was more generally called, the Long House, and, despite the
greatness of Thayendanegea, those of the Onondaga tribe, in
virtue of their ancient and undisputed place as the political
leaders and high priests of the Six Nations, led the way. Among
the stately Onondaga chiefs were: Atotarho (The Entangled),
Skanawati (Beyond the River), Tehatkahtons (Looking Both Ways),
Tehayatkwarayen (Red Wings), and Hahiron (The Scattered). They
were men of stature and fine countenance, proud of the titular
primacy that belonged to them because it was the Onondaga,
Hiawatha, who had formed the great confederacy more than four
hundred years before our day, or just about the time Columbus was
landing on the shores of the New World.

Next to the Onondagas came the fierce and warlike Mohawks, who
lived nearest to Albany, who were called Keepers of the Eastern
Gate, and who were fully worthy of their trust. They were
content that the Onondagas should lead in council, so long as
they were first in battle, and there was no jealousy between
them. Among their chiefs were Koswensiroutha (Broad Shoulders)
and Satekariwate (Two Things Equal).

Third in rank were the Senecas, and among their chiefs were
Kanokarih (The Threatened) and Kanyadariyo (Beautiful Lake).

These three, the Onondagas, Mohawks, and Senecas, were esteemed
the three senior nations. After them, in order of precedence,
came the chiefs of the three junior nations, the Oneidas,
Cayugas, and Tuscaroras. All of the great chiefs had assistant
chiefs, usually relatives, who, in case of death, often succeeded
to their places. But these assistants now remained in the crowd