*

ANTIQUITIES

STATE OF NEW YORK.

BEING THE RESULTS OF EXTENSIVE ORIGINAL SURVEYS AND EXPLORATIONS,

WITH

A SUPPLEMENT

ANTIQUITIES OF THE WEST;

ILLUSTRATED BY FOURTEEN QUARTO PLATES AND EIGHTY ENGRAVINGS ON WOOD :

By E. G. SQUIEB, M. A.,

Toreign Member of the British Archaeological Association; Member of the AmeriM

Ethnological Society ; the Pennsylvania Academy of Natural Sciences ; the

New York Historical Society ; the Massachusetts Historical

Society ; the Historical and Antiquarian

Society of Tennessee, etc., etc.

FEOM THE "SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO KNOWLEDGE.

BUFFALO:

GEO. H . DERBY AND CO.

1851.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1851, by

E. G. SQUIER,

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

Stereotyped by C. DAVISON, 33 Goto St., N- \.

C. A. ALVORD, PRINTER, 29 Gold-st., N. Y.

PREFACE

THE investigations, the results of which are embodied in the following pages, were undertaken in the autumn of 1848, under the joint auspices of the Historical So ciety of New York, and the Smithsonian Institution of Washington. They were originally published in the Second Volume of the " SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO KNOWLEDGE," in a form far too costly to be gene rally accessible. But as it is the design of this Insti tution to promote knowledge, by giving as wide a diffu sion to new facts as possible, its officers have liberally assented to their republication in the present form, and permitted the use of the original plates and engravings, for that purpose. By this means, the work is placed within the reach of all who are interested in the subject of American Antiquities, at a price far below what would have been the cost of its original production.

In preparing this edition, the author has added largely to the original Memoir, and has also appended a supple-

IV PREFACE.

ment, containing a resume or synoptical view of the An cient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley. This will enable the general reader to institute all necessary comparisons between the aboriginal remains of New York, and those of the Western States.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I.— Introductory Observations, Page 7 to 15

II.— Earth Works, Inclosures, etc., 15 to 85

St. Lawrence County, 15

Jefferson County, 16

Oswego County, 30

Onondaga County, 31

Madison County, 45

Otsego County, 46

Chenango County 46

Cayuga County, 48

Chemung County, 53

Ontario County, . 55

Monroe County, 56

Livingston County 61

Genesee County, 64

Orleans County, 71

Erie County, 72

Chautauque County, 81

Montgomery County, 82

III.— Palisaded Inclosures 85 to 97

IV.— Mounds, Bone-heaps, etc., 97 to 116

V. — Implements, Ornaments, etc., 116 to 137

VI.— Observations on the Probable Origin of the

Ancient Monuments of New York, 137 to 142

VIL— Ancient Works in New Hampshire, Penn sylvania, Northern Ohio, etc., 142 to 150

Vin.— General Character of Indian Defences, .... 150 to 164

IX.— Stone Heaps ; Stones of Memorial, Stone

Circles> 164 to 177

VI CONTENTS.

CHAPTER X.— Comparison of the Defensive Structures of the American Aborigines with those of the Pacific Islanders, Celts, etc., etc.,. . . 177 to 189 XI.— Sepulchral Mounds in Mexico, Central

America, etc, 189 to 195

XII. — Sepulchral Monuments of the Ancient

World, 195 to 207

XIII.— Probable Funeral Rites of the Mound

Builders, 207 to 213

XIV.— The Mounds not general Burial Places;

Great Indian Cemeteries of the West, . . 213 to 225 XV.— Aboriginal Sacred Inclosures ; Temples of the North American Indians ; Temples of Mexico, Central America, and Peru ; Temples of the Polynesian Islanders, Hindus, etc ; Primitive Temples of the British Islands ; Symbolism of Temples, 225 to 267 XVI.— Use of Copper and Silver by the American

Aborigines, 267 to 293

SUPPLEMENT.

Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley ; General Ob servations ; Inclosures for Defence ; Sacred Inclosures; Mounds of Sepulture ; of Sacrifice, etc., etc. ; Imple ments ; Ornaments ; Sculptures, etc., etc., 293 to 343

ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS

OF THE

STATE OF NEW YORK,

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTORY OBSERVATIONS.

THE Indian tribes found in possession of the country now embraced within the limits of New England and the Middle States have left few monuments to attest their former pres ence. The fragile structures which they erected for protec tion and defence have long ago crumbled to the earth ; and the sites of their ancient towns and villages are indicated only by the ashes of their long-extinguished fires, and by the few rude relics which the plough of the invader exposes to his curious gaze. Their cemeteries, marked in very rare instances by en during monuments, are now undistinguishable, except where the hand of modern improvement encroaches upon the sanc tity of the grave. The forest-trees, upon the smooth bark of which the Indian hunter commemorated his exploits in war, or success in the chase — the first rude efforts toward a written language — have withered in the lapse of time, or fallen be neath the inexorable ax. The rock upon which the same primitive historian laboriously wrought out his rude, but to

8 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

him significant picture, alone resists the corrosion of years. Perhaps no people equally numerous have passed away with out leaving more decided memorials of their former existence. Excepting the significant names of their sonorous language, which still attach to our mountains, lakes, and streams, little remains to recall the memory of the departed race.

But notwithstanding the almost entire absence of monu ments of art clearly referable to the Indian tribes discovered in the actual possession of the region above indicated, it has long been known that many evidences of ancient labor and skill are to be found in the western parts of New York and Penn sylvania, upon the upper tributaries of the Ohio, and along the shores of Lakes Erie and Ontario. Here we find a series of ancient earth-works, intrenched hills, and occasional mounds, or tumuli, concerning which history is mute, and the origin of which has been regarded as involved in impenetrable mystery. These remains became a subject of frequent remark, as the tide of emigration flowed westward 5 and various detached no tices of their existence were, from time to time, made public. No connected view of their extent or character was, however^ given to the world, until 1817, when De Witt Clinton, whose energetic mind neglected no department of inquiry, read a brief memoir upon the subject before the " Literary and Philo sophical Society of New York," which was published in pamph let form, at Albany, in 1818. Mr. Clinton in this memoir did not profess to give a complete view of the matter ; his aim being, in his own language, " to awaken the public mind to a subject of great importance, before the means of investigation were entirely lost." It consequently contains but little more than notices of such ancient earth-works, and other interesting remains of antiquity, as had at that time fallen under his no tice, or of which he had received some distinct information. Its publication was, however, without any immediate effect ; for few individuals, at that period, felt the interest requisite, or possessed the opportunities necessary, to the continuance of

INTRODUCTORY OBSERVATIONS. 9

the investigations thus worthily commenced. Nothing further, it is believed, appeared upon the subject, until the publication of McCauley's History of New York, in 1828. This work contained a chapter upon the antiquities of the State, embody ing the essential parts of Mr. Clinton's memoir, together with some facts of considerable interest, which had fallen under the observation of the author himself. Within a few years, public attention has again been directed to the subject by Mr. School- craft, in his " Notes on the Iroquois." Some detached facts have also been presented in local histories and publications, but usually in so loose and vague a manner, as to be of little value for purposes of comparison and research.

The observations of all these authorities were merely inci dental, and were limited in their range. By none were pre sented plans, from actual surveys, of any of the ancient works of the State ; a deficiency which, it is evident, could not be supplied by descriptions, however full and accurate, and with out which it has been found impossible to institute the compar isons requisite to correct conclusions as to the date, origin, and probable connections of these remains. It has all along been represented that some of the inclosures were of regular outlines, true circles and ellipses and accurate squares — feat ures which would imply a common origin with the vast system of ancient earth-works of the Mississippi Valley. Submitted to the test of actual survey, I have found that the works which were esteemed entirely regular are the very reverse, and that the builders, instead of constructing them upon geometrical principles, regulated their forms entirely by the nature of the ground upon which they were built. And I may here men tion, that none of the ancient works of this State, of which traces remain displaying any considerable degree of regularity, can lay claim to high antiquity. All of them may be re ferred, with certainty, to the period succeeding the commence ment of European intercourse.

Mr. Clinton was unable to learn of the occurrence of any 1*

10 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

remains upon the first terrace back from the lakes, and, upon the basis of the assumed fact of their non-existence, advanced the opinion that the subsidence of the lakes and the formation of this terrace had taken place since these works were erected — a chronological period which I shall not attempt to measure by years. This deduction has been received, I believe, by every succeeding writer upon the subject of our antiquities, without any attempt to verify the assumption upon which it rests. I have, however, found that the works occur indiscrimi nately upon the first and upon the superior terraces, as also upon the islands of the lakes and rivers.

Misled by statements which no opportunity was afforded of verifying, I have elsewhere, though in a guarded manner, ven tured the opinion that the ancient remains of western New York belonged to the same system with those of Ohio and the West generally.* Under this hypothesis, the question whether they were the weaker efforts of a colony, starting from the southwestern centers, or the ruder beginnings of a people just emerging from a nomadic state, becoming fixed in their habits, and subsequently migrating southward, next suggested itself ; and I gladly availed myself of the joint liberality of the Smith sonian Institution and the Historical Society of New York, to undertake its investigation. The results of my observations are briefly presented in the following pages. These observa tions extended from the county of St. Lawrence on the north, to Chautauque on the south, embracing the counties of Jeffer son, Oswego, Onondaga, Oneida, Cayuga, Seneca, Ontario, Wayne, Monroe, Livingston, Orleans, Niagara, Erie, Genesee, and Wyoming. Throughout this entire region ancient remains are found in considerable abundance ; they are also occasionally found in the counties adjoining those above named, upon the principal tributaries of the Delaware, Susquehanna, and Alle- ghany. They are known to extend down the Susquehanna, as

* " Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley," p. 1.

INTRODUCTORY OBSERVATIONS. 11

far as the valley of the "Wyoming; and a single one was discov ered as far east as Montgomery county, in the neighborhood of Fort Plain. Some, it is said, are to be found in Canada ; but no definite information was received of their localities. It is to be observed that they are most numerous in sections remarkable for their fertility of soil, their proximity to favorable hunting and fishing grounds — in short, possessing the greatest number of requisites to easy subsistence. They are particularly nu merous in Jefferson county, in the vicinity of the central lakes, in the southern part of Monroe, in Livingston, Genesee, and Erie counties. Many are said to exist in Chautauque ; but the lateness of the season, and the unsuspected number of re mains elsewhere claiming attention, prevented me from exam ining them.

In respect to the number of these remains, some estimate may be formed from the fact that, in Jefferson county alone, fifteen inclosures were found, sufficiently well preserved to ad mit of being traced throughout. This is exclusive of those (probably a greater number) which have been wholly or in part destroyed, or of which no information could be obtained, in the limited time allotted to the investigation of that county. It is safe to estimate the whole number which originally existed here at between thirty and forty — a greater number than was before known to exist in the State. Erie county probably con tained nearly as many. In the short period of eight weeks devoted to the search, I was enabled to ascertain the localities of not less than one hundred ancient works, and to visit and make surveys of half that number. From the facts which have fallen under my notice, I feel warranted in estimating the num ber which originally existed in the State at from two hundred to two hundred and fifty. Probably one half of these have been obliterated by the plough, or so much encroached upon as to be no longer satisfactorily traced.

Were these works of the general large dimensions of those of the Western States, their numbers would be a just ground of

'>.;" ^°

12 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

astonishment. They are, however, for the most part, compara tively small, varying from one to four acres — the largest not exceeding sixteen acres in area. The embankments, too, are slight, and the ditches shallow ; the former seldom more than four feet in height, and the latter of corresponding proportions. The work most distinctly marked exists in the town of Oak- field, Genesee county ; it measures, in some places, between seven and eight feet from the bottom of the ditch to the top of the wall. In some cases the embankment is not more than a foot in height, and the trench of the same depth. Lest it should be doubted whether works so slight can be satisfactorily traced, it may be observed, that a regular and continuous ele vation of six inches may always be followed without difficulty.

In respect of position, a very great uniformity is to be ob served throughout. Most occupy high and commanding sites near the bluff edges of the broad terraces by which the country rises from the level of the lakes. From the brows of the lime stone ledges, where some of these works occur, in Jefferson and Erie counties, most extensive prospects may be obtained, often terminating in the blue belt of the lakes, distant from ten to forty miles ; the intervening country presenting a beautiful va riety of cleared and forest lands, dotted with houses, churches, and villages. When found upon lower grounds, it is usually upon some dry knoll or little hill, or where banks of streams serve to lend security to the position. A few have been found upon slight elevations in the midst of swamps, where dense for ests and almost impassable marshes protected them from dis covery and attack. In nearly all cases they are placed in close proximity to some unfailing supply of water, near copious springs or running streams. Gateways, opening toward these, are al ways to be observed, and in some cases guarded passages are also visible. These circumstances, in connection with others not less unequivocal, indicate, with great precision, the purposes for which these structures were erected.

It has already been mentioned that Messrs. Clinton, Yates,

INTRODUCTORY OBSERVATIONS.

13

and Moulton, and others, have concluded, upon the assumption that none of these works occur upon the first and second ter races above the lakes, that the latter have subsided to their present level since their erection. This conclusion does not necessarily follow from the premises. Few positions susceptible of defence, under the system practiced by all rude people, are to be found upon either of these terraces ; the builders, conse quently, availed themselves of the numerous headlands and other defensible positions which border the supposed ancient shores of the lakes, simply because they afforded the most effec tual protection, with the least expenditure of labor.

I found an entire uniformity in the indications of occupancy, and in the character of the remains of art discovered within these inclosures, throughout the whole range of their occurrence. The first feature which attracts notice, upon entering them, is a number of pits or excavations in the earth, usually at the points which are most elevated and dry. These pits are occa sionally of considerable size, and are popularly called " wells," although nothing is more obvious than that they never could have been designed for any such purpose. They are usually from three to four,l)ut sometimes from six to eight feet in depth, and of proportionate size at the top. Their purposes become sufficiently evident upon excavation. They were the caches in which the former occupants of these works deposited their stores. Parched corn, now completely carbonized by long exposure, is to be discovered in considerable abundance in many of them. Instances fell under my notice where it had been found un touched to the amount of bushels, in these primitive deposito ries. Traces of the bark and thin slips of wood, by which the deposits were surrounded, are also frequently to be found. In many of these inclosures the sites of the ancient lodges, or cab ins, are still to be traced. These are marked by considerable accumulations of decomposed and carbonaceous matter — stones much burned, charcoal and ashes mingled with the bones of an imals, with numerous fragments of pottery, broken pipes, and

14 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

occasionally rude ornaments, such as beads of stone, bone, and shell. The pottery, I may observe incidentally, is of very good material, and appears to have been worked and ornamented with considerable taste and skill. It is found in great abun dance ; and, in many of the inclosures now under cultivation, bushels of fragments might, if desirable, be collected without difficulty. The material, in common with that of all the abo riginal pottery of the North, is composed of clay tempered (if I may use the term) with pounded quartz and shells, or with fine sand, so as to prevent shrinkage, and resist the action of fire. Most of it is well burned, but none exhibits any appear ance of glazing. The pipes are mostly composed of clay, regu larly and often fancifully moulded, and ornamented in various ways. Some bear the form of animals, the distinctive features of which are well preserved ; others are moulded in the shape of the human head, or are variously fluted and dotted with reg ular figures. They are generally of very good material, the clay of fine quality, and well burned. Some, indeed, are so hard, smooth, and symmetrical, as almost to induce doubts of their aboriginal origin. Some of the terra cottas, other than pipes, are really very creditable specimens of art, and compare favorably with any of the productions of the aborigines which have fallen under my notice. They are, with few exceptions, representations of animals; with the minutest features of which, as well as with their peculiar habits, the American Indians had, from long observation, a thorough acquaintance.

CHAPTER II.

EARTH-WORKS, INCLOSURES, ETC.

FOR the sake of convenience and easy reference, the inclo- sures of earth are arranged according to counties, and so de scribed. Works which were constructed of palisades simply, without embankments or ditches, do not fall within this ar rangement, but will be described collectively in a separate chapter, under the head of " PALISADED INCLOSURES."

ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY.

A FEW aboriginal monuments are said to have existed in this county. One or two. of these occurred near Pottsdam ; but it is probable they are now nearly, if not quite obliterated.

A mound, eight feet in height, still exists on St. Regis Isl and, in the St. Lawrence River. It is crossed by the boundary line separating the territories of the United States and Great Britain. It was excavated by Col. Hawkins, of the United States Boundary Commission, in 1818. Near the surface were human bones in considerable numbers, and in good preserva tion ; but at the base were found traces of fire, charcoal, burned bones, and fragments of pottery, together with some stone implements and ornaments.

Upon the Canada shore of the St. Lawrence River, opposite Morrisville in this county, a singular aboriginal deposit was dis covered some years ago, in making the excavations for the St. Lawrence Canal. The principal facts concerning them were communicated to the author by Dr. T. Reynolds, of Brockville, C. W., and are embodied in Vol. I. of the " Smithsonian Con-

16

ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

tributions to Knowledge," pp. 201, 202. Among the relics of copper and other materials, discovered at this spot and de scribed as above, was a small terra cotta mask of very good workmanship. An engraving of the size of the original is herewith presented (Fig. 1). Mr. Reynolds, who has the relic in his possession, describes it as follows : " It is of clay, and represents the contour of the Indian head, after which it ap pears to have been molded. It corresponds very nearly in shape with the skulls discovered at the same place, and the foramina, or holes found in the skull, are well represented — showing that it was modeled to resemble the bony structure of the head, not the flesh or living subject. It seems to have been broken off from some idol or image."

FIG. 1.

JEFFERSON COUNTY.

THIS county is bounded on one side by Lake Ontario, and upon the other by the wild, mountainous region which sepa rates the waters of the Hudson River from those of the St. Lawrence. It is intersected by the Black River, one of the most picturesque streams of the State. Its surface is diversi fied : for about ten miles back from the shores of the lake, it is nearly level ; we then reach the ledges of the Trenton lime stone, and the entire country becomes more elevated and irre gular. These natural features, implying an abundance of fish and game, joined to great fertility of soil and easy cultivation,

PLATE I.

A\\\VI Will///

^nm* •*$*s-^j*> »r «• t -

^^J7"-^ -"o."

t^i»vW^-,- .^_^,i:^'

JEFFERSON COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC. 17

fitted this county for sustaining a large aboriginal population. We are not surprised, therefore, at finding here numerous traces of former occupancy. These consist chiefly of inclosures of irregular outlines, situated, for the most part, upon the bor ders of the high table-land or terrace formed by the abrupt termination of the great limestone deposit of the Trenton group, the base of which, it is supposed, was formerly washed by the waters of Lake Ontario. Quite a number of these works, however, occur upon the lower terrace, in places where the natural features of the ground were favorable to their con struction and objects. Works were examined in this county, in the townships of Watertown, Le Ray, Rutland, Rodman, Adams, and Ellisburgh.

The following examples are presented in the order in which they were surveyed

PLATE I.

Ancient Work, Adams Township, Jefferson County, New York.

THIS work occupies a commanding position upon the brow of the second terrace, which is here some hundreds of feet in height, and very abrupt. The ground immediately back of the site of the work is considerably depressed and swampy. It is drained by a little stream (a), which, falling over the cliff, forms a smal.1 but picturesque cascade. The narrow channel of this stream was formerly obstructed by a beaver-dam, which converted the marsh into a deep and impassable pond. The elevation upon which this work is situated, it will thus be seen, was well fitted by nature for defensive purposes — possessing the two primary requisites, difficult approach and an unfailing sup ply of water.

The artificial defences consist of an embankment of earth, with an exterior ditch. The forest covers the greater part of

18 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

the work, and here the lines are still well preserved. The embankment has an average height of perhaps three feet, by ten feet in width at the base ; the ditch is of corresponding dimensions. There are not less than seven gateways, varying from eight to thirty feet in width. Upon the right of the work, toward the swamp already mentioned, there is an ab rupt bank not far from thirty feet in height, where the defences are interrupted. At the point indicated by the letter Z>, a large bass-wood (linden) tree is standing upon the embankment. It measures twelve feet in circumference, three feet above the ground. The trees within the inclosure are of the usual size.

