THE PRESENT STATE OF New-England, With Respect to the INDIAN WAR. Wherein is an Account of the true Reason thereof, (as far as can be Judged by Men.) Together with most of the Remarkable Passages that have happened from the 20th of June, till the 10th of November, 1675. Faithfully Composed by a Merchant of Boston, and Communicated to his Friend in LONDON. Licenced Decemb. 13. 1675. Roger L'Estrange. royal blazon or coat of arms C R HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE DIEV ET MON DROIT LONDON. Printed for Dorman Newman, at the Kings-Arms in the Poultry, and at the Ship and Anchor at the Bridg-foot on Southwark side. 1676. The Present State of New-England, with respect to the Indian War. THere being many and various Reports concerning the Causes of the present War amongst us, it may not be amiss in the First place, to give you a true Account of the Reasons thereof; which probably may add something to the Satisfaction of our Christian Friends in Old England, which is thus: About five or six Years since, there was brought up (amongst others) an Indian in the College at Cambridg, named Sosoman, who after some time he had spent in Preaching the Gospel to Unkus, a Sagamore Christian in his Territories, was by the Authority of New-Plimouth, sent to Preach in like manner to King Philip, and his Indians: But King Philip (Heathen-like) instead of receiving the Gospel, would immediately have killed this Sosomon, but by the persuasion of some about him, did not do it, but sent him by the hands of three of his Men to Prison; who as he was going to Prison, Exhorted and Taught them in the Christian Religion; they not liking his Discourse, immediately Murdered him after a most Barbarous manner: They returning to King Philip, acquainted him what they had done. About two or three Months after, this Murder being Discovered to the Authority of New-Plimouth, Josiah Winslow being then Governor of that Colony, care was taken to find out the Murderers; who upon search were found and apprehended, and after a fair Trial were all Hanged. This so Exasperated King Philip, that from that day after, he studied to be Revenged on the English, judging that the English Authority have nothing to do to Hang any of his Indians for killing another. In order thereunto, his first Errand is to a Squaw Sachem (i e. a Woman Prince, or Queen) who is Widow of a Brother to King Philip, deceased, he promising her great rewards if she would join with him in this Conspiracy, (for she is as Potent a Prince as any round about her, and hath as much Corn, Land, and Men, at her Command) she willingly consented, and was much more forward in the Design, and had greater Success than King Philip himself. The place where this King Philip doth dwell, is on a parcel of Land, called in English, Mount-Hope, about twelve Miles long, and judged to be the best Land in New England: And it was about thirty five Miles off of this Place to the Northward, that the first English that ever came there, Landed; and by degrees built Houses, and called the name of the place New-Plimouth, (because Plymouth in Old England was the last place they were at there). The English took not a Foot of Land from the Indians, but Bought all, and although they bought for an inconsiderable Value, yet they did Buy it. And it may be judged that now King Philip reputes himself, seeing what Product the English have made of a Wilderness, through their Labour, and the Blessing of God thereon: All the Land of the Colony of New-Plimouth, was at first Bought of this King Philip's Grand father, Massasoit by Name, except some few parcels he hath Sold to some of the Inhabitants of Swanzy, not far from Mount Hope. Thereupon about five Years since, took an occasion to Quarrel with the Town, partly because he was vexed he had Sold his Land, and partly because his Brother died five or six Years before, and he thought the English had Poisoned him, and thereupon he troubled them, but killed none; but the Governor by timely preparation hindered them of doing any hurt. Thus after King Philip had secured his Interest in Squaw Sachem, (whom he persuaded that the English had Poisoned her Husband, and thereupon she was the more willing to join with him) he privately sent Messengers to most of the Indian Sagamores and Sachems round about him, telling them that the English had a Design to cut off all the Indians round about them, and that if they did not Join together, they should lose their Lives and Lands; whereupon several Sachems became his Confederates. And having now five Years time, had opportunity enough to furnish themselves with Ammunition and Arms, which they did plentifully at Canada, amongst the French; and it is judged that some English have also Sold them some Arms through Ignorance of their Design. In the mean time King Philip Mustered up about Five Hundred of his Men, and Arms them complete; and had gotten about Eight or Nine Hundred of his Neighbouring Indians, and