HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK IROQUOIS 201 



On this they were promised a visit from Le Moyne if they could 

 overtake him, but they failed in this. 



The journal is of great interest, describing the upper St Law- 

 rence for the first time. Like some later writers, he included 

 the Thousand Islands in Lake Ontario. At the mouth of Sal- 

 mon river he found a village of captive Hurons, among them many 

 old friends. They belonged to the Onondagas. Thence he 

 crossed the country to the foot of Oneida lake, where was an 

 Onondaga fishing village. Small hamlets lay beyond. From 

 the lake his course was due south to Onondaga, then a large town 

 on Indian hill, 2 miles south of Manlius village. There he had a 

 grand reception and was lodged in Garakontie"s house. He was 

 used to Indian ways and was a general favorite. His knowledge 

 of the Huron tongue was useful here, for it was much like the 

 Mohawk. At first called Ouane by the Hurons, he had suc- 

 ceeded to Jogues's name of Ondessonk. 



He reached Onondaga Aug. 5, entering the town singing the 

 ambassador's song and receiving addresses of welcome. He was 

 delighted to meet old Huron friends and, when the council met, 

 Aug. 10, he presented his 19 belts, speaking for two hours in a 

 chief's tone and manner. In his speech he bewailed the death of 

 Annenraes, taken and killed by the Eries. This Onondaga chief 

 was once a prisoner to the Hurons. 



On the way and in the town Le Moyne had baptized several 

 children. His first adult baptism there was of a captive Neutral 

 girl. Colden said that the Iroquois had no slaves, but they are 

 often mentioned in the Relations and their treatment described. 

 They were absolutely at the will of their masters. Just before 

 Le Moyne left he had a convert of importance, baptizing Ochiona- 

 gueras by the name of Jean Baptiste. He was the leader of the 

 army against the Eries and the first Onondaga adult baptized. 



Le Moyne began his return Aug. 15, with the usual parting 

 ceremonies. The village was nearly 15 miles from the salt 

 springs, which were reached next day. At that time the Indians 

 did not use salt and they thought the springs were inhabited by 

 some demon. Le Moyne boiled the water and made salt, carry- 