Upon the northeastern slope of the eminence, within the walls of the inclosure, and where the soil is sandy and dry, are a great number of small pits and depressions in the earth. They are now nearly filled by accumulations of leaves, but they must at first have been from four to six feet in depth. Upon exca vating some of them, it was found that they were the caches in which the former occupants of the work had placed their stores.* And although it seems probable the original deposits had been removed, considerable quantities of parched corn, now

* The term cache , literally a hide or place of concealment, is of French origin, and has become current among all the traders and trappers on the frontiers. The practice of caching or hiding goods or provisions on outward marches, to be used upon returning, or by parties following, was derived from the Indians, among whom it was general. A cache is made by digging a hole in the ground, which is lined with sticks, grass, or any material which will protect the contents from the dampness of the earth. After the goods or provisions have been deposited, the earth is carefully covered over, so as best to prevent the penetration of water from above. " It is often, in fact always necessary, at the West, to leave no signs by means of which rival parties or the cunning savages may discover the place of deposit. To this end the excavated earth is car ried to a distance, and carefully concealed, or thrown into a stream, if one is near. The place selected is usually some rolling point, sufficient ly elevated to be secure from inundations. If it be well set with grass, a solid piece of the turf of the size of the proposed excavation is cut out. It is afterward laid back, and taking root in a short time, no

JEFFERSON COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC'. 19

carbonized by long exposure, were still to be found within them. There were, perhaps, forty or fifty of these excavations within the walls, and several upon the crown of the eminence at C.

Upon removing the leaves at various points within the work, carbonaceous accumulations, bones of animals, fragments of pottery, and other evidences of occupation were discovered. A small portion of the work, indicated on the map, has been clear ed and put under cultivation. Here, just exterior to the wall, upon the brow of the natural bank, at the spot marked d, sev eral skeletons have been exhumed by the plough. They had been buried in a sitting posture, and were very well pre served.

By the operation of diluvial causes, the drift has been de posited, in a very singular manner, upon the table-land upon which the above work is situated. In some places it occurs in long, narrow ridges, conforming to the general course of the terrace bank; in others it forms amphitheatres of various sizes ; and in a few instances it assumes a conical shape, re sembling artificial tumuli. A short distance to the right of the work under notice is a small natural amphitheatre, rising in the midst of the marshy grounds, which has been supposed by some to be artificial. Its relative position is indicated by the letter e.

signs remain of its ever having been molested. However, as every lo cality does not afford a turfy spot, the camp-fire is sometimes built upon the place, or the animals are penned over it, which effectually destroys all trace of the disturbance."— (Gregg's Commerce of the Prai ries, vol. i. p. 69.) Father Hennepin, in his account of his passage down the Mississippi River, in 1680, describes an operation of this kind in the following terms : " We took up the green sod, and laid it by, and digged a hole in the earth, where we put our goods, and covered them with pieces of timber and earth, and then put in again the green turf: so that it was impossible to suspect that any hole had been digged un der it, for we flung the earth into the river."

20 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

About one and a half miles southeast of the above work, was formerly another of perhaps larger size. It occupied a high, oval-shaped hill, one side of which is very steep, while the other subsides gently to the general level. The embankment ex tended in a semicircular form around that part of the hill not protected by nature ; and, previous to the cultivation of the ground, was upwards of six feet in height from the bottom of the trench. A very slight depression, and the greater luxu riance of the verdure, resulting from the filling of the trench with surface loam, are all that now indicate the original lines. It is said that there was an avenue leading off, for some dis tance, to the westward ; but it is no longer traceable. At the base of this hill is a bowlder, in which are several artificial de pressions, doubtless intended for mortars, and a variety of grooves, in which the stone axes and other implements of the aborigines were rubbed, in order to reduce them to the required shape.

PLATE II. No. 1.

Ancient Work on " Dry Hill" five miles southeast of Water- town^ Jefferson County, New York.

FOLLOWING the brow of the terrace northward from the work first described, for about two miles, we come to another work of somewhat more regular figure, and of larger dimen sions. Most of it is under cultivation, and the outlines are very much defaced. The embankment, upon one side, runs into the forest land, where it is well preserved, measuring, per haps, three feet in height. The darker lines of the engraving show what parts are still distinctly marked ; the dotted lines those which have been ploughed down, and which are no longer distinguishable -from the general level, except by the deeper green and more luxuriant growth of the grass on the line of the

PL A TE JI.

AGO (SHE GOT

DRY HILL" 5 M» S. E. OF WATER TOWN,

JfffEKSOMC' M.Y.

" ^ ^

400ft to tJvalncK-

2^ Mf S. E. OF WATERTOWN. JEFFERSON C° M.Y.

;- °c, - '- ° ^' * CW*W/TOW

^ JJ j ? ^

^^^^^^'^

"* " . > j .1 ^ • * j . ; >j

JT. (7. Syuier S~, & 21

JEFFERSON COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC. 21

ancient trench. The position of the work, it will be seen, cor responds very nearly with that of the one previously described. There is, however, no water near at hand, except a limited sup ply from a small spring. Nevertheless, this seems to have been the site of a very populous aboriginal town. The entire area of the work is covered with accumulations of carbonaceous mat ter, burned stones, fragments of bones, pottery, etc. Indeed, these indications are visible for some distance exterior to the walls, upon the adjacent level. These artificial accumulations have rendered the soil within the inclosure extremely fertile, and it sustains most luxuriant crops. In cultivating the area, many fragments of human bones, some of them burned, have been observed — suggesting the possibility that the ancient vil lage was destroyed by enemies, and that these are the bones of its occupants, who fell in defence of their kindred, and were burned in the fires which consumed their lodges. A little to the northward of the work, there seems to have been an aborig inal cemetery. Here the plough frequently exposes skeletons, buried according to the Indian mode, and accompanied by va rious rude relics of stone and bone. Within and around the work are also found stone axes, flint arrow-heads, and other remnants of savage art. Fragments of pottery and broken pipes of clay are, however, most abundant. Of these bushels might be collected without much difficulty.

It is clear that this work was not intended as a place of last resort, but was occupied by a considerable population for a long period. It was undoubtedly a fortified town. It should be remarked, that although now nearly or quite filled up, here were originally a number of pits (popularly known as wells) of considerable size — the caches of the ancient occupants.

22 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

PLATE II. No. 2.

Ancient Work two and a half miles southeast of Watertown, Jefferson County, New York.

STILL continuing along the brow of the terrace northward, for two and a half or three miles, we reach a third work, the greater part of which is covered with forest, and is consequently well preserved. It is much smaller than any of those before described, and is bounded by a series of right lines, slightly rounded at the angles, which gives it something of the appear ance of a modern field-work. The slope of the terrace bank is here comparatively gentle, and there is a step or table about midway from the brow to the base. Here a number of springs start out, below the stratum of rock. Formerly the walls of the work were continued down "the slope, toward the springs, as indicated by the dotted lines in the plan. They are not now to be traced further than the edge of the terrace. The position of this work is remarkably fine, and was selected with taste and skill. The table-land immediately around it is level ; the soil gravelly and dry. There seems to have been a burial-place in this vicinity, and pipes and fragments of pottery are of common occurrence. It is to be hoped that the remaining portion of this work will be preserved from the encroachments of the plough.

PLATE III. No. 1.

Ancient Work half a mile west of Burrvitye, near Watertown, Jefferson County, New York.

A WORK, differing somewhat from those before described, is situated two miles north of the inclosure last noticed, upon a high promontory or headland, half a mile west of the little village of Burrville. The northern base of this promontory is

PLATE Iff.

? I.

HALF A MILE WEST OF BURRVILLE, JBFFEKSOM C° M. Y.

SCALE.

400 ff U> the LuX.

EG J 'fu.ua- ,18 « 8,

PUTiAND TP. JEFFERSON C? M.Y.

LE RAY TP. JEFFERSON C9 N.Y.

.

JEFFERSON COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC. 23

washed by a small and rapid stream, a branch of the east fork of Sandy Creek. Deep ravines lend strength to the position on the remaining sides, except toward the west, where it joins the highlands. Here, extending across the neck of the pro montory, (the only direction from which access is easy,) was formerly an artificial defence, consisting of an embankment of earth and a trench. The plough has filled the one and lev eled the other, but the lines can still be accurately traced by attending to the various circumstances already repeatedly men tioned. At the part marked a, was formerly a large deep pit, resembling the cellar of a dwelling-house. At b, was also an accumulation of large stones, bearing traces of fire ; and which the early settlers, indulging in vague notions of the mineral wealth of the country, called " the Furnace"

Most of these stones were used to fill the pit near by ; but enough still remain to mark the site of the supposed "furnace." Whenever the land in this work is ploughed over, many relics of art are disclosed, fragments of pottery, broken pipes, imple ments of stone and bone, beads of similar materials, etc., etc.

About a mile northeast of this place, upon a fine level tract of ground, are the traces of an aboriginal village. Rude fire places, constructed of rough stones huddled together, and sur rounded by carbonaceous accumulations, sometimes two feet deep, mark the site of the ancient lodges. These indications are numerous. Here, too, are to be found relics, entirely cor responding with those already noticed, as occurring within and around the ancient inclosures.

24 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

PLATE III. No. 2.

Ancient Work, Rutland Township, Jefferson County, New York.

THE slightest and much the rudest structure discovered in Jefferson county, is the one here delineated. It is situated about a hundred rods back from the brow of the terrace, already so often referred to, and which here rises abruptly from the inferior level, presenting a bold, and, in some places, a precipitous bank.

Notwithstanding its elevation, this terrace has numberless depressions or basins, which are wet and marshy. Upon a slight elevation, in the midst of one of these, and still covered with a primitive forest, is the work in question. It will be ob served that it is exceedingly irregular, and that the lines are interrupted by several wide openings, which are quite too broad to be regarded as gateways.

The embankment is not of uniform dimensions. In some places it is elevated but a foot or eighteen inches, by four or five feet base, while in others it is perhaps three feet in height. The ditch is also irregular — in sections scarcely exceeding a large plough furrow in depth and width. In fact, the work seems imperfect, and to have been constructed in haste for temporary purposes. Within the area, which is quite uneven, are several small accumulations of stones, which bear the marks of fire. Upon removing some of them, the proprietor of the ground found ashes and other burnt matter, among which was a carbonized ear of maize. A small but entire vessel of pottery, of considerable symmetry of shape, was also found here some years ago.

Human bones have been discovered beneath the leaves ; and in nearly every part of the trench skeletons of adults of both sexes, of children and infants, have been found, covered only by the vegetable accumulations. They seem to have been thrown together promiscuously. They have also been found in a nar-

JEFFERSON COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC. 25

row depression resembling an artificial trench, indicated by a dotted line in the plan, and caused by the subsidence of the earth in a cleft of the limestone substratum. These skeletons, from all accounts, do not seem to have been much decayed, and no difficulty was experienced in recovering them entire. The skulls were in some cases fractured, as if by a blow from a hatchet or club. These circumstances would seem to imply, not only that the work is of comparatively late construction, but also that this was the scene of one of those indiscriminate massacres so common in the history of savage warfare.

From the bank of the terrace, near this work, a very exten sive and beautiful prospect is commanded.

PLATE III. No. 3.

Ancient Work, half a mile west of Lockport, Jefferson County, New York.

THE remaining works of Jefferson county, so far as investi gated, are situated on lower grounds, generally near streams, which are made subservient to art for purposes of defence. The work here presented is a good example. It is situated on Black River (Ka-me-hargo), in Le Ray township, half a mile below the little manufacturing town of Lockport. The banks of the river are here very high, and quite inaccessible. The character of the work is well shown in the engraving, and needs little explanation beyond what that affords. It will be seen that the ends of the embankment extend for a short distance down the slope of the river bank, and then curve slightly in wards, as though designed to prevent the flanks being turned by an enemy. The lines, where they cross the road, and be tween the road and the river, are very distinct, and the em bankment is between three and four feet in height. The rest of the work may be traced without much difficulty, although it 2

26 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

has long been under cultivation. Upon the wall, at the point indicated by the letter c, is still standing a pine stump, upwards of three feet in diameter, probably having an age of not less than four hundred years. The usual relics are found within the area of the inclosure ; and in the natural bank at d, a number of skeletons have been disclosed by the plough. They are much decayed, but in respect of position correspond with those found elsewhere in Indian cemeteries.

PLATE IV. No. 1.

Ancient Work, Le Ray Township, six miles northeast of Water-

town.

IN the same township with the foregoing work, and about four miles distant, in a northwest direction, is the work here repre sented. It occupies a small sandy elevation, situated in the midst of low grounds. It is lozenge-shaped, and is the most regular of any ancient structure which has fallen under the no tice of the author in the State. Where the lines are interrupted on the north, the ground is considerably elevated, and subsides abruptly, precluding the necessity of an embankment for de fensive purposes. The sites of the ancient lodges, indicated by heaps of burned stones, calcined shells, fragments of pottery, etc., are yet to be traced, notwithstanding that the land has been for a considerable time under cultiyation. Near this work skeletons have been frequently exhumed.

iv:

? J

"-•1% Acres: •

LE RAY TP. JEFFERSON C? N.Y. 6 Miles !f.E. <// WutertoWH,.

ie>- (848,

LE RAY TP. JEFFERSON C? N.Y.

Tteaj- Sandford's Cor-nCr-

£.6. Syaier 1848

N. PART OF EILISBURQH T P. JEFF ERSON C* N Y

ELLISBURGH TP.JEF FERSON.C0. N.Y- 2h Mat

JEFFERSON COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC. 27

PLATE IV. No. 2.

Ancient Work, Le Ray Township, Jefferson County, New York.

THREE miles to the westward of the inclosure last described, near " Sandford's Corners," was formerly another work of sim ilar character, but larger size. Only a small portion of the embankment is yet visible ; the dotted lines, however, show the original outlines, according to the recollection of those who were acquainted with the work before it was disturbed. The walls were then not less than six feet in height, measuring from the bottom of the trench.

Within the area are found great numbers of the shells of the fresh-water molluscas, accumulations of burnt matter, quan tities of pottery in fragments, with broken pipes, etc. Some of the pipes are of good workmanship and fine finish. In this vicinity, also, have skeletons been found ; all buried in a sit ting posture.

Several other works formerly existed in this township, but they have been either entirely or in great part obliterated. One is spoken of near Felt's Mills, but no opportunity was afforded of examining it.

PLATE IV. Nos. 3 AND 4.

Ancient Works in Ellisburgh Township, Jefferson County, New York.

A NUMBER of ancient works formerly existed in Ellisburgh, one of the southern towns of the county. Plate IV., No. 3, is one of those which are yet perfect. It presents no novel features ; is protected in the usual manner, and has the usual relics and traces of occupancy within its walls. Three quarters of a mile to the eastward is another similar, but larger work (Plate IV.,

28 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

No. 4), which has been very nearly obliterated by the plough. The sections indicated in the engraving are yet quite distinct ; nor can the parts supplied differ very materially from the origi nal lines. Perhaps no work in the State has more decided evidences of aboriginal occupation. The entire area is covered with traces of ancient habitations, and with relics of art — pot tery, ornaments, and implements. Exterior to the walls, in all directions, but particularly on the level grounds between the two works, the same indications .are abundant. Indeed, the artificial accumulations are so great as materially to augment the fertility of the soil. Caches have been observed here, in some of which the present proprietor of the grounds has found a number of bushels of parched corn, carbonized by long ex posure. It is scattered over the surface, and after rains may be collected in considerable quantities. Here, too, have been found skeletons buried according to the usual custom.

The aboriginal population must have been very large at this spot, which, both in respect of soil and the close proximity of springs and pure streams, affords a most beautiful site for an Indian village.

About a mile to the southward of this group, upon the land of Mr. Mendall, was another work, of which no trace now remains. Another occurred at a place called Clark's Settle ment, still another at Ellis' Settlement, and others in various parts of the township, concerning which no definite information can now be obtained.

Near the neat and pretty village of Pierrepoint's Manor, is also the site of an ancient town, undistinguishable from the fortified village already described, except by the absence of an embankment and trench. Large quantities of relics have been recovered here. A work of considerable size was visible until within a few years, half or three fourths of a mile northwest of the village of Adams, on the lands of Mr. W. Benton. It is described by Mr. Justus Eddy, in a letter to the author, as having been semicircular in form, five hundred feet in diameter,

JEFFERSON COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC. 29

and the open segment facing or rather opening toward a marshy piece of ground, through which flowed a small stream. There were two or three breaks, or passage-ways, in the em bankments. At the time of the settlement of this part of the country by the whites, about fifty years ago, trees two and three feet in diameter were growing upon the wall, and within the area. The embankment was then between three and four feet in height. Within the work were found quantities of pot tery, pipes, and beads, covered with ornamental figures. A star-shaped silver ornament, bearing the initials P. H., was also found. It was quite thin, not exceeding the common sixpence in thickness.

Upon an island, outside of Sackett's Harbor, known as Snow-shoe Island, it is said, there are traces of an ancient work. So far as could be gathered, it had been a palisaded structure, unaccompanied by an embankment.

Besides the various earth-works above described, there are a number of other interesting objects of antiquarian interest in this county. Among them may be mentioned the "bone-pits" or deposits of human bones. One is found near the village of Brownsville, on Black River. It is described as a pit, ten or twelve feet square, by perhaps four feet deep, in which are pro miscuously heaped together a large number of human skeletons. It will be seen, ultimately, that these accumulations owe their origin to a remarkable custom, common to many of the Indian tribes, of collecting and depositing together the bones of their dead, at stated intervals. Another pit, very unlike this, how ever, exists about three miles east of "Watertown. It is situ ated upon the slope of a hill, and was originally marked by a number of large stones heaped over it. Upon removing these and excavating beneath them, a pit about six feet square, and four deep, was discovered, filled with human bones, all well preserved, but in fragments. Upwards of forty pairs of the patella were counted, showing that at least that number of skeletons had been deposited in the pit. It is said that the

30

ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

bones, when first exhumed, exhibited marks such as would result from the gnawing of wild animals ; and from this circum stance, and the fact that they were so much broken up, it has been very plausibly supposed that these are the bones of some party, which had been cut off by enemies, and whose remains were subsequently collected and buried by their friends. All the bones are those of adults. Many of the fragments have been removed and scattered, but several bushels yet remain. No relics of any kind were found with them.

A large mound is said to occur " about one mile from Wash- ingtonville, and eleven from Adams, on a cross-road from the ' ridge road,' leading from Lamb's tavern to Washingtonville. It is conical in shape, and thirty feet high." It is questionable whether this is artificial.

OSWEGO COUNTY.

A GREAT part of this county is low and wet, and it is not generally so well adapted to sustain an aboriginal population as the adjoining counties of Jefferson and Onondaga. Few ancient monuments occur within its limits ; and concerning these, little was ascertained in the course of these investiga tions. The following facts were chiefly derived from J. V. H. Clark, Esq., of Manlius, Onondaga county, whose attention was especially called thereto in the preparation of his forthcoming History of the Onondaga and Oswego Country. Two inclo- sures, elliptical in form, existed in Granby township, in the southern part of the county. One of these occurred on State's Hundred, lot 24. Each contained about two acres, and both had gateways opening to the east. The ditch, in each case, was exterior to the walls. Another formerly existed near

ONONDAGA COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC. 31

Phillipsville, of which no traces now remain ; and still another is said to occur in Granby township, near "Little Utica," in a bend of Ox Creek. Near the town of Fulton, on the west side of Oswego River, is an eminence called "J3o?ie Hill" in which have been found great numbers of human bones promiscuously heaped together. They are much decayed. Intermixed with them were discovered a number of flint arrow-heads. It is probable that none of these remains possessed features differing essentially from those of other parts of the State. ',

ONONDAGA COUNTY.

PROBABLY no county in the State had originally a greater number of aboriginal monuments within its boundaries, than the county of Onondaga. It has, however, been so long settled, and so generally brought under cultivation, that nearly all ves tiges of its ancient remains have disappeared. The sites of many are, however, still remembered ; but even these will soon be forgotten. It is a fortunate circumstance that the antiqui ties of this county were the first to attract the attention of observers, and our accounts relating to them are more com plete than concerning those of the other parts of the State. Our principal source of information respecting their numbers, localities, and character, is the memoir of De Witt Clinton, already several times alluded to. Mr. Schoolcraft and Mr. J. V. H. Clark, of Manlius, have presented additional informa tion ; and from these authorities we derive most of the facts, and illustrations which follow.

