A True Relation of the Late Battle fought in New England, between the English, and the Savages:  
With the present state of things there.  
LONDON, Printed by M. P. for Nathanael Butter, and john Bellamy. 1637.   

Ad Lectorem Authoris carmen 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 de Victoria hac Nov'-Anglica, 1637.  
DVcit in Americam varios gens Angla Colonos:  
et bene conveniunt sydera, terra, solum.  
Ast ferus hoc prohibet, solis vagabundus in arvis,  
insolitóque aliquos, incola, Marte necat.  
Quod simul invitas crimen pervenit ad aures  
Angligenûm, ira o murmure cuncta fremunt.  
Tunc laesi justa arma movent, hostemque sequuntur,  
struxerat, haud vanis, qui munimenta locis.  
Invadunt vallum, palis sudibusque munitum:  
(pax erit: hoc uno solvitur ira modo.)  
Vndique concîdunt omnes, pars una crematur:  
post, caesi, aut capti caetera turba luit.  
Vtraque laetatur Pequetanis Anglia victis,  
et novus aeternum, hîc, figimur hospes ait.  
Virginia exultat, vicina Novoniae gaudet,  
Signaque securae certa quietis habent.  
Plaudite qui colitis Mavortia saecra nepotes,  
et serat incultos tutus arator agros.  
Qua novus orbis erat, spiranti numine, (Lector)  
Anglia nascetur, quae novus orbis erit.  P. Vincentius.  

A true Relation of the late Battle fought in New England, between the English and Savages, with the present state of things there.  
NEw England, a name now every day more famous, is so called, because the English were the first Discoverers, & are now the Planters thereof. It is the Eastern Coast of the North part of America, upon the South-west adjoining to Virginia, and part of that Continent, large and capable of innumerable people. It is in the same height with the North of Spain, and South part of France, and the temper not much unlike, as pleasant, as temperate and as fertile as either, if managed by industrious hands.  
This is the Stage. Let us in a word see the Actors. The year 1620, a Company of English part out of the Low Countries, and some out of London and other parts, were sent for Virginia. But being cut short by want of wind, and hardness of the Winter, they landed themselves in this Country, enduring, with great hope and patience, all the misery that Desert could put upon them, and employed their wits to make their best use of that then Snow-covered land for their necessities. After two years' experience of the nature of the soil, commodities, and natives, they returned such intelligence to their Masters, that others took notice of their endeavours, and the place. Then some Western Merchants collected a stock, and employed it that way. But they discouraged through losses, and want of present gain, some Londoners, and others (men of worth) undertook it, with more resolution, building upon the old foundation. Hence a second plantation adjoined to the other, but supported with better pillars, and greater means. All beginnings are ever difficult. The half, saith the Proverb, is more than the whole. Some errors were committed, and many miseries were endured. No man is wise enough to shun all evils that may happen; but patience and painfulness overcame all. The success proved answerable even to ambitious expectations, notwithstanding the impediments inevitable to such undertake.  
There is scarce any part of the world but habitable, though more commodiously by humane culture. This part (though in its Naturals) nourished many natives, distinguished into diverse petty nations and factions. It were needless curiosity to dispute their original, or how they came hither. Their outsides say they are men, their actions say they are reasonable. As the thing is, so it operateth. Their correspondency of disposition with us, argueth all to be of the same constitution, & the sons of Adam, and that we had the same Maker, the same matter, the same mould. Only Art and Grace have given us that perfection, which yet they want, but may perhaps be as capable therèof as we. They are of person strait and tall, of limbs big and strong, seldom seen violent, or extreme in any passion. Naked they go except a skin about their waste, and sometimes a Mantle about their shoulders. Armed they are with Bows and Arrows, Clubs, javelins, etc. But as soil, air, diet; & custom make ofttimes a memorable difference in men's natures, so is it among these Nations, whose countries there are like so many Shires here, of which every onè hath their Sagamore, or King, who as occasion urgeth, commandeth them in War, and ruleth them in Peace. Those where the English pitched, have showed themselves very loving and friendly, and done courtesies beyond expectation for these new-come Inmates. So that much hath been written of their civility and peaceful conversation, until this year.  
