseph Annin, Benjamin Barton, Jacob Hart, William Ewing, Orris Curtis, Peter G. Cuddeback, Thomas Nicholson, John Konkle, and some others who assisted them, and who aeted as surveyors of townships. p The t( 1 and the I be herca f terms, oi Tract, w certain o two, thre missionei Townshij a « <( « (( « u ^^ (( In our townships ships of ] Onondagj Bake of c< different j us, Tully, the towns may be r( tary Trac On the to determi share. I One lot wj of New-Y township 1 REMINISCENCES. 801 The terms town and township are frequently confounded, and the one often substituted for the other. That there may be hereafter no misconstruction or misunderstanding of these terms, once for all, we say that a township on the Military Tract, was a particular parcel of land laid out, containing certain one hundred lots. These were at first numbered one, two, three, &c. But afterwards they were named by the com- missioners of the land office, after distinguished men : Township No. 1, Lysander, Township No. 14, Tully, ' I a u u (( (( « a (( <( 2, Hannibal, 3, Cato, 4, Brutus, 5, Camillus, 6, Cicero, 7, Manlius, 8, Aurelius, 9, Marcellus, 10, Pompey, " 11, Romulus, 12, Scipio, 13, Sempronius, <( u (( <( (( (( « (C (( il ii a « (( 15, Fabiua, 16, Ovid, 17, Milton, 18, Locke, 19, Homer, 20, Solon, 21, Hector, 22, Ulysses, 23, Dryden, 24, Virgil, 25, Cincinnatus, 26, Junius. In our early organization, a town often embraced several townships ; as the town of Pompey at first included the town- ships of Pompey, Fabius and Tully, and a large part of the Onondaga reservation. After settlements increased, for the sake of convenience, the same territory has been divided, at difiFerent periods, into the towns of Pompey, Lafayette, Fabi- us, Tully, Truxton and Preble, including a part of each of the towns of Otisco, Spafford and Onondaga. The same may be remarked of other towns and townships on the Mili- tary Tract. On the 1st of January, 1791, the commissioners proceeded to determine these claims, and to ballot for each individual's share. Ninety-four persons drew lots in each township. One lot was drawn for the support of literature in the State of New- York ; one lot was assigned near the centre of each township by the Surveyor General, for the support of the gos- 46 ; i 111 362 ONONDAfi A. pel nn<l common acliools, and tlio romiiinlng four lots wont to satisfy tlic .«iir|(lus wliarcs of the oIIuhts, and to coMipcnHate those who by ehiinco mij^ht draw lots covered with water. If any of the lot.s containotl too small a([iiantity of land, the com- missioners were anthori/,(>d to correct it. The former act re- lative to aetuiil settlement was repealed, and the tiaie for RU'li actual settlement was extended seven 3'ears from 1st of January, 17!*-. In case of faihn-o to settle within that time, then the lands reverted to the State as before. The equitable adjustment of these land claims Avas a. source of continual embarrassment and per})lexity to the commissioners, and to the real owners. In Au^^ust, 17!*2, the l^oard of Commissioners, finding it necessary in order to comply with the grants of Ixumty lands, lately directed b^'' law to be made to the Hospital department and others, caused township number twenty-seven, and the lots thereon, respectively to be numbered agreeable to law, and the township to be designated by the name of the township of Galen. In January, 1705, there still appeared to bo several unsat- isfied claims for military l)ounty lands, and the twenty-seven townships being already disposed of, the board resolved that the Surveyor (ieneral should lay out one other township, num- bered twenty-eight. This was subsecpiently named Sterlimj ; which satisfied all the remaininji; claims. In January, 1704, an act was passed, on account of the many frauds committed respecting the titles to these military bounty lands, by forging and antedating conveyances ; by con- veying the same to dift'erent persons, and by various other de- vices, and to prevent future frauds, the act provided that all deeds and conveyances made and executed ])eforo that time, or pretending to be so, should be deposited Avith the clerk of the county of Albany, for the time being, and all such as were not so deposited, should be considered fraudulent. The names of the claimants were posted up in alphabetical order in the clerk's office at Albany, and also at the clerk's office at Herkimer, for the more full inspection of all persons inter- rf<:minkscence.s. 3G3 cstod. Tht'so dalms were still contostcil, mnl tlio eonrta ovor- llowod with husiiK'SM roliitivo thereto. Sciircu a lot hut hocainc more or loss the sul)ject of liti;^ation. Kven the soldierw thcinsolves, eotniiif^ to take possession of tho lots for Avhieh they had servetl, were ol)lii:;ed to eject some lawless s([uattur at considerahle expense, or (|uictly to yield their hard earned titles. At leii<^th the iidiahitants of the military tract became BO conii>l(!tely W(!!iried with these continued and most vexing contentions, that in 171*7, the residents of the several town- ships on tli(! Military Tract, unanimously and most lu-artily united in petilioniu;^ the State Le;^islature to pass a law au- thori/ing a speedy and e(piitahle n)odo of settling all disputes relativo to those titles. An act was thereupon passed appoint- ing Iloliert Vates, James Kent, and Vincent Ma.thows, Com- missioners, with fidl powers to hear, examine, awai'd and de- termine all disputes respecting the titles to any and all the military bounty lands. The (iiovernor was authorized to fdl all vacancies in this hoard. From the record of the awards made by the Onondaga. Commissioners, the name of James Kent does not at all appear in their transactions. Most of the awards of 17nH-!)l), are signed by Vincent Mathews and James Emmott ; later ones by Vincent Mathews aiul llol)ert Yates, and some of those of 1801 and 1802, by ISIessrs. Mathews and Emmott, and Sanders Livingston. They pro- ceeded to the Avork, and after a laborious investigaiion, the exertions of these gentlemen finally brought these vexing and lingering contentions to a satisfactory close. l! m :l!;; 1 I f If' ~Ouu ¥OlSi<v COMT ticut, on broth tn"S he ffiiiiu to enlist of lor His torn being ra West Px hawk Hi taught a gifted m than his ted fron York, a prcHmini hig land make he; gaged -t COUNTY— COMFORT TYLER. 366 CHAPT. U XI ON'UNPAOA COUNTY. CojfFOKT Trim - • Lfsw i OltGAKlEAlli i OrO A.N i?, A !,■■■> .-.r ■- >i Tiii:ASt'K EBU — M KMUtttl: FmsT Board** oj Sui'E- vomammth ►iRT'' !n ■ Co-*. 'alca«<?»s^ ITAftT Af- At Comfort Tyler was born In the town of A shf. ml, Connec- ticut, on the 22d of February, 1764. being the fourth of seven brothers. la the year 17T7, y\hm only thh-teen years of age, resolved thr- age ^•05»eat f'.'SS of ;■ Mo- .rvoyor, lien of ■ u.twlodge : -i-\'e emigra- H'f.^tern New- . ! essary he manifested a stro'-'- .l.';nv^> *.. :><.f- >- •^1, to enlist as a soldier of iourti eu, he entered Ilia term of service wa?- of sit. being mostly ooufioed to duty West Point, lu 1783, he went to < hawk liiver, where he entered upon - tauglit a school ; and as is often ti gifted mind.?, he ni:id<; greater advaii •. than his pupils. Among the superior • ted from New-Kngliind to the wilder^ York, a large proportion of them have i prelimini ry to teaeh a sehooT, ai ing land, in order to Hcenr(> a suiali iuud and successfully to make headway in the world. Whil '■ '"vlcr was thus en- gaged at f'"M.'-ii...-r.,,.n. n,- .t T, . 1 u ton came ttp th« Oboa — Oi Teea FlRSl POINl Com ticut, brothe] he mai to enlii of four His tei being i West I hawk I taught gifted 1 than h /\y ^>' <L^ I ted fro York, I prelim ii ing Ian make li gaged 1 COUNTY— COMFORT TYLER. S66 CHAPTER XI. ONONDAGA COUNTY. OOMFORT Ttlee — Lessee Company — Pkoperty Line — Buee Conspieact Obganization of Onondaga County — Roads— General View of the County — Oeganization of Courts — Judges— Surrogates— Clerks— Shehiffs— Treasurers- Members ok Congress-Senators— Members of Assembly- First Boards of Supervisors — Valuations — Census — Early Military Ap- pointments. Comfort Tyler was born in the town of Ashford, Connec- ticut, on the 22d of February, 1764, being the fourth of seven brothers. In the year 1777, when only thirteen years of age, he manifested a strong desire to enter the army, and resolved to enlist as a soldier in defense of his country. At the age of fourteen, he entered the army with his father's consent. His term of service was of short duration, and his duties light, being mostly confined to duty in and about the fortress of West Point. In 1783, he went to Caughnawaga, on the Mo- hawk River, where he entered upon the business of a surveyor, taught a school ; and as is often the case with young men of gifted minds, he made greater advances in useful knowledge than his pupils. Among the superior men who have emigra- ted from New-England to the wilderness of Western New- York, a large proportion of them have thought it a necessary preliminary to teach a school, and to learn the art of survey- ing land, in order to secure a small fund and successfully to make headway in the world. While Mr, Tyler was thus en- gaged at Caughnawaga, General James Clinton came up the 366 ONONDAGA, I Mohawk valley with .i party, for the purpose of establishing the boundary line between New- York and Pennsylvania ; and by him Mr. Tyler was engaged to accompany the expedition. The party transported their bateaux and baggage from the Mohawk River to Otsego Lake, and thence down the Susque- hanna, to the State line, being the same route taken by Gene- ral Clinton, in 1779, in the expedition against the western In- dians. Mr. Tyler continued Avith the party during the season, and then returned to the Mohawk. On this surveying expe- dition, he first made the acquaintance of Moses De Witt, who was about his own age, and with whom he was intimately as- sociated till the time of Mr. De Witt's death. The next event of importance which occurred during his residence in the Mohawk valley, grew out of his connection with the celebrated " Lessee Company.'' The constitution of the State forbade the purchase of lands, in fee simple, of the Indians by individuals, reserving to the State alone, the right to make such purchases. An association of men, embracing many of wealth, character and influence, was formed for the purpose of purchasing lease-hold estates of the Indians, for the term of nine hundred and ninety-nine years. On their way up tho Mohawk valley, they met Mr. Tyler, and offered him a participation in the enterprise, which off'er he accept- ed. They proceeded as far as Canandaigua, where a treaty was held with the Indians on the bank of the lake : and, so far as they could judge, theiv object was accomplished. As might have been foreseen, however, the State authorities in- terfered, and the whole affair vanished in smoke. As the his- tory of this company is but little known, we give the follow- ing brief sketch of it. In the winter of 1787-88, Avas formed the memorable '■'■Lessee Compaji//," composed of John Living- ston, Caleb Benton, Peter Kyckman, John Stephenson, Eze- kiel Gilbert, Benjamin Birdsall, and otliers, some eighty-six persons in all.