Ancient works occurred in the towns of Fabius, De Witt, Lafayette, Camillus, Onondaga, Manlius, Elbridge, and Pom- pey ; but of many of them we know nothing beyond the simple

32 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

fact of their former existence. It should be mentioned that some of the townships here named have been erected within the last few years, and since the date of Mr. Clinton's Me moir.

Those in Elbridge, according to Mr. Clinton, occurred near the village of that name, about four miles from Seneca River, upon lands then (1817) occupied by Judge Munro. They were two in number. " One was on a very high hill, and cov ered three acres. It had a gateway opening toward the east ; and upon the west was another, communicating with a spring about ten rods from the fort. It was elliptical in shape : the ditch deep, and the eastern wall eight feet high. The stump of a black-oak tree, certainly one hundred years old, stood upon the embankment. The second work was about half a mile distant, upon lower grounds. It was constructed like the first, but was only half as large. * * * * The early settlers observed, in this vicinity, the shells of testaceous ani mals accumulated, in several places, in considerable masses, together with numerous fragments of pottery. Judge Munro found, in digging the cellar of his house, several pieces of burned clay ; and, in various places, large spots of deep black mould, demonstrating the former existence of buildings or erections of some kind. At one place he observed what appeared to be a well, viz., a hole ten feet deep, and the earth much caved in. Upon digging to the depth of three and a half feet, he came to a quantity of flints, below which he found a great number of human bones." This disposition of the dead, Mr. Clinton conjectures, was made by an enemy ; but we shall soon see that it probably owed its existence to the prac- \, tice of gathering the bones of the dead at stated intervals, and depositing them in pits — a practice common among the Hu- rons and other Indians around the great lakes.

Mr. Clark has described some aboriginal remains in this township, which are probably the same ones alluded to by Mr. Clinton. He says: "Upon lot 81, N. E. part, on lands now

ONONDAGA COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC. 33

occupied by Mr. John Munro (previously the Judge Munro farm) was formerly a fort situated on high ground. In 1 793 the ditch and embankment were easily to be traced. Large trees stood upon the wall and in the ditch. The work was square, except that the line of embankment toward the west curved slightly outward. The area was about an acre and a quarter. The walls were about two feet high ; the gateway opened toward the west, and was twelve feet wide. It was situated on a beautiful eminence, nearly surrounded by ravines."

" About half a mile N. W. of this work," continues Mr. Clark, " on what is called the Purdy lot, was another work of larger dimensions, containing about four and a half acres of ground. It is situated upon one of the most considerable elevations of the town, and is nearly or quite square, with gateways opening to the east and west. The embankment was originally about three feet high, and an oak tree, two feet in diameter, was standing upon it. On the south side were numerous holes, about two feet deep and six feet apart. Large quantities of broken pottery and fresh water shells are still found here. An oaken chest was discovered here, somewhere about the year 1800, which contained a quantity of silk goods. The folds and colors were easily distinguishable, but the fabric crumbled on exposure. Some copper coins, it is said, were found with the silks.

" On lot 84, on the farm now owned by Mr. Caleb Brown, about forty rods south of the road, was formerly a circular work, of upwards of three acres' area. The embankment was about two feet high, the ditch exterior and four or five feet deep. There was a wide gateway upon the west side, and a smaller one on the northeast, opening toward a spring, some rods distant. In digging near the western gateway, fragments of timber, bearing marks of edge tools, were found ; and in an excavation called a well, fourteen feet deep, a quantity of charred Indian corn was discovered. Upon the site of Mr. Brown's house and garden, was also an ancient circular work, inclosing about an 2*

34 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

acre of ground. Within it were cinders, charcoal, etc., as if it had been the site of a blacksmith's shop."

" In the town of Pompey," continues Mr. Clinton, " is the highest ground in the county, separating the waters flowing into the Chesapeake and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The most elevated portions of the town exhibit the remains of ancient settlements, and in various places the traces of a numerous population appear. About two miles south from Manlius Square, in this township, I examined the remains of a large town, which were obviously indicated by large spots of black mould, at intervals of a few paces asunder, in which I observed bones of animals, ashes, carbonized grains of corn, etc. — denoting the residence of human beings. This town must have extended at least half a mile from east to west, and three quarters of a mile from north to south. On the east side of this old town there is a perpendicular descent of one hundred feet, into a deep ravine, through which flows a fine stream of water. Upon the north side is a similar ravine. Here there are graves, on each side of the ravine, close to the precipice. Some of the graves contain five or six skeletons, promiscuously thrown to gether. On the south bank of the ravine, gun-barrels, bullets, pieces of lead, and a skull perforated by a bullet have been found. Indeed, relics of this kind are scattered all over these grounds. A mile to the eastward of this town, there is a cem etery, containing three or four acres ; and to the westward of it is still another.

" There are, in this vicinity, three old forts, placed in a tri angular position, and within eight miles of each other. One is about a mile south of Jamesville [in the present town of De Witt], the second in a northeastern, and the third in a south eastern direction. They are circular or elliptical in form ; bones are found scattered over their areas ; and standing on a heap of mouldering ashes, within one of them, I saw a white pine-tree, eight and a half feet in circumference, and at least one hundred and thirty years old."

ONONDAGA COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC.

35

Mr. Clinton expresses the opinion that the three "forts" were designed to protect the "town," the vestiges of which at tracted his attention ; and he even goes so far as to conjecture, from the occurrence of bones upon the brows of the northern ravine, that the attack by which the town was destroyed was made from this direction ! Of course this is wholly suppositi tious. The relics of European art, scattered over the site, show clearly enough that this was an Indian village, occupied by the savages subsequent to the commencement of intercourse with the whites. The traces which Mr. Clinton describes are pre cisely those which mark the site of every abandoned Indian settlement throughout the country. This county possessed a very heavy aboriginal population ; probably greater than any equal extent of territory north of the Floridas ; and it is not surprising, therefore, that the traces of ancient occupancy are so abundant.* Mr. Clinton states that it was estimated there were not less than eighty cemeteries in Pompey township alone. McCauley states that one of the three works, mentioned above by Mr. Clinton, was triangular in form, and contained about six acres.

Mr. J. Y. H. Clark has described a work situated in part of lot 33 in this township; but whether or not it is one of the three mentioned by Mr. Clinton, it is impossible to determine. " It is about four miles southeast from Manlius village, situated on a slight eminence, which is nearly surrounded by a deep ravine, the banks of which are quite steep and somewhat rocky. The

*Mr. Schoolcraft states, on the authority of Le Fort, late chief of the Onondagas, that Ondiaka, the great chronicler of his tribe, informed him, on his last journey to Oneida, that in ancient times, before they had fixed their settlements at Onondaga, and before the Five Nations were confederated, the Onondagas lived below Jamesville and in Pompey ; that in consequence of continued warfare with other tribes, they removed their villages frequently ; and that, after the confederation, their for tifications being no longer necessary, they were allowed to fall into decay. This, he believed, was the origin of the ancient works at these points. — Notes on the Iroquois, p. 442.

86 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

ravine is in shape somewhat like an ox-bow, made by two streams which pass nearly around and then unite. Across this isthmus of this peninsula, if we may so call it, was a wall of earth run ning from northeast to southwest. When first discovered by the early settlers, the embankment was straight, four or five feet high, with an exterior ditch from two to three feet deep. The area thus inclosed is from ten to twelve acres. A portion of the area was free from trees, and was called the Prairie^ and is still noted among the old men as the spot where the first battalion military training was held in the county of Onondaga. But that portion of the work near the wall has recently been cleared of a heavy growth of black-oak timber. Many of the trees were large, and probably one hundred and fifty or two hundred years old. Some were standing in the ditch, and others on the embankment. The plough has defaced the lines to a considerable degree, but they may still be traced the whole extent. Within the inclosure there is a burial-place. Here, too, are to be found numerous fragments of dark-brown pottery, of coarse material."*

Mr. Clark mentions that a great number of rude relics have been discovered here. Among other things found in the vicin ity were some small three-pound cannon balls. There is a large rock in the ravine on the south, on which the following charac ters are inscribed, viz. : IIIIIX. They are cut nine inches long, three-quarters of an inch deep, and the same in width, and are perfectly regular.

Mr. Clark describes another ancient work "situated on a hill, about a mile and a half south of Delphi in this township, on lot No. 100. It has an area of about eight acres, and occupies an elevated piece of ground, surrounded by a ravine made by two small streams which pass around it and unite on the north. It had a large gateway upon the north and a smaller one on the south. Before the first was a kind of mound. The defences

* Sclioolcraft's Notes on the Iroquois, p. 469.

ONONDAGA COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC.

37

consisted of a ditch and pickets. At every place where a picket stood, a slight depression is still distinctly visible. In one cor ner were evident marks of a blacksmith's shop, including various smith's tools, a bed of cinders, and a deposit of charcoal. Be neath one of these piles was found, en cache, a quantity of charred Indian corn, and squash, and pumpkin seeds. A short distance to the south of the work is an extensive cemetery, in which the bodies were buried in rows." Quantities of the implements and

FIG. 2.

trinkets introduced among the Indians, at the period of the first European intercourse, are found with the skeletons. The pal isades were set in the bottom of the ditch, which, when first known, was six feet deep. About a mile west from this, are the remains of another work of similar character ; and about a mile north of Delphi, on a farm owned by a Mr. Sheldon, is still another. Around a number of these works, the corn hills of the Indians could be traced for a long period after the occu pation of the country by the whites. Medals, crosses, gun-bar rels, knives, axes — in short, every variety of articles introduced by the Europeans after the discovery, are to be found here in abundance.

Perhaps the most interesting work, of which any traces yet

•

38

ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

remain in Pompey township, is the one of which Mr. Clark gives the accompanying plan, and which occurs on lot No. 3, on land owned by Mr. Isaac Keeler.

•V B

A. *."-

FIG. 3. B, parapet — A, mounds — C, look out — D. palisades.

Mr. Clark describes this work as follows : " It had been in closed with palisades of cedar, and contained some ten acres of ground. The plan was a parallelogram, divided by two rows of palisades, running east and west, and crossing in the center. The space between the rows was about twelve feet. At the N. W. corner was an isolated bastion and an embrasure. At the period of the first cultivation of the land, many stumps of the palisades, which had been burned off even with the ground, were ploughed up. "Within the southern division of the fort were several mounds, the principal one of which was four feet high,

ONONDAGA COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC.

39

rising on a base of about fifteen feet in diameter, composed chiefly of ashes, in which were found many beads of the size of bullets, and a great variety of trinkets made of red pipe stone. Several hundred pounds of old iron, consisting of axes, gun- barrels, files, knives, etc., etc., were also found in the same place. The smaller mounds contained charred corn, many bushels of

FIG. 4, (See next page.)

which were ploughed up. At a distance of about thirty rods north of the work was a ditch, nearly forty rods long, and va rying from three to six feet in depth. It seems to have been entirely disconnected from the work in question. The situation of this ancient fort is on an elevation of land rising gradually for about a mile in every direction ; and, at the time of its oc cupancy, several hundred acres of land must have been cleared

40 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

around it. Fragments of pottery, pipes, flint arrow-heads, stone hatchets, etc., etc., are abundantly found on this spot. In many places both within and exterior to the work, were found pits for hiding corn and other articles, en cache." Some small mounds containing human bones, are found on the lands of Mr. S. A. Keene, in this vicinity.

A relic of some interest, and which has given rise to no in considerable speculation is a stone bearing an inscription, found in this township in 1820, by Mr. Philo Cleveland. It is about fourteen inches long by twelve broad and eight thick, granitic, and bearing upon one side a rude representation of a tree en twined by an equally rude representation of a serpent, with some letters and a date, as shpwn in the cut inserted on the preceding page, Fig. 4.

There seems to be little doubt that the stone was found as represented, and that it is a genuine remnant of antiquity. Some have supposed that it attests that Ponce de Leon, Nar- vaez, or some other Spanish adventurer, penetrated thus far to the northward, during the period of Spanish adventure in Flor ida. The stone is now in the museum of the Albany Institute.

Within two miles of Jamesville, in De "Witt township, upon the banks of Butternut Creek, there existed until recently the traces of an inclosure or fort, and in the vicinity many evidences of comparatively late occupation by the Indians. The fort had been rectangular, with bastions, and constructed with cedar pickets, firmly set in the ground. The stumps of the palisades were struck by the plough when the land was first cultivated. It appeared that the cabins which it had inclosed had been arranged with regularity — a practice not common among the Indians before intercourse with the whites. In the year 1810 an oak was felled near this fort, in cutting which a leaden bullet was found imbedded in the wood. One hundred and forty-three cortical layers were counted above it. It must, therefore, have been fired in 1667. Fire-arms were introduced among the Iroquois, by the French, as early as 1 609 — the date of Hud-

ONONDAGA COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC.

41

son's exploration of the river bearing his name. Brass cruci fixes, medals of silver and other metals, dial-plates, and articles of iron, are of frequent occurrence here, mingled with stone axes, and implements and ornaments of bone, shell, and clay, the relics of an earlier period. Among other articles of European origin, a cross of pure gold was found some years ago, bearing the sacred monogram I. H. S. Not far from this spot are two high hills of great regularity, sometimes called mounds, the surfaces of which are covered with pits, which Mr. Schoolcraft conjectures were caches.

Some investigators are of opinion that Champlain penetrated into this country in 1615. The reasons in support of this opinion are forcibly put forward by Mr. 0. H. Marshall, of Buffalo, in a paper published in the Bulletin of the New York Historical Society, for March, 1849. From this paper the subjoined account of the Indian fort attacked by Champlain is extracted. It throws light upon the modes of defence common to the Indians at that period, besides being of interest in several other particulars. Says Champlain :

" ' On the 10th of October, at 3 P. M., we arrived before the fort of the enemy. Some skirmishing ensued among the Indians, which frustrated our design of not discovering ourselves until the next morning. The impatience of our savages, and the desire they had of witnessing the effects of our fire-arms on the enemy, did not suffer them to wait. When I approached with my little detachment, we showed them what they had never before seen or heard. As soon as they saw us, and heard the balls whistling about their ears, they retired quietly into the fort, carrying with them their killed and wounded. We also fell back upon the main body, having five or six wounded, one of whom died.'

" The Indians now retired out of sight of the fort, and refused to listen to the advice of Champlain as to the, best mode of con ducting the siege. He continued to aid them with his men, and, in imitation of the more ancient mode of warfare, planned

42 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

a kind of movable tower, sufficiently high when advanced to the fort to overlook the palisades. It was constructed of pieces of wood placed one upon another, and was finished in one night.

" ' The village,' says Chainplain, l was inclosed by four rows of large interlaced palisades, thirty feet high, near a body of unfailing water. Along these palisades the Iroquois had placed conductors to convey water to the outside, to extinguish fire. Galleries were constructed inside of the palisades, protected by a ball-proof parapet of wood, garnished with double pieces of wood.

" ' When the tower was finished, two hundred of the strongest men advanced it near to the palisades. I stationed four marks men on its top, who were well protected from the stones and arrows which were discharged by the enemy.'

" The French soon drove the Iroquois from the galleries ; but the undisciplined Hurons, instead of setting fire to the palisades, as directed by Champlain, consumed the time in shouting at the enemy, and discharging harmless showers of arrows into the fort. Without discipline, and impatient of restraint, each one acted as his fancy pleased him. They placed the fire on the wrong side of the fort, so that it had no effect.

"'When the fire had gone out, they began to pile wood against the palisades, but in such small quantities that it made no impression. The confusion was so great that nothing could be heard. I called out to them, and pointed out, as well as I could, the danger they incurred by their imprudent manage ment ; but they heard nothing by reason of the great noise which they made. Perceiving that I should break my head in calling, that my remonstrances were in vain, and that there were no means of remedying the disorder, I resolved to effect, with my own people, what could be done, and to fire upon those we could discover.

" ' In the mean time, the enemy profited by our disorder. They brought and threw water in such abundance, that it poured in streams from the conductors, and extinguished the

ONONDAGA COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC. 43

fire in a very short time. They continued, without cessation, to discharge nights of arrows, which fell on us like hail. Those who were on the tower killed and wounded a great number.

'"The battle lasted about three hours. Two of our chiefs, some head-men, and about fifteen others were wounded.' "

Mr. Marshall is of the opinion that this fort was situated upon the shores of Onondaga Lake. He arrives at this con clusion from an analysis of the courses and distances traveled by Champlain, the streams which he crossed, etc., and continues:

" Another circumstance to aid us in the location, is the de scription given by Champlain of the fort itself. ' It was situated,' says he, ' on the borders of an unfailing body of water.' This he calls ' Etang] a word generally applied to an artificial pond, but sometimes used for a small lake or other natural collection of water. There is nothing that will answer the terms of the description in so many particulars, as the shore of Onondaga Lake ; and it is quite probable that it is there we must look for the location of the fort which was invested by the invaders.

" Three miles southeast of its outlet, on the northern bank of the lake, and near the present village of Liverpool, an an cient Indian work was discovered by the early settlers, which may have been the site of the fortification in question. There is reason to believe that the same locality was occupied by Monsieur Dupuis and the Jesuits, when they established them selves among the Onondagas in 1656.

" Mr. Clark, of Manlius, thinks that the Count de Frontenac occupied this position when he invaded the Onondaga country, in 1696, and that Col. Van Schaick encamped there while on his expedition against the Onondagas, in 1779."

In the account of Frontenac's Expedition, contained in Yol. V. of the Paris Documents, now deposited in the office of the Secretary of State of New York, it is stated that the principal fort of the Onondagas was burned by the Indians upon the approach of the French army. The terms of the account are as follows : — " The cabins of the Indians and the triple pali-

44

ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

sade which encircled their fort were found entirely burnt. It was an oblong flanked by four regular bastions. The two rows of pickets, which touched each other, were of the thickness of an ordinary mast ; and at six feet distance outside stood an other palisade of much smaller dimensions, but from forty to fifty feet high." This account also states that the invaders were successful in discovering almost all of the caches in which the Indians had deposited their corn.*

In his recently published work, Mr. Clark presents a plan of a stockade work, surveyed by Judge Geddes, and probably the very one referred to by Mr. Marshall.

/ss

4fc

^«^s

FIG 5.

It is situated on the shores of Onondaga Lake, between Brown's pump-works and Liverpool. A fine spring of water rises near it, and quantities of relics, of various kinds, have been found within it.

* Documentary History of New York, Vol. I., p. 332.

MADISON COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC.

45

MADISON COUNTY.

ON the site of the village of Cazenovia, situated in the town ship of the same name, which adjoins Pompey, Onondaga county, on the east, it is said an ancient earth-work once exist ed. No vestige of it now remains. By some it was represent ed to be circular, by others rectangular. Many rude relics have been found here.

There are yet traces of an old palisaded work in the town ship of Cazenovia, about two miles north of Delphi, of which Mr. Clark, in his " History of Onondaga county," gives the fol lowing plan.

It will be observed that it essentially corresponds with those in Onondaga county, already described. It has an area of about five acres, and numerous graves of the Indians are to be found both within and with out the walls, in the vi cinity.

FIG. 6.

In the town of Lenox there were still visible, in 1812, the traces of a work of more modern date. It occupied a position corresponding with most of the defensive structures of the aborigines, at the junction of two deep ravines, the precipitous banks of which not only afforded protection, but precluded the necessity, in great part, of artificial defences. Within the point thus cut off and defended, there is a small eminence, in which there are a number of excavations, containing traces of decayed wood.

It may be suggested (though, not knowing their dimensions, the suggestion may be absurd) that the pits were originally de-

46 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

signed for caches. Mr. Schoolcraft supposes that this work was erected by the French — -a supposition which finds support in the regular form of the palisaded outlines, and the circumstance that the ground within and around the work has not yet re turned to a forest state.

OTSEGO COUNTY.

