USA > New York > The documentary history of the state of New York, Vol. I pt 1 > Part 2
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At the Lake of the Two Mountains.
The Nepissingues. A part of this Tribe is incorpo- rated with the Iroquois. The remainder has its village at the lake of the same name. There are here fifty men bearing arms. - 50
The armorial bearings of this Nation are the Heron for the Achagué, or Heron tribe ; the Beaver for the Amekoves; the Birch for the Bark tribe (la famille de l'Ecorce); Blood for the Miskouaha or the Bloody people.
665
20
735
17
OTHER INDIAN TRIBES.
Remark, Sir, if you please, that besides the bearings of the principal stocks to which I exclusively confine myself, leisure not permitting me to obtain thorough details, each tribe distinguishes itself by peculiar de- vices. The Iroquois who are masters of this village, amount to no more than sixty-three- I mean warriors. 60
At Sault St. Louis.
The Iroquois, who compose exclusively the village are nearly three hundred and three bearing arms. - 300 -
These two villages proceeding from the Iroquois of Lake Ontario, or' Frontenac, have the same armorial devices. Three principal tribes carry the Wolf, the Bear and the Tortoise.
NOTE .- Argent, to the Wolf gules, &c.
They usually ornament them merely with charcoal.
The Great River of the Outawas.
At Lake Nepissingue there is one small village of thir- ty men, who bear a Squirrel, Atchitams. 30
River and Lake Themiscaming.
The Tabittibis are one hundred warriors. 100
They have for device an Eagle. At the mouth of the Themiscaming there are twenty warriors. 20
At the head of the Lake twenty domiciled. 20
These savages are what are called Têtes de Boule, who amount to over six hundred in the Northern coun- try. - 600 - -
I shall speak of them hereafter without reference to their numbers.
At Missilimakinak
The Outawas of this village amount to one hundred and eighty warriors; the two principal branches
735
1865
2
,
18
THE IROQUOIS AND
1865
are Kiskakous (1) and Sinago (2); the Bear (1) and Black Squirrel (2). - 180 -
River Missisagué.
The Missisagues on the river number thirty men, and twenty men on the Island called Manitoua- tim of Lake Huron. - 50
And have for device, a Crane.
Lake Superior-At the Mouth.
At Sault St. Mary are the Sauteurs, to the number of thirty; they are in two divisions, and have for devices, the Crane and the Vine, (la Barbue.) - 30
- North of this Lake is Michipicoton.
The Papinakois and those of the interior; the first are twenty warriors, and have for device, a Hare. - - 20
River Ounepigon.
The Oskemanettigons are domiciled there to the num- ber of forty warriors. -
40
They have for device, the bird called the Fisher.
The Monsonies, who are migratory, estimate them- selves two hundred men, and have for de- vice, the Moose. -
- 200
- The Abettibis and the Tetes de Boule come there also. Some have informed me that the first have for arms the Partridge with the Eagle. I have already stated that they are in all one hundred warriors.
The Namesilinis have one hundred and fifty fit to bear arms. They have for device, a Sturgeon. The tribes of the Savannas, one hundred and forty warriors strong, have for armorial device, a Hare. - - 140
2675 150
19
OTHER INDIAN TRIBES.
2675
Gamanettigoya. The Ouacé are in number sixty men, and have for de- vice a Vine, (une Barbue). - 60
Tecamamiouen, or Rainy Lake-(Lac de la Pluie.) These savages are the same as those who come to Ne- pigon. They are about this lake to the number of one hundred men. - 100 -
Lake of the Woods-(Lac des Bois.)
The Cristinaux are scattered hereabout, to the number of two hundred warriors. They have for device the Bustard, (l'Outarde.) - 200 -
Lake Ounepigon. The Cristinaux are around this lake to the number of sixty men. -
60
Assenipoels. See Scioux.
South of Lake Superior.
Kiouanan. In this quarter there are domiciled forty Sauteurs, who have for device the Crane and the Stag. - 40
The Sauteurs of Point Chagouamigon are one hundred and fifty warriors, - - The Scioux are at the head of this lake in the woods and along the lakes. Though scattered they are computed at three hundred men, - 300 The Scioux of the Prairies are, in the opinion of voya- geurs, over two thousand men, - 1 2000
150
Their armorial devices are the Buffalo, the Black Dog, and the Otter.
