The Iroquois Indians retain to this day the tradition of this wonderful event, although they differ as to the locality, some placing it at Albany, others at New York; but the substance of the incident occurred, not only at these two places, but wherever the white man set his foot. “A long time ago,” say they, “before men with white skins had ever been seen, some Indians, fishing at a place where the sea widens, espied something at a distance moving on the water. They hurried ashore, called together their neighbours, and all stood to watch this wonderful apparition. They could not tell what it was; some thought it was a large fish, others a large wigwam floating. As it appeared to approach the land, runners were sent in all directions with the news to their scattered chiefs, that they might send off for their warriors and wise men. In a short time all were there, and the conclusion was, that it was the Manitou, or Great Spirit, who was about to visit them. They were not afraid that the Great Spirit would hurt them; nevertheless a great awe fell upon them. “The chiefs assembled to consult how Manitou could be best received, and meat was prepared for sacrifice. The women, in the meantime, prepared the best of victuals, and the conjurers tried all their arts to discover what the marvel portended. The idols were put in order, and a grand dance was held, which, in case he might be angry, it was hoped would please him. “Whilst all this was going on, other runners arrived, who had also perceived the strange apparition, and now thronged to that part of the shore at which it appeared to be aiming. As it neared the shore, it was declared to be a great canoe, full of living creatures, and all were now convinced that it was indeed Manitou, ‘bringing some new kind of game.’ “The vessel, now within ear-shot of the shore, hails the natives in a language they had never heard before; and they answer by a yell and a shout. The great canoe stops; a smaller canoe comes on shore, bearing a man clothed in red, who had been observed standing on the great canoe; the chiefs and the wise men form a circle, and the red man and two attendants approach. He salutes them with a friendly countenance, and they return his salutation in the same manner. They are amazed at his appearance, and believe all the more that it is the Great Manitou, though the white skin is a sign which they had not expected.