IT is stated, upon very good authority, that an ancient cir cular earth-work once existed near Unadilla, in this county. Nothing is known concerning it, further than that it was situ ated on low ground.

CHENANGO COUNTY.

THERE was formerly an ancient inclosure, of small size, within the limits of the village of Oxford, in the township of that name, on the banks of the Chenango River. It is de scribed by Clinton as occupying a small eminence, three or four acres in extent, which rises abruptly from the flats bor dering the river. At the base of this eminence, upon the west ern side, flows the stream, and here the descent is precipitous. A line of embankment and a trench extended in a semicircu lar form from this bank, leaving narrow interruptions at the ends,, for ingress and egress. The area thus inclosed was about three fourths of an acre. At the period of the first settlement, it was covered with a dense forest ; yet, says Mr. Clinton. " the outline of the work could be distinctly traced among the trees, and the elevation from the bottom of the trench to the top of the embankment was about four feet. The stump of a decayed

CHENANGO COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC. 47

pine which stood upon the wall exhibited one hundred and ninety-five cortical layers, and there were many more which could not be counted, as the heart of the tree alone remained. Probably the tree was three or four hundred years old — cer tainly more than two hundred. It probably stood many years after it had completed its growth, and it is reasonable to sup pose that some time elapsed from the period of the construc tion of the work to the commencement of the growth of the tree.

" Probably the work was encircled with palisades, but no traces of the wood were discoverable. The situation was very eligible, elevated, commanding a fine prospect, and having no eminence near from which it could be commanded. No im plements or utensils have been found, except some fragments of coarse pottery, roughly ornamented. The Indians have a tradition that the family of the Antones, which is supposed to belong to the Tuscarora nation, is the seventh generation from the inhabitants of this fort ; but of its origin they know nothing.

" There is also a place at Norwich in this county, on a high bank of the river, called ' the Castle,' where the Indians lived at the period of our settlement of the country, and where some vestiges of a fortification appear, but in all probability of much more modern date than those at Oxford."

In Greene township, about two miles below the village, was formerly a mound of some interest. It was situated about thirty rods back from the bank of the Chenango River, and was originally about six feet in height and forty in diameter. " Until within a few years a large pine stump stood on its top, and a variety of trees covered it when first discovered. One of these showed two hundred consecutive growths. An examination of the mound was made in 1829 by excavation. Great numbers of human bones were found ; and beneath them, at a greater depth, others were found which had evidently been burned. No conjecture could be formed of the number of bo dies deposited here. The skeletons were found lying without order, and so much decayed as to crumble on exposure. At

48 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

one point in the mound a large number, perhaps two hundred, arrow-heads were discovered, collected in a heap. They were of the usual form, and of yellow or black flint. Another pile, of sixty or more, was found in another place, in the same mound ; also a silver band or ring, about two inches in diame ter, wide but thin, and with what appeared to be the remains of a reed pipe within it. A number of stone gouges or chisels, of different shapes, and a piece of mica, cut in the form of a heart, the border much decayed and the laminae separated, were also discovered."*

It may be mentioned here, that the character of the lower deposit, and also some of the relics, coincide with some of those found in the mounds of the Mississippi Valley. The ancient mound-builders often burned their dead. The upper and principal collection of bones had probably a comparatively late date, as is shown by the silver bracelet, which, it is presumed, although not so expressly stated, was found with this deposit.

CAYUGA COUNTY.

PLATE V. No. 1.

Ancient Work near Auburn, New York.

ONE of the best preserved and most interesting works in the State, is that overlooking the flourishing town of Auburn. It is situated upon a commanding eminence, which rises abruptly from the level grounds upon which the town is built, to the height of perhaps one hundred feet. It is the most elevated spot in the vicinity, and commands a wide and very beautiful prospect. The ground occupied by the work subsides gently from the centre of the area ; but exterior to the walls are steep

* Annals of Binghampton.

A 'I/BURN, CAYUGA C? MY.

s as. fa<*s.

MEMTZ TP. C/4YUGA C?MY.

CAYUGA COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC. 49

acclivities and deep ravines, rendering approach in nearly every direction extremely difficult. These natural features are indi cated in the plan, which obviates the necessity for a detailed description. Upon the south are several deep gulleys, separated by sharp, narrow ridges, rendering ascent at this point, in the face of determined defenders, entirely impracticable. It has been conjectured by some that the walls here have been washed away ; but it is clear that there was slight necessity for any defences at this point, and that none ever existed beyond what may still be traced.

The number and relative proportions of the gateways or openings are correctly shown in the plan. That upon the north is one hundred and sixty feet wide ; that upon the east sixty feet, and that upon the west thirty feet. These wide, unpro tected spaces would seem to conflict with the supposition, so well sustained by its remaining features, that the work had a defensive origin. It is not improbable, however, that palisades extended across these openings, as well as crowned the embank ments ; for without such additions, as has been already observed, the best of these structures could have afforded but very slight protection.

The embankments of this work are now between two and three feet in height, and the trenches of corresponding depth. The area of the work and the ground around it are covered with forest trees. There are several depressions, which, probably, were the caches of the ancient occupants.*

It is said that a number of relics have been recovered here from time to time, and among others the head of a banner-staff of thin iron, fourteen inches long and ten broad. It is, of course, of French or English origin, and was probably lost or buried here by the Indians, into whose hands, by purchase or capture,

* This work has an accidental approach to regularity ; but it is far from being a true ellipsis, as has been supposed by some who have vis ited it.

3

50 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

it had fallen. We may perhaps refer it back to the days of Champlain and Frontenac, when the armies of France swept the shores of the western lakes, in the vain hope of laying the foundation of a Gallic empire in America. This relic is now in the possession of Mr. J. W. Chedell, of Auburn.

McCauley, in his History of New York, presents the sub joined facts bearing upon the question of the probable antiquity of this work, which may not be without their interest. He says : " We examined the stump of a chestnut tree in the moat, which was three feet two inches in diameter, at a point two feet and a half above the surface of the earth. A part of the trunk of the same tree was lying by the stump. As this tree had been cut down, we endeavored to ascertain its age ; and for this purpose we counted the rings or concentric circles, and found them to amount to two hundred and thirty-five. The centre of the tree was hollow, or rather decayed ; and estimating this part as equal to thirty more layers or growths, we calculated the entire age of the tree to be two hundred and fifty-five years. About five years had' elapsed since the tree was cut down. This was in 1825, and would carry back the date of the work to 1555.

" At the distance of three paces from this stump was another of chestnut, standing in the ditch. It exceeded three feet in diameter, and the tree must have died standing, and probably remained in that position many years before it fell, from decay. In our opinion, the tree dated back as far as the discovery of the continent. Besides, it may be conjectured, for aught we know to the contrary, that several growths of forest intervened between the abandonment of this work and the date of the present forest."*

About two miles northeast of the work above described, upon elevated ground, was another similar work. It is now entirely leveled, and its site can only be ascertained by the fragments

* History of New York, Vol. I., p. 112.

CAYUGA COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC. 51

of pottery which are scattered over the ground. It was visible in 1825, when it was visited by McCauley, who says:

" It inclosed about two acres, and had a rampart, ditch, and gateway. It is now nearly obliterated by the plough. In its original state, or the condition it was in thirty-five years ago, about the time the land was cleared, the rampart was sev en feet high, and the ditch ten feet wide and three deep. Two persons, the one standing in the ditch, and the other within the inclosure, were unable to see each other. The gateway was on the northeastern side, in the direction of a spring which flowed close by. The work was three hundred and fifty paces in circumference."

PLATE V. No. 2.

Ancient Work, Mentz Township, Cayuga County^ New York.

Six miles northwest of Auburn, and three miles from Troops- ville, in the township of Mentz, is the small but well preserved work of which a plan is here given. The country around is hilly, and the work itself is built upon the crest of a narrow ridge, which extends nearly north and south, and along which the main road passes. There is a hollow, with springs flowing into it. toward the left ; in which direction, it will be observed, a gateway opens. Although the ground has been for many years under cultivation, the lines of embankment are still be tween two and three feet high. A quantity of relics, some of comparatively late date, have been found here. Some skele tons, also, have been disclosed by the plough, both within and without the walls. The plan obviates the necessity for any further description.

The existence of this work does not seem to have been hith erto known, beyond the secluded vicinity in which it occurs. It is, however, probable that it is the one alluded to by McCau-

52

ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

ley in the following very indefinite terms : " On the east side of the Seneca River, near Montezuma, there are still to be seen the ruins of a small fort. A small mound occurs not far from the fort j it is artificial." Montezuma is situated in the same township with the work above described, and about four miles distant, in a northwestern direction. In the " New York Mag azine," for 1792, mention is made of a couple of ancient works, said to occur south of Cross and Salt Lakes, east of the Seneca River, and falling probably within the limits of the present township of Brutus in Cayuga. or Elbridge in Onondaga county. One of these was in the " form of a parallelogram, two hundred and twenty yards long and fifty-five broad, with openings on either side, one of which led to the waters. Half a mile south was another work of crescent form; large trees were growing upon both." Quantities of well-burned pottery in fragments were found there ; also a slab of stone five feet long, three and a half broad, and six inches thick, upon which were some rude tracings, specimens perhaps of the "picture writing" of the Indians.

McCauley mentions an ancient work near the town of Aurora, in the southern part of this county, and near Cayuga Lake. According to this authority, it was situated " two miles from the village, in a southwesterly direction ; the area triangular, and containing two acres. Two of its sides were defended by precipitous banks, and the third by an embankment and ditch. Fragments of earthen vessels and the bones of animals had been found there enveloped in beds of ashes."

There are traces of an ancient palisaded work of the Cayugas, in Ledyard township, about four miles southeast of Springport. In fact, the whole country has numerous vestiges, cemeteries, etc., of its aboriginal possessors.

VI.

XT? 1

AKKEDHKIT

/VfAR ELM IRA, CHEMUNG CoAf.Y.

£ H If or s ford, ale I,

/ M/LC f Of CAMANOA/GVA ONTAA/O COl/#rY,/KY.

SCALE 2OOft to the Inch

CHEMUNG COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC. 53

CHEMUNG COUNTY.

THERE is a work in this county which possesses peculiar in terest, from the circumstance that the embankments still retain unmistakable traces of the palisades with which it was crowned, thus demonstrating the correctness of the conjectures already indulged in, as to the probable construction of the entire system of earth-works of Western New York. The accompanying plan and description are from the note-books of Prof. E. N. Hors- ford, of Harvard University, who visited this work in company with other gentlemen connected with the State Geological Sur vey, at the time that enterprise was in progress.

PLATE VI. No. 1.

Ancient Work near Elmira, Chemung County, New York.

" THIS work is situated about two and a half miles west of Elmira, upon the summit of an eminence, the base of which, upon one side, is washed by Chemung River, and upon the other by the waters of a deep and almost impassable ravine. It is, in fact, a bold headland. The approach is by a narrow path, which in some places will admit of the passage of a single person only, and which traverses the very abrupt crown of the ridge. Toward the top, the ascent is more gradual, and the ground continues to ascend slightly until we reach the defences. The site chosen exhibits the strongest proof of design, being such as to command a most extensive view along the course of the river, and being, except from behind, accessible only by the difficult pathway already mentioned.

(i The artificial defences consist of an embankment, with an outer ditch, which extends, as shown in the plan, from the steep

54 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

bank toward the river, to the brow of the ravine upon the other side. This embankment is about two hundred feet long, fourteen feet broad at the base, and about three and a half feet high. The rotting stump of an old pine tree, three feet in di ameter, and a yellow pine tree, nine feet in circumference, are standing upon the wall, and indicate its high antiquity.

u What appeared to be a furrow was observed extending along the summit of the embankment throughout its entire length. Upon examination, it was found that this appearance was produced by a succession of holes, about a foot in depth. Just within this chain of holes is another parallel chain, not quite so distinct as the first. Still further inward, and extend ing but part of the way across the area of the work, are several parallel furrows, without accompanying ridges, the design of which is hardly apparent.

It will be seen that this work corresponds entirely in position with most of the earth-works of the State, was chosen with ref erence to the same principles, and was defended in precisely the same manner. It is peculiar in still retaining the holes left by the decay of the palisades, which show that it was strengthened by a double line. It is rational to conclude, upon general principles, that all the works of the State were protected in like manner ; although, except in this instance, all traces of the wooden superstructure have disappeared. As already ob served, this work, for the positive light which it throws upon the original character of these ancient defences, is probably the most interesting one in the State.

ONTARIO COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC. OD

ONTARIO COUNTY.

PLATE VI. No. 2.

Ancient Work near Canandaigua.

ONE mile east of the town of Canandaigua, upon the slope of a hill overlooking Canandaigua Lake, is the work here figured. It is unsurpassed for the beauty of its position. A considerable portion of the embankment has been obliterated by cultivation, and another portion by the turnpike road, from Canandaigua to Geneva, which passes through it. The parts which may yet be traced are appropriately indicated in the plan, and enable us to make out the original form of the work with sufficient ex actness. In constructing the road, human bones in considerable quantities were disclosed on the brow of the hill, accompanied by the usual rude relics of Indian art. It is mentioned by Mr. Schoolcraft, that the Senecas deduce their descent from the remarkable eminence upon which this work is situated.*

Between three and four miles west of Canandaigua, on the road to Victor, there is a long, narrow trench running nearly in a direction from N. E. to S. W. It may be traced, with occasional interruptions, for some miles, and has been errone ously, but very generally, believed to be a work of art. It marks the line of a long, narrow fissure in the limestone sub stratum, into which the earth has subsided. The water which accumulates in it sinks, to swell the volume of so*me subterra neous stream. The cause of this singular fissure is worthy of the inquiries of geologists.

Judge Porter, of Niagara, mentions another ancient inclosure, similar to that above described, in the vicinity of Canandaigua; but its locality could not be ascertained. It is probably now completely destroyed.

* Notes on the Iroquois, p. 196.

56 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

PLATE VII. No. 1.

Ancient Work near the City of Geneva.

ONE and a half miles west of Geneva are the traces of the old Indian " Castle " of Ganundesdga, built by the Senecas, and destroyed by Sullivan in 1779. Near it is a mound thickly covered over with graves. A plan and description of this work will be given in another connection. About two miles beyond, in the same direction, in Seneca township, is another work of more ancient date, a plan of which is here presented. It is situated upon elevated grounds, and coincides generally with those already described. The position, upon the east side, is protected by a steep, natural bank, perhaps sixty feet in height, which subsides into low, marshy grounds. At the foot of the bank is a copious and perennial spring. Upon the west, south, and north, the ground falls off gently ; and here we find the artificial defences. Although the whole has been for some time under cultivation, the lines of entrenchment may be followed throughout nearly their entire extent, without difficulty. The usual evidences of ancient occupancy are found within the area.

Half a mile further to the westward, upon a corresponding site, are the traces of an ancient palisaded work, which will be described in its appropriate place.

MONROE COUNTY.

A NUMBER of aboriginal monuments formerly existed in this county ; but, with the exception of a few small mounds, they have been wholly obliterated, or so much defaced that they can no longer be made out. Two mounds occupy the high, sandy grounds to the westward of Irondequoit Bay, where it con-

PLATE, VI I.

? i

SCAL£ .

(3V3 Hf. JV. w: Of Geneva-.^ ONTARIO C? MY.

• SAHONY * IHAJOH . H.

MONROE COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC. 57

nects with Lake Ontario. The point is a remarkable one. The position of the mounds in respect to the natural features around them is indicated in the accompanying sketch, Plate VIL, No. 2.

They are small, the largest not exceeding five feet in height. It was found, upon excavation, that they had been previously dis turbed ; and their examination proved fruitless. Some bits of charcoal and a few small fragments of bones were observed mingled with the sand. At various places, upon the eleva tions around them, were scattered fragments of pottery, and arrow-heads and other rude relics are also of frequent occur rence here.

The spot was evidently a favorite one with the Indians, the vicinity abounding in fish and game.

The waves of the lake have thrown up a narrow bar or bank of sand, called the " Spit" which extends nearly across the mouth of the bay, leaving but a small opening. Upon this bar a few scattered trees are standing, and it was here that the Marquis De Nonville landed with his troops, at the time of his expedition against the Senecas, in 1687. He constructed a stockade at or near this point.

Upon the eastern shore of the bay, and occupying a position corresponding with that of the mounds already described, it is said there is another mound of considerable size. It was opened many years ago, and was found to contain human bones.

Some eight or ten miles to the southeast, and half a mile east of the village of Penfield, on the banks of Irondequoit Creek, is still another mound, situated upon a headland, which now projects into an artificial pond. It must have been origi nally eight or nine feet in height, by perhaps forty feet base. It is a favorite haunt of " money-diggers," by whom it has been pretty thoroughly excavated. A shaft had been sunk in it but a short time before it was visited by the author ; and at that period many fragments of human bones, much decayed, which had been thrown up from near the base, were bleaching upon the 3*

DO ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

surface. The soil is here light and sandy, and a depression is still visible near by, marking the spot whence the material com posing the mound was procured. It could not be ascertained that any relics of art were obtained here. See Plate VII. , Fig. 3.

As already observed, most, if not all, of the ancient works which existed in this county are now obliterated. We can consequently do but little more than indicate the sites which they occupied according to the best information obtained from the early settlers. It is asserted that an inclosure of con siderable size exists in the town of Irondequoit, west of Iron- dequoit Bay, and near the Genesee River, about five miles north of Rochester. A day was spent in search of it, but with out success. Its discovery may reward the perseverance of some future explorer.*

A fine work once occupied a commanding site at the point known as " Handford's Landing," three miles north of Roches ter. It consisted of a semicircular embankment, the ends of which extended to the very edge of the immense ravine which shuts in the Genesee River below the falls at Rochester. It had three narrow gateways placed at irregular intervals.

There is a locality in the town of Parma, about seven miles west of Rochester, where the earth has subsided into the fis sures of the sand rock, forming what has generally been sup posed to be a line of entrenchments. From some distance the apparent ditch has all the regularity of a work of art ; but still it is hard to understand how it came to be regarded as an " Indian Fort," by which name it is currently known in the neighborhood. It would seem incredible that errors of this kind should become general, had not a large experience shown that upon no class of subjects do the mass of men exercise so lit-

* McCauley states that there is an ancient work on Irondequoit Bay, in Penfield township, on the north side of the " ridge." No informa tion could be obtained concerning it.

MONROE COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC. 59

tie sound judgment, as upon those which relate to the history and monuments of the past.

In the town of Ogden, which adjoins Parma on the south, it is reputed that some ancient works are to be found ; but from the best information which could be obtained, it seems probable that the report has no better foundation than hun dreds of similar ones, subsequently found to be erroneous, and originated, it is very likely, in the discovery of an Indian cem etery, or of the traces of an Indian village.

Ascending the valley of the Genesee for twenty miles, we come to a section of country which is very rich in evidences of aboriginal occupancy, but chiefly such as may be referred to a comparatively late date. In the town of Wheatland, and a short distance to the westward of the village of Scottsville, there formerly existed two very interesting earth-works. There is scarcely a trace of them now to be seen. They were visited by Kirkland in 1788. He found the first work " about two miles west of Allen's residence, which was an extensive flat, at a deserted Indian village near the junction of a creek (Allen's Creek) with the Genesee, eight miles north of the old Indian village of Kanawageas, and five miles north of the Magic Spring (Caledonia Springs), so called by the Indians, who believed its waters had the power of petrifying all things subjected to its influence. This work inclosed about six acres, and had six gates. The ditch was about eight feet wide, and in some places six feet deep, and drawn in a circular form on three sides. The fourth side was defended by nature with a high bank, at the foot of which was a fine stream of water. The bank had probably been secured by a stockade, as there appeared to have been a deep covered way in the mid dle of it, down to the water. Some of the trees on the work V appeared to be two or three hundred years old."

