450 NEW ‘YORK STATE MUSEUM 
camp at Oneida Sir William and the principal chiefs “of every 
nation prepared the several speeches of condolence to be made . 
and chose the proper belts for the ceremony.” On this occasion 
the Cayugas, as Younger Brothers, acted for the mourning Onon- 
dagas, who were Elder Brothers. June 18 the Cayugas met him 
and his company a mile from Onondaga Castle, where two hours 
were spent in arranging the formalities according to the ancient 
custom. “Then Sir William marched on at the Head of the 
Sachems singing the condoling song which contains the names, 
laws & Customs of their renowned ancestors.” This was sung 
mostly by the Oneidas, who were also Younger Brothers. “ When 
they came within sight of the Castle the Head Sachems and War- 
riors met Sir William, where he was stopped, they having placed 
themselves in a Half Moon across the Road, sitting in profound 
silence. There a Halt was made about an hour, during which time 
the aforesaid Sachems sung the condoling song.” ‘This halt is now 
by a fire on the roadside, at some distance from the council house. 
“Then Sir William marched on at the Head of the Warriors the 
Sachems falling into the Rear and continued singing their condoling 
song.” His reception completed the day. The next day “ the full 
council of all the Nations met, with Sir William at their Head, to 
perform the grand solemnity of Condolence for the Death” of the 
great Onondaga chief. This was done with 11 belts and three 
strings of wampum. ‘“ The whole Ceremony of Condolence ended ” 
and was very different from the present form. The ancient song is 
mentioned by others, and included the names. When King Hend- 
rick and others were to be condoled the same year, Johnson could 
not go, but gave the proper belts. At German Flats in 1770 the 
speaker of the Six Nations performed the ceremony for the dead, 
on Johnson’s behalf, “‘ and delivered the several belts for the several 
purposes on such occasions, covering the graves with a black belt, 
they answering with a Yo-hah, customary on condolences.” At Sir 
William’s own death a double belt covered his body, and a belt of 
six rows his grave, but this was a simple sign of mourning. 
L. H. Morgan described the mourning council in the League of 
the Iroquois, p. 115-22, but left out several striking features. He 
