But when the Delawares broke faith, then the lash fell and the term “women” as applied to them carried a very different meaning when spat out by Canienga lips or snarled by Senecas.

Yet, of the Lenape, certain tribes, offshoots, and clans remained impassive either to Iroquois threats or proffered friendship.  They, like certain lithe, proud forest animals to whom restriction means death, were untamable.  Their necks could endure no yoke, political or purely ornamental.  And so they perished far from the Onondaga firelight, far from the open doors of the Long House, self-exiled, self-sufficient, irreconcilable, and foredoomed.  And of these the Mohicans were the noblest.

In the four romances—­ of which, though written last of all, this is the third, chronologically speaking—­ the author is very conscious of error and shortcoming.  But the theme was surely worth attempting; and if the failure to convince be only partial then is the writer grateful to the Fates, and well content to leave it to the next and better man.

Broadalbin,

Early Spring, 1913.
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Note

During the serial publication of “The Hidden Children” the author received the following interesting letters relating to the authorship of the patriotic verses quoted in Chapter X., These letters are published herewith for the general reader as well as for students of American history.

R. W. C.

149 West eighty-eighth street,

NewYork city.

Mrs. Helen Dodge Kneeland: 

Dear madam:  Some time ago I accidentally came across the verses written by Samuel Dodge and used by R. W. Chambers in story “Hidden Children.”  I wrote to him, inviting him to come and look at the original manuscript, which has come down to me from my mother, whose maiden name was Helen Dodge Cocks, a great-granddaughter of Samuel Dodge, of Poughkeepsie, the author of them.

So far Mr. Chambers has not come, but he answered my note, inclosing your note to him.  I have written to him, suggesting that he insert a footnote giving the authorship of the verses, that it would gratify the descendants of Samuel Dodge, as well as be a tribute to a patriotic citizen.

These verses have been published a number of times.  About three years ago by chance I read them in the December National Magazine, p. 247 (Boston), entitled “A Revolutionary Puzzle,” and stating that the author was unknown.  Considering it my duty to place the honor where it belonged, I wrote to the editor, giving the facts, which he courteously published in the September number, 1911, p. 876.

Should you be in New York any time, I will take pleasure in showing you the original manuscripts.

Very truly yours,

RobertS. Morris, M.D.