likewise Arms them complete; (i. e. Guns, Powder, and Bullets,) but how many he hath engaged to be of his Party, is unknown to any among us. The last Spring several Indians were seen in small Parties, about Rehoboth and Swansey, which not a little affrighted the Inhabitants. Who demanding the Reason of them, wherefore it was so? Answer was made, That they were only on their own Defence, for they understood that the English intended to Cut them off. About the 20th of June last, Seven or Eight of King Philip's Men came to Swansey on the Lord's Day, and would Grind a Hatchet at an Inhabitants House there; the Master told them, it was the Sabbath Day, and their God would be very angry if he should let them do it. They returned this answer, They knew not who his God was, and that they would do it for all him, or his God either: From thence they went to another House and took away some Victuals, but hurt no Man. Immediately they met a Man travelling on the Road, kept him in Custody a short time, then dismissed him quietly; giving him this Caution, that he should not Work on his God's Day, and that he should tell no Lies. These things happening, with many others of the like Nature, gave the Rehoboth and Swansey Men great cause of Jealousies; which occasioned them to send to Plymouth, and to the Bay (i. e. Boston) for some Assistance, in case they should need it. But before any came to them, they of both Towns were gathered together into three Houses, Men, Women, and Children, and there had all Provisions in common, so that they who had nothing wanted not. Immediately after, notice came hereof to the Governor of the Messachusets Colony (Boston being Metropolis, and the Honourable John Leveret Governor thereof) Drum's beat up for Volunteers, and in three Hours time were Mustered up about an Hundred and ten men, Captain Samuel Mosely being then Commander. This Captain Mosely hath been an old Privateer at Jamaica, an excellent Soldier, and of an undaunted Spirit, one whose Memory will be Honourable in New-England, for his many eminent Services he hath done the Public. There were also among these men about Ten or Twelve Privateers, that had been there sometime before: they carried with them several dogs, that proved serviceable to them, in finding out the Enemy in their Swmps; one whereof, would for several days together, go out and bring to them six, eight, or ten young Pigs of King Philip's Herds. There went out also amongst these Men, one Cornellis a Dutchman, who had lately been Condemned to die for Piracy, but afterwards received a Pardon, he willing to show his Gratitude therefore, went out and did several good Services abroad against the Enemy. Plymouth also sent out several Men at the same time, both Horse and Foot: Also most Towns in all the United Colonies thereabout sent out some more, some less, as they were in Number. By this time the Indians have killed several of our Men, but the first that was killed was June 23, a Man at Swansey: that adventuring with his Wife and Son (about twenty Years old) to go to his House to fetch them corn, and such like things: He having just before sent his Wife and Son away, as he was going out of the House, was set on and shot by Indians; his Wife being not far off, heard the Guns go off, went back: They took her, first defiled her, then skinned her Head, as also the Son, and dismissed them both, who immediately died. They also the next day killed six or seven Men at Swansey, and two more at one of the Garrisons; and as two Men that went out of one of the Garrisons to draw a Bucket of Water, were shot and carried away, and afterwards found with their Fingers and Feet cut off, and the skin of their Heads flayed off. About fourteen days after that, they sent for more help; whereupon the Authority of Boston, made Captain Thomas Savage the Major General in that Expedition, who with sixty Horse, and as many Foot, went out of Boston, having pressed Horses for the Footmen, and six Carts to carry Provisons with them: Whereof Mr. John Morse was Commissary General abroad, and Mr. Nathaniel William's Commissary at home. They Traveled day and night till they came to their Garrisons, and within three days after, marched Horse and Foot (leaving Guards in the Garrisons) towards Mount Hope, where King Philip and his Wife was; they came on him at unawares, so that Philip was forced to rise from Dinner, and he and all with him fled out of that Land, called Mount Hope, up further into the Country; they pursued them as far as they could go for Swamps, and killed fifteen or sixteen in that Expedition, and returned, and took what he had that was worth taking, and spoiled the rest, taking all his cattle and Hogs they could find, and also took Possession of Mount Hope, which had then a thousand Acres under Corn, which is since cut down by the English, and disposed of according to their Discretion. Cornellis was in this Exploit, and pursued Philip so hard, that he got his