The usual variety of relics, fragments of pottery, stone chip- pings, etc., have been found upon the site of this work. About half a mile south of this, and upon a greater eminence, Mr. Kirkland

60 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

traced another work, " of less dimensions than the first, but with a deeper ditch, and in a situation more lofty and defen sible." Although it is well remembered by the older settlers in the neighborhood, nothing now remains to indicate that it ever existed, except the greater abundance of stones on the line of the former embankment. The position is such as the builders of these works usually selected for their defences. Upon one side is a high and precipitous bank, at the base of which flows Allen's Creek ; and in every other direction the ground slopes gently. It is altogether a well chosen and very beautiful site. About three miles south of these works, on the bank of the Genesee River, and probably falling in Caledonia township, Livingston county, are to be observed the traces of a mound. It was originally about eight feet high, and was filled with human bones heaped promiscuously together. Still another mound is said to occur a few miles N. W. of Scotts- ville, in the town of Chili.

Near the village of West Rush, in the town of Rush, upon the banks of Honeoye Creek, were formerly two considerable inclosures. One of these was situated immediately upon the bank of the creek, which defended it upon one side ; while the other occupied higher ground a hundred rods to the south ward. Each contained about four acres, and the embankments were originally four feet in height. A few slight depressions indicating the ancient caches, with fragments of pottery scat tered around, alone remain to mark the sites of these structures.

The whole of this country was occupied by the Senecas ; and their cemeteries, and the traces of their ancient forts and towns, are particularly numerous along the Genesee River, and on the banks of the Honeoye. We shall refer to these in another place.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC. 61

LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

THIS county, which adjoins Monroe on the south, was also a favorite ground with the Senecas. It is unsurpassed in beauty and fertility by any territory of equal extent in the State, and abounds with mementoes of its aboriginal possessors, who yielded it reluctantly into the hands of the invading whites. Here, too, once existed a considerable number of ancient earth works, but the leveling plough has passed over most of them ; and though their sites are still remembered by the early settlers, but few are sufficiently well preserved to admit of ex act survey and measurement.

"In 1798," said the venerable Judge Augustus Porter, of Niagara, in a letter to 0. H. Marshall, Esq., of Buffalo. " I surveyed the Indian Reservation of Kanawageas. There were then in the open flats of the Reservation the embankments of an old fort, which included very nearly two acres. It corres ponded in situation and appearance with many others which I have seen in this part of the country, and which seem to bear a high antiquity." The Kanawageas Reservation embraced the township of York in this county.

Judge Porter also mentioned that he knew of two other works on the " Smith and Jones's Flat," near Mount Morris, (also in Livingston county,) all of which had the same appearance.

A work also occurs in the town of Avon, not far from the beautiful village of Avon Springs, upon the flats of the Gene- see River. It is described by W. H. C. Hosmer, Esq., in the notes to his beautiful poem of " YONONDIO."

Another and very similar work once existed in the north eastern part of Avon township, about two and a half miles from the village of Lima. Some portions of the lines may yet be traced, but with difficulty.

62 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

PLATE VIII. No. 1.

Ancient Work, Livonia Township, Livingston County, New

York.

THE work here represented occurs in the township of Livo nia, three miles N. E. of the village of that name. It is situ ated upon the summit of a commanding hill, and is the largest inclosure which fell under the notice of the author, within the limits of the State. It has an area of not less than sixteen acres. Where the lines of the entrenchment were crossed by fences, and consequently preserved from the encroachments of the plough, the embankment and ditch are distinctly visible. Elsewhere, however, the outlines can only be traced by a very gentle undulation of the ground, and by the denser verdure on the course of the ancient trench. With the assistance of Mr. Haddock, the proprietor of the estate, who knew the work be fore it had been materially impaired, the original form was made out with entire satisfaction. General Adams, who had often been over the grounds before the removal of the forest, states that the ditch was breast deep, and the embankment of corresponding height. Caches were formerly discovered here, and fragments of pottery are now abundant.

The inclosure had four gateways, one of which, at the north western extremity, opened directly toward a copious spring of water, as shown in the plan. It was thought by General Adams, from certain indications (which might have been caused by the decay of palisades), that slight parallel embankments extended down the slope of the hill, and inclosed the spring here referred to. Be that as it may, the position was well chosen for defence, for which purpose the work was doubtless constructed.

A mile and a half to the southward are remains of some old fortified towns of the powerful tribe of the Senecas, for plans

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LIVINGSTON COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC. 63

and descriptions of which the reader is referred to the chapter on " Palisaded Works."

It is said that a mound, containing a large number of hu man bones, occurs near the head of Hemlock Lake, in the township of Springwater ; but no opportunity was afforded of visiting it. At various places in the county large cemeteries are found ; but most, if not all, of them may be with safety re ferred to the Senecas. Indeed, many articles of European origin accompany the skeletons. A cemetery of large size, and, from the character of the relics found in the graves, of high antiquity, is now in part covered by the village of Lima. Pipes, pottery, etc., are discovered here in great abundance ; and it is worthy of remark, they are identical with those found within the ancient inclosures.

A number of ancient works are reported to exist higher up the Genesee River, in the southern part of Livingston and in Alleghany counties ; but this entire region has been brought so thoroughly under cultivation, that it was esteemed hope less to look for them with a view to their survey or measure ment. The only information of any authentic kind which was received in addition to what is here presented, relates to a re markable work upon a high hill, not far from the falls of the Genesee, in Alleghany county. Says Judge Porter, in a pri vate letter dated Niagara Falls, November 18th, 1848 : " Upon the west side of Genesee River, a mile or two above the falls, there is a hill, the base of which may perhaps cover two acres of ground, circular in form, and shaped like a sugar-loaf, with a truncated summit a fourth of an acre in area. Upon this summit is a breastwork. The height of the hill is between eighty and one hundred feet. I visited it in 1798, before any settlements were made by the whites nearer than Mount Morris."

Mr. Moses Long, of Rochester, describes a work which is substantially the same, as follows : " About four miles above the village of Portage, in Alleghany county, is a circular mound

64 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

or hill, which rises probably a hundred feet above the sur rounding interval or ' bottom ' lands. The acclivity is steep on all sides. The Genesee River curves around its base, de scribing nearly a semicircle, and then sweeps on in a tortuous course to the cascades or cataracts below the village of Por tage. The top of the hill is quite level, covered thinly with small forest trees, and its area may comprise an acre. There are appearances of an entrenchment around that part of the summit unprotected by the river.

" My guide informed me that he had been acquainted with Skongo, an aged chief, and several other Indians of the Caneadea Reservation, who all concurred in saying, that they had no knowledge nor any tradition in relation to this work. Shongo remembered the invasion of Sullivan, when the Indians cut up their corn and threw it into the river, and then re treated with their movable effects a few miles up the stream to the top of an elevated bluff, where they determined to await the attack of their enemy. I came to the conclusion that the entrenchment might have been made by an advanced detach ment from Sullivan's army."

GENESEE COUNTY.

A NUMBER of very interesting remains formerly existed in this county ; but few of them are sufficiently well preserved to be satisfactorily traced.

In the town of Alabama, in the extreme northwest of the county, were once three of these works, all of small size. The plough has completely defaced them. This town adjoins the town of Shelby, in Orleans county, on the south ; and touches Newsted, in Erie county, on the west. It will ultimately be seen that its ancient works constitute part of a chain extending

GENESEE COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC. 65

from the " Lake Ridge," on the north, to Buffalo Creek on the southwest, a distance of fifty miles. Not less than twenty ancient works are known to occur within this range.

PLATE VIII. No. 2.

Ancient Work, Oakfteld, Genesee County, New York.

IN the town of Oakfield, half a mile west of the little village of Caryville, is found the ancient inclosure, a plan of which is here given. It is remarkable as being the best preserved and most distinct of any in the State which fell under the notice of the author. It is situated upon the western slope of one of the billowy hills which characterize the rolling lands of the West, and between which the streams find their way to the rivers and lakes. The banks of the little stream which washes the work upon the north are steep, but not more than ten feet in height. Upon the brow of the bank, where the stream ap proaches nearest the work, the entrenchment is interrupted, and the slope toward the water is more gentle than elsewhere — indicating an artificial grade. The plan obviates the ne cessity for a detailed description. The embankments will now probably measure six feet in average height, calculating from the bottom of the trench. In the part of the work under cul tivation, it is easy to trace the ancient lodges. Here, too, is to be found the unfailing supply of broken pottery. At the sides of the principal gateway (a) leading into the inclosure from the east, according to the statement of an intelligent aged gen tleman, who was among the earliest settlers in this region, traces of oaken palisades were found, upon excavation, some thirty years ago. They were, of course, almost entirely de cayed. A part of the area is still covered with the original forest, in which are trees of the largest dimensions. An oaken stump upwards of two feet in diameter stands upon the em bankment at the point b.

66 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

About one mile northeast of this work was originally a large inclosure, but which is now entirely destroyed. It was called the " Bone Fort" from the circumstance that the early settlers found within it a mound, six feet in height by thirty at the base, which was entirely made up of human bones slightly cov ered with earth. A few fragments of these bones, scattered over the surface, alone mark the site of the aboriginal sepulchre. The popular opinion concerning this accumulation is, that it contained the bones of the slain, thus heaped together after some severe battle. It will, however, be seen that it probably owed its origin to the same practice to which we are to attribute the " bone pits " found elsewhere, that of collecting together at stated intervals the bones of the dead — a practice very preva lent among the northwestern Indians.

There is no doubt but this is one of the works visited by Rev. Samuel Kirkland, Missionary to the Senecas, in 1788. His MS. Journal was in the possession of Messrs. Yates and Moulton, who have given a synopsis of the part relating to this group of remains in the subjoined passages.

" Having examined the works (already referred to, in Mon roe county) on the Genesee, he returned to Kanawageas, and resumed his journey west, encamping for the night at a place called Joaika, i. e. Raccoon (Batavia). on the river Tonawande, about twenty-six miles from Kanawageas. Six miles from this place of encampment, he rode to the open fields, and arrived at a place called by the Senecas Tegatainedaghgue, which im ports a ' double-fortified town] or a town with a fort at each end. Here he walked about half a mile with one of the Seneca chiefs, to view the vestiges of this double-fortified town. They con sisted of the remains of two forts : the first contained four acres of ground ; the other, distant about two miles, at the other ex tremity of the ancient town, inclosed about eight acres. The ditch around the first was about five or six feet deep. A small stream of water and a high bank circumscribed nearly one third of the inclosed ground. There were traces of six gates or open-

GENESEE COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC. 67

ings, and near the centre a way was dug to the water. The ground on the opposite side of the water was in some places nearly as high as that on which the fort was built, which might render this covered way to the water necessary. A considerable number of large thrifty oaks had grown up within the inclosed ground, both in the ditch and upon the wall ; some of which appeared to be two hundred years old or more. The ground is of a hard, gravelly kind, intermixed with loam, and more plentifully at the brow of the hill. At some places at the bot tom of the ditch. Mr. Kirkland ran his cane a foot or more in the soil ; from which circumstance he concludes that the ditch was much deeper originally.

" Near the western fortification, which was situated on high ground, he found the remains of a funeral pile, where the slain were buried after a great battle, which will be spoken of here after. The mound was about six feet in height by thirty feet diameter at the base. The bones appeared at the surface, pro jecting at many places at the sides.

"Pursuing his course toward Buffalo Creek, (his ultimate destination.) Mr. Kirkland discovered the vestiges of another fortified town. He does not delineate it in his MSS., but says: ' On these heights, near the ancient fortified town, the roads part ; we left the path leading to Niagara on our right, and went a course nearly southwest for Buffalo Creek. After leav ing these heights, which afforded an extensive prospect, we traveled over a fine tract of land for about six or seven miles, then came to a barren, white-oak, shrub plain. We passed a steep hill on our right, in some places fifty feet perpendicular, at the bottom of which is a small lake, affording another instance of pagan superstition. The old Indians affirm that formerly a demon, in the form of a dragon, resided in this lake, which fre quently disgorged balls of liquid fire. To appease him, many sacrifices of tobacco had been made by the Indians. At the extremity of the barren plain, we came again to Tonawande River, and forded it about two miles above the Indian town of

68

ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

that name. At a short distance on the south side of the same stream, is another fortification.' "

FIG. II.

Ancient Work, Le Roy, Genesee County, New York.

REMNANTS of another ancient work occur in the town of Le Roy, three miles north of the village of the same name, in the southeastern part of this county. The accompanying sketch,

GENESEE COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC. DU

by L. H. Morgan, Esq., of Rochester, although not from an ex act instrumental survey, is sufficiently accurate for all essential purposes.

The position which the work occupies is a portion of a high plain or table-land, nearly surrounded by deep ravines, bounded by Fordham's Brook and Allen's Creek, which effect a junction at this point. These streams have worn their beds through the various strata of lime and sandstone to the depth of from seventy to one hundred feet, leaving abrupt banks difficult of ascent.. These natural features are best illustrated by the plan, which precludes the necessity for a minute description.

The peninsula measures about 1300 feet from north to south, by 2000 feet at its broadest part, and 1000 feet across the neck connecting it with the general table. Positions simi lar to this were often selected by the aborigines for defensive purposes, but in such cases have usually an embankment and trench extending across the isthmus. In this instance, how ever, the only trace of art is an embankment and ditch, about 1500 feet in length, and running nearly east and west across the broadest part of the peninsula, and not very far back from the edge of the ravine. The part which is laid down in the plan is said to be still very distinct ; the embankment being between three and four feet in height, and the ditch of cor responding depth. The western extremity of the line curves gently outward, and extends some distance down the bank, which is at this point less abrupt than elsewhere. It is said that formerly trenches existed on the courses indicated by dotted lines on the plan ; but the statement is not confirmed by any remaining traces,

A number of skeletons have been found here, together with many fragments of pottery. There have also been discovered some heaps of small stones ; which have been supposed to be the missiles of the ancient occupants of the hill, thus got to gether to be used in case of attack. Various relics of art, pipes, beads, stone hatchets, arrow-heads, etc., have been dis-

70 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

closed here by the operations of agricul ture. One of the pipes composed of baked clay is now in the possession of Rev. C. Dewey, of Rochester. It is represented of half size in the accompa nying engraving, Fig. 8. The material is very fine, and the workmanship good ; so good indeed, as to induce some doubt of its aboriginal origin. Another pipe carved from granular limestone was found here, as were also a number of beads, long and coarse, made of clay and burned.

According to Mr. Dewey, " the trench was estimated by the early observers at from eight to ten feet deep, and as many wide. The earth in making it had been thrown either way, but much of it inward. The road formerly crossed it by a bridge. "When first known, forest trees were standing both in the trench and on its sides. In size and growth they cor responded with the forests around them. Prostrate upon the ground were numerous trunks of the heart-wood of black cherry trees of larger size, which, it is conjectured, were the remains of more antique forests, preceding the growth of beech and maple. They were in such a state of soundness as to be em ployed for timber by the early settlers."*

From all that remains of this work, it is impossible to con jecture for what purposes it was constructed. Indeed, it bears so few evidences of design, that we are led to distrust its arti ficial origin ; a distrust which is strengthened by the circum stance, that in a number of instances, elevations and depres sions bearing some degree of regularity, but resulting from fis sures in a rock substratum or other natural causes, have been

* Schoolcraft's Notes on the Iroquois, p. 203.

ORLEANS COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC. 71

mistaken for works of art. The fact that the trench in this instance has a course so nearly parallel with .the edge of the ravine, is also a suspicious circumstance. The spot was not visited by the author; but he is authorized in saying that Prof. Dewey, who gave the first and most complete account of the supposed work, is now inclined to the opinion that it may be the result of natural causes.

On what is called the " Knowlton Farm," about one mile south of the town of Batavia,.is a small natural elevation which was used as a burial-place by the Indians. It has been mis taken for a mound. Various relics have been discovered in ploughing over it.

ORLEANS COUNTY.

IT is not known that many ancient remains occur in this county. There is, however, an interesting work in Shelby township, one and a half miles west of Shelby Centra The following account of it was communicated by Dr. S. M. Bur roughs, of Medina, to 0. Turner, Esq., of Buffalo, by whom it was presented to the author.

" It consists of a ditch and embankment, inclosing, in a form nearly circular, about three acres of ground. The ditch is still well defined and several feet in depth. Adjoining this fortification on the south is a swamp, about one mile in width by two in length ; which was once*, if not a lake, an impassable morass. There is a passage-way through the lines of the en trenchment toward the swamp, and this is the sole gateway discoverable. Large quantities of small stones, of a size to be thrown with the hand, are accumulated in piles within and near the work: Here, too, are many arrow-heads of flint (silex), stone axes, and fragments of pottery, exhibiting ornaments in relief. Human skeletons almost entire have been exhumed here.

72 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

Half a mile west of the fort on a sand hill, an immense number of skeletons have been found in a very perfect state. Many seem to have been deposited in the same grave. As some of the skulls appear to have been broken by clubs or tomahawks, is it not probable that this was the site of some great battle ?"

ERIE COUNTY.

ERIE county ranks next to Jefferson in the number of its ascertained aboriginal monuments. The topographical features of the two counties are much the same, although the former is by far the least elevated. Along the shores of Lake Erie and bordering Buffalo Creek are low and fertile alluvions ; back of these we come to the limestone formation, and the country rises, forming a second grand terrace, along the brow of which most of the ancient works are situated. Within the limits of the late Seneca Reservation, which has been only in part brought under cultivation, there are a number of ancient works, which are unimpaired except by the operation of natural causes. It is extremely difficult, however, to find them, in consequence of the forest and the thick undergrowth. As the Reservation is cleared up, no doubt new ones will be discovered ; and it is to be hoped sufficient interest in these matters may be found to exist among the citizens of Buffalo, to secure their prompt and careful investigation

PLATE DC Wo. y.

NEAR BUFFALO, ERIE, C? N.Y B.G-. Sgui

, a. Grave of SU<Z Jacket \ A, ,i „ Mat-yifemifor '. Ct fifpres&i.ons, na.fu.rctj

ERIE COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC.

73

PLATE IX. No. 1.

Ancient Work near Buffalo.

ONE of the most interesting works in this county is that here represented. It derives much of its interest from the associa tions connected with it. The site which it occupies was a fa vorite spot with the Senecas, and one of their largest cemeteries occurs within its walls. Here is buried an Indian chief whose name is inseparably interwoven with the history of the Five Nations. He was a man who possessed a rare combination of talents, which, developed under different circumstances, would have secured for him a high position among the greatest states men and proudest orators of the world. This is hardly a proper place to speak of his character ; but his devoted patriotism, his inflexible integrity, the unwavering firmness, calm and lofty dignity, and powerful eloquence with which he opposed the en croachments of the whites, notwithstanding that he knew all resistance was vain and hopeless — command an involuntary tribute to the memory of the last and noblest of the proud and politic Iroquois, the haughty and unbending Red Jacket, who died exulting that the Great Spirit had made him an Indian ! Here, too, is buried Mary Jemison, " the white woman," who, taken a prisoner by the Indians when a child, conformed to their habits, became the wife of one of their chiefs, and remained with them until her death. The story of her life is one of the most eventful of those connected with our border history, filled as it is with thrilling adventures and startling incidents.

The work under notice is situated upon the edge of the second terrace, which is here moderately elevated above the fertile al luvions bordering Buffalo Creek. The particular spot which it occupies is considerably higher than any other near it, and the soil is sandy and dry. It will be seen that the terrace bank upon one side is made to subserve the purposes for which the trench and embankment were erected upon the others. 4

74 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

There is now no direct evidence to that effect ; but no doubt can be entertained that, in common with all the other works of the State, the wall was crowned with palisades, which were also carried along the brow of the terrace. The greater portion of this work has been for some time under cultivation ; and the original lines are so much defaced, that they would probably escape the notice of the careless observer. They may, never theless, be distinctly traced throughout their extent. At the point nearest the Indian cemetery, a portion of which is still spared by the plough, the embankment is very distinct, and cannot fail to attract attention. At a short distance to the northward of the work is a low spot of ground or marsh, toward which opens a gateway. From this was probably obtained a portion of the supply of water required by the ancient occu pants of the work. A number of springs start from the foot of the terrace, where the ground is also marshy. Within the walls of this work are to be found the various traces of occu pancy which I have already mentioned, sites of old lodges, fragments of pottery, etc.

Tradition fixes upon this spot as the scene of the final and most bloody conflict between the Iroquois and the " Gah-kwas" or Eries — a tradition which has been supposed to derive some sanction from the number of fragments of decayed human bones which are scattered over the area.

