About this time the Oneidas killed a very poisonous blue otter; the meat was very carefully preserved; some are used to hunt, and others to poison the arrows when go out to war; some of the witches obtained the meat to poison the people. In the river and lakes are found various kinds of fishes. The people had particular time of the moon to make sugar, plant corn, and hunt deer and other animals. The seasons of the year they are directed by the seven stars of the heavens: when warriors travel in a great forest they are guided by a northern star; if the sun or moon is eclipsed they believe that the Bad Spirit darkens it: the people are assembled, and make a loud noise to scare the Bad Spirit from the orb. They believe that the clouds in the moon were earth and inhabited by people. The six family made resident near the mouth of Neuse river, in North Carolina, and became three tribes, the Kautanohakau, Kauwetseka, and Tuscarora, and united into a league and were at war with the Nanticokes, and totally on the sea shores. About this time the Long House became numerous and powerful; each nation could muster as follows:—the Mowhawks, 5000 warriors; Oneidas, 3500 warriors; Senecas, 6000 warriors; Onondagas, 4000 warriors; Cayugas, 4500 warriors; total amount, 23,000 warriors. The Mowhawk was considered an oldest brother, and was appointed to keep a watch towards the sunrise, the Senecas were appointed to keep a watch towards the sunsetting. The Senators met annually, at the fort Onondaga, to promote their national prosperity.
The Long House were free and independent nations, and have been acknowledged in such treaties made with them by the neighboring nations.—Everyindependent nation have a government of their own: they have a national committee meet occasionally: they have a Chief Ruler, namedAukoyaner[7], a peace-maker who is invested with authority to administer the government. Each nation have a right to punish individuals of their own nation for offences, committed within their jurisdiction; each nation are bound to oppose any hostile invasions of the enemy.
In the reign Atotarho X., perhaps about 250 years before Columbus discovered America. The Oyalquarkeror, Big Bear, continue invade the country at Onondaga; a party went and encamped a day’s journey distance from the village; they hunted and killed a few deer. One morning a woman left the camp and was going home to pound corn and to supply the men with provisions; but before she reached half way she was attacked by the monstrous Bear, and was soon devoured, as she did not return. The men were anxiously waiting, and were suspicious about her; a man was sent to see if she was coming; he advanced where she was assaulted, and discovered the place of her remains; he soon perceived their fate; he immediately reported and the men immediately proceeded to the place; and while examining her remains the bear made a vigorous attack; the men met a severe engagement, but in the meantime the monster was killed: they procured some of the meat for useful purposes.
Atotarho XI., perhaps about 150 years before Columbus discovered America. About this time the Tuscaroras sends messengers and renewed their intercourse with the five nations. The Tuscaroras were yet numerous and had twenty-four large towns, and probably could muster six thousand warriors. They possessed the country lying between the sea shores and the mountains, which divide the Atlantic states; but afterwards a contest arose and the southern nations, the Oyatoh, Kwntariroraunuh, Caweda. The war lasted for many years; unfortunately it became so distressed that the Tuscarora’s frontier settlements were reduced considerably, but the Tuscaroras send expresses and received assistance from their brethren, the Five Nations, and war was carried on for some time: at last the enemy was compelled to suspend their hostility.
The Bear tribes nominate the Chief Warrior of the nation. The laws of the confederation provides the Onondagas to furnish a King, and the Mowhawks a great war chief of the Five Nations.
About this time an earthquake was felt throughout the kingdom, supposed a large comet fell into some of the lakes; and other signs were seen in the heavens. The defender ceased from visiting the people in bodily form, but appeared to the prophet. In a dream he foretells the whites would cross the Big Waters and bring some liquors, and buy up the red people’s lands; he advises them not to comply with the wishes of the whites, lest they should ruin themselves and displease their Maker; they would destroy the tree of peace and extinguish the great Council Fire at Onondaga, which was so long preserved to promote their national sovereignty.
In the reign Atotarho XII., perhaps about 50 years before Columbus discovered America, the Tehatirihokea, or Mowhawks was at war with Ranatshaganha, supposed Mohegans, who occupied the opposite bank of the river Skaunataty or Hudson. The warfare was maintained by small expeditions: the Mowhawks would cross the river and attack the enemy: the canoes werekept in the river continually to cover their retreat; but after a while the Mohegans expaliated the war: the chief of the Mowhawks received orders from the King, and invited the two confederate nations, the Oneidas and the Onondagas, to unite against the common enemy; the band of the combined forces immediately crossed the river and revenged a part of the country, and the enemy were compelled to sue for peace.