Cap off his Head, and now weareth it. About three days after, the general (finding Cornellis to be a Stout Man, and willing to venture his Life in the Cause of the English) sent him with twelve Men under his Command to Scout about, with Orders to return in three Hours on pain of Death; in his way he met sixty Indians that were haling their Cannooes ashore, he set on them, killing thirteen, and took eight alive, purses the rest as for as he could go for the Swamps; then he returned and Burnt all those Cannooes, about forty in number: By this time Cornellis and his twelve Men (all being perserved) returned to the Camp, but they were eight Hours absent: Whereupon a Council of War was called, who past the Sentence of Death on him, for exceeding the Order given him. Immediately was also Pardoned, and received thanks for his good Service done in that Expedition; and was in a short time sent out on the like Design, and brought Home with him twelve Indians alive, and two Indians Heads (i. e. the Skin with the Hair on it.) About the 25th of July, the General returned with twelve Men to guard his Person, Captain Mosely being there, and plying about, found Eighty Indians who surrendered themselves, and were secured in a House, provided for them near Plymouth: Thereupon came to Boston, to know the pleasure of the Authority about them, and in a days time returned with this Order; he should kill none that he took alive, but secure them in order to a Transportation: Wherefore afterwards there were Shipped on board Captain Sprague an Hundred seventy eight Indians, on the 28th of September, bound for Cales. In this time, the Indians continued daily to commit many Acts of Hostility on the English; they Burnt Twenty three Houses at Swansey, and killed many People there, and took much Cattle, as also Burnt the Hay and Corn in great quantities. They Burnt near thirty Houses in Dartmouth, (a place in New-Plimouth Colony) killing many People after a most Barbarous manner; as skining them all over alive, some only their Heads, cutting off their Hands and Feet; but any Woman they take alive, they Defile, afterwards put her to Death by some of those or the like ways. They have Burnt most of the Houses in Rehoboth, Taunton, and Swansey; a Party of Indians came to Mendham, which is Thirty two Miles from Boston, and there killed five or six Persons, who being pursued, two were killed, the rest fled. Some part of our Forces afterwards set on about Five hundred Indians, not far from Pocassit, pursuing them into a large Swamp, not far from thence; how many they killed is not known, in regard the Indians adventured back and took their dead Men away with them: (as they commonly do if they can possibly) But in this Fight were killed King Philip's Brother, his Privy Councillor, (being one formerly Educated at Cambridg) and one of his chief Captains; the Heads of which three were afterwards brought to Boston. There were killed in this pursuit six Englishmen, and nine or ten wounded. This Pocassit Swamp, is judged about seven or eight Miles long, and so full of Bushes and Trees, that a parcel of Indians may be within the length of a Pike of a Man, and he cannot discover them; and besides, this as well as all other Swamps, is so soft Ground, that an Englishman can neither go nor stand thereon, and yet these bloody Savages will run a long over it, holding their Guns cross their arms (and if occasion be) discharge in that posture. On the Lord's Day, the 〈◊〉 of July, an Indian came to Dorchester, (within half a Mile of Mother George's House) to the House of Mr. Minor, in Sermon-time, and there were then at Home the Maid servant and two young Children, she keeping the Door shut for safety; the Indian when he saw he could not come in at the Door, went about to come in at the Window, she perceiving his resolution, took two brass kettles, under which she put the two children, she ran up Stairs and charged a Musket and fired at the Indian, (he having fired at her once or twice and missed her, but struck the top of one Kettle, under which a Child was) and shot him into his shoulder; then he let his Gun fall, and was just coming in at the Window, she made haste and got a Fire shovel full of live Coals and applied them to his Face, which forced him to fly and escaped: But one was found dead within five Miles of that place afterwards, and was judged to be this by his scalded Face. These Transactions may be computed to end with July. Before any further progress be made in this Relation, it may not be amiss to give you some Account of what concerns our Neighbour Indians at Peace with us. There are two Potent Sagamores, that are in Amity with us: The one is Ninnicroft, his Territories border on Connecticot Colony; the other is Unkus, the only Christian Sagamore among them. This Unkus, and all his Subjects professing Christanity, are called Praying Indians. In the first week in August, the Authority of Boston sent an Express to him, to require him to come in and Surrender himself, man, and Arms, to the English: whereupon, he sent along with the Messenger his three Sons, and about Sixty of his Men, with his Arms, to be thus disposed of, viz. His two youngest Sons, (about thirty Years old) to remain as Hostages (as now they do at Cambridg) and his Eldest Son to go Captain of the Men as Assistants to the English against the Heathens, which accordingly they did. And the English not thinking themselves yet secure enough, because they cannot know a Heathen from a Christian by his Visage, nor Apparel: The Authority of Boston, at a Council held there the 30th of August, Published this following Order. AT A COUNCIL Held in BOSTON, August 30. 