Cherokee Phoenix

Indians in Massachusetts--Scattered remnants of the aborigines still linger in various parts of the

Published August, 17, 1833

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Indians in Massachusetts--Scattered remnants of the aborigines still linger in various parts of the State: but chiefly in the South-eastern quarter, about Buzzard's Bay, and on the Island of Martha's Vineyard. Their united number are about 750. They are all under the guardianship of the State government, and are not allowed to alienate their lands, but by the consent of the overseers appointed by the State to look after their interests. The Society for the propagation of the gospel among the Indians, furnishes them with ministers and teachers. At Marshpee and Martha's Vineyard are settlements containing 660 souls, who own 18,000 acres of land in common. They are all except 50 or 60, of mixed blood, mostly by intermarriage with blacks. Some of them have gardens, cultivated fields, but their chief sources of income are the wood on their lands, the pipe clay of the island, and pasturing the cattle of the whites. Many of the young men are employed in the whale and other fisheries, and are skilful and industrious. They have forgotten their ancient names and nearly all the Indian language, most of the children read and write.-Taunlea Gazette.