The Lenapes did, to a very considerable

extent, act in the capacity of mediators, and the Dutch traders did no doubt have part in the hostilities between

terminating

them and the Iroquois. nations subjugated

It is a singular fact, too, that

of all the

by the Iroquois, the Lenapes alone bore the While the council-fires of other nations

name of women. were " and their survivors

merged in the confederacy, was Lenapes kept burning, and their civil govern

put out,"

that of the

ment remained undisturbed. The proposition, however, is that both of the results stated were in accordance with the terms of the peace which the English government negotiated, and not of prior Iroquois diplomacy.

The historic causes leading to the subjugation of the Lenapes to be found in the circumstances and position of the nation,

is

as compared with the Iroquois ; the one with territory invaded by

Europeans at different points, the other assailed only on one border by the French, against whom they were sustained by " free trade "' with the Dutch and by subsequent more positive alliance with the

English.

To the establishment of the lord

ship and manor of Rensselaerswyck, and its village of Beaver%

wyck, the Iroquois were primarily indebted for their subsequent That manor was position in the family of Indian nations. organized under an independent charter with powers not delegated to the West India Company at Fort Amsterdam, especially in the matter of the sale of fire-arms to the Indians. At its trad ing-houses arms could be had for furs ; there the doors were open to the Mohawks and the Makicans, who guarded well the special advantages which they enjoyed.