Elizabeth-Town gazette. [volume] (Elizabeth-Town, N.J.) 1818-1821, 1819-09-07
From Poulson's Daily Advertiser.
Indian dccossnt Of The first arrival of the
Dutch at Men, York Island.


Indian dccoasnt Of The first arrival Of the
Dutch at Mem York Island.
From Heckewelder's Historical Account Of the
Indians, lately published in this city.
The Lenai Lenape claim the hoaor Of
having received and welcomed the Eu-
ropeans on their first arrival 10 the coun-
try, situated between New England and
Virginia. 1t is probable, however, that
the Mahicani, or Mohicans, who then in
habited The banks of the Hudson, concur
red in the hospitable act. The relation
am going to make was iaken dawn many
years since from the mouth of an inteiii-
gent Delaware Indian, and may be con
sidered as correct account of the ira
dilion existing among them of this mo-
ne tous event. give it as much as
possible, in their own language.
A great many years ago, when men
with white skin bad never yetbeen seen
in this land, some Indians who were ont
fishing at place where the sea wideas,
espied at great distance, something re-
markedly large, floating 90 the water,
and such as they had never seen before.
These Indians Immediately returned to
the shore, apprised their couutrymen of
what they had observed, and pressed them
to go out with them and discover what It
might be. They hurried out together,
and saw with establishment the phenome
non which now appeared to their sight,
but could not agree upon what it was
some believed ii to be an uncommonly
large fish or animal, willie others were Of
opinion il must be very big house, float
ing on the sea. AT length the spectators
concluded that this wonderful object was
moving towards the land. and that it must
life in it ii would therefore be proper to
inform all the Indians on the inhabited
islands, of what they had seen. and put
them on their guard. Accordingly they
sent off number OF runners and water
men, to carry the news to their scattered
chiefs, that they might send off 10 every
direction for the warriors, with message
that they should come on Immediately.
These arriving in numbers, and having
themselves viewed the strange appearance,
and observing that it was actually moving
towards the entrance OF the river oi uay ,
concluded it TO be remarkably large
house, ia which the ManAittoo (the Great
or Supreme Being) himself, was present.,
and that he probably was coming to visit
them. By this time the chiefs we're as
sembled at York island, and deliberating
on what manner in which they should re-
ceive their Mannittoo OH his arrival.
Every measure was taken to be we'll pro
vided with plenty Of victuals. Ali the
idols or images were examined and put in
order, and a grand dance was supposed
not only to be an agreeable entertainment
for the Great Being, but it was believed
that it might, with the addition OF sac
rifice, contribute to appease him if he was
angry with them. The conjurors we're
also set to work, to determine what this
phenomenon porteuded, and what the pos
sibIe result of it might be.
To these and to the chiefs and wise
men OF the nations, men women and chill
dren we're looking up for advice and pro.
lection. Distracted between hope and
fear, they we're at loss what to do; a
dance, however, commenced in great con
fusion. While 10 this situation, fresh
runners arrive, declaring it TO be large
house of various colors, and crowded with
living creatures. 1t appears now to be
the great Mannitto, bringing them some
kind of game, such as he had not given
them before but other runners soon after
arriving, declare that it is positively a
house full of human beings, of quite diff
ferent color from that Of the Indians, and
dressed differently from them ;-that 10
particular, one of them was dressed en-
tirely in red, who must be the Mannitto
himself They are hailed from the yes
sci in a language they do not understand,
yet they shout or yell 10 return by way Of
answer, according to the custom Of their
country; many are for running off to
the woods, but are pressed by others to
stay, in order not to give offence to their
visitor, who might find them ont and de-
stroy them. The house, some say, large
canoe, at last stops, and a canoe of 8
smaller size comes on shore with the red
man and some others ia it; some stay with
his canoe to guard it.
The chiefs and wise men, assembled il
council, form themselves into large cir.
Gle. towards which the man in red clothes
approaches with two others. He saIutes
them with friendly countenance, and
they return the salute after their manner
They are lost 10 admiration the dress
the manners, the whole appearance Of the
unknown strangers is to them subject o.
wonder, but they are particularly struck
with him who wore the red coat, all gilt
| tering with gold lace, which they could in