The Assenipoels, or Pouans according to others, can vie with the Scioux, from whom they formerly sprung. They number one hundred and fifty to the south of Lake Ounepigon, and have for device, a Big Stone or a Rock.
150
5735
20
THE IROQUOIS. AND
The Puans have withdrawn, since 1728, to the Scioux, to the number of eighty; they have for armorial bearings, the Stag, the Polecat (Pichoux), the Tiger, - 80 -
The head of Lake Superior.
The Ayodois are settled at the south of the River de Missouris, at the other side of the Missis- sippi. They are no more than eighty. They have for device a Fox.
Lake Michigan with its dependancies. The Folles Avoines, north of this lake, number one hundred and sixty warriors. The most con- siderable tribes have for device, the Large tailed Bear, the Stag, a Kiliou-that is a species of Eagle (the most beautiful bird of this country,)-perched on a cross.
In explanation of a cross forming the armorial bear- ings of the savages, it is stated that formerly a Chief of the Folles Avoines finding himself dangerously sick, consented, after trying the ordinary remedies, to see a Missionary, who, cross in hand, prayed to God for his recovery, and obtained it from his mercy. In gratitude for this benefit, the Chief desired that to his arms should be added a Cross on which the Kiliou has ever since been always perched.
Poutesatamis. In 1728 there was a village of this name retired on an island to the number of The Bay. At the head of this Lake is the sojourn, or rather the country of the Sakis. This na- tion could put under arms one hundred and. fifty men. Others do not count but one hundred and twenty. They have for de- vice, a Crab, a Wolf, and a She-Bear.
5735
80
160
20
150
6225
21
OTHER INDIAN TRIBES.
6225
Fox River.
Fox river discharges into this Lake. This nation now migratory, consists, when not separated, still of one hundred men bearing arms, - 100
They have for device, a Fox.
The Kickapous, formerly their allies, may be eighty men. They bear for device the Pheasant and the Otter, -
The Maskoutin has for armorial device the Wolf and the Stag. This nation is estimated at sixty men, -
80
60
River St. Joseph, south of Lake Michigan. The Pottesatamies, who call themselves the Governor's eldest sons, compose the village of St. Jo- seph, to the number of one hundred war- riors, - - 100
The principal families have for device the Golden Carp, the Frog, the Crab, the Tor- toise.
There are in the village about ten Miamis who bear in their arms, a Crane, - 10 -
Eight Illinois Kaskakias are also included whose device is a feather of an arrow, notched ; (X) or two ar- rows supported one against the other in sal- tier (like a St. Andrew's cross.)
These are the nations best known to us as well along the great river of the Outawas as north and south of Lakes Superior and Michigan. I propose now proceed- ing again from Montreal by way of the Lakes to Mis- silimakinak.
From Montreal on the Lake route, I spoke of Sault St. Louis, on the first sheet.
6575
22
THE IROQUOIS AND
6575
Toniata.
Some Iroquois, to the number of eight or ten men have retired to this quarter. Their device, is without doubt, like that of the village from which issue the Deer, the Plover, &c., as hereafter, - 10
Lake Ontario, or south of Frontenac. There are no more Iroquois settled.
The Mississagués are dispersed along this Jake, some at Kenté, others at the River Toronto, and finally at the head of the Lake, to the num- ber of one hundred and fifty in all, and at Matchedach, - - - 150
The principal tribe is that of the Crane.
North of Lake Ontario.
The Iroquois are in the interior and in five villages, about fifteen leagues from the Lake, on a pretty straight line, altho' one days journey distant from each other. This nation, though much diminished, is still powerful.
. South of Lake Frontenac.
The Onondagoes number two hundred warriors. The device of the village is a Cabin on the top of a mountain,
The Mohawks, towards New-England, not far from Orange (Albany) are eighty men, and have for device of the village a Battefeu [a Steel ] and a flint, - 80 -
The Oneidas, their neighbours, number one hundred men or a hundred warriors, - - 100
This village has for device a Stone in a fork of a tree, or in a tree notched with some blows of an axe.