The old mission-house and church stand in close proximity to this work. The position of the former is indicated in the plan. Red Jacket's house stood above a third of a mile to the southward upon the same elevation ; and the abandoned coun cil-house is still standing, perhaps a mile distant, in the direction of Buffalo. A little distance beyond, in the same direction and near the public road, is a small mound, called " Dah-do-sot" artificial hill, by the Indians, who it is said were accustomed to regard it with much veneration, supposing that it covered the victims slain in some bloody conflict in the olden time. A genuine representative of the Celtic stock had selected it as the

PLATE IX 3W. 2.3.

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ERIE COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC. 75

site of his cabin, and his worthy but somewhat superstitious spouse was much horrified at the intimation that it probably contained the bones of the unsanctified heathen. A shaft was sunk near the foundation of the cabin to the base of the mound, but nothing of interest was disclosed. A few half-formed ar row-heads, some chippings of horn stone, and some small bits of charcoal were discovered, intermingled with the soil thrown from the excavation. Whatever deposits are contained in the mound, if any, probably occur immediately beneath the apex which is occupied by the cabin of the Celt aforesaid. Its in vestigation is therefore reserved for the hands of some future explorer. It was originally between five and six feet in height by thirty-five or forty feet base, and is composed of the adjacent loam. A depression still exists upon one side, marking the spot whence the material was obtained.

PLATE IX. No. 2.

Ancient Work, Lancaster, Erie County, New York.

IT is not known that any Ancient remains occur nearer the work last described than the one here presented, which is situated upon lot No. 2, of the late Reservation, about four miles southeast of the village of Lancaster, near Little Bufia- lo Creek. It occurs upon the summit of a small eminence, in the midst of a dense and tangled forest, and is reached by a bridle path which passes through it. It approaches more near ly to the form of a true circle than any work which fell under the observation of the author in Western New York. It is small, containing less than an acre. The embankment is how ever very distinct, being not less than three feet in height, and the ditch of equal, depth. Trees, corresponding in all respects with those of the surrounding forest, are standing within the

76 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

area and upon the wall. The ground is here gravelly and dry. A number of caches of considerable size were observed within the inclosure.

PLATE IX. No. 3.

Ancient Work, Lancaster, Erie County, New York.

HALF a mile to the southeast of the above work, and, as nearly as could be ascertained, on lot No. 6, is a work of larger size and more irregular outline. It occupies a beautiful level spot of ground not far from the edge of the second terrace back from the creek. The embankment is somewhat higher than that of the previous work, and, with a single exception, quite as well defined as any observed within the State. It is very slightly reduced from its original height, which may be estimated as having been between seven and nine feet, measur ing from the bottom of the ditch. At the point indicated by the letter a upon the embankment, is standing the stump of a withered pine tree, which is sixteen feet in circumference six feet above the roots. A few rods to the southward of the work is a narrow ravine leading off toward Little Buffalo Creek. Within this is a spring from which flows a small stream. It will be observed that two of the gateways of the work, placed not far apart, open in this direction — leading to the inference that it was here that the water used by the ancient occupants was obtained. A number of large caches also occur within this work.

PLATE X.

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ERIE COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC. 77

PLATE X. No. 1.

Ancient Work on Late Indian Reservation, Erie County, New

York.

UPON the opposite bank of the creek already named, and probably on lot No. 3 of the Reservation, is the singular work here presented. The land upon this side of the creek rises abruptly to the height of 150 or 200 feet, forming a high bluff. The edge of this bluff is cut by ravines into spurs or head lands ; and upon one of these the work under notice is situa ted. It is not large, and is singular only in having wide in terruptions in the embankment — so wide, indeed, that were it not from the perfect condition of the lines where they exist, it might be conjectured that the structure was never completed. Caches were noticed here. The ground is covered with a dense forest, which obscures all parts of the work.

To the southwestward of this, on lot 29 of the same range and on the south side of " Big Buffalo Creek," is still another similar work, which is described by Mr. Junius Clark, in a private communication, as about eight hundred feet in circum ference, having three gateways and an open space ten rods wide at the southwestern corner. A gateway on the north opens toward a, spring of water, distant about a dozen rods. Other works, probably differing in no essential respect from these, are said to occur at various places upon the southern border of the Reservation.

78 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

PLATE X. No. 2.

Ancient Work, Clarence Township, Erie County, New iork.

PASSING northward from the localities last mentioned to the distance of five or six miles, keeping upon the limestone plateau, we find another series of remains, composed of a suc cession of works placed a mile or two apart, and extending quite through the town of Clarence. The first of these (No. 2) is two and a half miles south of the little village of " Clarence Hollow." It has been under cultivation for a number of years, and its outlines can now be traced only by carefully observing the stronger vegetable growth upon the course of the ancient trench. Where fence lines crossed the wall, short sections of the embankment are yet visible. Fragments of pottery are scattered over the area. If any of the usual pits ever existed, they have been filled up by the operations of agriculture.

PLATE X. No. 3.

Ancient Work, Clarence Township, Erie County, New York. A MILE northward of the work last described, and occupy ing a position in no respect well adapted for defence, is the in- closure here presented. It is now much defaced ; the part, however, which has never been cultivated is very distinct, and one or two other short sections may yet with some difficulty be traced. Flint chippings, fragments of pottery, and a num ber of deep caches occur within the area. A large Indian cemetery is said to exist somewhere between this work and the one just noticed. However true this may be, about half a mile to the northwest on the land of a Mr. Fillmore, there is a large deposit of bones, a " bone pit," some fourteen feet square and four or five in depth, filled with crumbling human skele tons. The spot was marked by a very slight elevation of the earth a foot or two in height.

PLATE XI.

CLARENCE TP. Eft IE COUNTY N. X ^« S. W: of Clau-ence JTollotv

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ERIE COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC. 79

A couple of miles distant, still following the brow of the terrace, and not far back of the village of Clarence, was for merly another similar work now completely destroyed. Still a mile beyond is another (Plate XL, No. 1), which, although upon grounds which have been cleared, is yet perfect. It is situated upon a sandy, slightly elevated peninsula, which pro jects into a low tangled swamp. A narrow strip of dry ground connects it with the higher lands, which border the swamp on the south. It is small, containing less than an acre. The em bankment does not preserve uniform dimensions, but has per haps an average height of three feet. The ditch, too, is irregu lar, both in width and depth, owing probably in some degree to the rocky substratum, which in some places comes nearly or quite to the surface of the ground. The stumps of immense pine trees are standing within the work, as also upon its walls. Here, too, are to be found caches, fragments of pottery, etc. The position, for purposes of concealment and defence, is ad mirably chosen, and recalls to mind the famous stronghold of the Narragansetts in Rhode Island, destroyed in 1676 by the New England colonists under Winthrop and Church.

A short distance from this work, upon the brow of a neigh boring elevation, a number of human skeletons have been ex posed by the plough. They probably mark the site of an In dian cemetery. A mile to the eastward, upon a dry, sandy spot, is another of the " bone pits " already several times re ferred to, which is estimated, by those who excavated it origi nally, to have contained four hundred skeletons heaped promis cuously together. They were of individuals of every age and sex. In the same field are found a great variety of Indian relics, also brass cap and belt plates, and other remains of Eu ropean origin. Not far distant, some lime burners discovered, a year or two since, a skeleton surrounded by a quantity of rude ornaments. It had been placed in the cleft of the rock, the mouth of which was covered by a large flint stone

Passing onward in the same direction which we have been

80 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

pursuing, we come to the Batavia and Buffalo road, the great thoroughfare over which, previous to the construction of the railroad and canal, passed the entire western trade and travel. Here, at a point a few miles from Clarence, known as the " Vandewater Farm," are the traces of another work. A few sections alone remain, barely sufficient to indicate that it was of considerable size. The road passes through its centre.

PLATE XI. No. 2.

Ancient Work, Fisher's Falls, Newsted Township, Erie County, New York.

THE sole remaining work in this county which was person ally examined by the author is the one here presented. It is situated five miles eastward of the locality last noticed, at a place known as " Fisher's Falls," in the town of Newsted, upon the banks of a creek, at present barbarously designated " Mur der Creek." The creek here plunges down into a deep, nar row gorge with precipitous banks, which continues to the edge of the terrace a fourth of a mile distant. The relative position of the work, which is of large size, is correctly designated on the plan. It is now under cultivation, and is much reduced from its original elevation, but can be traced without difficulty throughout its extent. The older inhabitants affirm that the walls were originally five feet in height, and the ditch of cor responding proportions. Traces of the ancient caches are yet to be observed ; and without the inclosure is a rock, the sur face of which bears a number of artificial depressions hollowed out by the Indians — the rude mortars in which they pounded their corn.

This work occurs upon the old Indian trail, which extended from the Genesee River to Batavia, and thence to Buffalo and Niagara. A branch of this trail, after striking the limestone

CHATJTAUQUE COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC. 81

ledge at Tonawanda Creek, followed along its brow to Buffalo Creek. It diverged inwardly at the point under notice, so as to escape the impassable ravine already mentioned. Kirkland, missionary to the Senecas in 1787, passed along this trail on his way to Buffalo, and incidentally refers to a work which he encountered after crossing Tonawanda Creek, and which is probably the one here figured.

Besides the ancient remains here noticed, there are no doubt many others of which no information has yet been obtained. It is not probable, however, that they possess any novel fea tures, or differ materially in any respect from those already described. Some " bone pits," in addition to those already mentioned, occur in Clarence township, and will be noticed in another connection.

This county abounds in traces of recent Indian occupancy; in fact, the rude cabins of the aborigines have scarcely crumbled away, since they deserted their favorite haunts upon the banks of the Buffalo Creek and its tributaries. A small band are at bay upon the borders of the Tonawanda, sullenly defying the grasping cupidity of those who, Shylock-like, sustained by frau dulent contracts, are impatient to anticipate the certain doom which impends over this scanty remnant, and would deny them the poor boon of laying their bones beside those of their fathers.

CHAUTAUQUE COUNTY.

THIS county abounds in ancient monuments ; but no oppor tunity was afforded of examining them during the progress of the investigations here recorded. It is probable they are but a continuation of the series extending through Erie county, (which adjoins Chautauque on the northeast,) and it is not likely they present any new features.

82 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

One of the most remarkable occupies an eminence in Sheri dan township, four miles east of Fredonia, on the banks of Beaver Creek. It corresponds, in all respects, with the hill- works already described. Another of like character occurs in the southern part of the same township.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY. PLATE XII.

Ancient Work, Minden Township.

THE work here figured is, in many respects, the most remark able in the State. It is the only one known which is situated upon waters flowing into the Hudson River. Its nearest neigh bors upon the west are the ancient works in Onondaga county, a hundred miles distant. Between it and the Atlantic, we are not aware of the existence of a single monument of like cha racter.

It occurs upon the banks of the Otstungo Creek, a branch of the Otsquago — itself a tributary of the Mohawk, about four miles in a southwestern direction from Fort Plain, in the town of Minden. It is known in the vicinity by the name of " In dian Hill.'11 The position is admirably chosen, and is naturally by far the strongest and most defensible of any which fell un der the observation of the author in the entire course of his explorations in this State. It is a high point of land project ing into a bend of the creek, which upon one side has cut away the slate rock, so that it presents a mural front upwards of one hundred feet in height, and entirely inaccessible. Upon the opposite side is a ravine, within which flows a small stream. Here the slope, though not precipitous, is very abrupt ; and if

XII.

«ip

*OQ£*t*avc.I*iGJt.

B.G S

MONTGOMERY COUNTY EARTH-WORKS, ETC. 83

a line of palisades were carried along its brow, it would be en tirely inaccessible to a savage assailant. Across the narrow isthmus which connects this headland with the adjacent high grounds, is an embankment and ditch two hundred and forty feet in length, extending from the precipice upon the south to the brow of the ravine on the north, along which, curving in ward, it is carried for some distance, terminating at a gigantic pine six feet in diameter. It has been supposed by some that this tree has grown upon the embankment since it was erected ; but it seems most likely that it was the starting point of the ancient builders. The wall is not of uniform height, but at the most elevated point rises perhaps six feet above the bottom of the ditch. No gateway is apparent, but one may have ex isted where the " wood road " now crosses the entrenched line. The plan will afford an accurate idea of the position and its natural strength. The inclosed area is about seven hundred feet long by four hundred and fifty broad at its widest part, and contains very nearly six acres. It is densely covered with immense pines throwing over it a deep gloom, and, with the murmur of the stream at the foot of the precipice, impressing the solitary visitor with feelings of awe, which the professed antiquary might deem it a weakness to acknowledge.

Fragments of pottery and a variety of rude implements, as also copper kettles and other articles of European origin, have been found upon excavation within the inclosure and in its immediate vicinity. At c and d, skeletons -have been disclosed by the plough. They were well preserved, and had been bu ried, according to the Indian custom, in a sitting posture.

The valley of the Mohawk in this vicinity, it is well known, was the favorite seat of the tribe whose name it bears, and has been made classical ground by the stirring incidents of our early history. It was here the Indians maintained themselves until the period of the Revolution, and it seems probable that it was they who erected the work in question at an earlier or

84

ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

later date in their history.* It corresponds in position and character with the works of the other parts of the State, and is precisely such a structure as we might expect to find erected by a very rude people. It could not be ascertained that there are any traditions connected with it ; in fact, its existence is scarcely known beyond its immediate vicinity. The first inti mation concerning it was derived from 0. MORRIS, Esq., of the New York Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, to whom the author would convey his acknowledgments.

* In the London Documents preserved in the Office of the Secretary of State, is a paper containing the observations of Wentworth Green- halgh, who in 1677 made a journey from Albany among the Indians to the westward. The following notices of the towns of the Maquaes, or Mohawks, are interesting in this connection :

" The Maquaes have four towns, viz. : Cahainaga, Canagora, Canajorha, Tionondogue, besides one small village about 110 miles from Albany.

" Cahainaga is double stockaded round ; has four ports, about four feet wide apiece ; contains about twenty-four houses ; and is situate upon the edge of a hill, about a bow-shot from the river side.

" Canagora is only singly stockaded, has four ports like the other, contains about sixteen houses, and is situated upon a flat about a stone's throw from the water's edge.

" Canajorha is also singly stockaded, with like number of houses, and a similar situation only about two miles distant from the water.

" Tionondogue is doubly stockaded round, has four ports, four feet wide apiece, contains about thirty houses, and is situated on a hill about a bow-shot from the river." — Documentary History of New York, Vol. I., p. 11.

The Indian town of Canajoharie, or, as it was sometimes called, " Mid dle Mohawk Castle," says Mr. L. H. Morgan, in his valuable " Letters on the Iroquois," was situated at the junction of the creek referred to in the text, the Ot-squa-go, and the Mohawk. " It occupied a little eminence near the present site of Fort Plain, which the Indians called Car-rag-jo-res, The Hill of Health. The name of the village, in the Onei- da dialect, Can-a-jo-har-d-ld-ga, signified a kettle inverted on a pole"

XJH.

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PALOSAIH

OF THE SENECA S, HEAR GfMEVA , M.Y.

SCAL E .

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CHAPTER III.

PALISADED INCLOSURES.

BESIDES the earth-works which have already been described, and which furnish the principal objects of antiquarian interest in the State, occasional traces are found of defensive structures of a probably later date. These traces consist chiefly of a suc cession of small holes in the earth, caused by the decay of wooden palisades erected without the addition of an embankment and trench. These holes, which are never visible in cultivated grounds, enable us to follow the outlines and make out the forms of the structures which once existed where they are found. Some of these, as that of Ganundasaga near Geneva, are known to have been occupied within the historical period. And although it seems probable that the embankments of all the inclosures already described were originally crowned with palisades, still I have thought the difference between these and simple palisaded works sufficiently marked to constitute the basis of a classification. We may also premise what in the se quel will probably admit of no doubt in any mind, that these two classes of works are of different eras, though possessing a common origin.

PLATE XIII. No. 1.

" Ganundasaga Castk? near Geneva. Ontario County, New

York.

THE traces of this palisaded work are very distinct, and its outline may be followed with the greatest ease. Its preserva tion is entirely due to the circumstance that at the time of the cession of their lands at this point, the Senecas made it a spe-

86 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

cial condition that this spot should never be brought under cultivation. " Here." said they, " sleep our fathers, and they cannot rest well if they hear the plough of the white man above them." The stipulations made by the purchasers have been religiously observed.

The site of this ancient palisade slopes gently toward a little stream, called Ganundasaga Creek, which supplied the occu pants of the fort with water. The ground is covered with a close greensward, and some of the apple trees planted by the Indians are still flourishing. In form the work was nearly rectangular, having small bastions at the northwestern and southeastern angles. At a and b are small heaps of stone, bearing traces of exposure to fire, which are probably the re mains of forges or fireplaces. The holes formed by the decay of the pickets are now about a foot deep. A fragment of one of the pickets was removed by Mr. L. H. Morgan, of Rochester, in 1847, and is now in the State Cabinet at Albany. It is of oak.

A few paces to the northward of the old fort is a low mound with a broad base, and undoubtedly of artificial origin. It is now about six feet high, and is covered with depressions mark ing the graves of the dead. There is a tradition current among the Indians concerning this mound, to the effect that here in the olden time was slain a powerful giant, above whom the earth was afterward heaped. They believe that the bones of this giant may be found at the base. It would be interesting for a variety of reasons to have this mound excavated. By whatever people erected, it is certain that it was extensively used by the Senecas for purposes of burial.

In the cultivated fields surrounding the interesting works here described, numerous relics have been discovered — chiefly, however, of European origin.

This fort was destroyed by Sullivan in 1779. He burned the palisade, destroyed the crops in the adjoining fields, and cut down most of the fruit trees which the Indians had planted.

PALISADED INCLOSURES. 87

The name Ga-nun-da-sa-ga, given to this locality, Mr. Mor gan informs us, in his " Letters on the Iroquois," signified a new village, or the place of a new settlement, and was also the aboriginal name of the lake, and the creek upon which the In dian village was situated. Geneva was christened Ga-nun-da- sa-ga "by the Senecas, and was known among them by that name exclusively. Mr. Morgan also gives us the following interesting tradition connected with the mound above described.

" A Seneca of giant proportions having wandered west to the Mississippi, . and from thence east again to the sea-coast, about the period of the colonization of the country, received a gun from a vessel, together with some ammunition, and an explanation of its use. Having returned to the Senecas at Ga-nun-da-sa-ga, he exhibited to them the wonderful implement of destruction, the first they had ever seen, and taught them how to use it. Soon after, from some mysterious cause, he was found dead ; and this mound was raised over him on the place where he lay. It is averred by the Indians that if the mound should be opened, a skeleton of supernatural size would be found beneath it."

PLATE XIII. No. 2.

Palisaded Work of the Senecas. Seneca Township, Ontario County, New York.

THIS work is situated about four miles to the northwest of that last described, upon a high ridge of land extending north and south, and parallel to and not far distant from another on which is situated an ancient earth-work figured on Plate VII., No. I. A cross road from the " Castle Street Road " to the town of Vienna runs along the crown of the ridge, and longitu dinally through the work under notice. Upon the right of this road the ground has been cultivated, and here the outlines of

88 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

the work are obliterated. Traces of several caches which existed within the lines may however yet be seen. Upon the left, the forest still remains undisturbed ; and here the outlines of the inclosure are quite distinct, yet not sufficiently marked to arrest the attention of the passer. The indications are precisely the same as in the work at Ganundasaga. Fragments of pottery, pipes, and other relics exactly corresponding with those which are so frequent in the earth-works described in a previous chapter, are also found in abundance upon this site. The work does not appear to have had bastions, and is probably of more ancient date than the one just noticed.

PLATE XIII. No. 3.

Ancient Work of the Cayugas, Ledyard Township, Cayuga County, New York.