* These gentlemen, entered into an agreement * For full list, see Greeiileafs Laws, Vol. Ill, p. 3a9, act LTbTjltir the relief of Benjamin BirdsaU and others. COUNTY— COMFORT TYLER. 367 with the chiefs and head men of the Six Nations of Indians, by which, for considerations afterwards mentioned, the said Six Nations leased " all the land oommonli/ known as the lands of the Six Nations, in the State of Neiv- York, and at the time, in the aetual possession of said chiefs and sachems," for the term of nine hundred and ninety-nine years, for an annual rent of two thousand Spanish milled dollars, except some insignificant reserves, and some privileges of hunting, fishing, &c., among which are the following : Reservation first. — " A mile square near" the outlet of Cay- uga Lake and Cayuga Salt Springs, Avith one hundred acres of land, to accommodate the same with wooil. Reservation second. — One-half of the falls, and convenient places for weirs, for the purpose of catching fish and eels, from Cross Lake to the Three Rivers. Reservation third. — Reserving the exclusive ris^ht to one of the salt springs near Onondaga, with fifty or one hundred acres of land around the same, sufficient for fire wood, and other conveniences for boiling salt, together -with an equal right in common, for eeling and fishing as far as Oneida Lake." The Indians might reserve any other lands they chose, but the same reverted to the lessees whenever they were abandoned by the Indians. The time for the payment of the rents, was to commence on the 4th of July, 1791. The leases were signed on the part of the Mohawks by Joseph Brant, and Hendrick Tekarihogea, by three Oneidas, eight Onondagas, twenty-three Cayugas and twenty-two Sene- cas, among whom were Red Jacket and Little-Beard, and also by ten principal women. Witnesses to the leases, were Samuel Kirkland, James Dean, Jos. Brant, David Smith, Benjamin Barton, M. Ilollenback, Elisha Lee and Ezekiel Scott. Dated 9th of July, 1788. One other lease, was witnessed by the same chief. Brant, an Oneida chief, James Dean, Sam'l Kirkland, llczekiah 01- cutt, Jed. Phelps, Nicholas Jourdain and Abram Vim Eps, and signed by ten Senecas, five Tuscaroras, five I J 'uwks, 368 ONONDAGA, seven Oneidas, and ten Onondagas, besides thirty miscella- neous. It has been intimated that Brant, Red Jacket and others of the principal chiefs of the Six Nations, were more than liberally paid for their concurrence in these transactions. It was thought by many discerning persons, at the time of this transaction, that the leaders in this matter, contemplated nothing loss than the dismemberment of the State of New- York, and the erection of a new one, out of the fertile coun- try of the western part. ^ Many of the most prominent citizens in the State Were en- listed in the scheme, and although the laws and constitution expressly forbade the purchase of any lands f^om the Indians, yet by leasing the same, for the term of nine hundred and ninety-nine years, they hoped to evade the law and effectually secure the title. The lease for nine hundred and ninety-nine years, amounted virtually to a sale; although in effect fraudu- lent, still, undoubtedly, many were innocently engaged in the transaction. An act was passed, 18th of March, 1789, brought about by the energy of Governor Clinton and Senator Egbert Benson, de- fining the boundaries of the losses, authorizing the Governor to destroy all dwellings, houses, barns or other erections, made on any of the Indian lands, by others than Indians, and if necessary, to call out the militia of the State, to speedily and forcibly eject all tresspassers on Indian lands. By these operations, the lessees failed to establish their title to the fertile country of Western New- York, and feeling themselves aggrieved by the interference of the State, peti° tioned the Legislature for relief; and finally on the 4th of February, 1793, was passed an act authorizing the Commis- sioners of the Land Office to direct a quantity of the vacant and unappropriated lands in the State, equal to ten miles square, to be set off for their use and benefit. This land was finally located on township No. 3, of the "Old Military Tract," amounting to about sixty-four thousand acres ; and this was the final compromise of the State, with the ffimons " Lessee COUNTS'— COMFORT TYLER. 369 Compawj," who once pretended to own and hold all the lands in Western New- York, west of the " Old Line of Properti/." This Line of Property, often named in the early records of the State Department at Albany, was a line drawn from the north-east corner of the State of Pennsylvania across the State of Now- York, in a direction a little east of North, crossing the Mohawk River, near where the dividing line of the counties of Herkimer and Oneida now crosses the same. By the treaty of 1784, the Six Nations were to occupy all the lands in the State of New- York, west of that line, so distinguished because, beyond that on the wr^t, no white peo- ple had acquired a title, except about six miles square, includ- ing the Fort at Oswego, and a strip about four miles wide along the Niagara River, which by stipulation in the treaty, the United States had reserved. The journey of Mr. Tyler to Cayuga was not without bene- fit, for it enabled him to see and appreciate the beautiful and fertile country west of the Mohawk ; and, it was at this time, that he formed the resolution of eventually settling in that portion of the State. In the spring of 1788, at the age of twenty-three years, in company with Major Asa Danforth, he pushed into the wil- derness, fifty miles beyond any white inhabitant, and com- menced the permanent settlement of Onondaga county. This was nearly a year before the treaty was held on the bank of the Seneca Lake, between Oliver Phelps and the Indians.* After the arrival of Col. Tyler at Onondaga, he enjoyed the distinction of having felled the first tree, and of con- structing the first piece of turnpike road in the State, west of Fort Stanwix, and of assisting in the first manufacture of salt. The first individuals who passed the limits of our county to * By the way, Oliver Phelps opened the fir,t land office in America, at Canan- da.gua, .n 1789, and for the first time land was conveyed by '- article." This wa. a new device, of American origin, wholly unknown to the English system of grantmg possession without fee. sysiem, ot 47 < mh i m 870 ONONDAGA. live, were John Harris and James Bennet, who settled at Cayu- ga in 1789. Mr. Tyler obtained his first cow from Judge White, as well as some grain for seed. Having heard that cows might be had at the garrison at Oswego, he went there and purchased two or three more. Like most of the early settlers, Mr. Tyler was obliged to grind his corn in a mortar made in an oak stump. His mill was standing till the year 1845, near the barn of Mrs. Thaddeus M. Wood, when it was grubbed out and burned, to add to the ipprovements of the age. It was quite sound. Col. Tyler was a favorite with the Indians, who named him " To-whan-ta-qua" — meaning one that is double, or one that is a laboring man and a gentleman at the same time, or can do two things at once. So intimate were the associations of the family with the Indians, that some of the children lisped their first accents in the Indian tongue. Mr. Tyler married for his first wife Miss Deborah Wemple, who died a short time after her marriage, leaving one daugh- ter, who afterwards became the wife of Cornelius Longstreet, fatter of Mr. C. T. Longstreet. He afterwards married Miss Betsey Brown. His second wife survived him but a few weeks, leaving but one child, Mrs. Mary Olmsted, now of Cohoes Falls. These two daughters were his only children. In the summer of 1793, Col. Tyler was severely bitten in the arm by a rabid dog. The wound was instantly done up in salt. He immediately arranged his affairs, bade farcAvell to his friends, and with the most melancholy feelings, and the prospect of a terrible and certain death before him, set out in quest of a celebrated physician, who professed to cure this hor- rible malady. He was successful in finding him, submitted to a severe course of treatment, which entirely eradicated the insidious poison, and in a few weeks came home restored to health and usefulness. This would appear incredible but from the fact that the dog had bitten several swine and cattle in the neighborhood, which died with all the symptoms and hor- COUNTY— COMFORT TYLER. 871 rors of that most dreadful of all maladies. The dog "was killed. When the Military Tract was surveyed, he was select- ed to render assistance, and surveyed one of the townships, and subsequently ho surveyed the Cayuga reservation. In all the important improvements of the country he bore a conspicu- ous part, freely appropriating his time and means for the pro- motion of these objects. He was early selected on account of his sterling worth to fill the highest offices of trust. He was appointed a justice of the peace for the town of Manlius in 1794. He was appointed coroner for Onondaga county in 1794, with Gilbert Tracy. In 1797 he was appointed sheriflF of the county of Onondaga, and after Cayuga was set off in 1799, he was appointed clerk for Onondaga, and held that of- fice till 1802. He was the first supervisor of the town of Manlius in 1794, and held the office four years ; and repre- sented Onondaga in the Legislature in 1798 and 1799. With a physical constitution remarkably capable of undergoing fa- tigue, and all the vicissitudes of climate, Mr. Tyler possessed, in an eminent degree, the qualities of enterprise, sagacity, prudence and fortitude. Among the Indians, his firmness and justice soon produced respect and confidence. With the new settlers, as they gradually followed his lonely path into the woods, his intelligence, sympathy and alacrity in aiding them, produced high esteem and devoted friendship. Many of the first settlers of Onondaga, had their spirits perpetually re- freshed by glowing anticipations of the future. They knew the importance of their