200
7115
23
OTHER INDIAN TRIBES.
7115
The Cayugas form a village of one hundred and twenty warriors. Their device generally is a very large Calumet, - 120
The Senecas form two villages in which are three hun- dred and fifty men. Their device is a big Mountain, - 350
Besides the arms of each village, each tribe has its own, and every man has his particular mark to designate him. Thus the Oneida designates his village by a Stone [in] a fork-next he designates his tribe by the bird or animal, and finally he denotes himself by his punctures. See the designs which I had the honor to send you in 1732 by Father Francois, the Recollet.
The five villages which belong to the same tribe, have for their arms in common, the Plover, to which I belong ;1 the Bear, the Tortoise, the Eel, the Deer, the Beaver, the Potatoe, the Falcon, the Lark, and the Partridge.
I doubt not but the other nations are as well distinguished, but our voyageurs, hav- ing little curiosity in these matters, have not been able to give me any information.
The Tuscarorens have a village of two hundred and fifty men near the Onondagoes, who brought them along. I know not their hierogly- phics, - - -
The Iroquois have some cabins at the Portage, (Niagara, Lake Ontario.)
- 250
7835
1 M. DE JONCAIRE, the supposed author of this Report, is here thought to be alluded to. He was adopted at an early period by the Senecas, among whom he had much influence.
24
THE IROQUOIS AND
7835
Lake Erie and Dependancies, on the South Side. The Chaouanons towards Carolina, are two hundred men. - 200
The Flatheads, Cherakis, Chicachas, Totiris, are in- cluded under the name of Flatheads by the Iroquois, who estimate them at over six thousand men, in more than thirty villages. They have told me they had for device a Vessel, (un Vaisseau.)
1 6,000
The Ontationoué, that is those who speak the language of men; so called by the Iroquois because they understand each other-may be fifty men. I am ignorant of them.
50
The Miamis have for device the Hind and the Crane. These are the two principal tribes. There is likewise that of the Bear. They are two hundred men, bearing arms.
200
The Ouyattanons, Peanguichias, Petikokias, are the same Nation, though in different villages. They can place under arms three hundred and fifty men. - 350
The devices of these savages are the Ser- pent, the Deer, and the Small Acorn.
The Illinois, Metchigamias at Fort Chartres, number two hundred and fifty men. - 250
The Kaskakias, six leagues below, have a village of one hundred warriors. -
100
The Peorias, at the Rock, are fifty men.
-
-
50
The Kaokias, or Tamarois, can furnish two hundred men,
200
All those savages comprehended under the name of Illinois have, for device, the Crane, the Bear, the White Hind, the Fork, the Tortoise.
River of the Missouris.
The Missouris.
The Okams or Kamsé, the Sotos, and the Panis.
15235
1
OTHER INDIAN TRIBES.
25
15235
This only as a note, not knowing any thing of these Nations except the name.
Lake Erie .- The Detroit.
The Hurons at present are two hundred men, bearing arms.
200
The Pouteouatamis have a village there of one hundred and eighty men .* They bear for device the Golden Carp, the Frog, the Crab, the Tortoise. (See, South of Lake Michigan; River St. Joseph.)
180
The Outawas there have two villages, composed one of the tribe of Sinagos; the other of Kiska- kous, and may count two hundred warriors.
200
They have the same devices as those of Missilimakinak; that is to say, the Bear and Black Squirrel.
Lake St. Clair, which leads to Lake Huron. At the end of the Little Lake St. Clair, there is a small village of Mississagués, which numbers sixty men.
60
They have the same devices as the Missis- sagués of Manitouatin and of Lake Ontario; that is to say, a Crane.
Lake Huron.
I have spoken before of the Mississagués who are to the North of this Lake. I do not know, on the South side, but the Outawas, who have at Saguinan a village of eighty men, and for device the Bear and Squirrel.
80
15955
Less, - 80
15875
* Note in Orig. Instead of 180, only 100 men must be counted.
