32

FIRST SETTLEMENT AT ONONDAGA,

I greatly astonished them when they heard me naming all by nations, by tribes, by families and eachparticular individual of any note, and all by aid of my manuscript, which was a matter as wonderfulas it was new. I told them I was the bearer of nineteen words to them.

The first: That it was Onnonthio, M. de Lauzon, Governor of New France, who spoke by mymouth, and then the Hurons and the Algonquins as well as the French , for all these three nationshad Onnonthio for their Great Chief. A large belt of wampum, one hundred little tubes or pipes ofred glass, the diamonds of the country, and a caribou’s hide being passed : these three presents madebut one word.

My second word was, to cut the bonds of the eight Seneca prisoners, taken by our allies andbrought to Montreal , as already stated.

The third was, to break the bonds of the Mohegans also, captured about the same time.

The fourth; to thank those of Onontago for having brought our prisoner back.

The fifth present was, to thank the Senecas for having saved him from the scaffold.

The sixth for the Cayuga Iroquois, for having also contributed.

The seventh, for the Oneidas for having broken the bonds which kept him a prisoner.

The 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th presents to be given to the four Iroquois Nations —a hatchet to each—for the new war they were waging against the Cat Nation.

The twelfth present was to heal the head of the Seneca who had lost some of his people.

The thirteenth, to strengthen his palisades; to wit, that he may be in a state of defence againstthe enemy.

The fourteenth, to ornament his face: for it is the custom of warriors here never to go to battleunless with the face painted, some black, some red, others with various other colors, each havingherein as if particular liveries to which they cling even unto death.

The fifteenth to concentrate all their thoughts. I made three presents for this occasion; onewampum belt, little glass beads and an elk hide.

The sixteenth—I opened Annonchiasse’s door to all the Nations ; that is, they would be welcomeamong us.

The seventeenth. I exhorted them to become acquainted with the truths of our faith, and madethree presents for this object.

The eighteenth. I asked them not to prepare henceforward any ambushes for the Algonquin andHuron Nations, who would come to visit us in our French settlement. I made three presents forthis purpose.

Finally, by the nineteenth present I wiped away the tears of all the young warriors for the deathof their great Chief Annencraos, a short time prisoner with the Cat Nation.

At each present they heaved a powerful ejaculation from the bottom of the chest in testimony oftheir joy. I was full two hours making my whole speech, talking like a Chief, and walking aboutlike an actor on a stage, as is their custom.

After that they grouped together apart in nations and tribes, calling to them a Mohawk who bygood luck was there. They consulted together for the space of two hours longer. Finally theycalled me among them and seated me in an honorable place.

The Chief who is the tongue of the country, repeats faithfully as orator the substance of all mywords. Then all set to singing in token of their gratification; I was told to pray God on my side,which I did very willingly. After these songs he spoke to me in the name of his Nation. 1. Hethanked Onnontio for his good disposition towards them, and brought forward for this purpose twolarge belts of wampum.

2. He thanked us in the name of the Mohawk Iroquois for having given their lives to five of theirallies of the Mohegan nation. Two other belts for that.