USA > New York > The natural, statistical, and civil history of the state of New-York, v. 2 > Part 22
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The Tartar nations inhabiting Siberia, are in general, as rude and uncultivated as the Indigines of North America. In vain have some authors of great celebrity endeavored to draw a line of dis- tinction between the Asiatic, and American hunter. In vain have they endeavored to prove that the former is superior to the latter, in physical and mental. endowments, in civilization, the arts and sciences. In vain have they endeavored to prove, that man in America appears in his most degraded state. A hunter in Ame- rica, and a hunter in Asia, have the same, or very nearly the same character. They have the same pursuits, the same occupations, the same mode of living, the same manners, the same customs, the same laws, the same physical and mental endowments, and the same habiliments. The ancestors then of the Moleakaneews,
some writers, is composed of four groups of islands lying between the two con- tinents. About fifty of these islands have been visited by navigators. The natives pass from island to island in canoes. For further particulars, see the voyages of Captains Cook and King, and Guthrie's and Moise's Geography.
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Hurons, Knisteneaux, Naudowessies, Chepawyans, &c. according to our views, crossed over Behring Straits, which separare the two continents in the north. These straits are in north latitude sixty- five degrees and forty-six minutes, and in west longitude from the meridian of Greenwich in England, between one hundred and sixty-eight degrees and fifteen minutes, and one hundred and seventy degrees and thirty-eight minutes. Their width is thirty- nine miles. The American continent is on the one side, and the Asiatic on the other. In the summer, these straits are open, and in winter, they are covered with thick, strong, and solid ice. The natives of the respective coasts are continually passing and repass- ing during the summer in their canoes. The continents south and north of these straits retire from each other. The Pacific ocean lies between them on them on the south, and the Arctic sea on the north. We shall in this place, cite some passages from the voyages .. of Captains' Cook and King. "The western extremity of Ame- rica, or Prince of Wales's Cape, is in latitude sixty-five degrees and forty-six minutes, and in longitude one hundred and sixty-eight . degrees and fifteen minutes west from Greenwich, and in longitude one hundred and seventy degrees and thirty-eight minutes. Nearly in the middle of the narrow strait, which separates these capes, are the two islands of St. Diomede, from which both continents may be .seen." Cook's voyages, Vol. 3, p. 24. " Beyond this point the strait opens towards the Arctic sea, and the coasts of America and Asia diverge so fast from one another, that.in the parallel of sixty- nine degrees, they are more than three hundred leagues asunder." ibid. p. 277. " The continents of America and Asia in the parallel of fifty-five degrees, or that of the southern extremity of Alashka, are about four hundred leagues asunder. They approach con- tinually to one another, as they stretch together towards the north, until they are terminated in two capes, only thirteen leagues dis- tant." Ibid. Vol. 2, p .. 244. " The American and Asiatic con- tinents at the straits, are usually joined together by ice during winter. At this place, the natives of Asia could find no difficulty in passing over to the opposite coast, which is in sight of their own. The continents during winter, with respect to the communication between them, may be considered as one land." Same voyages.
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Cox, in his Russian discoveries, mentions that several Kam- schadale vessels in 1745, were driven out to sea, and forced .by stress of weather, to take shelter among some of the Aleutian islands, a distance of several hundred miles. Captain Cook, in one of his voyages, found some of the natives of one of these islands out at sea in their war canoes, six hundred miles from home. The distance therefore, independent of Behring straits, could have been no insurmountable object. The American tribes dwelling on the east side of the straits, speak the same language that the Tashutski, Tchutski, or Tshukutskoi do. The people of the two continents residing along the straits, are' then the same. They speak the same language, have the same complexion, the same laws, manners and customs. The transit from Asia to Ame- rica, and vice versa, is, and always has been practicable at these approximating points.