They mark the Tortoise, the Bear and the Plover.
26
THE IROQUOIS AND
Remark.
All the Northern Nations have this in common; that a man who goes to war denotes himself as much by the device of his wife's tribe as by that of his own, and never marries a woman who carries a similar device to his.
If time permitted, you would, Sir, have been better satisfied with my researches.
I would have written to the Interpreters of the Posts, who would have furnished me with more certain information than that I could obtain from the Voyageurs whom I questioned. I am engaged at the history of the Scioux, which you have asked from Monsieur de Linerot.
Missilimakinak.
PRESENT STATE OF THE NORTHERN INDIANS
IN THE DEPART OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON BART., COMPREHENDED UNDER THE SIX NATIONS AND OTTAWA CONFEDERACIES, ETC., CON- TAINING THE NAMES, NUMBERS AND SCITUATION OF EACH NATION, WITH REMARKS. NOV. 18, 1763.
[Lond. Doc. XXXVI.]
SIX NATION CONFEDERACY, COMPREHENDING THAT OF CANADA, OHIO, &c.
Names.
Number of men.
Scituation.
Remarks.
Mohocks,
160
Two villages on the Mo- hock river, with a few emigrants at Scohare about 16 miles from Fort Hunter.
Oneidas,
250
Two villages, one 25 miles from Fort Stan - wix, the other twelve miles west of Oneida Lake, with emigrants in several places tow - ards the Susquehanna river.
Of the Six Nations the Mohawks or Mohocks, Onondages and Sene- cas are considered as the chief and elder branches. The Onei- das, Cayugas and Tus- caroras are younger ; the last mentioned Nation having many years ago retired from the South, and were admitted into the con- federacy with the then
27
OTHER INDIAN TRIBES.
SIX NATION CONFEDERACY-CONTINUED.
Names.
Number of men.
Scituation.
Remarks
Tuscaroras, .
140
One village 6 miles from the first Oneidas, and several others about the Susquehanna.
Five Nations, the On- eidas giving them land and they now enjoy all priviledges with the rest.
Onondagas,
150
One large village 6 miles from the lake of their name (which is the place of Congress for the confederates) with a smaller at some dis- tance.
Cayugas,
200
One large village near the Lake of their name with several others from thence to the Susquehanna.
Senccas,
1050
Have several villages, beginning about 50 m. from Cayuga, and from thence to Chenussio, the largest about 70 m from Niagara, with others thence to the Ohio.
Of the Senecas, two vil- lages are still in our interest, vizt. Kanada- sero and Kanaderagey, the rest have joined the Western Nations.
Oswegachys,
80
Emigrants from the Six Nations chiefly Onon- dages settled at La Ga- lette on the river St. Lawrence.
These are at peace with the English.
Nanticokes, Conoys, Tutecoes, Saponeys, ettc.
200
A people removed from the southward, and settled on and about the Susquehanna on lands allotted by the Six Nations.
These people are imme- diately under the di- rection of the Six Na- tions, and at peace with the English.
INDIANS OF CANADA IN ALLIANCE WITH THE SIX NATIONS.
Caghnawagas, . .
300
Emigrants from the Mo- All these Nations are in hocks, settled at Soult St. Louis near Mont- real, with emigrants at Aghquissasne, be- low la Galette which is the seat of a Mis- sion.
Canassadagas, Arundacks, Algonkins,
150
These three Nations now reside together, at the Lac du deux Mon- tagnes at the mouth of the Ottawa river near Montreal.
alliance with the Six Nations, and warmly attached to the British Interest, as are all the other Indians in Cana- da. Caghnawaga is the seat of a Mission, as is the village of Lac du deux Montagnes.
Abenaquis, . .
100
Their village having been burned at St. Francis below Mont-
These Indians are origi- nally from New-Eng- land : if they were all
28
THE IROQUOIS AND
SIX NATION CONFEDERACY-CONTINUED.
Names.
Number of men.
Scituation.
Remarks.
real during the war, they have since lived scattered except a few
collected they would amount to more than is represented. They have likewise a Mis- sionary who is a Je- suit.