1675. THe Council judging it of absolute necessity for the Security of the English, and the Indians that are in Amity with us, that they be Restrained their usual Commerce with the English, and Hunting in the Woods, during the time of Hostility with those that are our Enemies. Do Order, that all those Indians that are desirous to Approve themselves faithful to the English, be Confined to their several Plantations under-written, until the Council shall take further order; and that they so order the setting of their Wigwams, that they may stand Compact in some one part of their Plantations respectively, where it may be best for their own Provision & Defence. And that none of them do presume to Travel above one Mile from the Centre of such their Dwelling, unless in company with some English, or in their Service near their Dwellings; and excepting for gathering & fetching in their Corn with one Englishman, on peril of being taken as our Enemies, or their Abettors: And in case that any of them shall be taken without the Limits abovesaid, except as abovesaid, and do lose their Lives, or be otherwise damnified, by English or Indians; The Council do hereby Declare, that they shall account themselves wholly Innocent, and their Blood or other Damage (by them sustained) will be upon their own Heads. Also, it shall not be lawful for any Indians that are in Amity with us, to entertain any strange Indians, or receive any of our Enemy's Plunder, but shall from time to time make discovery thereof to some English, that shall be Appointed for that end to sojourn among them, on penalty of being reputed our Enemies, and of being liable to be proceeded against as such. Also, whereas it is the manner of the Heathens that are now in Hostility with us, contrary to the Practice of all Civil Nations, to execute their bloody Insolences by Stealth, and Skulking in small Parties, declining all open decision of their Controversy, either by Treaty or by the Sword. The Council do therefore Order, that after the Publication of the Provision aforesaid, It shall be lawful for any Person, whether English or Indian, that shall find any Indians Travelling or Skulking in any of our Towns or Woods, contrary to the Limits abovenamed, to command them under their Guard, and Examination, or to Kill and destroy them as they best may or can. The Council hereby declaring, That it will be most acceptable to them that none be Killed or Wounded, that are willing to surrender themselves into Custody. The Places of the Indians Residencies are, Natick, Punquapaog, Nashoba, Wamesit, and Hassanemesit: And if there be any that belong to any other Plantations, they are to Repair to some one of these. By the Council. Edward Rawson, Secretary Which company of Praying Indians marched out of Town (having Saluted the Governor with three Volleys) and were appointed to march in the Front, which they did, and met with several Skirmishes, in which they Killed some, and about forty-five more Surrendered themselves; which were shipped off amongst those Captain Sprague carried away. Concerning the Narragansets, Ninnicroft is their Sagamore; his GrandFather, and Father, always kept Truce with the English, but he now gives sufficient cause to think otherwise of him. The Squaw Sachem, having ran very far in her Engagements with King Philip, and fearing lest she should be taken, she committed her Person to the possession of this Ninnicroft, judging herself safe by virtue of his Protection; where she hath continued ever since July last. Whereupon a certain number of Men were sent by the Authority of Connecticot Colony (John Wenthrop Governor) to the Narragansets, to require them to deliver the Queen, and withal to Ratify that long Peace they had maintained with the English: Whereupon the Narragansets concluded a Peace with them, and sent a Hundred Men to Connecticot, for the assistance of the English. The English made this Agreement with them, That for every Indians Head-skin they brought, they should have a Coat, (i. e. two Yards of Trucking Cloth, worth five Shillings per Yard here) and for every one they bring alive, two Coats; for King Philip's Head, Twenty Coats; and if taken alive, Forty Coats: These went out, and returned in fourteen days time, bringing