exertions. They labored and suffered in perfect assurance that the great results would follow, which we see realized. Full of these assurances, Mr. Tyler was al- ways active and ardent for opening roads, improving streams, establishing schools, and erecting churches. Extensively ac- quainted with the topography of the country, and for a long time knowing personally most of its inhabitants, he labored assiduously on all occasions, and with much effect, in impress- ing upon others the views which he entertained of the real wants and true interests of the new settlements. In addition 372 0\UM)A(i A to the encouragement which he gave by his example, to the ordinary and imlis|»oiisaljlf operations of clearing lands, pro- viding the means of Hulji^i.stcnco, and constructing comfortablo dwellings, from the first his mind was constantly lahorin<T for the means of facilitating intercourse. With a parental soli- citude, he considered the condition of the whole country into which he led the settlers, and comprehended upon the broad- est scale, the means of improving it. J lis zeal for new roads and bridges was deemed romantic. But his knowledge and his perseverance were not to be defeated. As a member of the Legislature, and in all his intercourse with public and pri- vate meetings for the general welfare, no person sustained his part better, or effected more, than he did. These sulyccts ■were the theme of his remarks, and the object he Avas most anxious to promote. To him more than to any other man are we indebted for the Seneca Turnpike Eoad, including the bridge across the Cayuga Lake. This project, which has pro- ved so valuable since its accomplishment, was very much op- posed at its inception. The ignorant, the timid and the indo- lent, thought it impossible to be effected by the feeble means then in the country. It was too gigantic and expensive ; even if it could be constructed, the means would be wasted, and after years of hard labor, and the most liberal appropriations for its completion, its advocates would inevitably incur the loss and mortification of finding it altogether unprofitable. In his efforts to bring capital and influence in aid of his undertakings. Col. Tyler made the acquaintance of Aaron Burr — which finally led to his connection with the celebrated southern expedition. The history of that period shows that he entered prominently into the transaction, having spent two years at the south, in arranging plans for the consummation of the project. The minutiie of these operations have not transpired. As this affair caused great excitement throughout the coun- try at the time, and as Col. Tyler was a prominent actor in the scene, it may be interesting to some, to give a brief synop- sis 80 far as he and some other citizens of Onondaga were COUNT Y— C O M F (> R T TYLER. 878 concerned. Previous to the cession of Louisiana, to the United States, Baron V. N. Tut. Bastrop, contracted with the Spanish government, for a tract of land exceeding tiiirty miles square near Nachitoches. Subsequently, Col. Charles Lynch made an agreement with Baron Bastrop, for an interest in this purchase. Aaron Burr purchased of Col. Lynch about four hundred thousand acres of tliis land, lying between the Sabine and Nachitoches, and paid for it fifty thousand dollars. The grant of Bastrop contained about one million two hun- dred thousand acres, and six-tenths of it was conveyed to Col. Lynch, and Col. Burr became interested in one half of Lynch's share, for the consideration above named. This is the commencement of the celebrated Burr conspi- racy. In the spring of 1805, Burr passed through the State of Pennsylvania to the Ohio valley, and down to New Or- leans. It was at this time that ho visited the beautiful Island of Herman Blennerhassct. Whatever scheme of ambition he contemplated, or what mighty project for founding a vast empire in the south-west he had planned, is unknown. There was a profound mystery in his movements, which could not be penetrated. The ostensible object of his operations was the settlement of the lands he had bargained for on the Washita River. Hundreds had been sounded on the subject of the speculation, and had assented to a participation in its profits, without knowing the destiny, or calculating on the event, of what was now in progress. In fact, the unfolding of the plan was not yet, and its result and prospects were perhaps only known to Aaron Burr, the grand projector of the hidden scheme. It has been supposed by many that his final object was the possession of New Orleans, the conquest of all Mexico and the formation of a new Republic. Many of the principal men of New- York and Ohio, were, through the wiles and machinations of this exuberant genius, drawn within the influences of his plans, and without harboring a surmise of evil, joined their fortunes with his. What commu- nication Comfort Tyler had with the grand leader of this project is unknown. He first made the acquaintance of Aaron 874 ONONDAGA. Burr, while they woio nioinbiTS togothor of tlio New- York Legislature, in 17!>H and 171>!». The New- York delegation was composed of Aaron Burr Goorgo Clinton, .rolm Swartwout, — (Jutes and others. At this session Col. Tyler procured the charter for building the Cayuga Bridge, and in order to facilitate the >york, Col- Burr, and Gen. John Swartwout, sulmcrihed for, took the ifholo stock, and furnished ihe means for prosecuting the vrork. Israel Smith and Joseph Annin superintended the building of the bridge. Thus commenced, the intercourse of Aaron Burr with the people of Western New- York, many of whom were subsequently drawn into the great south-west ex- pedition. In process of time. Col. Tyler and Israel Smith, both of whom acted prominent parts in the affair, with others from Onondaga and Cayuga counti(!s, proceeded to J?ig liea- vcr, (formerly Fort Mcintosh,) in Pennsylvania, on horseback, ostensibly for the i)urpose of making sale of salt. This arti- cle had begun to be manufactured in considerable quantities at Montezuma and Onondaga, and the sale of it in the west be- came a desirable object. Upon their arrival at Beaver, Messrs. Tyler and Smith entered largely into the purchase of provi- sions, particularly pork and Hour. Having purchased a large number of hogs, they had them packed and taken down the Ohio to Natchcs. This is said to bo the first salted pork ever taken down the Ohio River, and was considered not only some- thing new but wonderful at Natches. Many of the most prominent men in the country courted the society of these gentlemen, and expressed themselves as fervent advocates of the project. As the boats laden with provisions proceeded down the Ohio, they were joined by others who were engaged in the expedition. These operations on the Muskino-um and Ohio Rivers, awakened the vigilance and excited the attention of the government of the United States. On the Gth of December, 1805, Col. Tyler landed at Blener- hasset's Island with four boats and about thirty men, some of "whom were armed. These liad been fitted out as before sta- ted, at the towns above on tus Ohio River, and were making COUNTY— COMFORT TYLER. 876 their way down to Now Orleano. I]oat« laden with aimikr freight had previously paHHod, and othorH wore oxpoctod. Upon thoHu domoiiHtrationH of hoHtility, the militia of Ohio wore called out to HUpprcHt) what waH HuppoHcd to amount to an inaurrection. An act of the Ohio LegiHlature, and Trow- dent JcfTcrHon'8 prochunation, againwt thcHo HuapiciouH move- montB, diHaipatod the whole affair, and the oxi)odition, what- ever it was designed to he, exploded upon tho arroat of the principal mover, Aaron IJurr. Col. liurr, was arrested on the Tombigheo llivor, MiHsia- eippi; was carried to lMchtu(md Virginia, tried for treason in 1807, and ac(iuitted. Other arrestH wore nia<le, viz : Generals Adair and Day- ton, IJlenerhuH: (('^ Swartwout, Tyler, Smith, IJollman and Og- den. Burr and Jilenerhassct were the only ones tried. It has been stated that Burr's whole force at no time exceeded one hundred and fifty men. The indictments were founded on the allegation, that Col. Tyler, with some thirty men, stopped at JJlonerhassot's Island on their way down the Ohio with a view of taking temporary possession of New Orleans on their way to Now Mexico, such intent being considered treasonable. Process was served on Col. Tyler at Natches. lie came to Washington with Col. Pike, who was afterwards Gen. Pike, and who was killed at Little York, in 1812. It has been supposed by some that President Jefferson waa to close his eyes to all these proceedings ; for maps, charts, notes, &c., had been furnished, of the Washita country, oth- erwise called the Baron Bastrop purchase, by his knowledge. It should be borne in mind that Burr's title to that purchase Tvas considered good, and proved to bo so. It is supposed that tho r-rnonstrai ee : f Marshall Turenne, Minister from France, la boualf of Bonaparte, influenced tho mind of the President in his deliberations upon the subject. lie unetjuivocally de- clared that any entry of American citizens upon the territo- ry in question, would amount to a declaration of war, which 876 ONONDAGA. was supposed to have accelerated the President's interfer- ence.