THIS work is found about twelve miles southwest of Auburn, in the town of Ledyard, Cayuga county. It forms a good il lustration of the character of the aboriginal defences. It is situated upon a high point of ground, formed by the junction of two immense ravines, which here sink some hundreds of feet below the table-lands. A narrow spur, hardly wide enough to permit two to walk abreast, extends down to the bottom of the ravines, starting from the extreme point of the headland. It is still called the " Indian Path," and affords a practicable de scent to the water. At every other point the banks are almost, if not entirely inaccessible. At some distance inward, extending from the bank of one ravine to the other, was originally a line of palisades. The holes left by their decay are still distinct, each about eight inches in diameter. The position is eminently a strong one, and, under the system of attack practiced by the Indians, must have been impregnable. Within the inclosure are to be found caches and other features common to the class

XJII.

PALISADED INCLOSURES. 89

of works previously described, and with which this work entirely coincides, except that the embankment is wanting.

So far as could be ascertained, there is no tradition current respecting this work. Still, as it is known that the principal towns of the Cayugas existed in this vicinity until a very late date, there can be no doubt that this was one of their places of last resort. Very many traces of their former occupancy occur here and along the eastern shores of Cayuga Lake.

PLATE XIV. No. 1.

Ancient Work of the Senecas, near Victor, Ontario County. New

York.

THE site occupied by the work here figured and the country adjacent, derives considerable interest from its historical asso ciations. Recent investigations have satisfactorily determined that the Marquis De Nonville penetrated here in his celebrated expedition against the Senecas, in 1687 ; and there is good reason to believe that the traces at present existing are those of the palisaded fort which was destroyed at that time. They occupy the summit of a high hill, so steep upon most sides as to be ascended only with the greatest difficulty. The line of the palisades can now be traced only at intervals ; but from the nature of the ground and the recollection of persons familiar with the site before it was disturbed by the plough, it was found easy to restore with accuracy the parts which have been oblit erated. The sole entrance which can now be made out is at the point marked by the letter a, where the palisades were carried for some distance inward, leaving an open rectangular space, which may have been occupied by a block -house or some thing equivalent. Nearly in front, and at the bottom of a deep and narrow ravine, a copious spring starts out from the hill ;

90 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

probably the one alluded to by De Nonville in his letter of the 25th of August, 1687.

"On the next day," says this commander, "the 14th of July, we marched to one of the large villages of the Senecas, where we encamped. We found it burned and a fort nearly quite abandoned ; it was very advantageously situated on a hill. * * * We remained at the four Seneca villages for ten days. All the time was spent in destroying the corn, which was in such great abundance that the loss, including the old corn which was in cache which we burnt, was computed at 400,000 minots (1,200.000 bushels) of Indian corn."

The large village alluded to here is no doubt the one which was situated on the eminence now known as "Boughton's Hill," where abundant traces of Indian occupancy at this period are found. These consist of copper kettles, French hatchets, bro ken gun-barrels, arrow-heads, pipes, pottery, burnt corn, etc. The iron recovered here at the time of the first settlement of the country, was sufficiently abundant to repay the cost of clearing the grounds. Indeed it was the source whence the early blacksmiths, for a long distance round, derived the iron for ordinary consumption ; and even now the smithies in the vicinity consume large quantities of the metal which the opera tions of agriculture continue to bring to light.

The remains upon Boughton's Hill are mentioned by Mr. Clinton as corresponding in all respects with those which he observed in Onondaga county, and to which he was disposed to ascribe a high antiquity. They may all be referred to the same period, and no doubt mark the sites of Onondaga and Seneca villages in the 17th century.*

* Having alluded to the expedition of De Nonville, it will not prove uninteresting to insert the following account of his attack on the Seneca towns, which we find in the " Rochester Democrat," translated from a MS. History of Canada, by M. L'Abbe de Belmont, discovered in the Royal Library of Paris, and printed, for private circulation, under the direction of the Historical Society of Quebec. For further information

PLATE XIV

PALISADED INCLOStlRES. 91

PLATE XIV. No. 2.

Ancient Work of the Senecas, Livonia Township, Livingston County, New York.

THE traces of another palisaded work, no doubt erected by the Senecas, but probably at a later period than that near Vic tor, may still be seen on the farm of Gen. Adams, in Livonia township, Livingston county, two miles northeast of the village of Livonia.

respecting this famous expedition, the reader is referred to the memoirs upon that subject by Mr. 0. H. Marshall, published by the Historical Society of New York.

After a long accoimt of the organization of the expedition, the Abbe de Belmont proceeds :

"Never had Canada seen, and never perhaps will it see, a similar spectacle : three barques anchored opposite a camp, composed of one fourth regular troops, with the General's suite ; one fourth habitans in four battalions, with the gentry of the country ; one fourth Christian Indians ; and, finally, a crowd of all the barbarous nations, naked, tattooed and painted over the body with all sorts of figures, wearing horns on their heads, queues down their backs, armed with arrows. We could hear during the night a multitude of languages, and songs and dances in every tongue. The Tsonnontouans (Senecas) came to reconnoitre us, and then went to burn their village and take to flight.

" We entered and pushed our batteaux into the water of the little lake of Atcniatarontague (Irondequoit) ; built a fort, and took our depar ture from it on the 12th of July, toward evening. M. de Callieres, Lt. General, led the advanced guard, composed of three hundred Christian Indians on the right, commanded by M. de Sainte Hilene. The pagan savages on the left with three companies — 100 Ottawas, 800 Poux, 100 Chaouanons or Illinois, and 50 Hurons commanded by the interpreters, Nicholas Perrot, Micheloque and Penan, with the runners and volun teers in the centre, making from eight to nine hundred men. At some distance after the advanced guard, came the main body of four battal ions of regulars and four of militia. M. the Marquis was at the head of the regular troops, and M. Dugue of the militia.

" The march was a little hurried; the wearied troops were dying of thirst ; the day was hot. The two bodies found themselves too distant

92 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

It occupied a beautiful, broad swell of land, not commanded by any adjacent heights. Upon the west side of the lines is a fine, copious spring ; for which the Indians had constructed a large basin of loose stones. The form and dimensions of the work are given in the accompanying plan. Upon a little ele vation to the left, as also in the forest to the northward, are

from each other. The scouts, too, were deceived ; for having come to the deserts (barrens or plains) of Gaensara, (Victor,) they found five or six women who were going round in the fields. This was a lure which the Iroquois held out to the French to make them believe that they were all in their village. In fact, this was the cause of the hasty march of the Marquis, who wished to surround the town before their leaving it. But the principal cause of all that happened was that Garistatsi and Gannagenroguen Agniers (Mohawks) stole from the barque in the night, and went to the Tsonnontouans and told them our number, our plan, and above all, that the savages carried on their heads red head-dresses.

" Thereupon all the warriors took off their breech-clothes in order to pass for the Ottawas, who do not wear them, and made them into head dresses, which was of service in enabling them to pass for our allies. Finally the women and old men, loaded with what they had of value, fled to Oniongouen (Cayuga). All the warriors, to the number of eight hundred, having burned their village, resolved to prepare an ambuscade.

" The territory of Gaensara is very hilly. The village is upon a high hill, which is mounted by three little hills or terraces ; at the foot is a valley, and opposite some other hills, between which passes a large brook overhung with woods, descending and rapid, Avhich in the valley makes a little marsh, covered with alders. This is the place which they selected for their ambuscade. They divided themselves, posted three hundred men along the falling brook between two hills, in a great thicket of beech trees, and 500 at the bottom of these hills in the marsh and among the alders, with the idea that the first ambuscade of three hundred men should let the army pass and then attack them in the rear, which would force it to fall into the second ambuscade which was con cealed at the bottom of the hills in the marsh. They deceived them selves, nevertheless ; for as the advanced guard which M. de Callieres cammanded was very distant from the body under the command of the Marquis, they believed that it was the entire army. Accordingly as the advanced guard passed near the thicket of beeches, after making a horrible whoop (sakaqua), they fired a volley.

"It is inevitably very disadvantageous to be taken by surprise and

PALISADED INCLOSURES. 93

extensive cemeteries. Many articles of comparatively late date are found in the graves. The area of the work was about ten acres.

Three miles to the eastward formerly existed the traces of a work represented to have been octangular in shape, and of considerable size. It has been wholly obliterated.

fall into an ambush. The Ottawas and the heathen Indians all fled ; they were at the left of the French advanced guard composed of the three companies of Du Luth, La Durantajre and Tonti, which they left exposed. The Christian Indians of the Mountain and the Sault, and the Abe- naquis held fast and gave two volleys.

" M. the Marquis advanced with the main body, composed of the Royal troops, to occupy the height of the hill where there was a little fort of pickets ; but the terror and disorder of the surprise were such that there was only M. de Valrenne who distinguished himself there, and M. Dugue, who, bringing up the rear-guard, rallied the battalion of Berthier which was in flight, and being at the head of that of Montreal, fired two hundred shots. M. the Marquis en chemise, sword in hand, drew up the main body in battle order and beat the drums at a time that scarcely any one was to be seen. This frightened the three hun dred Tsonnontouans of the ambuscade, who fled from above toward the 500 who were ambushed below. The fear that all the world was upon them, made them fly with so much precipitation that they left their blankets in a heap and nothing more was seen of them.

" A council was held ; it was resolved, as it was late, to sleep on the field of battle for fear of another surprise. On going into the place of the ambuscade, 14 Iroquois were found dead or dying. Their heads were cut off and brought into camp. One of those still alive said that there were 800 of them — 300 above and 500 below — and that the Onion- gouens (Cayugas) were to come the next day, which was the reason that they stayed where they were. There were found at several places, during the succeeding days, provisions and some other dead savages — or if not dead our men killed them.

"For our loss. Father Angelran, a celebrated Missionary to the Ottawas, was shot through the thighs ; among the French, Nantara, Filliatro and others were killed.

" Among our savages, were slain Tegaretouan Le Soleil, of the mountain, a brave Christian in every respect ; Oyernatariben, La Cen- dre Chaud (Hot Ashes), of the Sault. Ooniagon, Le Ciel des Tionnonta- tes, Huron. Three wounded savages and many Frenchmen, who suffered

94 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

In Queen's county there were, some years ago, traces of abo riginal works, which seem to have differed very slightly from a portion of those just noticed. They are thus described by Judge Samuel Jones, in a notice of the local history of Oyster Bay, written in 1812:

" When this part of Long Island was first settled by the Europeans, they found two fortifications in the neighborhood of Oyster Bay, upon a neck of land ever since called, from that circumstance, ' Fort Neck.' One of them, the remains of which are very conspicuous, is on the southernmost point of land on the neck adjoining the Salt Meadow. It is nearly, if not exactly, a square ; each side of which is about one hundred feet in length. The breastwork or parapet is of earth ; and there is a ditch on the outside, which appears to have been about six feet wide. The other was on the southernmost point

a great deal, were brought in, borne upon litters by our men, who relieved each other several times each day.

" On the morrow we marched in battle order, watching for an attack. We descended the hill by a little sloping valley or gorge, through which ran a brook bordered with thick bushes, and which discharges itself at the foot of the hill in a marsh full of deep mud, but planted with alders so thick that one could scarcely see. There it was that they had stationed their two ambuscades, and where perhaps we would have been defeated, if they had not mistaken our advanced guard for the whole army, and been so hasty in firing. The Marquis acted very prudently in not pur suing them, for it \vas a trick of the Iroquois to draw us into a greater ambuscade. The marsh, which is about twenty acres (arpens) in extent, being passed, we found about two or three hundred wretched blankets, several miserable guns, and began to perceive the famous Babylon of the Tsonnontouans, a city or village of bark, situate at the top of a mountain of earth, to which one rises by three terraces (hills). It appeared to us, from a distance, to be crowned with round towers, but these were only large chests (drums) of bark about four feet in length, set the one in the other, some five feet in diameter, in which they keep their Indian corn. The village had been burnt by themselves ; it was now eight days since. We found nothing entire in the town except the town cemetery and the graves. It was filled with snakes and animals, a great mask with teeth and eyes of brass, and a bear-skin with which they

PALISADED INCLOSURES. 95

of the Salt Meadow, adjoining the bay, and consisted of pali sades set in the ground. The tide has worn away the meadow where the fort stood, and the place is now part of the bay and covered with water ; but my father has often told me that within his memory part of the palisades were still standing. In the bay, between the Salt Meadow and the beach, are two islands of marsh, called Squaw Islands ; and the uniform tra dition among the Indians is, that the forts were erected by their ancestors for defence against their enemies, and that upon the approach of a foe, they sent their women and children to these islands, which were in consequence called Squaw Isl ands."*

Examples of this class of aboriginal remains might be greatly multiplied. Those, however, which have already been pre sented, will serve sufficiently to illustrate their character. In

juggle in their cabins. There were in the four corners great boxes of grain which they had not burnt. Thejr had, outside this post, their Indian corn in a picket fort at the top of a little mountain, steep (or cut down, scarped) on all sides, where it was knee high, throughout the fort.

" The Tsonnontouans have four large villages, which they change every ten years, in order to bring themselves near the woods and to permit them to grow up again. They call them Gaensara, Tohaiton, which are the two larger, Onnontague, Onnenaba, which are smaller. In the last dwells Ganonketahoui, the principal chief. We cut the standing grain, already ripe enough to eat, and burned the old. It was estimated that we burnt one hundred thousand minots of old grain, and a hundred and fifty thousand minots of that standing in the field, besides the beans, and the hogs that we killed. Sixty persons died of wounds received in the battle, and a multitude perished of want; many fled beyond the great mountains of Onnontague, which separate them from Virginia, and went to dwell in the country of the Adastoez ; the greater part of the captives dispersed, and since that time the Tsonnontouanne nation, which counted ten thousand souls in all, has been reduced to half that number. From here, against the expectations of the Indians, who believed that we were going to Cayuga, Onondaga and the other Iroquois cantons, we went to establish a fort at Niagara, where we arrived after three days' journey."

* Coll. N. Y. Hist. Soc., Vol. III., p. 338.

96 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

all are found relics corresponding in every particular with those discovered within the walls of the earth-works described in the preceding chapter, but usually with the addition of articles of later date and known European origin. This circumstance is not without its importance in estimating the probable depend ence between the two classes of remains.

CHAPTER IV.

MOUNDS, BONE-HEAPS, ETC.

VARIOUS references to mounds or tumuli, resembling those found in the Valley of the Mississippi, have been made in the preceding pages. These mounds are far from numerous, and hardly deserve a separate notice. It is, nevertheless, an inter esting fact to know that isolated examples occur, in situations where it is clear no dependence exists between them and the grand system of earth-works of the Western States. It serves to sustain the conclusion that the savage Indian tribes occa sionally constructed mounds ; which are, however, rather to be considered as accidents than the results of a general practice. The purposes of the mounds of New York, so far as can be de termined, seem uniformly to have been those of sepulture. They generally occur upon commanding or remarkable posi tions. Most of them have been excavated, under the impulse of an idle curiosity, or have had their contents scattered by " money-diggers," a ghostly race, of which, singularly enough, even at this day, representatives may be found in almost every village. I was fortunate enough to discover one upon Tona- wanda Island, in Niagara River, which had escaped their mid night attentions. It was originally about fifteen feet in height. At the base appeared to have been a circle of stones, perhaps ten feet in diameter, within which were several small heaps of bones, each comprising three or four skeletons. The bones are of individuals of all ages, and had evidently been deposited after the removal of the flesh. Traces of fire were to be dis covered upon the stones. Some chippings of flint and broken arrow-points, as also some fragments of deer's horns, which ap- 5

98 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

peared to have been worked into form, were found among the bones. The skulls had been crushed by the superincumbent earth.

The mounds which formerly existed in Erie, Genesee, Mon roe, Livingston, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Chenango, and Dela ware counties, all appear to have contained human bones, in greater or less quantities, deposited promiscuously, and em bracing the skeletons of individuals of all ages and both sexes. They, probably, all owe their origin to a practice common to many of the North American tribes, of collecting together, at fixed intervals, the bones of their dead, and finally depositing them with many and solemn ceremonies. They were some times heaped together so as to constitute mounds ; at others, placed in pits or trenches dug in the earth ; and it is probable they were in some instances buried in separate graves, placed in long ranges, or deposited in caverns, either promiscuously or with regularity.

The period when this second burial took place occurred at different intervals among the different tribes, but was univer sally denominated the " Festival of the Dead." Bartram. speaking of the burial customs of the Floridian Indians, says : " After the bone-house is full, a general solemn funeral takes place. The nearest kindred and friends of the deceased, on a day appointed, repair to the bone-house, take up the respective coffins, and, following one another in the order of seniority, the nearest relations and connections attending their respective corpses, and the multitude succeeding them, singing and la menting alternately, slowly proceed to the place of general interment, when they place the coffins in order, forming a pyra mid. Lastly, they cover all over with earth, which raises a conical hill or mount. They then return to town in order of solemn procession, concluding the day with a festival, which is called the ' Feast of the Dead.' "* The author here quoted

* Travels, p. 514.

MOUNDS, BONE-HEAPS, ETC. 99

adds, in a note, that it was the opinion of some ingenious men with whom he had conversed, " that all those artificial pyra midal hills, usually called ' Indian Mounts,' were raised on such occasions, and are generally sepulchres ;" from which opinion he takes occasion to dissent. There is no doubt a wide difference between the mounds thus formed and the great bulk of those connected with the vast ancient inclosures of the Western States.

The large cemeteries which have been discovered in Ten nessee, Kentucky, Missouri, and Ohio, seem to have resulted from a similar practice. In these the skeletons were generally packed in rude coffins composed of flat stones, placed in ranges of great extent. The circumstance that many of these coffins were not more than two or three feet in length, gave rise to the notion of the former existence here of a pigmy race. The discovery of iron and some articles of European origin in one of these cemeteries, in the vicinity of Augusta, Kentucky, shows that this mode of burial existed at a late period among the Indians in that direction.

The "bone pits" which occur in some parts of Western New York, Canada, Michigan, etc., have unquestionably a cor responding origin. Several of these have been described in a previous chapter. They are of various sizes, but usually con tain a large number of skeletons. In a few instances the bones appear to have been arranged with some degree of regularity.

One of these pits discovered some years ago, in the town of Cambria, Niagara county, was estimated to contain the bones of several thousand individuals.* Another which I visited in

* This locality was visited and examined by Mr. 0. Turner, of Buffalo, in 1823. The account of this gentleman is published in his history of the " Holland Purchase," p. 27, and is as follows :

" The location commands a view of Lake Ontario and the surrounding country. An area of six acres of level land seems to have been occu pied ; fronting which, upon the circular verge of the mountain, were the distinct remains of a wall. Nearly in the centre of the area was a de-

100

ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

the town of Clarence. Erie county, contained not less than four hundred skeletons. A deposit of bones comprising a large number of skeletons was found, not long since, in making some excavations in the town of Black Rock, situated on Niagara River, in Erie county. They were arranged in a circle, with their heads radiating from a large copper kettle, which had been placed in the centre, and filled with bones. Various im plements both of modern and remote date had been placed beside the skeletons.

In Canada similar deposits are frequent. Accounts of their discovery and character have appeared in various English pub lications, among which may be named the " British Colonial Newspaper," of September 24th, 1847, and the "Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal," for July, 1848. From a commu nication in the latter, by Edward "W. Bawtree, M.D., the sub joined interesting facts are derived.

A quantity of human bones was found in one spot, in 1846, near Barrie, and also a pit containing human bones near St. Vincent's. Great numbers were found in the latter, with several copper and brass kettles, and various trinkets and ornaments in common use among the Indians. This discovery led to the examination of a similar pit, about seven miles from Penetan- queshene, in the township of Giny. " This pit was accident ally noticed by a Canadian while making sugar in the neigh borhood. He was struck by its appearance and the peculiar

pository of the dead. It was a pit excavated to the depth of four or five feet, filled with human bones, over which were piles of sandstone. Hundreds seem to have been thrown in promiscuously, of both sexes and all ages. Numerous barbs or arrow-points were found among the bones and in the vicinity. It has been conjectured that this had been the scene of some sanguinary battle, and that these are the bones of the slain. A tree, standing directly over the spot, had been cut down, upon the stump of which could be counted 230 concentric circles of growth. Rude fragments of pottery, pieces of copper, and iron instruments of rude workmanship, had been ploughed up within the area ; also charred wood, corn, and cobs."