with them about Eighteen Heads in all. Several other Sachems of the Countries, called in Indian, Nipmog, came to an English Town called Brookfield, (but in Indian, Quawbawg, during the time our Garrison was there) and told them they were Praying Indians, (i. e. Christians) and that they would be quiet, and do no harm to the English; but withal, told them, that for their own safety they could not deliver up their Arms: But the Inhabitants of Brookfield thought they would be Faithful, in regard they were Praying Indians, took their words and dismissed them. The Authority of Boston, with the Advice of the Governor of Connecticot, as also of Plymouth Colonies, then sitting in Council for several days together at Boston, For their better satisfaction, sent a Party of thirty Horse under the Command of Captain Hutchinson, and Captain Wheeler; when they were come to Quawbawg, they sent a Party of Horse to the Nipmoog Sachems to Treat with them. (For you must understand that Captain Hutchinson had a very considerable Farm thereabouts, and had occasion to employ several of those Sachems Men, in Tilling and Ploughing his Ground, and thereby he was known by Face to many of them.) The Sachems sent this word, they would speak with none but Captain Hutchinson himself; whereupon Capt. Hutchinson and Capt. Wheeler, sent them word they would come to them themselves: Accordingly the Indians appointed the meeting at such a Tree, and at such a time. The time being come, Captain Hutchison, Captain Wheeler, and his Company, (with some of the Inhabitants of Brookfield, who thought them to be very Honest, therefore took no Arms with them) went to the place, but the Nipmoog Indians were not there. Whereupon the Guide that conducted them through the Woods, brought them to a Swamp, not far off the appointed place; out of which these Indians ran all at once and Killed sixteen Men, and Wounded several others, of which Wounds three Weeks after, Captain Hutchison died, when his Wife and Son were within twelve Miles of him in their Journey to see him; whose Death is the more lamented, in that his Mother, and several others of his Relations, died by the hands of the Indians, now near forty Years since. The rest that escaped, made what haste they could to the Town of Brookfield, they made choice of the strongest House there, resolved to make a Garrison of it; in order thereunto, as soon as they could, got all the People (about Eighty in number) into this House. The Indians pursued them close, and in four Hours time had Burnt twenty and odd Houses in Brookfield, and abode thereabout three or four days, shooting day and night, with most dreadful Screeching and Yell, which signified their Triumph. They in this time endeavoured to set the Garrison on fire divers times, but by the Providence of God were prevented; once by a shower of Rain, another time by their Diligence within. One from within stepped out to drink some Water and was killed, and one more killed within. The Bruits had contrived an Engine with many Wheels, to fire the Garrison ten or twelve Rod off, and had loaded it with combustibles therefore, (and news was brought to Boston that they were all Burnt, but it was not so) and had assuredly done it, had not Major Willard come to their Relief with a flying Army of sixty Horse, at nine or ten a Clock at Night: They forced their way through the Body of the Indians, and Fired a pace on them, and in two Hours time wholly Routed the Indians thence, killing several. Thus deliverance was wrought by a mighty Hand for them, when they had no outward reason to expect any. During the time these People kept themselves in that House, two Women were safely delivered of two Sons apiece, who in a Month's time brought them all themselves on foot to Boston, where they were plentifully relieved out of the Church-Stock there. There are also another sort of Indians, (best know to the Commonalty of Boston) by the name of Mr. eliot's Indians, or Captain Guggins Indians. This Mr. eliot, you must understand, is the Man that hath by his own great Labour and Study, invented the way of Printing the Indian Language, and hath also perfectly Translated the whole Bible, with the Singing Psalms in Meeter; the Assemblies Catechism; the Practice of Piety, into the Indian Language; as also Written several Books, very profitable for understanding the Grounds of Christian Religion: For which Pains and Labour, he deserves Honour from all such who are Wellwishers to things of the like Nature, whose Name will never Die in New-England. A Specimen of his Translation of the Bible into the Indian Language is as followeth. Isaiah, Chap. 23. Ver. 1, 2, 3. OOWeanun Tyre. OOnook kenaau Tarshishe kuhtoonogquog, newutche mahchimoo, newaj matta wetuwoniuneog, won petutteaun: wutch Chittimme ohkert nag wehteauwahuoneau. THe burden of Tyre. Howl ye ships of Tarshish, for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: From the land of Chittim it is revealed to them. 2. Chequnappek wadohkeogish munohhanehtu, ken, Zidone anaqishaenuog neg quoshkodteacheg keitoh, kenum wamechumuhkonukquog. 