shone with a supernatural lustre, and in which
he had performed so many of his extraordinary
feats. This canoe was laid aside when he
came to fix his residence at Teonto, and never
used but for great and • extraordinary purposes.
When great councils were called, and he assembled
the; wise men to deliberate together,
the saered canoe was carefully lifted from the
grand lodge, which formed its resting place ;
and after these occasions Were ended, it was as
carefully returned to the same receptacle, on
the shoulders of men, who felt honored in being
the hearers of such a precious burthen.
Thus passed away many years, and every
year saw the people increasing in numbers, skill,
arts and bravery. It was among the Onon-
dagas that Tarenyawagon had located himself,
and although he regarded the other tribes as
friends and brothers, he had become identified
as an adopted member of this particular tribe*
Under his teaching and influence they became
the first among all the original clans, and rose
to the highest distinction in every art which Was
known, to, or prized by the Akonoshioni. They
were the wisest counsellors, the best orators,
the most expert hunters, and the bravest warriors;
They also afforded the highest examples
of obedience to the laws of the Great Spirit. If
offences took place, Hiawatha redressed them,
and his wisdom and moderation preserved the
tribe from feuds. Hence the Onondagas were
early noted among all the tribes for their preeminence;
He appeared to devote his chief
attention to them, that he might afterwards
make them examples, to the others, in arts and
wisdom. They were foremost in the overthrow
of the,Stone Giants, and the killing of the great
serpent. To be an Onondaga was the highest
honor.
While Hiawatha was thus living in domestic
qUiet among the People of the Hills, and administering
their simple; government with wisdom,
they became alarmed by the sudden news
of the approach of a furious and powerful enemy
from the north of the great* kikes; As this enemy
advanced,.they made an indis'eriminateslaughter
of men; vtomen and children. The-villages fled,
in a short time, before them, and thére was no
heart in the people to make a stand against such
powerful and ruthless invaders,' In this emergency
they fled to Hiawatha for his advice. He
cóunselled them to call a general council of all the
tribes from the east and the West. “ For” said
he, “ our safety is not alone in the club and dart,
hut in wise counsels/’ He appointed a place on
the hanks of the Onondaga lake for the meeting.
It was a clear eminence from which there was
a/wide prospect. Eunhers were despatched in
every direction; and the chiefs^ warriors, and
head men forthwith assembled in great numbers,
bringing with them, in the general alarm, their
women and children. Fleets of canoes were
seen on thq bosom of the lakey and evety interior
■■■War path was kept open by the foot prints