In the reign Atotarho XIII., in the year 1492, Columbus discovered the America. The Keatahkiehroneah, were fighting with the neighboring tribes and were injurious to the frontier settlements. The five nations sends Thoyenogea with an army of five thousand warriors and defeated the Keatahkiehroneah and drove them west of the Ohio River; and they lay waste the enemies’ country, and attacked other tribes &c. About this time the Erians declared a war against the Five Nations; a long bloody war ensued; at last the Erians were driven from the country, and supposed were incorporated with some of the southern nations: after which the kingdom enjoyed without disturbance for many years.
The Mowhawk was considered the oldest language of the confederacy:
Mowhawk.
Tuscarora.
END.
END.
FOOTNOTES[1]It appears by the fictitious accounts, that the said beings became civilized people and made their residence in the southern parts of the Island; but afterwards they were destroyed by the barbarous nations, and their fortifications were ruined unto this day.[2]The creek now branches off the Susquehannah River at the head generally called Col. Allen’s lake, ten miles south of the Oneida Castle.[3]By some this may seem an incredible story. Why more so than that the Israelite should cross the Red Sea on dry land.[4]It appears by the tradition of the Shawnees, that the Stonish Giants descend from a certain family that journeyed on the east side of Mississippi River, went towards the north-west after they were separated, on account of the vine broke. The family was left to seek its habitation, and the rules of humanity were forgotten, and afterwards eat raw flesh of the animals. At length they practiced rolling themselves on the sand by means their bodies were covered with hard skin these people became giants and were dreadful invaders of the country. It is said that Sir William Johnson, the Superintendant of the Six Nations, had a picture of the giant. Probably the English have recorded in the Historian respecting North America.[5]The hollow it is said not far from Onondaga. Some says the Giants retreated by way Mountain Ridge and crossed below the Niagara Falls.[6]The fort was situated on the south bank of the Susquehanna river. In 1800 I went over the ground myself and viewed the mound.[7]Aukoyaner, i. e. Lord. No one can hold this office except a Turtle tribe; he governs the nation, but not allowed to go out to war, his duty is to stay home and preserve peace among his people.
[1]It appears by the fictitious accounts, that the said beings became civilized people and made their residence in the southern parts of the Island; but afterwards they were destroyed by the barbarous nations, and their fortifications were ruined unto this day.
[1]It appears by the fictitious accounts, that the said beings became civilized people and made their residence in the southern parts of the Island; but afterwards they were destroyed by the barbarous nations, and their fortifications were ruined unto this day.
[2]The creek now branches off the Susquehannah River at the head generally called Col. Allen’s lake, ten miles south of the Oneida Castle.
[2]The creek now branches off the Susquehannah River at the head generally called Col. Allen’s lake, ten miles south of the Oneida Castle.
[3]By some this may seem an incredible story. Why more so than that the Israelite should cross the Red Sea on dry land.
[3]By some this may seem an incredible story. Why more so than that the Israelite should cross the Red Sea on dry land.
[4]It appears by the tradition of the Shawnees, that the Stonish Giants descend from a certain family that journeyed on the east side of Mississippi River, went towards the north-west after they were separated, on account of the vine broke. The family was left to seek its habitation, and the rules of humanity were forgotten, and afterwards eat raw flesh of the animals. At length they practiced rolling themselves on the sand by means their bodies were covered with hard skin these people became giants and were dreadful invaders of the country. It is said that Sir William Johnson, the Superintendant of the Six Nations, had a picture of the giant. Probably the English have recorded in the Historian respecting North America.
[4]It appears by the tradition of the Shawnees, that the Stonish Giants descend from a certain family that journeyed on the east side of Mississippi River, went towards the north-west after they were separated, on account of the vine broke. The family was left to seek its habitation, and the rules of humanity were forgotten, and afterwards eat raw flesh of the animals. At length they practiced rolling themselves on the sand by means their bodies were covered with hard skin these people became giants and were dreadful invaders of the country. It is said that Sir William Johnson, the Superintendant of the Six Nations, had a picture of the giant. Probably the English have recorded in the Historian respecting North America.
