Aitteon, was chosen chief of the tribe; and on the 19th of September, 1816, was inducted into office with great formality. He is a man of light complexion, of a pleasant countenance, considerable abilities, and manifestly of a mixed extraction, French and Indian. He is the present sagamore. JOHN NEPTUNE is the lieutenant-governor or sub-sachem. He is a pristine native, as evinced abundantly by his features, eyes, hair, and complexion. FRANcis, the first captain, is the most intelligent, and speaks English the best, of any in the tribe. Neptune, he, and two other captains were inducted into office at the same time Aitteon was, and with the same ceremonies.

INDIAN TRIBES IN NEW ENGLAND.

BY WILLIAM D. WILLIAMSON.

TO REV. THADDEUS M. HARRIS, S. T. D., Corresponding Secretary of the Massachusetts Historical Society.

SIR, As the Indian tribes in New England will probably in length of time become extinct, I have thought any facts in relation to them would be interesting to the curious and critical antiquarian ; therefore I have penned the following sketches, which I submit to your disposal. Yours, most respectfully.

Bangor, April 15, 1839.

WILLIAM D. WILLIAMSON.

Ar the present period, there are three tribes of Eastern Indians remaining, that still retain their individual clanship and community of character. These are the Tarratines, on the Penobscot; the Openangos,* at Passamaquoddy; and the Marechites, on the river St. John. The modern names by which they are called are taken from the respective waters where they are resident. For more than thirty years, the writer of this sketch has had some particular knowledge of these tribes, and with several individuals, especially of the Tarratines, he has had a personal acquaintance.

According to their own traditions, in which they all agree, they proceeded from the same stock, and were originally, as they state the fact, children of the same parents; the Tarratines being the eldest, the Mare

* There is some doubt if "Openadyo" be the original name of this tribe.

chites next, and the Openangos the youngest. They all speak the same language; and it is manifestly true that their brotherhood is always what they profess it to be, uniform and unchanging. Each tribe has its own sagamore, sachem, and counsellor-captains; yet in neither are these functionaries inducted into office without the presence and aid of a delegation from the other two tribes. Not only in this particular, but also in all former wars and treaties with the English, they have always acted in concert. It may be owing to this policy, principally, that these tribes have outlived all the others of New England. Before this country was visited by the Europeans, it is believed that the sagamore and sachem, the first and second in authority, came to their offices by hereditary right. But so far back as any facts about it have been known by the white people, their officers have severally been elective. They say, the male Indians of a tribe are voters in elections, who are twenty years old and upwards, each giving his vote for or against a candidate viva voce, in the Indian words, chu'-ee, yes, or aun`-tah, no. On these occasions, party spirit often runs high; aspirants have their zealous and active adherents; and electioneering is carried on with the address common among people more civilized. For the ancient appellations of Sagamore and Sachem, are substituted, in modern times, Governor and Lieutenant-governor, borrowed unquestionably from the English.

The chiefs, who have been at the head of the Tarratine tribe since 1816, are John Aitteon, governor, John Neptune, lieutenant-governor. But unhappily the tribe has, for several years, been divided into two parties, originally and principally occasioned by a quarrel between those chieftains, the latter having been suspected by the former of seducing his wife. The whole tribe took sides with the one or the other; and therefore their councils at times have been much distracted. Aitteon is of a placid disposition, manifestly indicated by a bluish eye and a smiling countenance. In stature, he is tall, straight, and well proportioned; and in intellect, in knowledge of business, and in ability to speak English, he holds a place inferior to several others. It is supposed he is not an un

mixed native, perhaps a half-breed. But Neptune is unquestionably a pristine, full-blooded Indian. He is of a copper color;-in person stout, thick set, with broad shoulders, large face, high cheek-bones, small mouth, and black, sparkling eyes. His understanding, intelligence, and shrewdness are of the first order. He is very collected in his deportment, and always carries with him an air of authority. Such, in short, are his native peculiarities, that a limner has without reward painted his portrait for exhibition. He is altogether superior to Aitteon in every thing, except in character. For he is said to be the most lascivious Indian there ever was in the tribe. He had the address, after a time, to make peace with Aitteon for the injury mentioned; and subsequently their councils have not been divided. The Indians say, he is arbitrary and self-willed, makes too free with ardent spirits, and has ten or a dozen bastard pappooses. Hence his personal conduct and some of his official measures have occasioned him many foes, among whom are several of the likeliest Indians in the tribe. Since Aitteon became reconciled to him, and has generally agreed with him in the measures pursued, they have, among the tribe, both been subjects of the same dislike and opposition.

The disaffected part of the tribe, therefore, during the last summer (1838), consulted with the tribes at St. John and Passamaquoddy; and finding the latter one generally opposed to John Neptune, concluded to attempt a new choice of the chief officers. For this purpose, the month of August was appointed; and accordingly there arrived at Oldtown, in due time, two delegations, one of twelve from the river St. John, and the other of twenty-one from Passamaquoddy.

Of the former tribe, there were several of the principal men. 1. Joseph Francis, who is the lieutenant-governor, a very likely, intelligent man, much disposed to do right. To make himself and his tribe fully acquainted with the difficulties at Oldtown, he and his brother, Nicholas Francis, with three others, took a journey from home to that place, the preceding spring, travelling the whole distance in their canoes. 2. Francis Sov`-eo, of twenty-two years, was quite an energetic, considerate,

well disposed Indian. His father, Francis Tomer, the governor, being an old man between sixty and seventy years of age (as they said), sent his beloved son to act in his stead, and be received as his substitute. 3. Captain Tomer was the governor's son-in-law, who was "to assist in the same business." 4. Newell Gov'-leet brought the belt of wampum, this being always produced and presented on such occasions, as a renewed testimony of their unchanging brotherhood and attachment. 5. Soc O'Bear was a captain of good appearance, and of considerable consideration among them. 6. Joseph Turkle called himself captain, - a man of pride and energy. It is true, he had been such prior to last Christmas, they said, when his captainship was disowned, because he did things that displeased the tribe. Tomar Wallis, Louee Tomar, and four others, formed the delegation from the Marechites.

From the other [Openango ?] tribe, there were several distinguished Indians. 1. Newell Neptune, said to be thirtyfive years old, but appeared much younger, was the lieutenant-governor, a place he had holden twelve years. His countenance and conduct were both greatly in his favor, - he being thoughtful, discreet, taciturn. Though pleasant, he was sedate; and though he could speak English, he said very little, but what he did say was always to the point and purpose. His manners were both modest and manly; and his observing yet softened eye gave abundant evidence of superior intellect; in a word, all these, with his beauties of person, rendered him the best appearing Indian ever seen in this quarter. Sabbatis Neptune, fifty-three years old, was the senior counsellor-captain, and chief speaker of the tribe. He said he had been such twelve years. He speaks good English, and is very openhearted, communicative, and quite decided. He appeared to have great influence among the Indians, especially those of his own tribe. In fact, his lean face, his brilliant, searching eyes, and his deep-thinking mood, testify largely in favor of his intellect and good sense. Of those op

posed to John Neptune, he was foremost. He said they had been troubled in no small degree with their own governor. As he told the story,-"After their good old governor, Francis Joseph, died, about five years past, they