* This affair greatly impaired Col. Tyler's private fortune, and such was popular prejudice against the participators in this enterprise that it forever destroyed his prospects as a pub- lic man. Whatever may have been Burr's ulterior object, the public will understand bettor when the history of this transac- tion is more full^ developed. That the great number of in- fluential and respectable men connected with it, had no un- worthy motive, but simply sought to take possession of the Bastrop purchase, to which they believed tlicy had a fair and legitimate title, cannot be doubted. Whatever the expecta- tions of these men were, they were sadly disappf)inted, and the result proved that they had been wofully misled. The consequence of this disappointment was.tliat a controversy took place between Col. Burr and Col. Tyler, which resulted in a total estrangement between them, which was never reconciled. Besides Comfort Tyler, tliere were some twenty-five others, all young men, who proceeded to Beaver, in Pennsylvania, to take part in the expedition. Some of these were Major Israel Smith, of Cayuga, Samuel Forman, Augustus Hopkins, George Kibbe, John Brackett, — Lamb, — Hathaway, Daniel Hew- lett, Jonathan Thompson, and several others, wlio left Onon- daga on horseback, in full expectation of realizing fortunes without the slightest knowledge of the details of the expe- dition. The affair, at this time, created a great sensation among the young men, who were alive to the subject of important speculation. In 1811, Col. Tyler removed with his family to Montezuma, where he took a deep interest in the Cayuga lAIanufacturing Company. This company was engaged in making salt, and to extend their business, every thing would be important which could render Montezuma more accessible. With this view, and very much by his advice and personal exertions, the cora- * Relation of Israel Smith, Esq., of Albany. COUNTY— COMFORT TYLER, 877 I pany built two long bridges acrosa the Sciicca and Clyde Ri- vers, and conHtructed a turnpike, more than three miles in length, over the Cayuga marshes, whore tlie earth was so soft that with one liand a man might thrust a [)ole with ease into it ten or twelve feet ; and yet the experiment succeeded per- fectly, without exorbitant cost. Col. Tyler resided some two or three yeai's at lloboken, and superintended the draining of the salt meadows in that vicin- ity. In fact wherever any great work was to be accomplish- ed, he was among the first consulted. Whatever afl'ected the interest of his country, always engaged his solicitude, and in the late war he entered again into its military service, as As- sistant (Commissary (ietieral to the northern army. His ac- tivity, his resources and knowledge of the country, were often called into useful re([uisition. He served in the capacity of Assistant Commissary General, Avith the raidc of Colonel, to the close of the war. After the close of the war, the canal policy engaged his most earnest attention. From the beginning, he was among the foremost of the advocates of that work, and he Avas early in the field, side by side Avith -Judge (Jeddes and Ju<lge For- man, in advocating tlie fe.isiljility and policy of the plan. His intimate ac(iuaiiitance Avith the country through Avhich it would pass, and his kiiowledge of the mciuis Avhich might be applied to its accomplishment, convinced him of its practica- bility ; and it had been the peculiar study of his life, to as- certain the advantages Avhieh must How, from opening such a channel of communication. He Avas industrious in supporting the measure by animated conversations, Avhercver he hap- pened to be, and by letters addressed to members of the Le- gislature, in tiie early stages of its iigitation. He lived to rejoice Avith those Avho rejoiced at its completion. Few men have lived and died so Avell as Colonel Tyler, and his character may be contemplated witli advantage by all. To him and his influence, the public have been under peculiar obligations. His character stands out in bold relief, and his merits have naturally resulted from his thirst after knowledge ; 48 f a • 378 ONONDAGA. his superiority to all the allurements of ease and luxury, his daring enterprise, his comprehensive sagacity, his self reliance, his energetic activity, his constancy in his undertakings, and in his deliberate purpose of doing good. In all the relations of private friendship, Colonel Tyler was uncommonly endear- ing. His ready sympathy, his ingenuous affability, his ani- mation, his originality of remark, his knowledge of human na- ture and of life, and that strong expression of benevolence which beamed from his countenance and issued from his heart made his society always attractive and advantageous, and his house the seat of hospitality. His extraordinary conversa- tional powers wore peculiarly attractive ; no one became weary of his words, they were perfectly fascinating, and endeared him in the hearts of thousands. One who was intimate with him has said, " I never knew his equal in those qualities which constitute a man. He was nature's own nobleman, in person, in speech, in voice, in mind ; in fact, he possessed every attribute of a perfect man." No man more than him- self upon a first acquaintance, impressed upon the mind of an- other, the idea that his soul was filled with manly and generous sentiments, and none more fully confirmed that impression up- on subsequent intnnacy. By those who knew him best, he was most highly esteemed. He died at his residence at Montezuma, on the 5th of Au- gust, 1827, sincerely lamented by a large circle of personal friends, and deeply mourned by numerous relatives. Samuel, John and William Tyler, came to Onondaga be- tween the years 1790 and 1705. Samuel and William set- tled in Marcellus and died in 1825, within one week of each other. John returned to Connecticut, where he died in 1846. Job Tyler first settled in the town of Bridgewater, Oneida county, in 1794, and removed to Onondaga in 1804, and re- sided in the county of Onondaga, except four or five years, during the latter part of his life, which were spent at Monte- zuma. He died at Onondaga in March, 183G. They were all active industrious men, and it may, without ostentation, be claimed for them, that they deserved, and have left behind M COUNTY. 379 i tlu'ia, the reputation of valuable citizens, and of upright, hono- rable men. Oroanization of Onondaga County. — We have now ar- rived at the period when Onondsiga was organized aa a county, and it seeras rather necessary to go back and follow out the names and organizations through which our county has passed. The territory of New Netherlands, (now New-York,) west of Fort Orange, (Albany,) was called by the Dutch in 1638, " Terra Incognita," or unknown land. This appears to be the first distinctive name given to western New- York. In 1683, after the English had succeeded to the government of the Dutch Territories in America, and the English Duke of York had assumed the reins of government, the colony of New- York was divided by the Duke of York's Legislature, into twelve counties, called Albany, Duchess, Kings, New-York, Orange, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk, Ulster, Westchester, Dukes and Cornwall. This organization remained undisturbed till the years 1768 and 1770, when the counties of Cumber- land and Gloucester were added. These two latter, after a long and angry controversy, were yielded to New Hampshire, and subsequently became a part of the State of Vermont, ex- cept a portion north of Albany, which was called Charlotte county. The counties of Dukes and Cornwall were claimed by Massacliusetts, and were finally surrendered in 1693. In 1772 the county of Tryon was taken from Albany coun- ty, and embraced all the territory of New- York, west of a line drawn nearly north and south through the present county of Schoharie. Very soon after the close of the revolutionary war, the tide of emigration was directed towards Tryon coun- ty, and in a few years the increase of population made it ne- cessary for convenience, to divide it. In 1784, the name of Montgomery was substituted for Tryon. The tory Governor Tryon, had made interest with the British during the revolu- tion, and it was considered unpatriotic to have a disenthralled territory called any longer by a tory's name. The same year the name of Charlotte was changed to Washington. At the H 880 ONONDAGA. time, the name of Tryon was changed to Montgomery, the territory was divided into five districts, called Mohawk, Cana- joharie, Palatine, German Flats and Kingsland, the two latter of which embraced the western part of the State. In 1788 the district of German Flats, in the county of Montgomery, was divided, and all that part of the State of New- York ly- ing west of a line drawn north and south across the State, crossing the Mohawk Eiver at " Old Fort Schuyler," (Utica,) was erected into a tovn called Whitestown, in honor of Judge White, who had settled at Sadaquate (Whitesbovo) in 1784. In 1786 the county of Montgomery contained a population of only fifteen thousand and fifty-seven, and the State of New- York only two hundred thirty-eight thousand eight hundred ninety-six inhabitants. At this period, the town of Whites- town contained less than two hundred white persons. The same territory now contains not much less than one million three hundred thousand inhabitants. The wonderful transi- tion, by which in the space of a very few years this immense forest has been converted into fruitful fields, seems like the il- lusions of a dream, to those who have witnessed its progress. We can hardly trust the evidence of our senses, when we look back and see with what rapidity villages and cities have al- most magically sprung up, amidst the native woodlands, and mark the increase of roads and rail-ways over the pathway of the wandering savage. The first town meeting for the District of Whitestown, con- vened at the house of Capt. Daniel White, in said District, on Tuesday, the 7th of April, 1789, " agreeable to warning," and adjourned to the barn of Hugh White, Esq., " it being more convenient;" at which time and place they "proceeded as folio weth:" " 1st. Chose Col. Jedediah Sanger Supervisor. 2d. Chose Elijah Blodget Town Clerk. 3d. Chose. Amos Wetmore first Assessor. 4th. Chose James Bronson second Assessor. 5th. Chose Ephraim Blackmore third Assessor," &c. The second town meeting was held at the barn of Need- ham Maynard, Whitestown, Tuesday, 6th of April, 1790. # COUNTY. 