THE WITENAGEMOT OAK TREE 



^e-it'.^^-ffi^^-^' 



Submitted liy /■'. //. Jackson, Manufacturers National Bank, Troy 



THE Board of Indian Commissioners headed by Governor 

 Andros and his councillors, judges, and divines, accom- 

 panied by the militia of the King of England, assembled near 

 the confluence of the Tomhannac with the Hoosae and planted 

 at Schaghticoke, Rensselaer County, the Witenagemot Oak. 

 The famous Council Tree of Peace was planted, not only 

 with a view of confirming the link of friendship between 

 Kryn's " Praying Mohawks " of the Caughnawaga village 

 in Canada and Soquon's Hoosacs, but to strengthen the 

 alliance of the Fort Albany militia with their river Indian 

 scouts, whose fugitive kindred were scattered throughout 

 New England, New York, and New France. It is the only 

 " Vale of Peace " on the continent where the Witenagemot 

 (Assemblage of the Wise) ever assembled for the Indian's 

 welfare. Won $5. 



