ard from the
sea to the mountains. One remained, that the seeds of peace might not
wither; another, to protect, oh changed times! _the woman_, who was the
peace-maker, from the tomahawks of hostile tribes. But, while they were
amusing the Lenape with flattering tales and the songs of mocking-birds,
they were concerting measures to destroy them. They left war-clubs, such
as the Delawares used, in the lands of the Cherokees, to incite them to
fall upon us. Why delays my tongue to finish its tale? The fatal
unmanning of our tribe wrought our ruin. The white people encroached
upon us, because we were women and could not resent; the men of our own
colour were not more just or generous. The Delawares stand abased by the
children of their grandchild, overthrown by men defeated in a hundred
battles. They are no longer warriors, but women.

[Footnote A: Lenape wihittuck, river of the Lenape.]

Brothers, I would weep, were I not a man, for the downfall of my nation.

NOTES.

* * * * *

(1) _Sacred Calumet_.--p. 89.

The text deserves an elaborate comment, as connected with the wars of
the savages; in other words, their sole employment. The pipe of peace,
which is termed by the French the _Calumet_, for what reason has never
been learned, is about four feet long[A]. The bowl is made of red marble,
and the stem is of light wood, curiously painted with hieroglyphics in
various colours, and adorned with feathers of the most beautiful
birds; but it is not in the power of language to convey an idea of the
various tints and pleasing ornaments of this much esteemed Indian
implement.

[Footnote A: La Hontan explains the meaning of the word thus: "Calumet,
in general, signifies a pipe, being a Norman word, derived from
_Chalumeau_." The definition displays, in a remarkable degree, the
silliness of that writer. The savages do not understand this word. "The
Pipe of Peace is called, in the Iroquois language, _Ganondaoe_, and by
the other savages, _Poayem_." So says the accurate Carver.]

Every nation has a different method of decorating these pipes, and they
can at first sight tell to what band it belongs. It is used as an
introduction to all treaties, and great ceremony attends the use of it
on these occasions.

The assistant of the great warrior, when the chiefs are assembled and
seated, fills it with tobacco mixed with certain herbs, taking care, at
the same time, that no part of it touches the g