881 Col. William Colbraith was chosen Supervisor, and Elijah Blodget, Town Clerk. In 1791, Jedediah Sanger was elected Supervisor, and Ash- bel Beach, Town Clerk. Ebonezer Butler, afterwards of Pom- pey, Collector ; James Wadsworth, of Geneseo, True Worthy Cook, of Pompey, Jeremiah Gould, of Salina, Overseers of HighAvays. In 1789, the county of Montgomery was divided, and all that part west of a line drawn north and south across the State, through the Seneca Lake, two miles east of Geneva, was call- ed Ontario County, and was extensively known abroad as the " Genesee country." Herkimer County was taken from Mont- gomery, and organized in 1791, and included all the country west of Montgomery, north of Otsego and Tioga, and east of Ontario Counties. The town of Whitestown was divided into three towns. Whitestown came west from its eastern limits as far an the present west line of Madison County. The town of Mexico included the eastern half of the Military Tract, and the town of Peru the western. The town of Mexico was bounded east by the east bounds of the Military Tract, and a line draAvn north, from the mouth of the Chittenango Creek, across the Oneida Lake, to Lake Ontario ; south by Tioga county, west by the west bounds of the townships of Homer, Tully, Camillus, Lysander and Hannibal, of the said Military Tract, and north by Lake Ontario. The first town-meeting for the town of Mexico, was directed by law, to be held at the house of Benjamin Morehouse (near Jamesville). The town of Peru, was bounded north by Lake Ontario ; east, by Mexico ; south, by Tioga county ; and west, by Ontario county. The first town-meeting was directed by law to be held at the house of Seth Phelps. We have been unable to find any record of the proceedings of town-meetings of the towns of Mexico and Peru. The poll for the first general election for Whitestown, was opened at Cayuga Ferry, then adjourned to the house of Ben- jamin Morehouse, thence to Rome, and finally closed ai Whitestown. I u £ it % t^W>.t 382 ONONDAGA. The following extract from Dunlap's Daily Advertiser, printed at Philadelphia, 26th of July, 1792, may not be unin- teresting, as it shows us what was thought of Herkimer county at that period. " Gentlemen who reside on the military lands in the county of Herkimer, inform us, that that tract of country contains a very great proportion of rich land, well watered and timbered, that there is already a considerable number of settlers there, and that it bids fair to people as rapidly as any part of America. That sixteen bushels of salt are daily manufactured at Major Danforth's works at the salt springs, and that Mr. Van Vleck, formerly of Kinderhook, is erecting other works, at the same place, for carrying on the like manufactory; that when- ever sufficient works shall be erected at those springs, a thou- sand bushels of salt can be made every day ; that salt now sells there for five shillings per bushel ; that it weighs rbout fifty-six pounds to the bushel, and is equal in quality to that of Turk's Island. That the salmon fishing in that country, must become an object of great improvement, as that fine fish (the salmon) abounds in their rivers and lakes, in spring and fall. That it is not uncommon for a party to spear twenty or fifty in an evening, from fourteen to thirty pounds each. The lands sell in general at from one shilling to three shillings per acre, but some have sold as high as from eight to twelve shil- lings per acre." In 1794, the county of Onondaga was erected from the western part of Herkimer, and included all the Military Tract, which now embraces all the counties of Seneca, Cayuga, Cort- land and Onondaga, and all that part of Tompkins county, lying north of a line drawn east from the head of Seneca Lake to the south-west corner of Cortland county, and all that part of Oswego county lying west of the Oswego River. It was finally reduced to its present territorial limits in 1816 ; Cayuga having been set off in 1799, Cortland in 1808, and Oswego in 1816. Wayne was taken from Seneca in 1823, and Tompkins, from Cayuga and Seneca counties in 1817» At the time Onondaga was organized, it was divided into eleven COUNTY. 883 to™ : Homer, Pompoy, Manliua, Lpander, Maroellus, Ulys- ^», M,lton, So,p,„, Ovid, Auroliu,, and Romulus, it the TwlTTr '" ''•"■ °"" ^"^"Sa was set off, Ononda- ga was draded mto nme towns, as follows: Solon, Homer, Fabms Onondaga, Pompey, Manilas, Lysander, CamiUus and Mar«ell„s, and contained abont one hundred and twelve thou- sand three hundred and twenty-nine inhabitants. The eensus ^L. I ' ^7Z '"Onondaga eounty, comprising thirteen towns t„nty-flve thousand nine hundred and eighty-seven .nhab^nts; 1825 forty-eight thousand four hufdred and tbrty-five; .a 1830, comprising seventeen towns, fifty-eight housand nme hun red and sevonty-feur ; and so on iLeas- ing at the ratio of about ten thousand in every five or six years. For the early settlement of Onondaga eounty, the reader IS referred to the several towns. RoAi,s._The first road attempted to be made through this country was m 1790 or 1791, by a party of emigrants ^7^ the direefon of the late Gen. WaLorth, from th settle- ' vr IMe e 'TT '" f "^"'""^"^' ""■- " » •=-" " rtfodt ,T1' "'' '"'"^'^ " '"'''™'»'- Af'« this, h old State Koad was cut through, enlarging and following the one cut by the emigrants. From the east, it crossed th! county hne a little north of the Deep Spring, 'w WeW lilt Sayles kept a tavern in 1793. Through Matlius village tha^ road was essentially where it is now. After passing More houses Fats, it bore south and crossed the BuLrnu^ Creel near a mile south of Jamesville; then bearing a little south of west entered Onondaga Hollow at Dan fori 's, near a mt to Mickes lui-nace, then around the hill, the present road mterseeting it near General Hutchinson's. After this road ™ cut through, the tide of emigration greatly increased Winter was the season usually chosen for emigration from ^Z tT\l ""; ""^^'»™i-" '-f'on, as the country wS wholly shaded by dense forests, there was commonly ,„o^ enough for good sleighing through the winter months MosT i i;Jl i!i 884 ONONDAGA. of the settlements from Utica to Canandaigua, along this road, began to attain some consequence, as early as the year 1800. Previous to the laying out of this road, which was somewhat improved by sundry appropriations from the State, the west- ern settlers moved on pack horses through the country, along the Indian paths. One of the most noted of these paths led from Oneida to Chittenango, keeping south of the high land above Mr. Patrick's plaster bed between Canaseraga and Chittenango, coming down the hill obliquely, near where the excavation is made for the Chittenango Rail Road, crossing the Chittenango Creek on a large Sycamore tree, which was lying across the creek as late as 1804, a little above the turn- pike bridge, passing upon the high land above and south of the ravine, through which the present road passes to Col. Sage's farm, where w^ere once the remains of a stockade en- closure, and a large Indian orchard. From this, it passed on, entering Onondaga Hollow at Major Danforth's. In 1793, John L. Hardenburgh, Moses De Witt, and John Patterson, were appointed a board of commissioners, for lay- ing out and making public roads, on the Military Tract ; the principal one of which, was that leading from the " Deep Spring" to the " Cayuga Ferry," and others in different parts of the Military Tract. They were to be laid out four rods wide, and the sum of two thousand seven hundred dollars was appropriated for that purpose. In 1794 an aci was passed by the Legislature of the State of New- York, appointing Israel Chapin, Michael Myers and Othniel Taylor, commissioners for the purpose of laying out and improving a public highway, from old Fort Schuyler, on the Mohawk River to the Cayuga Ferry, as nearly straight as the situation of the country would allow. Thence from Cayuga Ferry to Canandaigua, and thence to the settlement of Canawagas, on the Genesee River. Road to be six rods wide, and the sum of six hundred pounds was appropriated for the expenses of opening and improving so much of the road as passed through the Military Tract. In 1796 the Sur- veyor General was authorized to sell certain lands on the In- COUNTY. 885 dian reservation, and from the proceeds of the sales, appro- priate five hundred pounds for improving the Great Genesee Road, through the county of Onondaga. In 179G, Soth Phelps, William Stevens, and Comfort Ty- ler were appointed commissioners, to make and repair the highways in the county of Onondaga. Four thousand dollars wore appropriated by the State for that purpose, and two thousand dollars were directed to be expended in the improve- ment of the Great Genesee Road, from the eastern to the western boundary of the county. Commissioners were each allowed two dollars per day for superintending the improve- ment of the roads. Subsequently, Amos Hall, Samuel Chip- man and Michael Myers were appointed commissioners to superintend the improvements of the Great Genesee Road. In 1797, the Legislature of the State, authorized three Lotteries, for the purpose of raising forty-five thousand dol- lars, for the further improvement of roads. Thirteen thou- sand nine hundred dollars of this was appropriated for open- ing and improving the Great Genesee Road, in all its extent, from old Fort Schuyler to Geneva. In 1800, the Seneca Road Company was chartered for the purpose of improving the old State Road from Utica to Can- andaigua. Jedediah Sanger, Benjamin Walker, Cha's Wil- liamson and Israel Chapin, were appointed commissioners to survey and lay out this road ; the capital stock was one hun- dred and ten thousand dollars ; shares fifty dollars each. The charter was amended in 1801, and the commissioners were privileged to deviate from the old road. After the amend- ment of the charter in 1801, and the commissioners had re- solved to improve, alter and straighten the road, as may well be supposed, there was a great deal of anxiety, manifested by inhabitants in various sections of the country, respecting the proper location of it ; every man desiring it should pass his own door. The commissioners had proceeded from Utica west, as far as Chittenango, and established the road, vary- ing in several instances from the old road. They encountered not much opposition, because after leaving Westmoreland, 49 386 ONONDAGA. thoro wero very few white inhabitants. At Chittenango the commissioners were met by a large delegation of interested individuals, from Onondaga and Manlius. These persons were feariul, lest tlic commissioners would select a more north- ern route, and they had become fixed in their determination to avoid the monstrous Canaseraga Hill, as it was then called, and also the Onondaga Hill. The northern route had few advocates, as the settlers in that direction did not deem the matter of sufficient importance to send delegates to the coiri- missioners. The southern route was finally settled upon, but not without the practice of a most palpable deception on the part of the persons interested. The settlers from Onondaga were the most active in the measure. Being well acquainted with the country, at the same time professing to show and ex- plain the best and most suitable ground for the road, they first led the commissioners up the ravine, north-west of Chit- tenango, passing up that a mile and a half, they found them- selves hemmed in on three sides by a perpendicular ledge of rocks, more than one hundred feet high, with no way of get- ting out, but backing out. The next best supposable route was acted upon, and the commissioners were led across this ravine, along the great hill towards Ilartsville, and into one of the most dismal of all places, then dignified by the very significant name of the Gulf of IMcxico, now called the Ba- sin ; a place where the sun lias never in this latitude, risen high enough to shine upon. In this dilemma, there could be no alternative but to return the way they had advanced. Upon this, the northern route was declared impracticable, and they proceeded to lay out the road through Manlius Square, Sinai (Jamesville) and Onondaga Hollow. The company soon learned they had not availed themselves of the most favora))le route, and they solicited an amendment of their charter, which was i2;rantcd in 1806, enablin"- them to build a new road from Sullivan, through the Onondaca Reser- vation near the salt springs, to Cayuga Bridge, and fifty thou- sand dollars was addied to the capital stock. This road was finally completed in 1812, and was styled the north branch COUNTY. 