2. Be still ye Inhabitants of the Isle, thou whom the Merchants of Zidon that pass over the Sea, have replenished. 3. Kah nashpe mishe nippeash, wuskanuem Sihor, sepue kepenumoonk ne wutte shegenoom, kah no wutohtimoinne ahhut kodtauwompatimuk. 3. And by great waters the seed of Sihor, the harvest of the River is her revenue, and she is a Mart of Nations. This Captain Guggins, is a Captain and Justice of Peace at Cambridg: He receives Thirty Pound per annum from the English, to sit as Judge among the Indians, to Judge any difference (not Capital) among themselves, or between them and the English. Of these Indians thus distingished, it may not be amiss to give a brief Account, in its proper place. Now it falls in Course, to think on what is done in the Field on both Sides. On Thursday the 5th of August, being Lecture-day at Boston, was ordered by the Old Church (of which the Governor is a Member) to be observed as a Fast by that Church, which accordingly was done: And at the Contribution was then Collected Sixty Nine Pound, which was for the distressed Families Relief. And on that very day was Captain Hutchisons' Company so defeated: Which thing was taken especial Notice of, by all those who desire to see the Hand of God in such sad Providences, which did occasion another Fast to be kept, by Mr. mather's Church, at the North Meetinghouse the Wednesday following. On Wednesday, the 12th of August, was appointed a Fast for Mr. Mather's Church, which was duly observed; that day being a Court day for the Council, no Magistrate was there, yet notwithstanding there was gathered at the Contribution sixty eight Pound. Mr. Mather in his Sermon, took occasion too in speaking of the Benefit of Communion with God, to tell us that there are in this Colony seventy nine gathered Churches, and that to this day the Indians had not done any Damage to any thing that belonged to any of the Places where these Churches were. August coming on, we have now from all Parts raised more Men, so that there are now in the Field in several places, six hundred Horse and Foot: Most of the Army were not far from the Swamp wherein King Philip with all his People were; they resolved to compass it, which they did once: And in their second Encounter, forced King Philip with all his Retinue out of the Samp, and pursued them; in their pursuit they killed his Lievetenant-General, with about twenty (that they saw of his Men, and the English had not the loss of one Man, but two wounded. We having all this while a Party of Unkus' Indians in the Field on our side. About the 15th of August, Captain Mosely with sixty Men, Met with a company, judged about three hundred Indians, in a plain place where few Trees were, and on both sides preparations were making for a Battle; all being ready on both sides to fight, Captain Moseley plucked off his Periwig, and put it into his Breeches, because it should not hinder him in fight. As soon as the Indians saw that, they fell a Howling and Yelling most hideously, and said, Umh, umh me no stawmerre fight Engis mon, Engis mon get two head, Engis mon got two head; if me cut off un head, he got noder, a put on beder as dis; with such like words in broken English, and away they all fled and could not be overtaken, nor seen any more afterwards. About a Week after this, Capt. Moseley took two Indians, the Father and his Son, and willing to Examine them both apart, proceeded thus: Took the old Man and bound him to a Tree, after he was so bound, he sent away the Son by a File of Men out of sight; the old Man there confessed he was a Praying Indian, and that he was only hunting for Deer thereabouts; but said, that his Son was one of those Men that wounded Captain Hutchison: So then, after they had pumped him as much as they could, they fired a Gun with no Bullet in it over his Head, untied him, and sent him another way with a File out of sight; then brought they his Son, bound him in like manner, they telling him that they had shot his Father, and would shoot him also, if he would not confess what he was, and what he knew: He fairly told them, that he was a Praying Indian, but his Father made him go with him to the Nipmoog Indians, and that there they shot three or four times apiece; whereupon they then brought the old Man and tied him to his Son, and Examined them together; at length they confessed they were both among the Nipmoogs, and that the Son did wound Captain Hutchison; after their Examination, they were both shot to Death. In this same Week, King Philip's Men had taken a young Lad alive about fourteen Years old, and bound him to a Tree two nights and two days, intending to be Merry with him the Next day, and that they would Roast him alive to make sport with him; but God overnight, touched the heart of one Indian, so that he came and loosed him, and bid him