[5]The hollow it is said not far from Onondaga. Some says the Giants retreated by way Mountain Ridge and crossed below the Niagara Falls.
[5]The hollow it is said not far from Onondaga. Some says the Giants retreated by way Mountain Ridge and crossed below the Niagara Falls.
[6]The fort was situated on the south bank of the Susquehanna river. In 1800 I went over the ground myself and viewed the mound.
[6]The fort was situated on the south bank of the Susquehanna river. In 1800 I went over the ground myself and viewed the mound.
[7]Aukoyaner, i. e. Lord. No one can hold this office except a Turtle tribe; he governs the nation, but not allowed to go out to war, his duty is to stay home and preserve peace among his people.
[7]Aukoyaner, i. e. Lord. No one can hold this office except a Turtle tribe; he governs the nation, but not allowed to go out to war, his duty is to stay home and preserve peace among his people.
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Transcriber’s NoteMinor amendments to punctuation are not noted.Likely period spelling has not been changed.Sometimes there are multiple variants of proper nouns (e.g. Shotyerronsgwea, Shotyeronsgwea, Shotyeronagwea). These are left as printed rather than trying to standardise.The following probable printer’s errors were corrected.Page14“subsistance” changed to “subsistence” (vegetation afforded the animals subsistence)14“moninal” changed to “nominal” (their nominal residence)16“Kanawaga” changed to “Kanawage” (the river Kanawage or St. Lawrence)17“ocurred” changed to “occurred” (This occurred in a season)17“a sleep” changed to “asleep” (he was now fast asleep)17“spirti” changed to “spirit” (his spirit fled to heaven)18“the” changed to “them” (to amuse them until)19“contiment” changed to “continent” (ever existed on the continent)20“imducement” changed to “inducement” (By some inducement)20“compaay” changed to “company” (Of this company there was)20“extered” changed to “entered” (they entered into a resolution)20“was was” changed to “was” (the family was named)21“loose” changed to “lose” (did not go so far as to lose)21“tresspasses” changed to “trespasses” (to commit trespasses against)22“assylum” changed to “asylum” (seeks an asylum)23“set” changed to “sit” (to sit and deliberate)23“Odnonaga” changed to “Onondaga” (was soon conveyed to Onondaga)23“Squaukihaws” changed to “Squawkihows” (to keep Squawkihows in subjection)23“Misissaugers” changed to “Mississaugers” (Twakanhah, [Mississaugers.]); though also more commonly in this text spelt Messissaugers...26“IV” changed to “V” (the King Atotarho V.)26“poisinous” changed to “poisonous” (a very poisonous animal)26“Ototarho” changed to “Atotarho” (In the days of king Atotarho VI.)27“Ottouwahs” changed to “Ottauwahs” (the Ottauwahs sued for peace)27“Ototarho” changed to “Atotarho” (reigned the king Atotarho VII.)27“Ottauhwahs” changed to “Ottauwahs” (lived among the Ottauwahs)28“unfavoable” changed to “unfavorable” (the weather being unfavorable)29“sooon” changed to “soon” (assistance as soon as possible)29“entripated” changed to “extirpated” (hordes were extirpated)29“prisonor” changed to “prisoner” (taken prisoner by the Stonish Giant)30“gnhwing” changed to “gnawing” (the man heard something was gnawing)31“sovereignity” changed to “sovereignty” (the national sovereignty)31“attonement” changed to “atonement” (to make the atonement)32“Kanquatkay” changed to “Kauquatkay” (people at Kauquatkay)33“treatise” changed to “treaties” (in such treaties made)34“disdovered” changed to “discovered” (about 250 years before Columbus discovered America)34“breteren” changed to “brethren” (assistance from their brethren)34“Celumbus” changed to “Columbus” (about 50 years before Columbus discovered America)35“confedenacy” changed to “confederacy” (the oldest language of the confederacy)
Minor amendments to punctuation are not noted.
Likely period spelling has not been changed.
Sometimes there are multiple variants of proper nouns (e.g. Shotyerronsgwea, Shotyeronsgwea, Shotyeronagwea). These are left as printed rather than trying to standardise.
The following probable printer’s errors were corrected.