The Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. I — Passage 2
[E.B. O'Callaghan (1849)] The ninth tribe derives its origin from a cabin that was in the interior (dans les terres), and com-posed of several fires or establishments. In the middle of the cabin was a partition which divided the cabin in two. Weary of knowing no one, and consequently unable to marry, they all married among themselves; which is the reason that their name signifies two cabins united together. Each tribe has in the gable end of its cabin, the animal of the tribe painted; some in black, others in red. 12 THE IROQUOIS AND OTHER INDIAN TRIBES. When they assemble together for consultation, the first Division ranges itself on one side of the fire in a cabin; and the other Division places itself on the other side. When the matter on which they have met has been discussed on one side and the other, they accompany the decision with much ceremony. The Division which decides the matter gives two opinions, so that the best may be adopted, and offers all possible opposition in proposing its opinions, in order to shew that it has well considered what it says. They adopt, usually, the first opinion, unless there be some strong motive to the contrary.