IjS NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM ' . ' " 



After singing thus far he rose and made a wonderful speech to 

 the dead man who invented the ceremonies, stating that, we have 

 heard from our forefathers that these Nations will become extinct 

 but we have now come to raise up chiefs and let the people hear 

 the laws of our forefathers. Then he sung over the same speech. 



Then Elijah Williams rose & recounted what was done in an- 

 cient times something like a declaration of independence repeating 

 the names of the nations, or the others, united in one house & of 

 the Sachems addressing the speech to "Ak sut " i. e. the other side, 

 I suppose regarding them as the mother as it were of the Con- 

 federacy. (Here needs more inquiry) 



Speaking of Ganinduiyes who used to live at Tonawanta, called 

 him a Long Hickory Tree. After he had finished he received four 

 papers of tobacco from the other side of the house & (shouted as 

 it were.) 



Then the other Oneida, Peter Williams, rose and took a string 

 of wampum & explained the duties of a chief warrior as agreed by 

 our forefathers that he must look to all the people and take care 

 of them all old, young, women, children, creepers & the breast etc. 

 So it was unanimously agreed (This was the black wampum) 



2 A short wampum signifying that when a chief is buried his 

 grave must be leveled as soon as possible (i. e. a new chief must 

 be chosen) • 



3 As soon as done always gives over to the other side & Wm. 

 had another Comforting all who have been called to mourning 

 by the death of Chiefs so as not to feel their loss always. 



4 Now another sun breaks through the clouds and enlightened 

 the faces which were sad before. 



Tb I 5 When the council fiVe bands have been all scattered they 

 / must be gathered together again, i. e. when death has scattered 

 the chiefs they must be collected again around the council fire and 

 fill their places. 



6 This is to comfort and pacify & satisfy the minds of the 

 Chiefs, so that they can come together cheerfully to transact 

 business. 



7 If any of the chiefs go contrary to the law, the chiefs & chief 

 warriors must consult the mother and follow her advice, thus, say 

 we three of the children who are charging you. 



8 We have poured water into the thirsty throats that they may 

 be able to feel comfortable and speak freely. 