The hunting nations of North America, especially those living northwardly of the Mexicos, derived their origin from the north- eastern parts of Asia. Bands of Tartars crossed these straits suc- cessively, or in succession, and journied to the east, south-east, and south. The tide of emigration naturally took these directions. The way being opened, the one band or nation followed the foot- steps of that which had preceded it. As the one band abandoned a region, that which came after it took possession. The one push- ed the other forward, just as the Huns pushed the Alani and others forward, on the eve of the destruction of the Roman empire. All these bands strove to better their condition. The regions around Behrings straits, and for a great distance on all sides, are cold, bleak, and barren, and afford very scanty means of subsistence ; it was therefore natural for these people to seek milder, inore ge- nial, and better countries. In the course of time these bands mul- tiplied. Separations ensued. These separations were not always dictated by increase ; sometimes they originated in broils, and at others from the erratic disposition peculiar to the people.
Among the nations under consideration, the Moheakanneews seem to be the oldest, or those that migrated first. The Kniste- naux, unless they be the same people, came afterwards. The for- mer had reached the Atlantic ocean, on the south-east, long before
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the visiting of America by Columbus. They inhabited all the cour- try along the coast, from the confines of North Carolin to the shores of Labrador. The Hurons, Naudowessies, and Chepan - yans came since, but none of them had ever arrived at the Atlantic ocean, unless it might have been in war parties or on embassies. The Mobeakanneews, the Knistenaux, the Naudowessies, and Cl ..- pawyans, followed each other in succession. The countries which they occupied, and still occupy, in certain respects, demonstrate this assumption. The arrival of the Moheakanneews, which pre- ceded that of the others, must have been subsequent to the migra- tion of the people who constructed the fortifications and mounds west of the Alleghany mountains, and between Black river and the Arkansaw, because they had no tradition of the country having ever been inhabited before they came to it. They brad traditions . of the encroachments and conquests of the Huron tribes ; and the; , unquestionably would have had traditions of the settlement of the country, had they found it settled when they reached it. Again, had the country been settled they could not have obtained posses- sion of it, without long and bloody wars. These would have left some traces. Memorable events are passed from generation to gen- eration by tradition. The Zapotecas, a nation of hunters now re- sident in New Mexico, have a tradition to this day of the march and encampments of the Aztecks, or Mexicans, through their coun- try, and this after a lapse of more than six hundrad years.
The tide of emigration then was at first east, southeast, and south. Latterly it has been west. Ever since the colonization of the Uni- ted States it has taken the latter direction. The Leuni Lenape, the Shawnese, the Agoneaseal and others have retired westwardly. The former have gone to the west as far as the Wabash and Mhis- sissippi rivers and some of them have even crossed the latter stream and taken stations beyond it. These retrograde movements have been occasioned by the influx, multiplication, and encroachments of the European emigrants.
As science and discoveries advance, it will be found that analo- gies exist between the nations who inhabit the country between Belirings straits and that of the Chepawyans. Cook, MeKenzie, and some others, have already thrown much light on the subject.
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In after times others will contribute. A knowledge of the languages is nearly all that is now wanting. The complexion, physiognomy, mode of life, manners, and customs, are in some measure known. A'correspondence, or relation between the languages, would con- nect the whole. All the nations between the Atlantic ocean and the country of the Chepawyans, are known ; and in every thing but language there has been found an agreement. The country of the Chepawyans, that is the seat of the nation, because bands of this people have advanced long ago to the shores of lakes Superior, Huron, Michigan, Erie, and Ontario, where they have either re- mained distinct or commingled with other tribes, is between sixty and sixty-five degrees of north latitude, and between one hundred and one hundred and ten degrees of west longitude from the meri- dian of Greenwich, in England. The distance from their country to Behrings straits, is not over seventeen hundred miles in a direct line. This, then, is the part of the American continent that re- mains to be more fully explored. Whenever this is done, we feel assured that identities will be found to exist between its inhabitants and the Chepawyans, as there have been found between the latter and those of the coast and the interior. This then would put to rest the question so long agitated, and abaix. which so much has been said, and generally to no purpose, whence did the hunting na- tions north of the Mexicos derive their origin.