But Nature, heavens daughter, and the immediate character of that divine power, as by her light she hath taught us wisdom, for our own defence, so by her fire she hath made us fierce, injurious, revengeful, and ingenious in the device of means for the offence of those we take to be our enemies. This is seen in creatures void of reason, much more in mankind. We have in us a mixture of all the Elements, and fire is predominant when the humours are exagitated. All motion causeth heat. All provocation moveth choler, and choler inflamed, becometh a frenzy, a fury, especially in barbarous and cruel natures. These things are conspicuous in the Inhabitants of New England. In whose Southermost part are the Pequets, or Pequants, a stately warlike people, which have been terrible to their neighbours, and troublesome to the English.  
In February last they killed some English at Sea-brooke, a Southerly Plantation beyond Cape Cod, at the mouth of the River of Connectacutt. Since that the Lieutenant of the Fort there, with ten men armed, went out to fire the Meadows, and to fit them for mowing. Arriving there he started three Indians, which he pursued a little way, thinking to cut them off. But presently they perceived themselves encompassed with hundreds of them, who let fly their arrows furiously, and came desperately upon the musles of their Muskets, though the English discharged upon them, with all the speed they could. Three English men were were slain, others wounded. The eight that remained, made their way through the Savages with their swords, and so got under the command of the Canon of the Fort, (otherwise they had been all slain, or taken prisoners) one of the wounded falling down dead at the Forts Gate The Indians thus fleshed and encouraged, besieged the Fort as near as they durst approach. The besieged presently dispatched a messenger to the Governor at the Bay, to acquaint him with these sad tidings, who with all speed lent unto their aid, Captain Vnderhill, with twenty soldiers. Not long after these Savages went to Water-Towne, now called Wetherfield, and there fell upon some that were sawing, and slew nine more, whereof one was a woman, the other a child, and took two young Maid's prisoners, killing some of their cattle, and driving some away. Man's nature insulteth in victory and prosperity, and by good success is animated even in the worst of wicked actions. These Barbarians triumphed and proceeded, drawing into their Confederacy other Indians, as the Nyantecets, and part of the Mohigens; of whom about fifty chose rather to join with the English, and sat down at Newtowne, at Connectacut (now called Hereford, as the other Town that went from Dorchester thither is called Windsor.) Fame increaseth by flying. The former sad news was augmented by the report of sixty men slain at Master Pinchers Plantation, etc. which proved false. The N●●●●gansets neighbours to the Pequets, sent word to the English that the Pequets had solicited them to join their forces with them. Hereupon the Council ordered that none should go to work, nor travel, no not so much as to Church, without Arms. A Corpse of Guard of 14. or 15 soldiers was appointed to watch every night, and Sentinels were set in convenient places about the Plantations, the. Drum beating when they went to the Watch, and every man commanded to be in readiness upon an Alarm, upon pain of five pound. A day of fast and prayers was also kept. Forty more were sent to strengthen the former twenty that went to the Fort, and 50 under the command of Captain Mason, which being conjoined, were about100. Two hundred more were to be sent after them with all expedition.  
The 50 Mohigins that joined with the English, scouring about, espied 7 Pequets, killed five of them outright, wounded the sixth mortally, took● the seventh prisoner, and brought him to the Fort. He braved the English, as though they durst not kill a Pequet. Some will have their courage to be thought invincible, when all is desperate. But it availed this Savage nothing; they tied one of his legs to a post, and 20 men with a rope tied to the other, pulled him in pieces, Captain Vnderhill shooting a pistol through him, to dispatch him. The two Maids which were taken prisoners were redeemed by the Dutch.  
