^^S'o.^W^^^' APPALACHIAN REGION ANCIENT TRIBES — HOFFMAN 219 



be compared with the more usual version which seems to have origi- 

 nated with Burk. 



Whilst the assembly were employed in these wise and benevolent projects, 

 information was received that a body of inland or mountain Indians, to the num- 

 ber of six or seven hundred, had seated themselves near the falls of James river, 

 apparently with the intention of forming a regular settlement. Some movements 

 were at this time noticed among the neighboring tribes, which seemed to indicate 

 something like a concert and correspondence with these strangers; and the minds 

 of the colonists always alive to, and apprehensive of, Indian treachery, were 

 unusually agitated on this occasion. The place these Indians had made choice 

 of, was another source of disquiet. It was strong and difficult of access, alike 

 calculated for offensive and defensive operations; and they recollected the immense 

 trouble and expence that had been incurred in extirpating the tribes which 

 formerly dwelt in that place. At the conclusion of the last peace with the Indians, 

 this station was considered so important, that its cession was insisted on, as the 

 main pledge and security of peace; and it had hitherto continued unoccupied 

 as a sort of barrier to the frontiers in that direction. Under all these circum- 

 stances, they could not see it, without anxiety, occupied by a powerful band of 

 hardy warriors, who perhaps were only the advance guard of a more formidable 

 and extensive emigration. 



The measures of the assembly in removing this ground of alarm were prompt 

 and vigourous.* [fn. printing Virginia Assembly (1642-1662) pp. 111-112]. One 

 hundred men were dispatched under the command of Edward Hill, to dislodge 

 the intruders. His instructions were to use peaceable means only, unless com- 

 pelled by necessity; and to require the assistance of all the neighboring Indians, 

 according to the articles of the late treaty. The governor was at the same time 

 directed to send an account of this invasion to Totopotomoi, and desire that his 

 influence should be exerted in procuring the immediate co-operation of the friendly 

 tribes. 



It is difficult to form any satisfactory conjecture as to the motives of the extraor- 

 dinary movement directly against the stream and tide of emigration. It was 

 certainly a bold step to descend into the plain, in the face of an enemy, whose 

 power they must have heard of, and which could scarcely fail of inspiring astonish- 

 ment and awe; and to take the place of warlike tribes, whom the skill and destruc- 

 tive weapons of the whites had lately exterminated and swept away. 



The scanty materials which the state records have preserved of Indian affairs, 

 throw little light on this subject. But though they do not present this people in 

 all the various relations of peace and war, we generally see them in one point of 

 view at least; and are often able by induction, to supply a considerable range of 

 incident and reflection. In the second session of assembly colonel Edward Hill 

 was cashiered, and declared incapable of holding any office, civil or military, 

 within the colony, for improper conduct in an expedition against the Richahe- 

 crians. We are not told whether the offence of Hill was cowardice, or a willful 

 disobedience of the instructions he had received. There is however reason to 

 believe, that he was defeated, and that the Rechahecrians maintained themselves 

 in their position at the falls by force; for the governor and council were directed 

 by the assembly to make a peace with this people, and they further directed that 

 the monies which were expended for this purpose, should be levied on the proper 

 estate of Hill.* [fn. printing Virginia Assembly, et al (1606-92), p. 200]. 



From other sources almost equally authentic, we learn that the aid demanded 

 of the Indians was granted without hesitation. Topopotomoi marched at the 

 head of an hundred warriors of the tribe of Pamunkey, and fell with the greater 



