as friends and brothers; he had become indentified as an adopted member
of this particular tribe. Under his teaching and influence they became
the first among all the original tribes, and rose to the highest
distinction in every art which was known to or prized by the Akonoshuni
(Iroquois). They were the wisest counsellors, the best orators, the most
expert hunters, and the bravest warriors. They also afforded the highest
examples of obedience to the laws of the Great Spirit. If offences took
place, Hiawatha redressed them, and his wisdom and moderation preserved
the tribe from feuds. Hence, the Onondagas were early noted among all the
tribes for their pre-eminence. He appeared to devote his chief attention
to them, that he might afterwards make them examples to the others, in
arts and wisdom. They were foremost in the overthrow of the Stonish
Giants and the killing of the great Serpent. To be an Onondaga was the
highest honor.

While Hiawatha was thus living in domestic life quietly among the people
of the hills, and administering their simple government with wisdom, they
became alarmed by the sudden news of the approach of a furious and
powerful enemy from north of the great lakes. As the enemy advanced, they
made an indiscriminate slaughter of men, women and children. The people
fled from their villages a short time before them, and there was no heart
in the people to make a stand against such powerful and ruthless
invaders. In this emergency, they fled to Hiawatha for his advice. He
counseled them to call a general council of all the tribes from the east
and west. "For," said he, "our strength is not in the war club and arrows
alone, but in wise counsels." He appointed a place on the banks of
Onondaga Lake for the meeting. It was a clear eminence from which there
was a wide prospect. Runners were dispatched in every direction, and the
chiefs, warriors and headmen forthwith assembled in great numbers,
bringing with them, in the general alarm, their women and children.