run Grandee (i. e. run Apace) and by that means he escaped. Towards the latter end of August, Captain Moseley took eight Indians alive, and sent them Prisoners to Boston, who were put in Prison there; these were of the Number of Mr. Eliot's Indians; (as also many of those Indians that were Shipped off by Captain Sprague, for the Straits and Cales) these Men were at several times tried for their Lives, and condemned to Die: Mean time Mr. Eliot, and Captain Guggins, pleaded so very hard for the Indians, that the whole Council knew not what to do about them. They harkened to Mr. Eliot for his Gravity, Age, and Wisdom, and also for that he hath been the chief Instrument that the Lord hath made use of, in Propagating the Gospel among the Heathen; And was their Teacher, till such time that some Indians were brought upon in the University to supply his place. But for Captain Guggins, why such a wise Council as they, should be so overborn by him, cannot be judged otherwise then because of his daily troubling them with his Impertinences and multitudinous Speeches, in so much that it was told him on the Bench, by † Cap. Oliver. a very worthy Person there present, that he ought rather to be Confined among his Indians, than to sit on the Bench; his taking the Indians part so much hath made him a Byword both among Men and Boys. But so it was, that by one, and two at a time, most of these eight Indians, (and four more sent afterwards on the same account) were let lose by night, which so Exasperated the Commonalty, that about the 10th of September, at nine a Clock at night, there gathered together about forty Men (some of note) and came to the House of Captain James Oliver; two or three of them went into his Entry to desire to speak with him, which was to desire him to be their Leader, and they should join together and go break open the Prison, and take one Indian out thence and Hang him: Captain Oliver hearing their request, took his Cane and cudgeled them stoutly, and so for that time dismissed the Company; which had he but in the least countenanced, it might have been accompanied with ill Events in the end. Immediately Captain Oliver went and acquainted Mr. Ting his Neighbour, (a Justice of Peace) and they both went the next Morning and acquainted the Goverour, who thanked Captain Oliver for what he had done last night, but this rested not here: For the Commonalty were so enraged against Mr. eliot, and Captain Guggins especially, that Captain Guggins said on the Bench, that he was afraid to go along the streets; the answer was made, you may thank yourself; however an Order was issued out for the Execution of that one (notorious above the rest) Indian, and accordingly he was led by a Rope about his Neck to the Gallows; when he came there, the Executioners (for there were many) fling one end over the Post, and so hoist him up like a Dog, three or four times, he being yet half alive, and half dead; then came an Indian, a Friend of his, and with his Knife made a hole in his Breast to his Heart, and sucked out his Heartblood: Being asked his reason therefore, his answer, Umh, umh nu, Me stronger as I was before, me be so strong as me and he too, he be for strong Man fore he die. Thus with the Dog-like-death (good enough) of one poor Heathen, was the People's Rage laid in some measure, but in a short time it began to work (not without Cause enough). About the beginning of September, Captain Hinksman was sent out Commander of one hundred Men, and were to meet together at Roxbury Meeting-House-yard, when they were there, ready to March, they all unanimously resolved not to go with him, but if Captain Oliver would go, they would go gladly; whereupon the Council sent for him Home, and sent Captain Lake in his room. On wednesday, August 25. was observed a Fast at Charles-Town, whereto several of Boston went, there was gathered that day Seventy eight Pound. King Philip now beinning to want Money (having a Coat made all of Wampampeag, (i. e. Indian Money) cuts his Coat to pieces, and distributes it plentifully among the Nipmoog Sachems and others, as well to the Eastward as Southward, and all round about. This gives occasion to suspect that the Narragansets may also be Bribed, who are out on our side, in that they follow not Orders to pursue King Philip effectually. Captain Lathrop, and Captain Beers, being at Hadly, and there hearing of an Indian Castle not far thence, they marched with an Hundred and eighty Soldiers thither, who required the Indians to surrender their Arms; the Indians told Captain Beers, that they would the next Morning. But the Captains with their Men soon made themselves Masters thereof, forcing them into a Swamp, having killed nine or ten, they Retreated. By this time the Town of Deerfield gins to be in danger: Whereupon Captain Beers with eighty Men went to bring away the People, the Inhabitants thereof. The Indians having Burnt twenty five Houses; in their way, they were met with