Those 50 sent from the three plantations of Connectacut with Captain Mason, being joined with Captain Vnderhill and his 20 men, (for the other 40 were not yet arrived with them) immediately went upon an expedition against the Pequets, after they had searched for them. The manner was this. The English with some Mohigens went to the Naragonsets, who were discontented that they came no sooner, saying they could arm and set forth two or three hundred at six hours' warning, (which they did accordingly, for the assistance of the English) only they desired the advice of the Sagamore, Mydutonno, what way they should go to work, and how they should fall on the Pequets; whose judgement, in all things, agreed with the English, as though they had consulted together. Then went they to the Nyanticke, and he set forth 200 more, but before they went, he swore them after his manner upon their knees. As they marched they deliberated which Fort of the Pequets they should assault, resolving upon the great Fort, and to be there that night. Being on the way, and having a mile to march through woods and Swamps, the Nyanticke hearts failed, for fear of the Pequets, and so they ran away, as also did some of the Narragansets. Of five or 600 Indians, not above half were left: and they had followed the rest had not Capttaine Vnderhill upbraided them with cowardice, and promised them they should not fight or come within shot of the Fort, but only surround it afar off. At break of day the 70 English gave the Fort a Volley of shot, whereat the Savages within made an hideous and pitiful cry, the shot without all question flying through the Pallisadoes (Which stood not very close) and killing or wounding some of them. Pity had hindered further hostile proceedings, had not the remembrance of the bloodshed, the captive Maid, and cruel insolency of those Pequets, hardened the hearts of the English, & stopped their ears unto their cries. Mercy mars all sometimes, severe justice must now and then take place.  
The long forbearance, and too much lenity of the English toward the Virginian Savages, had like to have been the destruction of the whole Plantation. These Barbarians (ever treacherous) abuse the goodness of those that condescend to their rudeness and imperfections. The English went, resolutely up to the door of the Fort. What shall we enter said Captain Vnder-hill? What come we for else? answered one Hedge, a young Northamptonshire gentleman: who advancing before the rest, plucked away some bushes and entered. A stout Pequet encounters him, shoots his arrow (drawn to the head) into his right arm, where it stuck. He slashed the Savage betwixt the arm and shoulder, who pressing towards the door, was killed by the English. Immediately Master Hedge encountered another, who perceiving him upon him before he could deliver his arrow, gave back: but he struck up his heels and run him thorough; after him he killed two or three more. Then about half the English entered, fell on with courage, and slew many. But being straitened for room because of the Wigwams (which are the Savage huts or cabins) they called for fire to burn them. An English man stepped into a Wigwam and stooping for a firebrand, an Indian was ready to knock out his brains. But he whipped out his sword and run him into the belly, that his bowels followed. Then were the Wigwams set on fire, which so raged, that what therewith, what with the sword, in little more than an hour, betwixt three and four hundred of them were killed, and of the English only two, one of them by our own Muskets, as is thought. For the Narragansets beset the Fort so close, that not one escaped. The whole work ended, ere the Sun was an hour high, the Conquerors retraited down toward the Pinnace, but in their march were infested by the rest of the Pequets: Who scouting up and down, from the swamps and thickets let fly their arrows amain, which were answered by English bullets. The Indians that then assisted the English, waiting the fall of the Pequets, (as the dog watcheth the shot of the fouler to fetch the prey) still fetched them their heads, as any were slain. At last the Narragansets perceiving powder and shot to fail, and fearing to fall into the hands of their enemies, betook themselves to flight upon the sudden, and were as suddenly encompassed by the Pequets: Fear defeateth great armies. If an apprehension of eminent danger once possess them, it is in vain to stay the run aways. No oratory can recall them, no command can order them again. The only sure way, is by all means that may be, promises, threats, persuasions, etc. to maintain and keep up courage, where yet it is. But these fearful companions had one Anchor, whose cable was not broken. They sent speedily to the English, who came to their rescue: and after five Muskets discharged the Pequets fled. Thus freed from that fear, they vowed henceforth to cleave closer to the English, and never to forsake them in time of need. The reason why the Englsh wanted ammunition was, because they had left that which they had for store with their drum at the place of their consultation: But found it in their return. They now all went a shipboard and sailed to Seabrooke-Fort, where the English feasted the Narragansets three days, and then sent them home in a pinnace.  