MOUNDS, BONE-HEAPS, ETC. 101

sound produced at the bottom by stamping there ; and, in turn ing up earth to a little depth, was surprised to find a quan tity of human bones. It was more accurately examined in September. 1847, and found to contain, besides a great number of human skeletons, of both sexes and all ages, twenty-six cop per and brass kettles and boilers ; three large conch-shejls ; pieces of beaver-skin in tolerable preservation ; a fragment of a pipe ; a large iron ax, evidently of French manufacture ; some human hair (that of a woman) ; a copper bracelet ; and a quantity of flat auricular beads, perforated through the centre.

" The form of the pit is circular, with an elevated margin ; it is about fifteen feet in diameter, and before it was opened was probably nine feet deep from the level of its margin to its centre and bottom ; it was, in one word, funnel-shaped. It is situated on the top of a gentle rise, with a shallow ravine on the east side, through which, at certain seasons, runs a small stream. The soil is light, free from stones, and dry. A small iron-wood tree, about two inches in diameter, is growing in the centre of the pit.

" The kettles in the pit were found ranged at the bottom, resting on pieces of bark, and filled with bones. They had evidently been covered with beaver-skins. The shells and the ax were found in the intervals be tween the kettles. The beads were in the kettles among the bones, gen erally in bunches or strings.

" The kettles, of which Fig. 9 is an example, resemble those in use at the present day, and appear to be formed of sheet copper, the rim be- FIG. 9.

ing beaten out so as to cover an iron band which passes around the mouth of the vessel. The iron handle, by which they were suspended, hooks into eyes attached to the band above men tioned. The smallest holds about six gallons ; the largest, not far from sixteen gallons. The copper is generally very well

102

ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

preserved ; the iron, however, is much corroded. Two of the kettles were of brass.

FIG. 10.

" The largest of the conch-shells, Fig. 10, weighs three pounds and a quarter, and measures fourteen inches in its longest dia meter. Its outer surface has lost its polish, and is quite honey combed by age and decomposition ; the inside still retains its smooth, lamellated surface. It has lost its color, and appears like chalk. A piece had been cut from its base, probably for making the beads that were found in it.* From the base of the columella of the smallest shell a piece had been cut, evidently for the purpose of manufacturing beads. The extreme point of the base of each shell had a perforation through it.

"The ax, Fig. 11, is of nearly the same model with the tomahawk now in use among the Chippeway Indians, though very much larger, measuring eleven inches in length and six inches and a half along its cutting edge. Numbers of these have been found in the neighborhood on newly cleared land.

" The pipe is imperfect. It is made of

* Dr. Bern W. Budd, of New York, states that this shell, the pyrula perversa, abounds in the Gulf of Mexico and particularly in Mobile Bay. It has also been found by the officers of the U. S. Coast Survey as far north as Cape Fear, in North Carolina.

MOUNDS, BONE-HEAPS. ETC. 103

the earthenware of which so many specimens are found in the neighborhood, in the form of vessels and pipes. The spots where the manufacture of these articles was carried on are still to be seen in some places.

" The beads are formed of a white, chalky substance, varying in degree of density and hardness ; they are accurately circular, with a circular perforation in the centre ; of different sizes, from a quarter to half an inch, or rather more, in diameter ; but nearly all of the same thickness, not quite the eighth of an inch. They may be compared to a peppermint lozenge with a hole through the centre. They were found in bunches or strings, and a good many were still closely strung on a fibrous, woody substance. The bracelet is a simple band of copper, an inch and a half broad, closely fitting the wrist. The hair is long, evidently that of a woman, and quite fresh in appearance.

" Another pit, about two miles from that just noticed, was also examined in September. It is considerably smaller, being not more than nine feet in diameter, by about the same original depth. It is situated on rising ground, in a light, sandy soil, and there is nothing remarkable in its position. A beech tree, six inches thick, grew from its centre. It contained about as many skeletons as the other pit, but had no kettles in it. The bones were of individuals of both sexes, and of all ages. Among them were a few foetal bones. Many of the skulls bore marks of violence, leading to the belief that they were broken before burial. One was pierced by a round hole, like that produced by a musket -ball. A single piece of a brass vessel was found in the pit ; it had been packed in furs. A large number of shell beads, of various sizes, were also ^ found here. Besides these, there were some cylindrical pieces of earthenware and porcelain or glass tubes, from an inch to a quarter of an inch in diameter, and from a quarter to two inches long.* The former had the

* These were clearly the European imitations of the much-prized Indian wampum.

104

ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

appearance of red and white tobacco-pipes, worn away by fric tion, the latter of red and white glass. A hexagonal body, with flat ends, about an inch and a half in diameter, and an inch thick, was also found. It was composed of some kind of porce lain, of hard texture, nearly vitreous, and much variegated in color, with alternate layers of red, blue, and white. It was perforated through the centre.

" The third of these pits was examined in November, 1847. It is situated in the township of Oro, on elevated ground. The soil is a light, sandy loam. It measures about fifteen feet in diameter, has the distinctly defined elevated ring, but the centre less depressed than in those before examined, which may have resulted from the greater bulk of its contents. On its margin grew formerly a large pine, the roots of which had penetrated through the pit in every direction. The bones, which were of all sizes, were scarcely covered with earth. The skeletons amounted to several hundreds in number, and were well pre served. On some, pieces of tendon still remained, and the joints of the small bones in some cases were unseparated. Some of the skulls bore marks of violence.

" As in the first noticed pit, so in this, were found twenty-six kettles — four of brass and the rest of copper — one conch-shell, one iron ax, and a number of the flat perforated shell beads. The kettles were arranged in the form of a cross through the centre of the pit, and in a row around the circumference. The points of this cross seem to have corresponded with the cardinal points of the compass. All except two of the kettles were placed with their mouths downward. The shell was found un der one of the kettles, which had been packed with beaver-skins and bark. The kettles were very well preserved, but had all been rendered useless by blows from a tomahawk. The holes were broken in the bases of the vessels. Should any doubt exist as to the purposes of these pits, the fact that the kettles were thus rendered unserviceable would tend to increase that

MOUNDS, BONE-HEAPS, ETC. 105

doubt, as it appears to have been a proceeding so very contrary to the habits and ideas of the Indians in general.*

"A pipe was found in this pit, described as having been composed of blue limestone or hard clay. On one side it had a human face, the eyes of which were formed of white pearly beads. An iron ax and sundry beads were also found here.

" A fourth pit was opened in December, 1 847. It is situated on a gentle slope, in the second concession west of the Pene- tanqueshene road, in the township of Giny. In size it corre sponds very nearly with the two first described, and probably contained about the same number of skeletons. In it were found sixteen conch-shells ; a stone and clay pipe ; a number of copper bracelets and ear ornaments ; eleven beads of red pipe-stone ; copper arrow-heads ; a cup of iron resembling an old iron ladle ; beads of several kinds, and various fragments of furs. The shells were arranged around the bottom of the pit, not in a regular row, but in threes and fours ; the other articles were found mixed with the bones. The bones were of all sizes, and the skulls unin jured except by time. The accompanying sketch (Fig. 12) will sufficiently indicate the character of the pipes. The arrow-heads, as they are sup posed to have been, were simple folds of sheet copper, resembling a roughly-formed ferule to a FlG- 12>

walking-stick. Besides the flat circular beads, which were found in great numbers, were a few cylindrical porcelain bead's, etc. The red stone beads were five eighths of an inch broad,

* Dr. Bawtree is mistaken in supposing this practice uncommon. The Oregon Indians invariably render useless every article deposited with their dead, so as to remove any temptation to a desecration of the grave which might otherwise exist. A similar practice prevailed among the Floridian Indians.

5*

106 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

and three eighths thick, with small holes at one end, uniting with each other.

" There is reason to believe that the above constitute but a very small proportion of the pits that may be found in this neighborhood. The French Canadians, now that their attention has been directed to the subject, say that they are of frequent occurrence in the woods. But besides these larger and more evident excavations, smaller ones of the same shape and appa rent character are often met with. They are usually called 1 potato pits.' So far as they have been examined, they do not contain deposits. Some appear to have been covered with bark at the bottom. One was examined in which were found some pieces of pottery and one or two human bones, mixed with stones and black mould ; which seemed to strengthen the supposition previously formed, that they were Indian graves from which the bones had been removed for interment in the large pits.

" A fifth pit has also been examined. It occurs about eight miles from Penetanqueshene, near the centre of the town of Giny. Close by its side is another pit, which is not circular but elongated, with a mound on each side. At the brow of the hill, if it may be so called, and commencing about twenty yards from the pits, there is the appearance of a long ditch extending in a southwestern direction ; another ditch about half the length of this meets it at right angles on the top of the rising ground, and is continued a few yards beyond the point of junction ; a third ditch intersects the short one, as shown in the following plan.

'• The two first ditches form two sides of a parallelogram ; but there is no sign of an inclosure at the other sides, where the ground is low and nearly level. The long ditch is seventy- five paces in length, the other half that length. The first ter minates at a moderate-sized gum tree, the latter at the foot of a large birch. These ditches appear to be a succession of small pits or graves, and have an average depth of from one to two feet. Excavation disclosed no bones. Upon the north side of

MOUNDS, BONE-HEAPS, ETC.

107

the shorter and upper ditch, several Indian graves were found, not placed in any order, but scattered around at various dis-

FIG. 13.

tances apart. Three of these were examined and found to contain human bones. In one was an entire skeleton. No implements or ornaments accompanied the bones

" The bones in the large pits were covered with three or four feet of earth, which is more than is usually found over them, and the marginal ring was in consequence less apparent. It contained very few relics besides the bones, which, from their

108 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

decayed condition, seemed to indicate that burials here were made at a very remote period."

In Isle Ronde, situated near the extremity of Lake Huron, is a burial-place of the aborigines corresponding generally with those just described. It was visited in 1843 by Mr. School- craft, who states that the human remains appeared to have been gathered from their original place of sepulture and finally de posited here. The bones were all arranged longitudinally, from north to south, in a wide grave or trench. There is upon the same island an Indian cemetery of comparatively modern date, in which the interments were made in the ordinary way. Another similar burial-place was visited by Mr. Schoolcraft, in the town of Hamilton, seventeen miles west of the head of Lake Ontario. The burials had been made on a high, dry ridge, in long trenches and rude vaults ; the bones being piled upon each other longitudinally, as at Isle Ronde. The trenches extend over the entire ridge ; and one of these examined by Mr. Schoolcraft was estimated to include not less than fifteen hundred square feet. Various remains of art. pipes, shells, beads, etc., were found with the bones, and among them sev eral brass kettles, in one of which were five infant skulls.

The origin of the various cemeteries above noticed admits of no doubt. The same practice which Bartram described as existing among the Floridians, and which we have reason to believe prevailed among the Indians of Tennessee, Kentucky, etc., also existed in a slightly modified form among the more northern tribes. They, too, had their solemn " Festival of the Dead," which is minutely described by Charlevoix, Brabeuf, Creuxius, and other early writers. Says Charlevoix : " This grand ceremony, the most curious and celebrated of all con nected with the Indian religion, took place every eight years among some of the tribes, every ten years among the Hurons and the Iroquois. It was called the ' Fete des Morts] Festival of the Dead, or i Feslin des Ames.1

" It commenced by the appointment of a place where they

MOUNDS, BONE-HEAPS, ETC, 109

should meet. They then chose a president of the feast, whose duty it was to arrange everything and send invitations to the neighboring villages. The appointed day arrived, all the In dians assembled and went in procession, two and two, to the cemetery. Among some tribes of stationary habits, the ceme tery was a regular burial-ground outside the village. Some buried their dead at the foot of a tree, and others suspended them on scaffolds to dry ; this last was a common proceeding among them when absent from home on a hunting expedition, so that on their return they might more conveniently carry the body with them.

" Arrived at the cemetery, they proceeded to search for the bodies ; they then waited for some time to consider in silence a spectacle so capable of furnishing serious reflections. The women first interrupted the silence by cries of lamentation, which increased the feeling of grief with which each person seemed overcome. They then used to take the bodies, arrange the separate and dry bones, and place them in packets to carry on their shoulders. If any of the bodies were not entirely de composed, they separated the flesh, washed the bones, and wrapped them in new beaver-skins. They then returned in the same procession in which they came, and each deposited his burden in his cabin. During the procession the women continued their lamentations, and the men testified the same marks of grief as on the death of the person whose bones they bore. This was followed by a feast in each house, in honor of the dead of the family. The succeeding days were considered as public days, and were spent in dancing, games, and combats, at which prizes were bestowed. From time to time they ut tered certain cries, which were called ' les cris des aims?

u They made presents to strangers, and received presents from them on behalf of the dead. These strangers sometimes came a hundred and fifty leagues. They also took advantage of these occasions to treat on public affairs or select a chief. Everything passed with order, decency and moderation ; and

110 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

every one seemed overcome with sentiments suitable to the oc casion. Even the songs and dances expressed grief in some way. After some days thus spent, all went in procession to a grand council-room fitted for the occasion. They then suspended the bones and bodies in the same state as they had taken them from the cemetery, and placed there the presents intended for the dead. If among the skeletons there happened to be one of a chief, his successor gave a grand feast in his name. In some cases the bodies were paraded from village to village, and everywhere received with great demonstrations of grief and tenderness, and everywhere presents were made to them. They then took them to the spot designated as their final rest ing-place. All their ceremonies were accompanied with music, both instrumental and vocal, to which each marched in cadence.

" The last and common place of burial was a large pit, which was lined with the finest skins and anything which they con sidered valuable. The presents destined for the dead were placed on one side ; and when the procession arrived, each family arranged itself on a sort of scaffold around the pit ; and as soon as the bodies were deposited, the women began again to cry and lament. Then all the assistants descended into the pit, and each person took a handful of earth, which he carefully preserved, supposing it would serve to give them success in their undertakings. The bodies and bones were arranged in order, and covered with furs and bark, over which were placed stones, wood and earth. Each person then returned to his home, but the women used to go back from day to day with some sagamatie (pounded parched corn)."*

We have, in the quotation from Bartram on page 98, the evi dence, (not the most conclusive, it is true,) that some of the mounds of the South were general cemeteries, and not of a very high antiquity.

* Charlevoix, Vol. II., p. 194, ubi supra ; Creuxii Historia Canaden- sis, p. 97.

MOUNDS, BONE-HEAPS, ETC. Ill

In a letter dated Mt. Sylvan, Mississippi, August, 1847, Mr. R. Morris presents the following facts respecting the mounds of that region. « A mound which I opened last summer, twelve miles southeast from this place, had in it not less than fifty full skeletons, all pretty near the surface. They were packed with out order, with layers of pounded clay between them. Those nearest the top were black and quite fresh, but lower down they were greatly decayed. No relics accompanied them, al though in the graves where the later races buried their dead, are found many ornaments, utensils and weapons.

" A few miles from Panola, there is a mound quite full of human bones. Hundreds may be thrown out with a sharpened cane. Another mound, about twelve miles north of the place just named, was opened a year or two since. In the centre was found a structure like a cistern, nearly round, four feet across, and filled with soil. This being removed, an earthen vessel of singular form and material was taken out."

Mounds designed as general cemeteries, if indeed there be any in the Western States, are certainly few in number, and of modern date. One, containing many skeletons, disposed in layers, formerly existed in Belmont county, Ohio. Whether it was secondarily appropriated by the Indians or built by them, it is not presumed to say ; the remains found in it were indu bitably of the recent tribes and of late deposit.

The tumulus examined by Mr. Jefferson on the low grounds of the Ravenna River, and described in his " Notes on Virgi nia," is attributed by him to the recent tribes of Indians, by whom it was probably built. The stream on which it occurs is one of the lower branches of the James River, which empties into the Atlantic. We have no satisfactory evidence that the race of the mounds passed over the Alleghanies, though they seem to have turned the flank of that range a little upon the north and on the south. The existence of a few tumuli to the east of these mountains, unless in connection with other and extensive works, such as seem to have marked every step of the

112 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

progress of that race, is .therefore of little importance, and not at all conclusive upon this point ; especially as it will hardly be denied that the existing races of Indians did and still do occa sionally construct mounds of small size. This mound was esti mated by Mr. Jefferson to contain the remains of a thousand individuals, a portion of which, particularly toward the surface, were placed without order, while the remainder seemed to have been deposited with a certain degree of regularity. This is certainly a very large estimate of the contents of a barrow but forty feet base by seven feet in height. It will not be out of place to remark here, that by the unpracticed observer, the bones of a hundred skeletons placed together would probably be mistaken for those of several hundred or a thousand.

We have, it is true, but very few accounts of the construction of mounds by the existing tribes of Indians. Lewis and Clark noticed, in their travels west of the Mississippi river, a spot " where one of the great chiefs of the Mahas had been interred. He was buried on a hill, and a mound twelve feet in diameter and six feet in height erected over him."* Beck mentions a large mound on the Osage river, which had been erected within the last thirty or forty years, by the 0 sages, in honor of one of their dead chiefs, f Mention is made in the documents

* Exp., vol. I., p. 43. " Blackbird (Wash-ing-gah-sahba), chief of the Omahaws, or Mahas, died in 1800, and was interred in a sitting posture on the back of his favorite horse, upon the summit of a high bluff of the Missouri, ' that he might see the white people ascend the river to trade with his nation.' A mound was raised over him, on which food was regularly placed for many years after ; but this has been discontin ued, and the flag-staff which crowned it has been removed." — James Exp., vol. I., p. 204.

t Gaz. of Mo., p. 308; James' Exp., vol. II., p. 34. This is probably the same mound referred to by Mr. Sibley, who derived his information from a chief of the Osages. " He stated that the mound was built, when he was a boy, over the body of a chief, called Jean Defoe by the French, who unexpectedly died while his warriors were absent on a hunting expedition. Upon their return they heaped a mound over his remains, enlarging it at intervals for a long period, until it reached its present height." — Featherstonhaugh' 's Trav., p. 70.

MOUNDS, BONE-HEAPS, ETC. 113

accompanying the President's message for 1806, of a "mound of considerable size," erected by the Natchez Indians, near Nachitoches, when they were expelled from Louisiana in 1728. They are also said to have fortified themselves near this place. Mr. Catlin observed a conical mound, ten feet in height, at the celebrated pipe-stone quarries of the Cotcau des Prairies, which had been erected over the body of a young chief of the Sioux tribe, who had been accidentally killed on the spot.* James also presents, upon what he deems good authority, an account of the discovery by a hunting party, in 1816, on the banks of the Le Mine river in Missouri, of a newly-made mound ; which, when opened, disclosed the body of a white officer, clothed in regimentals, placed in a sitting posture on a mat, and surrounded by a rude inclosure of logs, twelve feet long, three wide and four high. He had evidently met a violent death, and had been scalped. f To what nation he belonged, and by whom the mound was erected, is unknown. The Mandans sometimes constructed little mounds of earth, not however for burial. They were connected, in some mysterious way, with their cere monies for the dead. " Their dead," says Catlin, " are placed, closely enveloped in skins, upon scaffoldings, above the reach of wild animals. When the scaffolds decay and fall to the ground, the nearest relatives bury the bones excepting the skull. The skulls are arranged in circles of a hundred or more, on the prairies, with their faces all looking to the centre. In the centre of each ring is erected a little mound, three feet high, on which are placed two buffalo skulls, a male and female, and in the centre is reared a medicine pole, supporting many curious articles of mystery and superstition, which they suppose to have the power of guarding and protecting this sacred arrangement. Here the relatives of the dead resort to hold converse with them, bringing a dish of food, which is set before

*. N. A. Indians, vol. II. p. 170. f Narrative, vol. I., p. 84.

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ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK.

the skull at night, and taken away in the morning. Under each skull is constantly kept a bunch of fresh wild sage."*

The Indians, it is well known, often heaped a pile of stones over the graves of such of their tribe as met their death by accident, or in the manner of whose death there was something sufficiently peculiar to excite their superstition. Such was the case, in one instance, in Scoharie county, on the Cherry Val ley trail. But the construction of mounds, whether for pur poses of burial or as monuments, except, perhaps, among some of the Southern tribes, was far from common, and cannot be regarded as a custom of general acceptance. The few which they built were clearly, in most instances, the result of caprice, or of circumstances ; and we are not justified