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Altho I have had some acquaintance with the western Indians I have not many instances of great age among them. At Stockbridge Captn Kunkapot* was for many years the oldest man of his tribe. I am not certain how great his age was when he died; but am persuaded that it had not exceeded Eighty.

Of Johnson's Mohawks * Abraham, a brother of the famous Hendrick, was the oldest of his tribe. I saw him in 1756, a few months before his death; when he did not appear to be Threescore & ten-- I saw a sister of theirs in 1765 who appeared to be above Seventy and is probably yet living

Among the Onohoqugas I never saw one of their men who had arrived to Threescore. Whither the small pox carried off their old men in the year 1745 I am not able to say-- There is a village of Tuskaroras near Onohoquaga where I have seen very old persons, both male & female, who were born in N. Carolina, near the sea shore, and from whence they removed about the year 1711 and settled where I found them.

I am, with great Sincerity, Rev Sir, your most humble Servt Gideon Hawley

  • Kunkapot was very sober & temperate, all his days & He was remarkable on his stability.
  • Abraham was a sober man and charity obliges me to think he died a good Christian. He was carried off by a fever, which that year prevailed among his tribe and was fatal to many.

To the Honle. Dr. Nathl Freeman, Sandwich from his Friend. G. Hawley March 1st 1793.

Mr. Hawleys Letter. 1793 vertically in right margin