The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-11-02

was but an insignificant part. Her public
career. beginning during the PrOtectOrate,
had lasted through the reigns of four Eng
lish mOnarchs, and now survived 10 witness
the accession Of an entirely new dynasty,
in the person of the First George OF Han
over.
STILL A REMNANT.
The history of the Pamunkeys does not
end here. Ii is well known that a remnant
of that ancient tribe is still 10 be found IN
King William county, Va, occupying about
eight hundred acres Of land near the point
where the York River railway crosses the
Pamunkey river. Including men, wOmen.and
children, they number only about eighty per-
sOEs, none of whom are of pure Indian blood,
their prOgenItOrs for several generations
having intermarried with whites, mulaiJOes,
aud blacks. notwithstanding this. the dis
tinctiye physiOgnOmY of their race
strongly asserts itself, and an OBJ
server cannot fail TO recognize the
peaceful peasants and fishermen q
Pamunkey town to be the real descendants
of the tawny warriors OF 1901. Their iOim
of government has undergone change
cOincident with that Of the Colony with
which they have been so long and so close
ly associated. The land upon which they
now live is and has been ever since the end
of the war of independence held in trust for
their benefit At one time the trus-
tees were twelve in number and were ap-
pointed by the Governor Of the Colony, and
after the war of independence by the Cover
nor Of the State. Now, however, they are
appointed by the court of the county, and
are generally but four in number The
tribe itself still has its chief and head
men, who are chosen by the votes
of the adult males. Although subject
to the penal code Of the state, the Indian
inhabitants Of Pamunkey town pay no tax
either TO Virginia or 10 the United states
Government, excepting only when under
taking any business for which "A license Is
necessary. They support their own schools,
and provide their own teachers. They have
their own places Of worship, which are
under the control aud direction Of the Bap-
list denomination Of Christians. lhey
are amiable and unO1ending in their inter
course with their white neighbOrs, and
have rarely been subjects Of criminal prose
cutiOn. They cultivate in common the land
on which they live, not being allowed by the
State Government, either 10 ALLEVIATE any
part Of il or To divide it, unless under au-
ihority of the Legislature. During the late
war between the states their rights az neu-
trails were respected by both belligerents
and they received compensation at the
cessation Of hOstilities from the Federal
troops of the latter.
We have seen how from the earliest times
their chiefs had been required, by treaty
with the English, to pay annual tribute to
the Colonial powers in the skins OF beaver,
elk. and bear" and how later their dis
distressed Queen had been forced 10 pray
for deliverance from this tax, because Of the
unlawful conduct Of the whites. The habit
thus acquired has ever preserved IN their
minds sentiment Of fealty TO the Stale.
Although long AGO delivered from this eN-
action. TO this day it is the pleasing custom
of their Chief and his head men 10 make IA
complimentary visit to each newly in
augurated Governor, ana testify their
respect for his Office and person
by present Of fish and game
from the waters and forests of their ancient
habitat. Thus have lived in security for
more than two centuries, among the de-
scendants OF their ancient enemies rem
nant Ofthe race 20 whom the land we love
originally belonged. During all this time
their little State has remained as distinct
an autonomy among greater powers as An
DORA among the Pylenees, or as san Mari
no by the sea. They now represent prOba
bly, the only organized community Of abo-
riginal Americans left on the Atlantic
slope; and with their disappearance VIII
have passed away forever the last of their
race to be found east Of the Mississippi.
The account just given Of the Pamunkeys
and their Queen should at least excite ill.,
terest enough in the minds Of Nirginians 10
look further into their history. il at one
time, led by the warlike and crafty Opecan-
canough, they were the bitter enemies OF
the whites, it should not be forgotten thai
under the brave but unfortunate TOtopoto-
NOV they proved themselves afterwards
their fast and tried friends. Especially
should il be remembered that for nearly
ffty years after the fall Of her husband Ann
was the constant ally of the English, and
that during the whole of her protracted
reign she was regarded with respect and
affection by the Colonial Government, and
for her services was invested with royal
henOrs by the Crown.
1t is therefore earnestly hoped that The
subject now before the Association for the
Preservation of Virginia Antiquities may re-
ceive favorable consideration. ltcannOt be
that the Virginia people will allow the val
liable relic, so closely associated with the
career Of tins noted and historic woman, L.
pass into other hands. Its preservation ioi
nearly two hundred and fifty years amid the
changes and chances Of so protracted a
period would seem proyidential earnest OF
what should ultimately be its destination.
r.