Skaghquanoghronos,
40
Reside at Trois Rivieres, they are originally Al- gonkins.
Hurons,
40
Reside at Loretto near Quebec, a very civi- er Nations to the North- lized people.
(There are several oth. ward, who avoid any connection with the white people: and as they have no fixed resi- dence, their numbers, though considerable, cannot be ascertained.)
INDIANS OF OIIIO.
Shawanese, . .
300
Removed to the River Sioto, and other Bran- ches.
Delawares,
600
In several villages on and about the Susque- hanna, Muskingham, ettc. and thence to Lake Erie.
These people are great - ly influenced by the Senecas, and reside on land allotted them by the permission of the Six Nations. They are now at war with the English.
Wiandots, ettc. .
200
Some villages in the neighborhood of San- dosky Fort near Lake Erie.
Total ,
3960
There are also in the Six Nation Confederacy, many Indians, whose numbers cannot be comput- ed as they have no fixed residence.
OTTAWA CONFEDERACY COMPREHENDING THE TWIGHTWEES, ETTC.
Names.
Number of men.
Scituation.
Remarks.
Wyandots or Hurons,
250
Reside opposite Detroit, their village is the seat of a Jesuit Mission, their language bears affinity with that of the Six Nations.
This Nation has a great influence over the rest, and has been greatly instigated by the neighboring French to commit acts of hosti- lity.
Powtewatamis, . in the neighbour- hood of Detroit,
150
Resided about a mile be- low the Fort, but aban- doned their village on the commencement of hostilities. .
29
OTHER INDIAN TRIBES.
OTTAWA CONFEDERACY-CONTINTED.
Names.
Number of men.
Scituation.
Remarks.
In the neighbourhood of St Joseph.
200
A little below the fort.
Ottawas, residing in the
neighbourhood Detroit.
of
Resided about Detroit, but with the former, form a flying camp.
With these and theabove Indians are joined se- veral others, who form a flying camp under Pondiac, an Ottawa Chief.
In the neighbourhood of Michilimakinac.
250
Resided in different vil- The lages, but are now pro- bably with the former. Michilimakinac is the scat of a Mission.
Ottawas in the neighbourhood of Di- chilimakinac are well attached to us for the most part.
In the neighbourhood of Fort St. Josephı,
150
Resided at a small dis- tance after the reduc- tion of the Fort pro- bably joined the rest.
Chipeweighs or Mis- sissagais: in the neighbourhood of Detroit.
320
Resided above the De- troit, now probably in arms with the rest.
In the neighbourhood of Michilimakinac
400
Had several different vil- lages in that country, and the environs of the Lake Huron.
These are the most nu- merous of all the Ot- tawa Confederacy and have many villages about Lakes Superior, Huron, Erie, ettc. whose numbers cannot at present be ascer- tained with exactness.
Meynomenys
110 110
Folsavoins
Puans .
360
Sakis
300
Foxes
320
All these nations reside on the west side of la Baye at Lake Michi- gan and in the neigh- borhood of the Fort there.
These nations are at pre- sent in alliance with the Ottawa Confedera- 'cy, but appear inclined to our interest, nor did they take the fort at La Baye, the officer abandoning it on the news of the rupture as he could make no de- fence.
MIAMIS OR TWIGHTWEES.
Twightwees, . .
230
Near the Fort on the The Twightwees were Miamis river.
Kickapous
180
Mascoutens .
90
Piankashaws
100
Wawiaghtonos
200
These nations reside in the neighbourhood of the Fort at Wawiagh- ta, and about the Wa- lache river.
originally a very pow- erful people, who, hav- ing been subdued by the Six Nations were permitted to enjoy their possessions. There are many tribes and villages of them, but these are all who are perfectly known.
Ottawas, Chipeweighs, ettc. .
4000
Residing thro' all the This is the most exact extent of country from the Lakes to the Great Ottawa River, and abt. Lake Superior, ettc.
computation that can be made of these nu- merous people, who are scattered through-
---
300
30
THE IROQUOIS AND OTHER INDIAN TRIBES.
OTTAWA CONFEDERACY-CONTINUED.