NOTE 1. We have remarked that the tide of emigration, since the colonization of the United States, had been west. This, in the main, is true. Along the coast of the Atlantic ocean, and thence inland, as far as settlements have been made, it is strictly true ; but far in the interior, and beyond our settlements, it is still setting eastwardly and south-east. wardly. About a century after the conquest and dispersion of the Hurons by the Agoneaseah, the Massasagnes. Messasagues, or Missa- sagas, whose seat is on the north side of lakes Superior and Huron, sent out several bands who took possession of the peninsular part of the province of Upper Canada. The British government had to purchase the lands along Grand or Ouse river, on which the Mohawks now live, from them. It is said that all of the bands of the Massasagues could formerly bring two thousand men into the field. The emigration of bands of this people shows the progress of the hunting tribes south-east wardly. Other cases might be cited, but they would only fatigue the patience of the reader were we to cite them; besides, no farther proof VOL. II. 33
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is necessary to show the courses of the hunting tribes in their emigra- tions. The Agoneaseah formerly called the Massasagues Twakanhabore; now they call them Mississaugers.
NOTE 2. We have made the following extracts from Tacitus, a Roman author of great notoriety, in order to show that in many respects there are analogies between some of the manners and customs of the Agomes. seah and other erratic nations of this continent, and those of the anch :: Germans.
The Germans abounded in rude strains of verse. They inflamed the minds of the warriors with ardor in the day of battle. Their manner of chaunting their savage preludes did not resemble the tones of the human organs. The vociferation was harsh and uncouth. There was a family likeness throughout the nation ; the same form, the same feature. The chiefs of the Germans were chosen for their valor. They commanded rather by persuasion than authority. In matters of inferior moment the chiefs decided ; important questions were reserved for the whole community. When they assembled each man took his seat. Silence was proclaimed. ¿ The chief of the community opened the debate ; the rest were heard in their turn, according to age, renown in war, or fame for eloquence. No man dictated to the assembly ; he might persuade, but could not command.
War and depredation were characteristic of the Germans. To cultivate the earth, and wait the regular produce of the seasons, was not the maxim of the Germans When the state had no war to manage, the German mind was sunk in sloth. The chase did not afford sufficient employment. The intrepid warrior became in peace a listless sluggard. The management of his house and lands he left to the women, to the old men, and the infirm part of his family. He himself lounged about in stupid repose. The Germans had no regular cities; nor did they allow a continuity of houses. They dwelt in habitations dispersed up and down, as a fountain, a grove, a meadow, or stream, happened to invite. They had villages, but every house stood detached, with a vacant piece of ground around it. They built with rude materials, regardless of order, proportion, and beauty. Their clothing was a loose mantle made fast with a clasp, or when that could not be had, with a thorn. Naked in other respects, they loitered away whole days by the fire side. The skins of wild animals were mostly in use, even in those provinces adjoining the Roman empire. The people who lived on the German and Baltic seas were entirely clothed with skins. These they decorated. In point of dress there was no distinction between the sexes. The children were reared up in filth. They ran about naked. No distinction was made between the son of a chief and that of a slave. To adopt the quarrels, as well as the friendships of their parents and relations, was held to be an indispensable duty. Hospitality, and convivial pleasures.
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were no where more liberally enjoyed. To have refused admittance to a guest was deemed an outrage against humanity. The master of the house welcomed every stranger, and regaled him to the best of bis ability. Between an intimate, and an entire stranger, no distinction was made. Their burials had neither pomp nor vain ambition. A mound of earth was raised over the ashes of the deceased. Tears and lamenta- tions were soon at an end ; but their regret did not so easily wear away.
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CHAPTER IX.
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The following is taken from the Hon. Silas Wood's Sketch of the first settic- ment of Long Island.
Of the several Tribes of Indians on Long Island, S.c.
" When the first settlements were made on the island by the Dutch and English, it appears, from the original Indian deeds, that the principal tribes that occupied it were as follows :
The Canarse, the Rockaway, the Merikoke, the Marsapeague, the Secatague, and the Patchague, on the south side ; the Matine- coc, the Nissaquague, the Satauket, and the Corchaug, on the north side ; the Shinecoc, the Manhanset, and the Montauk, from the Canoe Place to Montauk Point.
