At the formation of the confederacy Ato-ta-rho, being considered next in
wisdom and all other traits of character which constitutes the necessary
qualifications of an honored Sachem, was ordained as the head Sachem of
the confederacy, which office has been transmitted down to succeeding
generations of the Onondaga Nation to the present time.

Hiawatha, the guardian and founder of the league, having now accomplished
the will of the Great Spirit, and the withdrawal of his daughter having
been regarded by him as a sign that his mission was ended, he immediately
prepared to make his final departure. Before the great council, which had
adopted his advice just before dispersing, he arose, with a dignified
air, and addressed them in the following manner:

"Friends and Brothers:--I have now fulfilled my mission here below; I
have furnished you seeds and grains for your gardens; I have removed
obstructions from your waters, and made the forest habitable by teaching
you how to expel its monsters; I have given you fishing places and
hunting grounds; I have instructed you in the making and using of war
implements; I have taught you how to cultivate corn, and many other arts
and gifts. I have been allowed by the Great Spirit to communicate to you.
Last of all, I have aided you to form a league of friendship and union.
If you preserve this, and admit no foreign element of power by the
admission of other nations, you will always be free, numerous and happy.
If other tribes and nations are admitted to your councils, they will sow
the seed of jealousy and discord, and you will become few, feeble and
enslaved.

"Friends and brothers, these are the last words you will hear from the
lips of Hiawatha. The Great Creator of our bodies calls me to go; I have