Let me now describe this military fortress which natural reason & experience hath taught them to erect, without mathematical skill, or use of iron tool. They choose a piece of ground dry and of best advantage, forty or fifty foot square. (But this was at least 2 acres of ground.) here they pitch close together, as they can young trees and half trees, as thick as a man's thigh, or the calf of his leg. Ten or twelve foot high they are above the ground, and within rammed three foot deep, with undermining, the earth being cast up for their better shelter against the enemy's dischargements. Betwixt these pallisadoes are diverse loopholes, through which they let fly their winged messengers. The door for the most part is entered sideways, which they stop with boughs or bushes as need requireth. The space within is full of Wigwams, wherein their wives and children live with them. These huts or little houses are framed like our garden arbours, something more round, very strong and handsome, covered with close wrought mats, made by their women of flags, rushes, and hempen threads, so defensive, that neither rain, though never so sad and long, nor yet the wind, though never so strong can enter. The top through a square hole giveth passage to the smoke, which in rainy weather, is covered with a pluver. This Fort was so crowded with these numerous dwellings, that the English wanted foote-roome to grapple with their adversaries, and therefore set fire on all.  
The Mohigens which sided with the English in this action behaved themselves stoutly. Which the other Pequets understanding, cut off all the Mohigens that remain with them, (lest they should turn to the English) except seven: who flying to our Countrymen related this news, and that about an hundred Pequets were slain or hurt, in the fight with the English at their return from the Fort. Moreover that they had resolved to have sent an hundred choice men out of their Fort as a party against the English, the very day after they were beaten out by them. But being now vanquished Sasacus the Pequetan Captain, with the remainder of this massacre was fled the Country.  
It is not good to give breathing to a beaten enemy, lest he return armed if not with greater puissance, yet with greater despite and revenge. Too much security or neglect in this kind hath oft times ruined the conquerors. The 200 English therefore, resolved on before, were now sent forth to chase the Barbarians and utterly root them out. Whereupon Cap. Vnderhill with his 20 men returned and gave this account of those exploits of the New-Englanders, which here we have communicated to the old English world. This last party invaded the Pequetan Country, killed twenty three, saved the lives of two Sagamores for their use hereafter, as occasion shall serve, who have promised to do great matters for the advancing of the English affairs. They pursued the remnant threescore miles beyond the Country (till within 36. miles of the Dutch plantations on hudson's river) where they fought with them, killed forty or fifty besides those that they cut off in their retreat, and took prisoners 180, that came out of a Swampe and yielded themselves upon promise of good quarter. Some other small parties of them were since destroyed, and Captain Patrick with 16. or 18. brought 80 Captives to the Bay of Boston. The news of the flight of Sassacus their Sagamore, is also confirmed. He went with forty men to the Mowhacks, which are cruel bloody Cannibals, and the most terrible to their neighbours of all these nations: but will scarce dare ever to carry arms against the English, of whom they are sore afraid, not daring to encounter white men with their hot-mouthed weapons, which spit nothing else but bullets and fire.  
The terror of victory changeth even the affection of the allies of the vanquished, and the securing of our own estates makes us neglect, yea forsake, or turn against our confederates, and side with their enemies and ours, when we despair of better remedy. These cruel, but wily Mowhacks, in contemplation of the English, and to procure their friendship, entertain the fugitive Pequets and their Captain, by cutting off all their heads and hands, which they sent to the English, as a testimony of their love and service.  
A day of thanksgiving was solemnly celebrated for this happy success, the Pequetans now seeming nothing but a name, for not less than 700. are slain or taken prisoners. Of the English are not slain in all above 16. One occurrent I may not forget. The endeavours of private men are ever memorable in these beginnings: the meanest of the vulgar is not incapable of virtue, and consequently neither of honour. Some actions of Plebeians have elsewhere been taken for great achievements. A pretty sturdy youth of new Ipswich, going forth, somewhat rashly, to pursue the Savages, shot off his Musket after them till all his powder and shot were spent; which they perceiving, re-assaulted him, thinking with their hatchets to have knocked him in the head. But he so bestirred himself with the stock of his piece, and after with the barrel, when that was broken, that he brought two of their heads to the army. His own desert and the encouragement of others will not suffer him to be nameless. He is called Francis Waine-wright, and came over servant with one Alexander Knight that kept an Inn in Chelmsford.  