The Canarse appears to have been the only tribe, or the only tribe of any consequence, in Kings county. This tribe claimed the chief part of the lands in Kings county, and a part of the lands in Jamaica.
The Rockaway tribe claimed the territory around Rockaway, and more or less of the lands in Newtown and Jamaica.
The Merikoke and Marsapeague tribes extended from Rocka- way through Queens county, into Suffolk, on the south side of the island.
The territory of the Matinecoc tribe extended from Flushing through Queens county, to Fresh Pond, in Suffolk, on the north side.
The Nissaquague tribe extended from Fresh Pond to Stony- brook.
The Satauket tribe claimed from Stonybrook to the Wading river.
The Corchaug tribe extended from the Wading river, through South Old, on the north side.
The territory of the Manhanset tribe was Shelter Island.
The territory of the Secataug tribe adjoined that of the Marsa- peagues, and extended to Patchogue.
The territory of the Patchogue tribe extended to South Hamp- ton.
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The Shinecoc tribe extended from the Canoe Place to Montauk, and that peninsula was the seat of the Montauk tribe.
There are one or two other tribes named in the old records, but the place they occupied cannot be ascertained, and it is evident from that circumstance that they must have been very small, per- haps the mere remnants of tribes which had been destroyed in their wars.
Those above enumerated are the principal tribes that occupied the island when the English and Dutch commenced their settle- ments there, and the original purchases of the several towns were made of these tribes.
The Indian settlements were all on the bays, creeks, and har- bors on the north and south sides of the island, and their territo- ries were divided from each other by the middle of the island.
At the time of the first settlement of the island, the whole Indian population was considerable, but by no means as great as the facil- ities of subsistence would have authorized us to expect, nor as great as it probably had formerly been.
The shell banks which indicate the sites of their villages, on the western half of the island, are large and numerous, and beds of shells of some size or other are found at intervals of a few miles all around the margin of the island. From these it would seem that the population of some parts of the island was once very numerous, or must have been stationary there a long time.
The shell banks in the western towns of Suffolk county are much Jarger and more numerous than in the eastern towns, where shell - fish are as abundant ; which proves that the western part of the island had been the longest settled, and that the Indian emigration pro- ceeded from west to east.
The state of the Indian population must be ascribed to their per- petual wars, by which they had been diminished.
All savage nations are addicted to war.' The causes of war among hem are numerous, and the mode of carrying it on destruc- tive to their numbers.
It appears that Long Island had been overrun by hostile tribes, and many of the natives must have been destroyed by them.
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Of the political state of the Indians.
The confederacy of the five nations extended their conquests as far south as Manhattan Island, and had passed over to the west etal of Long Island, and subdued the Canarse Indians.
. There is a tradition among the Dutch that, at the time of ti.c first settlement of the island, the Canarse tribe paid the Mohawks ca annual tribute of wampum and dried ciams, and that they discon- tinued the payment of it on the persuasion of the whites, in conse- quence of which a party of the conquerors came and destroyed the whole tribe, except a few who happened to be from home.
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Some writers have supposed that the conquest of the Mohawks extended to the whole island, but there is no tradition to support it, and it is believed that the conquest never extended beyond the territories of the Canarse Indians.
This may have been owing to the fact, that all the other Indians were in subjection to the Pequots. It is well known that this tribe never was subdued by the five nations, and it would have been a violation of their rules of warfare to have turned their arms against a tributary people, when they had not subdued the power that held them in subjection.
The Montauks had probably been the most warlike tribe on Long Island, had overrun the other tribes on the island east of the Canarse territory, and had reduced them to some kind of subjec- tion.
At the time of the first settlement of the island, the Montauk sachem claimed and exercised some kind of sovereignty over the whole territory, and it is stated that he justified his claim before the governor and council, in virtue of a former conquest of the country. In 1659 he conveyed the territory which constitutes the town of Smithtown, then occupied by the Nissaquague Indians, to Lyon Gardiner.