387 of the Seneca Road. It was made through this county by the efforts of James Gcddcs, Squire Munro and Dr. John Frisbie Iho Third Great Western or Clierry Valley Turnpike, as it 13 more commonly called, was chartered in ]«02, and was fin- ished m 1807; capital .stock seventy-five thousand dollars, with privilege of increasing thirty thousand dollars more; shares twenty-five dollars each. In 1807, John Swift, Grover Smith and John Ellis were ap- pointed commissioners to explore and lay out a public road four rods wide from the village of Salina to the north west corner of the township of Galen. And the same year Moses Carpenter, Medad Curtis and Asa Rico, were appointed com- missioners to explore and Iny out a road six rods wide on the most practicable route from Onondaga Hill to Ox Creek and from thence to the village of Oswego, and another from Ox Creek to the village of Salina. Thus we see that as early as 1810 we have all the most prominent and useful public high- ways laid out, and most of them ready for the use of travel- ers. A Mr. Langdon first carried the United States Mail through this county from Wliitestown to Genesee on horse- bake in 1797 or 17D8, and distributed papers and unsealed letters by the way, before intermediate oflices were established. Mr. Lucas succeeded Mr. Langdon in transporting the mail, which, m 1800, had become so heavy, as to reciuire a wagon to transport it. Mr. Lucas established a sort of two horse passenger hack for the conveyance of passengers, and did a brisk and profitable business. The first four horse mail coach was sent through once a week, by Jusou Parker, in 1803 ; and m 1804, commenced running regularly from Utica to Canan- daigua, twice a week, carrying the United States mail and passengers. In 1804, an act was passed, granting to Jason 1 arker and Levi Stephens, the exclusive right for seven years, of running a line of stages for the conveyance of passengers,' at least twice a week, along the Genessee lioad or Seneca Turnpike, between the villages of Utica and Canandaigua. They were bound to furnish four good and substantial covered wagons or sleighs, and sufficient horses to run the same; the 888 ONONDAGA. faro not to exceed five cents per milo for each pasaenger, with fourteen pounds of ba^rga/re. Thoy wore l)y law bound to run through in forty-eight iiours, accidents excepted, and not more than seven passengers were allowed in any one carriage, except by the unanimous consent of tho said seven passengers ; and, if four passengers above the seven, applied for passage, they were bound to immediately fit out and start an extra for their accommodation ; or any number less than four should bo accommodated, by paying tho fare of four. In 1808, a daily line was established, and afterwards seve- ral others, which Avcre continued until tho completion of the Syracuse and Utica Rail Road. From the first, the settlement of Onondaga County has been rapid, and the increase of its population, uniform and perma- nent. Notwithstanding tho many divisions and subdivisions it has experienced, it is now among tho first in point of num- bers. In point of location, the advantages of water commu- nication, and consequent facilities for the choice of markets, Onondaga is exceeded by few counties in the State. In point of internal resources, bringing into view her increasing busi- ness in the manufacture of salt, her inexhaustable beds of plaster, her water lime and limestone quarries, her fertile soil, and the porsevcving industry and intelligence of her citizens, she stands second to none. Her mineral wealth, from its vast extent and its adaptation to the wants of humanity, is of far greater value than tho golden mountains of California and Peru. Being centrally situated in the Empire State, and tra- versed by till the principal roads, and a railway leading from the Atlantic Cities to the Great West, she is ever destined to maintain a high position among the interior counties of the State. The Seneca and Oneida Rivers spread over the northern portion of the county, while their tributaries penetrate every part, yielding water power abundant for the necessities of an energetic and persevering people. The Erie and Oswego canals unite at the City of Syracuse, the great centre of business and of trade, through which are COUNTY. 889 I I* ■ sent the accumulating wcaltli of nations. If the light of heaven shines more benignly on one country than another ; if there be one spot more fuvorod than another, it is centered here. In Hhort, it is evident to the most inattentive observer, that the county of Onondaga contains, within itself, all the ele- ments of a numerous, rich and prosperous population. Judg- ing from the past, and from present appearances of the future, her increase in population, resouroos and wealth, Avill exceed the ratio of former years. Healthy and fertile, possessing a choice of markets, there is every probability that in the moral, political and financial concerns of New-York, Onondaga is destined to act an important part, and exert a powerful influ- ence for all time to come. The following statistics of Onondnga County have been ta- ken from the census of 1845 : Number of inhabitants, 70,175 ; number subject to military duty, 6,857; voters, 15,812; aliens, 2,183; number of child- ren attending common schools, 15,040 ; number of acres of improved land, 811,872 ; grist mills, 58 ; saw mills, 155 ; oil mills, 4 ; fulling mills, 10 ; carding machines, 20 ; cotton fac- tories, 2 ; woolen factories, 12 ; iron works, 11 ; trip ham- mers, 5 ; distilleries, 6 ; asheries, 18 ; clover mills, 8 ; paper mills, 8; tanneries, 17 ; breweries, 3; Churches — Baptist, 20; Episcopalian, 10 ; Presbyterian, 20 ; Congregational, 9 ; Me- thodist, 40 ; Roman Catholic, 4 ; Dutch Reformed, 4 ; Uni- versalists, 2 ; Unitarian, 3 ; Jews, 2 ; Quaker, 1 ; Academies, 7 ; Common Schools, 818 ; Select, do. 81 ; taverns, 142 ; wholesale stores, 4; retail do., 207; groceries, 230; farm- ers, 8,190 ; merchants, 284 ; manufacturers, 870 ; mechanics, 3,182 ; cli i-gymen, 180 ; physicians, 126 ; lawyers, 87. Organization of Courts. — In 1794, after the Military Tract had been set off from Herkimer, and organized as a county by itself. Courts of Common Pleas and General Ses- sions of the Peace, were established by law. These Courts were ordered to be held alternately, on the first Mondays in in Ml i f'i I 'li 390 ONONDAGA. May and November in each year, at the house of Reuben Pat erson, in the town of Manliu«, and at the house of Seth Phelps, m the town of Scipio, commencing with the first Mr Patterson then kept a tavern at Onondaga IIolh)w, which at that time was inchided in the town of Manlius. The.e terms were to be liold only for the space of one week. " Previous to the organization of Onondaga County, Courts, were held for the county of Herkimer in the church at Herkimer Village until other Legislative provision was made in the mat- ter. Ool. Henri Staring was appointed First Judge. He was a man possessed of many excellent qualities, but had ne- ver enjoyed the advantages of an education ; still, he was a man of remarkable honesty and integrity of purpose. Many amusing anecdotes are told of his mode of administering ius- tice some of which, border upon the ludicrous and derisive Michael Myers was one of his associates, and filled many offi- CWv"'t It'o.''^^ ''''''''' '''•''' ^- ^ P-^ «f Herkimer County. In 1T93, one term of the Courts for the county of Herkimer was directed to be held in Whitestown, at such place as the Court should direct. The first Court held under this provision was in the late Judge Sanger's barn, Jud^e fe aring presiding, assisted by Judge White. The late Jud^e gTwiv o T'\'' ''"■'^""- ^"'"^y' -^ *h« Sheriff, Col. William Colbraith, the first Sheriff who ever served pro^ sort of '''^^^^^;^^-^- H^ -- ^ Jolly, good humo'red sort of man and withal a lover of fun. He had seen some service m the revolution, but had acquired his title as a militia officer since the war. His education had been scanty, and his manners bore unequivocal evidence that they originated more from a native mine of genuine good humor, and a capacious soul rather than from the arbitrary rules of a professor of polite breeding. ^ Before a Court House was erected in Onondaga County civil and criminal prisoners were ordered to be confined in the jad of Herkimer County, as heretofore, until a jail could be provided in the county of Onondaga. The first Court held in the county, under the new organization, was in General Dan- "11 COUNTY. 391 forth's corn house, first Monday in May, 1794. Present, Seth Phelps, First Judge ; John Eichardson, Silas Halsey and William Stevens, Judges. Moses De Witt, Esq., was appoint- ed Judge of Onondaga Common Pleas, not present. Thomas R. Gould and Arthur Breeze, were the only lawyers then present, not one at that time having been established in the county. The first Court of Oyer and Terminer for the county of Onondaga, was held at the house of Asa Danforth, Esq., (late Reuben Patterson's,) on the 21st of July, 1794. Present, the Hon. Egbert Benson, Esq., one of the Judges of the Su- preme Court of Judicature for the State of New- York, assist- ed by Seth Phelps and Andrew Englis, Justices of Oyer and Terminer and General Jail Delivery for the county of Onon- daga. LaAvycrs were in attendance at this Court from Whites- town and Herkimer. The grand jury were, Walter Wood, Foreman ; Comfort Tyler, Isaac Van Vleck, Elias Fitch, Mo- ses Carpenter, William Ward, Jonathan Wilkinson, Cyrus Kinne, Score Curtis, Victory S. Tousley, Amos Stanton, Hen- ry Moore, James Geddes, Ryal Bingham, Reuben Patterson. "Judge Benson made an eloquent charge to the Grand Jury." The only bill of indictment found was against James Fitzgerald for an assault and battery with intent to rob An- drew McCarthy. The Petit Jurors on this first criminal trial, were, John Brown, William Linsley, Thomas Morgan, Henry Watkins, Benjamin De Puy, Nehemiah Smith, Isaac Strong, John A.' Thompson, Noah Olmsted, Isaac Baily, William Stevens, and Thomas Ozman, who found the prisoner guilty. Sentenced by the Court to two months imprisonment in the county jail at Herkimer. The Court fined nineteen Petit Jurors, twenty shillings each, four Grand Jurors and two Constables each the same sum ; John Stowell, William Goodwin, Perry Brownell, Justices of the Peace, were each fined thirty sliillings, for ab- sence. The next term of the Circuit Court was held at the house of Seth Phelps, in Scipio, 7th September, 1795. Present, M n N 1l 392 ONONDAGA. vZ T . ^^?