I have done with this tragic scene, whose catastrophe ended in a triumph. And now give me leave to speak something of the present state of things there. The transcribing of all Colonies is chargeable, fittest for Princes or states to undertake. Their first beginnings are full of casuality and danger, and obnoxious to many miseries. They must be well grounded, well followed, and managed with great stocks of money, by men of resolution, that will not be daunted by ordinary accidents. The Bermudas and Virginia are come to perfection from mean, or rather base beginnings, and almost by as weak means, beyond all expectation, and reason. But a few private men by uniting their stocks and desires have now raised new-England to that height, that never any plantation of Spaniards, Dutch, or any other arrived at in so small a time. Gaine is the loadstone of adventures: Fish and Furs, with Beaver wool, were specious baits. But whiles men are all for their private profit, the public good is neglected and languisheth. Woeful experience had too evidently instructed New England's Colons in the precedents of Guiana, the Charibe Lands, Virginia, and Novonia, or Newfoundland, (now again to be planted by Sir David Kirke, though part of the old planters there yet remain.) We are never wiser, than when we are thus taught. The new Englanders therefore advanced the weal public all they could, and so the private is taken care for.  
Corn and cattle are wonderfully increased with them, and thereof they have enough, yea sometime to spare to new comers, besides spare rooms, or good houses to entertain them in. Where they may make Christmas fires all winter, if they please for nothing. I speak not of the naturals of the Country, fish, fowl, etc. which are more than plentiful. They that arrived there this year out of diverse parts of Old England say that they never saw such a field of 400 acres of all sorts of English grain as they saw at Winter-towne there. Yet that ground is not comparable to other parts of New England, as Salem, Ipswich, Newberry, etc. In a word, they have built fair Towns of the lands own materials, and fair Ships too, some where of are here to be seen on the Thames. They have overcome cold and hunger, are dispersed securely in their Plantations sixty miles along the coast, and within the Land also along some small Creeks and Rivers, and are assured of their peace by killing the Barbarians, better than our English Virginians were by being killed by them. For having once terrified them, by severe execution of just revenge, they shall never hear of more harm from them, except (perhaps) the killing of a man or two at his work, upon advantage, which their Sentinels, and Corpse du guards may easily prevent. Nay, they shall have those bruits their servants, their slaves, either willingly or of necessity, and docible enough, if not obsequious. The numbers of the English amount to above thirty thousand, which (though none did augment them out of England) shall every day be, doubtless, increased, by a faculty that God hath given the British Islanders to beget and bring forth more children, than any other nation of the world: I could justify what I say from the mouths of the Hollanders and adjoining Provinces, where they confess (though good breeders of themselves) that never woman bore two children, nor yet had so many by one man, till the English and Scotch frequented their wars and married with them. I could give a good reason hereof from nature, as a Philosopher (with modesty be it spoken) but there is no need. The air of new England, and the Diet equal, if not excelling that of old England: besides their honour of marriage, and careful preventing and punishing of furtive congression giveth them and us no small hope of their future puissance, and multitude of subjects. Herein, saith the Wiseman, consisteth the strength of a King, and likewise of a nation, or Kingdom.  
But the desire of more gain, the slavery of mankind, was not the only cause of our English endeavours for a plantation there. The propagation of Religion was that precious jewel, for which these Merchant ventures compassed both Sea and Land, and went into a far Country to search and seat themselves. This, I am sure, they pretended, and I hope intended. Only this blessing from my heart I sincerely wish them, and shall ever beseech the Almighty to bestow upon them, devout Piety towards God, faithful loyalty towards their Sovereign, fervent charity among themselves, and discretion and sobriety in themselves, according to the saying of that blessed Apostle, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rome 12. 3. Not to be wise (in spiritual things) above what we ought to be wise; but to be wise unto wise sobriety.  
Doubtless there was no other way better to chastise the insolency of these insulting homicides, than a sharp war pursued with dexterity and speed. Virginia our mother plantation, and for her precedent a rule, hath taught us what to do in these difficulties; forewarned, forearmed. They were endangered by their friendship and peace, secured by their enmity and war with the natives. From these experiments, shall the now inhabitants of those two Sister Lands, beat out unto themselves an Armour of proof, and lay a sure foundation to their future happiness.  
FINIS.   


Nihil obstare videtur quominus haec  
Relatio typis mandetur.   
Novemb. ix. M.DC.xxxvii. G. R. WECKHERLIN.