It is evident from the early writers of New England, that the Pequots, who occupied the country around New London, and was the most warlike tribe in Connecticut, had subdued the Montauks with their tributaries, and that at the time of the first settlement of New-England, the Long-Island Indians were in subjection to the
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l'equots, and paid them a tribute. The victory over the Montauks involved the subjection of all the tribes that were under them, and the conquest of the Pequots must have embraced all the tribes on the island east of the Canarse territory.
In 1637, the New-England colonies made war on the Pequots, . to avenge the murders and other hostile aggressions which they had committed on the whites, and subdued and dispersed the whole tribe. The Long Island Indians who had been subiect to the P'e- quots, immediately repaired to the English to make their peace with them. Winthrop, in his journal, states, that on the reduction of the Pequots in 1637, " sachems from Long Island came volun- tarily and brought a tribute to us of twenty fathom of wampum each of them." .
From this time they seem to have considered themselves to be in subjection to the English, and to have paid them tribute, perhaps the same they had paid the Pequots. In 1644 they applied to the commissioners for some evidence of their relation to them, and the commissioners gave them a certificate in writing, in effect promising them security from injury by the English, and all others in friend- ship with them ; at which time they assured the commissioners, "that they had been tributary to the English ever since the Pequot war, and that they had never injured the English or Dutch, but had been friendly to both," which implied that they had been sub- ject to the Pequots, and followed their fate.
In 1650 the commissioners sent Captain Mason to Long Island to require payment of the tribute due from the dedinos there. and to settle a way in which it might be punctually discharged in future.
In 1656 the Montauk chief visited the commissioners at Boston. and in answer to an inquiry whether be had paid the trilite doe from him, stated, that he had paid it at Hartford for the space of ten years, and that it was in arrear for the four last years, which they remitted in consideration of his distressed condition by the late war in which he had been engaged with the Narragansetts.
In 1653 Ninnigrate, the chief of the Nchantic Indians, who were either a tribe of the Narragansetts, or closely connected with them, made war on the Long Island Indians, which lasted several years, and reduced them to great extremity. He invaded the territory of
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the Montauks, and would have extirpated the whole tribe, if they had not found protection in the humanity of the people of En: Hampton.
They were obliged to abandon their villages, and to flee for re- fuge to East Hampton, where they were kindly received, sustained, and protected. They continued to reside in that town for several years, before they deemed it safe to return to Montauk.
In 1655, Mr. Thomas James, the minister of East Hampton. and others, wrote to the commissioners and informed them that the Indians on the Island must submit themselves and their country to the Narragansetts, unless they should speedily have some 'assist- . ance.
The commissioners sent military supplies to the towns of East Hampton and South Hampton, and to the Indians. They stationed an armed vessel in the sound under the command of Captain Jolin Youngs, with orders to stave Ninnigrate's canoes, and to destroy his forces if he attempted to pass over to the island.
The commissioners also gave orders, that in case the enemy should pursue the Indians within two miles of any of the settle- ments, the inhabitants should immediately repair to their assistance. During the same season, they sent a small force against Ninnigrate, which was rendered ineffectual by the mismanagement of the officer who was entrusted with the command.
In 1656, Massachusetts declined further aid in suppressing the war of Ninnigrate against the Montauks, and the whole burden of their defence devolved on the colonies of Connecticut and New Haven. They generously continued Captain Youngs with his ves- sel on the same station that year, at their sole expense, and the war seeins not to have ceased until the end of the year 1656, or perhaps some time in 1657.
In one of their enterprizes the Narragansetts, among others, took the daughter of Wyandance, the chief sachem, prisoner, who was ransomed by the aid of Lyon Gardiner, the first proprietor of Gar- diner's Island, in gratitude for which the chief, in 1659, presented him with a deed for the territory which now forms the town of Smithtown.
These various and successive general wars, with such as may
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have taken place between separate tribes, must have contributed · greatly to reduce their numbers, and to render the whole island much less populous than it would otherwise have been at the time of the first settlement of the country.
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