^' ^""^^^ '^ *^^ S"Pr^«^« Court, Seth Phelps, John Richardson, William Stevens, Judges of On n- daga County Commom Pleas. The following absent Justices ot the Peace were severally fined thirty shillings, viz : John A. Sheaffer, William Goodwin, John Stowell, Cyrus KhT Hezehah Olcutt Daniel Keeler, Ryal Bingham and S Burr John A. Sheaffer was indicted for forgery. He for- teited his recognizances and left, (estreated.) Hon. Egbert Benson, held the next Circuit at the house of Reuben Patterson 14th June, 1797, assisted by Seth Phelps, Wilham Stevens, Asa Danforth and Comfort Tyler, Judge and Justices of Oyer and Terminer for the county of Onon- daga. Gh^nd Jury-Ozias Burr, Foreman; James Geddes, Ephraim Webster Bethel Cole, Robert Earll, John Curtiss Joseph Leonard, Levi Jerome, David Green, John Lamb, Wil! ham Rice Jonathan Coe, Joseph Cody, Peter Lawrence, Wil- ham Cobb, Irad Smith. Ko Bills of Indictment were found at this term. Judge James Kent held the next Circuit at the house of Phelps Wilham Stevens, Seth Sherwood, Judges of Common Pleas for Onondaga County. Cayuga County was set off from Onondaga, in 1799. The first Court at Onondaga, after this, was held at the house of Reuben Patterson, in June, 1799. Present, William Stevens, first Judge, assisted by Elijah Rust, James Geddes, Orris Cur- tiss, James Keep and Jere. Gould, assistants. Grand Jury, Ozias Burr Foreman; Aaron Wood, James Foster, Ch^^^s Merriman, Darnel Thomas, Franklin Venall, Jonathan Bull, Punderson Avery, Shubel Safford, Thomas Foster, Roswell Barnes Joseph Bartholomew, Hezekiah Weston, Enos Peck Jonas Hinman, Thomas Gaston, John Cole, John Stevens.' JNo Bill found. Courts were held at different houses in Onondaga Hollow to wit: Asa Danforth's, Reuben Patterson's, Samuel Tyler's and John Adams', from 1794 to 1805, when the Court House at Onondaga Hill was so far completed as to allow of the COUNTY. 393 Courta being held there, with the legislative pvovision for ad- journing to any other house, if the weather was so inclement as to render it uncomfortable at the Court House. In 1801 Elihu Lewis, Jabez Webb and Thaddeus M. Wood, were ap- pointed commissioners for the purpose of erecting a Court House for the county of Onondaga, at the West Hill. The work proceeded very slowly. In 1806, Mr. Wood was super- ceded as a commissioner, by Josiah White, and the same year, the Board of Supervisors were authorizeu by law, to raise by tax on the county, two thousand dollars, for the purpose of completing the Court House and Jail, which was finally done in 1807, and the Courts were held there till the year 1830, when the Court House and Jail were completed at their pre- sent location at Syracuse. In 1807, three terras of the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace were au- thorized by law, to be held in May, January and September. In 1813, an act was passed, authorizing the Board of Su- pervisors of Onondaga County to levy a sum not exceeding one thousand dollars, for the purpose of erecting a fire-proof clerk's office for the county. The office was immediately built, —previously the office had been kept at the Hollow, most of the time in the dwelling house of the clerk. After the Courts were held at Syracuse, a new Clerk's office was there erected, and the Books, Kecords, Papers, &c., removed. The following were judicial and executive officers for Her- kimer, from 1791 to 1794, while Oonondaga was a part of Her- kimer : Henri Staring, First Judge and Justice of the Peace • Michael Myers, Hugh White and Abraham Hardenburgh,' Judges and Justices of the Peace; John Bank, Patrick Camp- bell, Jedediah Stinger, Amos Whitmore, William Veeder, Al- exander Parkman and Ephra™ Blackman, Assistant Justices and Justices of the Peace; Seth Phelps, Moses De Witt, Asa Danforth, Edward Payne and others. Justices of the Peace ; William Colbraith, Sheriff; Jonas Piatt, Clerk ; Moses De Witt,' Surrogate ; John Post and Daniel White, Coroners. In 1793, for Herkimer County, were reappointed, Seth 50 r >i If fl I S94 ONONDAGA, Phelps, Asa Danforth, Moses Dewitt, J, L. Hardenburgh and Silas Halsey, Assistant Justices and Justices of the Peace. Judges of Onondaga County Courts.— Seth Phelps, First Judge ; Silas Halsey, John Richardson and Moses De Witt, Judges and Justices of the Peace, 1794; William Stevens, Judge, 1795 ; Asa Danforth, Judge, 1797 ; William Stevens, First Judge, 1799 ; Elihu Lewis, Ebenezer Butler, Asa Dan- forth, Judges and Justices of the Peace ; Dan Bradley, Judge, 1801; John Ballard, Judge, 1802; William J. Vredenburgh, Judge, 1804; Reuben Humphreys, Judge; Reuben Hum- phreys, First Judge ; Dan Bradley, John Ballard and William J. Vredenburgh, Judges and Justices of the Peace, 1805; Dan Bradley, First Judge, 1808 ; Squire Munroe, Roswell Tousley and William J. Vredenburgh, Judges ; Jonathan Stan- ley and Ozias Burr, Judges, 1809 ; Jacob R, De Witt, James Geddes and Sylvanus Tousley, Judges, 1812 ; Joshua Forman, First Judge, 1813 ; Reuben Humphreys, Judge, 1814 ; Jacob R. De Witt, Squire Munroe, Sylvanus Tousley and John Ten- eyck, Judges, 1815 ; James 0. Wattles and Warren Hecox, Judges, 1818 ; Jonathan Stanley, Squire Munroe, Levi Mason, and James Webb, Judges, 1819 ; Nehemiah H. Earll, First Judge; John Mason, George Petit and James Sisson, Jr., Judges, 1823; Nehemiah H. Earll, First Judge, 1828; George Petit, Martin M. Ford, Otis Bigelow and John Smith, Judges, 1828 ; .Samuel L. Edwards, First Judge, 1831 ; John Watson, Judge, 1833 ; Otis Bigelow, David Munro, George Petit and James M. Allen, Judges ; Grove Lawrence, First Judge, 1838 ; Nathan Soule, Oliver R. Strong, Lyman H. Mason and John- son Hall, Judges ; Daniel Pratt, First Judge, 1843 ; John L. Stevens, George A. Stansbury, Lyman Kingsley, Amasa H. Jerome, Judges ; James R. Lawrence, Judge, 1847. S-URROGATES FOR Onondaga County.— Moscs De Witt, 1794; Thomas Mumford, 1795; Thaddeus M. Wood, 1800; George Hall, 1802; Medad Curtis, 1810; George Hall, 1811 ; James Porter, 1821 ; Freeborn G. Jewett, 1824 ; John Flem- COUNTY. 395 ing, 1831; Isaac T. Minard, 1840; David D. IliUia, 1844- Isaac T. Minard, 1848. ' .d^l ^qI' r ^TT.^ CouNTY.-Benjamin Ledyard, appoint- ed 1794 ; Comfort Tyler, 1799 ; Jasper Hopper, 1802 ; George W. Olmsted, 1810 ; Jasper Hopper, 1811 ; Truman Adams, 1818 ; Daniel Moselj, 1823 ; Keuben L. Hess, 182G ; Alanson Edwards, 1835; Elijah llhoades, elected, 1838; Charles T Hicks, 1841 ; Vivus W. Smith, 1847. 'Sheriffs for Onondaga County.— John Harris 1794 • Abiathar Hull, 1796: Comfort Tyler, 1797 ; Elnathan Beach,' 1799 ; Ebenezer 11. Hnwlcy, 1801 ; Elijah Phillips, 1805 : Robert Earn, 1809; Elijah Rust, 1813; Jonas Earll, 1814- Hezekiah L. Granger, 1818 ; Jonas Earll, 1819 ; Luther Marsh, 1823 ; Lewis Smith, 1826 ; John H. Johnson, 1829 • Johnson Hall, 1832 ; Dorastus Lawrence, 1835 ; Elihu L Phillips, 1838 ; Frederick Benson, 1841 ; Heber Wetherby, 1844; Joshua C. Cuddeback, 1847. Treasurers of Onondaga County, appointed by Board ot Supervisors.— Moses Carpenter, 27th Mav, 1794 • Jacob R. De Witt, 1799; Jacobus De Buy, Oct. 1st, 1805;' Oliver R. Strong, Oct. 5th, 1809— resigned Nov. 11th, 1830; Mo- ses S. Marsh, appointed Nov. 12th, 1830— declined Nov. 13, 1830; Hezekiah Strong, appointed Nov. 13, 1830— died 1842 ; Benjamin F. Colvin, appointed Nov., 1842 ; George B. Walter, Dec, 1844 ; Phares Gould, Nov., 1845. County Treasurer made elective by the people, 1846. ^ Cornelius M. Brosnan, elected— entered on the duties of his office, 1st of January, 1847, and resigned Dec. 9th 1848 Wheeler Truesdell, appointed to fill vacancy, Dec. 9th, 1848* Treasurer by election, Jan. 1st; 1849. ' Members of Congress from Onondaga County, and TBE District of which it was a part— The Colonial Con- gress from New- York, consisted of only six delegates. And i 1 - 1 III ih 396 ONONDAGA. after the adoption of the Constitution, the number of mem- bers entitled to seats from New York was only six, in the first and second Congresses— i. e. 1789 to 1791. In 1792, a new apportionment was made, and ten members were allowed to New-York. In 1802, the counties of Onondaga, Chenango and Tioga, constituted one Congressional District, (the ninth,) and were entitled to one member. In the 9th Congress, Hon. Uri Tracy was elected a mem- ber, from Chenango, to represent the district. The same Congress, Hon. Silas Halsey, of Cayuga, formerly a Judge of Onondaga County Courts, was also a member. In the 10th Congress, Hon. Reuben Humphreys, of Onondaga, repre- sented the 13th district, and Hon. John Harris, of Cayuga, formerly sheriff of Onondaga County, was a member for the 14th district, and Hon. Wm. Kirkpatrick of Salina, Super- intendent of Onondaga Salt Springs, represented the 11th district. Hon. Uri Tracy represented the 16th Congressional district, in the 11th and 12th Congresses— years 1809 to 1813. In 1813-14, in the 13th Congress, Hon. James Geddes repre- sented the new district, composed of the counties of Cortland and Onondaga, called the 19th. 1815-16, 14th Congress, Victory Birdseye ; 15th, James Porter ; 16th, George Hall ; 17th and 18th, Elisha Litchfield ; 19th, Luther Badger ; 20th and 21st, Jonas Earll, Jr ; 22d, Freeborn G. Jewett ; 23d, 24th and 25th, William Taylor ; 26th, Nehemiah H. Earll ; 27th, Victory Birdseye ; 28th and 29th, Horace Wheaton ; 30th and 31st, Daniel Gott. In 1822, Onondaga was a district alone, till 1832, when it was made a joint district with Madison County, and entitled to two members. In 1842, it was again a single district, as it now stands. Senators fok Onondaga County. — At the time of the formation and adoption of the first Constitution of the State of New York in 1777, Tryon County was entitled to six mem- bers of Assembly and the State was divided into four Senate COUNTY. 