Always bloodily they were fighting; many men, women (and) children were
tortured by these continual wars; then these wise ones take thought so
that something may be done; and that quickly; then all send a messenger
to every place where the Indians dwell; some go to the south; some to
the east; some to the west; others to the north-west. They even come as
far as the Wabanaki. Very long it takes, even months, till they arrive.
Then when they come there, they say to the Indians: "We bring you good
news." Then when they arrived, they took counsel what to decide. To all
Indians dwelling there one announces that a great peace will be called.
All the Indians hear the news; all rejoice. All are weary of having made
continual warfare. Then every tribe sends its councillor. Every tribe
sends two or more councillors that they may be present at the great
peace, or great general council.
Then all assembled. Then they began to take counsel as to what they
should decree. Only, all are weary of living in an evil way. These great
chiefs say to the others: "Now, when we look back at what we did, we see
that these trails are bloody; we see how many bad things there were;
these bloody tomahawks and bows and arrows--they must be buried for
ever." Then all decide that they should make peace. Then they appoint a
day when they shall take counsel. This is called "the Silent Wigwam."
Then they give order that on each day no one shall speak (but) every
councillor must think over what he shall say how to make the laws; they
all consider how to stop the wars; as long as they remain; a week.
* * * * *