New-York tribune., 1903-06-22
STEPPING STONES IN LAKE CAYUGA.
The Indian Tradition in Regard to Their
Origin.
Az Editor az The Trihune

To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: OF all the inland lakes that dot the surface
of Central New-York fairer to look upon
than Cayuga, and none possess greater interest
for the lovers of Indian lore. around It cluster
memories o. this strange people who for untold
ages prior to the coming OF the white man pos
sessed the land. The soldiers who came here with
General Sullivan when he invaded the land of the
Six Nations in 1779 particularly struck with
the beauty of the country and the fertility of the
soil, and at the close OF the made haste to
possess it. and the country about Cayuga Lake was
rapidly settled. Nowhere there be found
scenery picturesque than along the shores and
in the vicinity of Cayuga Lake, nor is there any
part of the country richer in Indian traditions To
the tourist who rides the lake one of the
steamers that ply its waters 1t is like a panorama,
its charms unfolding as the boat moves along,
until is lost in astonishment at the beauty OF
the scenes that constantly meet his gaze. After
leaving Cayuga for the south the first thing to at
tract his attention is a small island just of the
shore at Sprirgport on the east side OF the lake
1t is called Frontenac Island, and is covered with
trees and is so picturesque in appearance to In
vite more than a passing glance. AS the boat
gndes to the landing at Sprngport one will notice
number of large powders, placed at almost regu-
lar distances leading from the island to the shore.
between which the boat picks its way carefully to
the landing The presence of this island and the
powders so close to the shore Is apt TO arouse
Tatnra nIaced them there. Regarding this the
indians who found here by the white men
gave the following account:
great many moons ago. before the White men
came, when the Cayugas and Senecas dWeir mere,
Lone Pine, a powerful chief of the Cayuga tribe,
who lived on the east side Of the lake, fell IN love
with a Seneca maiden whose home was with her
people on the west side. She returned his love,
but as the tribes were at war with each other ner
people would not permit her to marry him. so ne
was compelled resort to stratagem he sent
number of his warriors the lake, ostensloIy
to attack the SeneCas. and while their attention
was taken with their enemies Lone Pine entered
his canoe and padded across the lake, where the
maiden was waiting for him, placed her in the
canoe and started back. The Senecas saw him,
and. realizing the trick. abandoned the fight and
started in pursuit of him. and were rapidly gaming
on him. when Lone Pine, fearing ne Would De
captured prayed earnestly to GItche, Aanlto, VINO.
IA king Compa sSiOn him, reached down ms arm
into the water, scooped up an island snort dis
tance from the mainland. and placed several large
bowders between them. The sudden appearance or
the island confused the pursuers. and Lone Pine
and his bride taking advantage of this, went upon
the island. and thence to the mainland by means
of the powders. which they used for stepping
stones. and which had been placed there py me
Great Spirit for that special purpose. once Upon
the shore Lone Pine and his bride were sate from
pursuit and their lives went on smoothly az ana
Seneca Falls n. Y, June 90 1903