897 Bistricts. The Western District was composed of the coun- ties of Albany and Tryon, and six senators were annually chosen from the body of the freeholders of the State for the term of four years. As the population of the country in- creased sundry alterations were made and senators were chosen at large for the Western District. But it seems that senators were not over punctual in their attendance from the western part of the State. From the journals of the senate we find the following members in attendance from Onondaga up to 1822. Moss Kent, 1799 ; Jedediah Sanger, 1800 ; William Stewart, 1801 ; Josepli Annin, (Cayuga,) 1802 ; Asa Dan- forth, 1803 ; none from Onondaga County in 1806, to 1815. Henry Seymour, 1816, 1817, 1818 and 1819 ; 1821, 1822 none. ' After the alteration of the Constitution in 1822 the State was divided into eight Senate Districts. The seventh was composed of the Counties of Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca and Ontario, after which wo have the following Senators from Onondaga County : Jonas Earll, Jr., 1823; Victory Birdseye, 1827; Hiram F. Mather, 1829 ; Samuel L. Edwards, 1833 ; Elijah Rhoades, 1841 ; II. James Sedgwick, 1845 ; George Geddes, 1848. Members op Assembly for OnoxNdaga County.— Previous to the organization of Onondaga County, Michael Myers was elected a member for Herkimer in the year 1792-93. After the erection of Onondaga County, it was a joint district with Herkimer, and Jedediah Sanger, Esq. was elected and repre- sented the two counties in the House of Assembly, years 1794-95. There was no return for member of Assembly for either Herkimer or Onondaga, for the years 1796 and 1797. Comfort Tyler and Silas Halsey were members for Onondaga m 1798 and 1799. Cayuga was taken from Onondaga in 1799, and Ebenczer Butler, elected member of Assembly for Onondaga County that year. Ebenczer Butler, member of Assembly for 1800 ; Asa Danforth, 1801 and 1802 • John McWhorter and John Lamb, 1803 ; James Geddes and John 1*3 Is* ::■. I t ■ « ill ! i i ^V* . 39« ONONDAGA. McWhorter, 1804 ; Wm. J. Vredenburgh and John Ballard, 1805 ; Jasper Hopper and Wm. J. Vredenburgh, 180G ; Ozias Burr and Squire Munro, 1807 ; Joshua Forraan and John McWhorter, 1808 ; Jacobus l)e Pay and Barnet Mooncy, 1809; Jacob Do Buy and Barnet Mooncy, 1810; Jasper Hopper and Robert Earll, 1811 ; Jonathan Stanley and Barnet Mooney, 1812 ; Isaac Smith and Moses Nash, 1818; Moses Nash and Barnet Mooney, 1814 ; Hczckiah L. Gran- ger and James Porter, 1815; Truman Adams, Elijah Miles, George Hall and Nathan Williams, 181G ; Gideon Wilcoxon, James Webb, Asa Wells and Elijah Miles, 1817; David Mun- roe, Abijah Earll, Asa Wells and James Webb, 1818 ; David Munroe, Henry Case, Nathan Williams and Elisha Litchfield, 1819 ; Lewis Smith, Jonas Earll, Jr., Henry Scymowi a/nd Henry Field, 1820 ; Jona& Earll, Jr., Lewis Smith,- George Petit and Jonathan Doming, 1821 ; James Geddes,. David Munro, Josephus Baker and Sylvester Gardener, 1822 ; Vic- tory Birdseye, Timothy Baker, Samuel L. Edwards, Harold White, 1823 ; '^amuel L. Edwards, Timothy Baker, George Petit, Mathew v an Vleck, 1824 ; James R. Lawrence, Moses Kinne, James Petit, Erastus Baker, 1825 ; John G. Forbes, Da- vi<I Willard, Freeborn G. Jewctt, Chauncey Betts, 1826 ; Dan- iel j\Ioseley, Chauncey Betts, Charles Jackson, Aaron Burt, 1827 ; Timothy Barber, Aaron Burt, Daniel Baxter, Gideon Frothingham, 1828 ; Lewis Smith, Samuel R. Mathews, John- son Hall, Herman JenkinSyl829 ; Johnson Hall, Dorastus Law- rence, Thomas J. Gilbert, Timothy Brown, 1830; Thomas J. Gil- bert, Otis Bigelow, Elisha Litchfield, J. H. Parker, 1831 ; Miles W. Bennett, Elisha Litchfiebl, Elijah W. Curtis, Ichabod Moss, 1832 ; Asa Eastwood, Elisha Litchfield, Myron L. Mills, Gabriel Tappan, 1833 ; Oliver B. Strong, Horace Wheaton, Javed H. Parker, Squire jNL Brown, 1834 ; George Petit, John Wilkin- son, Sanford C. Parker, David C. Lytic, 1835 ; Sanf'ord C. Par- ter, John W^ilkinson, David Munro, Daniel Dcnnison, 1830; Nathan Soule, William Porter, Jr., George Petit, Daniel Den- nison, 1837 ; Phares Gould, A^'ictory Birdseye, James R. Law- rence, Azariah Smith, 1838; James R. Jjawrence, Azariah COUNTY. 899 Smith, Phares Gould, James L. v^oorhes, 1839 ; Victory Birds- eye, Azariah Smith, James R. Lawrence, Pharos Gould, 1840 ; Moses D. Burnet, David Munro, William Taylor, William' Fuller, 1841; William Taylor, William Fuller, David Munro, John Spencer, 1842; Thomas McCarthy, Charles R. Vary, Benjamin French, Thomas Sherwood, 1843 ; Elisha Litchfield,' Seth Hutchinson, Thomas G. Alvord, Warner Abbott, 1844 ; David Preston, Dennis McCarthy, Julius C. Kinne, Lake I. Teft, 1845; Lake I. Teft, Julius C. Kinne, Alonzo Wood, Ehhu L.. Phillips, 184G ; Manoah Pratt, William Hender- son, John Lakin, Joseph Prindlo, 1847; Curtis J. Ilurd, Thomas Spencer, Horace Hazen, James Little, 1848 ; Joseph J. Glass, Myron Wheaton, Joseph Slocum, Samuel Hart, 1849. Deleqates to Convention to Revise Constitutions.— 1822 : Victory Birdseye, Parley E. Howe, Amasi Case, Asa Eastwood. 1846 : William Taylor, Elijah Rhoades, Cyrus Kingsley, David Munro. First Board, of Supervisors op Onondaga County.— The first meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Onondaga County was held at the house of Asa Dan forth in the Town of Manlius on Wednesday the 27th of May, 1794. The fol- lowing members composed the Board : Silas Halsey of Ovid, Benaijah Boardman of Romulus, Ezokiel Crane of Aurelius, Comfort Tyler of Manlius, John Stoyles of Scipio, Moses De Witt of Pompey ; not present, Wyllys Bishop of Milton, Robert McDowell of Ulysses, William Stevens of Marcellus. The Towns of Homer and Lysander not yet organized. The first valuation of property in the several towns in Onondaga County, was as follows : III H 400 ONONDAGA. Valuation. Proportion of Tax. Manlius, X2500 £31 58. Od. Marcellus, 1303 4s. 16 10 1 Ovid, 1881 23 10 3 Romulus, 2094 26 3 6 Scipio, 2576 166 1. 82 4 2J Milton, 2796 34 19 Aurelius, 1729 21 12 3 Pompey, Ulysses, , Homer, 2700 " Estimate mode nt random by J- '^ U Iho Bourd." 500 33 15 12 10 6 5 Lysander, Add Town ( sharges, 400 5 28 9 2 Total valuation, .£19,479 Total to be raised by Tax, £273 17 3J The accounts of the Board were kept in pounds, shillings, pence and farthings till the year 1798, after which they were kept in dollars, cents and mills. Considerable suras were yearly allowed for wolf scalps, varying from five to ton dollars per scalp ; and for fox scalps at fifty cents per scalp ; and an occa- sional panther, at ten dollars per scalp. The Board of Supervisors for 1797, gives the following census of the inhabitants in the several towns in the county, and the valuation of property : Pompey, 262 inhabitants. valuation. $20,327 50 Milton, 252 18,392 50 Marcellus, 133 10,607 50 Aurelius, 248 « 21,687 50 Scipio 298 " 24,750 Ulysses, 52 « 4,777 Homer, 92 " 6,670 Ovid, 163 " 10,691 62 Romulus, 143 15,572 50 Manlius, 116 « 13,203 25 Lysander, not organized, or included. 1759 inhabitants. Total valuation, Total, $146,679,37 COUNTY. The Legislature in 1708, set off several new towns (luga County, and the supervisors give the following Scipio, 318 inhabitants, valuation, $ Solon, 49 401 Sempronius, 87 Homer, 03 Fabius, 82 Romulus, 181 Ovid, 216 Milton, 849 Aurelius, 33,5 Manlius, 131 Ulysses, 60 Onondaga, 80 Porapey, 250 Marcellus, 159 Ly Sander, 15 a n U (( (( (( (( u « « (( (t u ({ (( (( « in Onon- returns • 22,736 3,605 4,847 4,447 5,342 18,759 16,041 24,871 26,166 15,503 5,000 9,000 20,000 11,471 1,500 Total, 2375 Total valuation, $188,888 In 1709, after Cayuga was set off, we have the following population of the several towns of Onondaga County : Camillus, 54 inhabitants. Pompey, 309 inhabitants Solon, 62 a Onondaga, 100 " Homer, 95 u Manlius, 131 Fabius, 117 a Lysander, 16 « Marcellus, 152 n Total, 1036 '. Military Organization for Onondaga County. — On the 8th of March, 1791, the following appointments were made for Herkimer, in Major J. L. Hardenburgh's battalion. Gene- ral Volkert Veeder's brigade : Captains, Moses De Witt, Benjamin Dey, Roswell Franklin ; Lieutenants, Jacob Hart, Ilezekiah Olcott, Joshua Patrick, Josiah Buck ; Ensigns, Sam- uel Lackey, Asa Danforth, Jr., Nathan Walker, James Alex- ander; David Holbrook, Surgeon. Patrick Campbell, appointed Brigadier General for Herki- 61 I i, 402 ONONDACJ A. mer County, Octolxir (Hh, 17!».'{. In 17!».'{, Moses Do Witt was appointed Major; Asa Danforth, Mnjor ; first ci.iiipjuij, Ilezekiah Olcott, Captain; Jeremiah Cioul<i, LitMitonjint; Com- fort Tyler, Ensi;,'n ; second company, Ash Diuiforth, Jr., Cup- tain ; Orris Curtis, Lieutenant ; James Clark, Knsi^^'n. In March, 17i*4, the following apfiointmeiits were nindo for Ononda^'a County. Mnjcu- John h. ilanleiihur^^'irs iKittalidi, : Solomon IJuell, Captain light infantry ; Noah Ohnstead, Lieu- tenant ; Jonathan Hrownell, Ensign, fn Mnjors De Witt tiiul Danforth's battalions ; Jeremiah Jackson, Captain light in- fantry; Jonathan Russell, Lieutenant; Sier Curtiss, Ensign. On the 8th of April, 1795, Othniel Taylor, E3(i., was appoi1,t- ed Commandant of a Brigade, comprising the county of Onon- daga and Ontario, with the title of JJrigadier General. A troop of horse was organized in said brigade, 1795, and Wal- ter D. NichoUs appointed Captain. In 1706, the Governor organized several new regiments in the counties of Ontario and Onondaira. The battalion heretofore commanded by Major Danforth, was made a regiment, comprising the townships of Hannibal, Lysander, Cicero, Manlius, Pompey, Fabius, Solon, Cinci- natus, Tully, Virgil, Camillus, Sempronius, Locke, Drydon, and the Onondaga Reservation. Asa Danforth, Lieutenant Colonel, Commandant; Ilezekiah Olcott, first Major; Josiah Buck, Second Major ; Joshua Wickoff, appointed First Lieu- tenant ; Thaddeus M. Wood, Second Lieutenant; and Colinan Keeler, Cornet in Captain Nicholls' troop of horse, in Gene- ral Taylor's brigade, March, 1707. The following officers were appointed in Lieutenant Colonel Danfoi-th's regiment, viz : Hezekiah Olcott, First Major ; Asa Danforth, Jr., Second Major; John Ellis, Adjutant; Elijah Rust, Paymaster ; Jabez Hull, Quarter Master ; William Needham, Surgeon ; Walter Colton, Surgeon's Mate ; Jesse Butler, Lieutenant ; Comfort Tyler, Captain ; Nehemiah Earll, Lieutenant ; Elijah Phillips, Captain ; Caleb Pratt, Lieutenant ; John Lamb, Captain ; Wil- liam Cook, Lieutenant ; Samuel Jerome, Captain ; David Wil- liams, Captain ; Robert Earll, Captain, &c. &c. EXD OF VOL I. t'S I)c Witt it coinpjuiy, iiimt; (.'(Mil- li, .Jr., Cup. si,i,'n. ■(' iiinde for 1 ii.'ittalioii : itcad, liicii- )(' Witt tiiul n li^lit iii- 98, Elisii,'!!. ns appoint- y of Onon- :)neral. A , and Wal- giraents in Danfortli, Hannibal, on, Cinci- , Drjdon, jioutonant ir; Josiah 'irst Liou- rid Colniaii , in Cionc- if^ officers roginiont, r., Sfcoiid er ; Jtihcz, i; Walter ; Comfort h Phillips, ain ; AVil- >avid Wil- *^»^v