Names.
Number of men.
Scituation.
Remarks.
out the Northern Parts and who having few places of fixed resi- dence, subsisting en- tirely by hunting, can- not be ascertained as those of their confede- racy, residing near the outposts.
Illinois number uncertain.
Reside about the Illinois We have hitherto had River and hence to the Mississippi.
nothing to do with these people, who are numerous and various- ly computed. The Six Nations claim their country, but their right of conquest thereto does not appear so clear as to the rest, as represented in the let- ter herewith.
Sioux number uncertain.
Reside in the country The Sioux who are the westward of
most numerous of the Northern Indians, are little known to us, they [One line cut off here in binding the original.] Mississipi, they are much addicted to wan- dering and live mostly in camps.
. not appear well affect- ed to the Western In- dians, and promise to send Deputies to me in the spring.
Total, .
8020
November 18th, 1763.
WM. JOHNSON.
II. PAPERS
RELATING TO
The First Settlement at Onondaga,
AND
THE DISCOVERY OF THE SALT SPRINGS AT SALINA.
Anno 1654-8.
-
VOYAGE OF FATHER SIMON LE MOINE
TO THE COUNTRY OF THE IROQUOIS ONONDAGOES, IN JULY, AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER, 1654.
[Relation de la N. France és années, 1653 and 1654.]
On the second day of the month of July, the festival of the Visi- tation of the Most Holy Virgin always friendly to our underta- kings, Father LeMoine departed from Quebec on a voyage to the Iroquois Onondagoes. He passed Three Rivers, and from thence by Montreal, where a young man of good courage, and an old habitant, joined him, with much piety. I shall follow the Fa- ther's Journal for greater facility.
On the 17th day of July, St. Alexis' day, we left home with this great and holy traveller, and departed for a land unknown to us. On the 18th, following always the course of the River St. Lawrence, we met nothing but breakers and impetuous ra- pids, all strewed with rocks and shoals.
The 19th. This river grows wider and forms a lake, agreea- ble to the view, from eight to ten leagues in length. At night, an army of troublesome musquitoes foreboded the rain which poured down on us the whole of the night. 'To be in such cir- cumstances without any shelter except the trees, which Nature has produced ever since the creation of the world, is a pastime more innocent and agreeable than could be anticipated.
20th. Nothing but islands, in appearance the most beautiful, which intersect here and there this very quiet river. The land on the north bank appears to us excellent ; there is a range of high mountains towards the east, which we called St. Margaret's.
21st. Continuation of the islands. In the evening we break
3
1
34
FIRST SETTLEMENT AT ONONDAGA,
our bark canoe; it rains all night. The naked rocks serve us for bed, mattrass and all. Whoever hath God with himn reposes quietly every where.
22d. The precipices of water which for a while are no longer navigable oblige us to carry on our shoulders both our baggage and the canoe which carried us. At the other side of the Rapid, I perceived a herd of wild cows which were passing at their ease in great state. Five or six hundred are seen sometimes in these regions in one drove.
23d and 24th of the month. Our pilot being hurt, we must remain a prey to the musquitoes, and have patience, often more difficult in regard to the inconveniences which have no inter- mission neither night nor day, than to behold death before one's eyes.
25th. The river is so very rapid that we are obliged to throw ourselves in the stream to drag our canoe after us, amid the rocks, as a cavalier, dismounting, leads his horse by the bridle. At night we arrive at the entrance of Lake St. Ignatius, in which eels abound in a prodigious quantity.
26th. A high wind with rain forces us to debark, after having made four leagues. A hut is soon built. The neighbouring trees are stript of their bark ; this is thrown on poles set in the ground on either side, bringing them together in the form of an arbor ; and then our house is built. Ambition finds no entrance into this palace. It failed not to be as agreeable to us as if the roof was all covered with gold.
27th. We coasted along the shores of the lake; they are rocks on one side and the other, of an immense height, now frightful, now pleasing to the sight. It is wonderful how large trees can find root among so many rocks.
28th. Thunder, lightning and a deluge of rain oblige us to shelter ourselves under our canoe, which being inverted, serves us for a house.
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