Chapter I: Front Matter

THE IROQUOIS;
OR,
The Bright Side of Indian Character.

BY
MINNIE MYRTLE.

NEW YORK:
D. APPLETON AND COMPANY,
346 AND 348 BROADWAY.
1855.

Dedicatory Letter,
TO
COL. THOMAS McKENNEY, AND PHILLIP E. THOMAS.

Without their knowledge, I presume to dedicate my first volume of Indian History to those whose names I have heard most frequently, as friends of the red man. The title of the first indicates that he has been on the war-path, while the other belongs to the Society whose members are so eminently the missionaries of peace. The one was for many years conspicuous as a public man, and the other has been seen only in the most private walks, but they have been ever intimately associated in efforts for promoting the best interests of Indians of every name and race. The “good works” of the one, in his official capacity and as an author, are well known, while those of the other have been necessarily silent and unseen, except by his friends, and those who were the recipients of the blessings he has so munificently scattered; but having wandered through the scenes of their labors, I have found them to have been fellow-laborers, the designs of each being cordially approved and forwarded by the other, and their sympathies always the same.

In behalf of the Indian, to whom each name is dear as father, protector and friend, and as a testimony of her own reverence and grateful affection, this slight tribute is offered by the

AUTHOR.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

PAGE.

Introduction, 11

CHAPTER I.

National Traits of Character, 19

Christian Atrocities, 21
Indian Homes, 23
Civilized Barbarism, 25
King Philip, 27
Hospitality, 29
The Christian and Indian contrasted, 31

CHAPTER II.

National Government; or, Long House of the Iroquois
League, 32

Origin of the League, 33
Design of the League, 35
Indian Traits, 37
Councils, 39
Wampum and Calumet, 41
Indian Women, 43

CHAPTER III.

The Religion of the Iroquois, 44

Anecdote, 45
Employment in Heaven, 47
Maple Festival, 49
Thanks to the Great Spirit, 51
Address to Heno, 53
Succotash, 55
Thanksgiving Address, 57
Guessing of Dreams, 59
Indian Courtesy, 61
The Council Fire, 63
The Iroquois not Savages, 65

CHAPTER IV.

Customs and Individual traits of Character, 67

Indian Burials, 69
Religious Duties, 71
Indian Vengeance, 73
Good for Evil, 75
Cannasatego, 76
Hans Hanson, 77
Indian Honesty, 79
Indian Beauty, 81

CHAPTER V.

Love, Music, and Poetry, 83

Matrimonial Negotiations, 85
Social Affections, 87
Legend of Ampatd Sapa, 89
Poetic Sentiment of the Indians, 91
A Love Legend, 93
Indian Nobleness, 95
Instances of Civilization, 97
Characteristic Songs, 99
Transportation of Children, 101
Honor to the Noble Dead, 103