[ r 44 ] 
York, concerning the belt and 15 bloody fticks 
fent by the Miffifagees, the like is very common ; 
and they ufe thefe fticks, as well to exprefs the 
alliance of caftles, as the number of individuals 
in a party. The fticks are generally about 6 
inches in length, very flender, and painted red if 
the lubjedl be war. Their belts are moftly black 
wampum, painted red when they denote war. 
They defcribe caftles fometimes upon them, by 
fquare figures of white wampum ; and in alli- 
ances, human figures holding a chain, which is 
their emblem of friendfhip, and each figure re- 
prefents a nation. An axe is a lfo fometimes de- 
fcribed, and always imports war: the taking it 
up, being a declaration of war ; and the burying 
it, a token of peace. 
With refpeft to your queftions concerning the 
chief magistrate, or Sachem, and how he acquires 
his authority, &c. ; I am to acquaint you, that 
there is, in every nation, a Sachem, or chief ; who 
appears to have fome authority over the reft, and 
it is greateft amongft the moft diftant nations. 
But in moft of thofe bordering on our fettle- 
ments, his authority is fcarcely difcernible, he 
feldom afluming any power before his people. 
And indeed this humility is judged the beft policy ; 
for, wanting coercive power, their commands 
would perhaps occafion affaffination, which fome- 
times happens. 
The Sachems of each tribe are ufually chofen 
in a public aflembly of the chiefs and warriors, 
whenever a vacancy happens by death or other- 
wife ; they are generally chofen for their fenfe 
% -and 