by a parcel of Indians of about a Hundred and fifty, which the English got the better of, killing near Forty Indians, having lost but four or five Englishmen: But immediately there did appear the greatest Body that hath at one time been seen by the English, and fell upon Captain Beers, immediately killing him and sixty five of his Men, and fifteen escaped; these fifteen ran to Captain Moseley, who then was about nine or ten Miles off, he came with his sixty Men, and gave the whole Body of the Indians Battle (judged about one thousand two hundred) for three Hours; whereupon after having killed several of the Indians, he was forced to Retreat, and continued Fight for all the time that he and his Men were Retreating nine Miles; Captain Moseley lost out of his Company nine, and thirteen wounded. The next day they come up again, the Indians were gone, they had stripped the dead Men of all their Clothes and Arms, and Horses; amongst which dead, was one who had life in him, and was found by a Friend Indian, he took him up and said, Umh, umh poo Ingismon, me save you life, me take you to Captain Mosee; he carries him fifteen Miles the day after to Captain Moseley, and now this Man is well again and in good health. Immediately Orders were taken at Boston for the sending out more Relief, as many as to make up Captain Moseleys Company an Hundred complete, were forthwith sent away: They are fitting out an Hundred more from Connecticot, under the Command of Major Treat, and Captain Whiting the Minister of Hartford. September 10, Eight Indians came to Boston from Ninnicroft, in an Embassy, having a Certificate from Captain Smith an Englishman, that hath a large Estate thereabouts: They dispatched their Business, and had another Pass, tied at the end of a Stick, that Englishmen may see it afar off. They were going out of Town a back way, two Men men met them, and seized on him that had the Pass; these two Men were Brothers, and this Indian had been among King Philip's Indians, and these two Men Swore in Court, that that was the Man that killed their Brother, they knew him; whereupon two days after his Trial and Confession, he was Hanged like the other. September 23. About ten at night we had an Alarm given us, and before eleven we had one Thousand two Hundred Men in Arms, and dismissed by twelve that night: The occasion was, one of the Watch was Drunk about thirty Miles off at Mendham, and he fired a Gun, so it came to Boston; the next morning he paid ten Shillings, and sat some hours in the Stocks for his being Drunk, and afterwards had twenty Lashes for giving a false Alarm. On the 28th day of August, happened here at eleven a Clock at night, a most violent Storm of Wind and Rain, the like was never known before; it blew up many Ships together that they Bulged one another, some up towards Cambridg, some to Muddy-River, doing much hurt to very many; also it broke down many Wharffs, and blew down some Houses thereupon. The Indians afterwards reported that they had caused it by their Pawwaw, (i. e. worshipping the Devil). They farther say, That as many Englishmen shall Die, as the Trees have by this Wind been blown down in the Woods: But these Heathenish notions are consonant to their barbarous Cruelty, and aught to be valued accordingly, by all who own any thing superior to it or them. Several Men, some whereof are Quakers, will not go out on Command, and for their disobedience thereunto, are forced to run the Gantelop. About the 15th of September, the Authority of Boston sent a Party to Ninnicroft, to require him to come to Boston, to treat concerning the delivery Squaw Sachem: He sent word he would come, provided he might be safely returned back; Captain Smith living near him, offered himself, Wife and Children, and Estate, as Hostages therefore. Ninnicroft seeing this, resolved to send his Eldest Son thither (he himself being very aged) so away they came, bringing Captain Smith with them; when they came to Roxbury, they sent word to Boston they were come, and desired to know if they might have admittance into Boston: Word was sent them, that they should be very welcome. In order thereto, Captain James Oliver, and Captain Clark, were ordered with six Files of Muskets a piece to meet on the Neck, to conduct them into Town. The Indians meeting these Captains, thought that they were all to Die immediately; some were for running away, and some not, but Captain Smith being with them, endeavoured to pacify them as well as he could. When they met, they opened to the Right and Left, and gave them three Volleys, and so Guarded them to the Governors' House. The next Morning this Sagamore with all his Retinue, went to Captain oliver's House, to give him hearty thanks for Yesterday kindness, in his conducting them safe to Town. The Council sat every day during their abode in Boston, until they came to an Agreement: The Narragansets by degrees, came to this Agreement, That they were to deliver the Squaw Sachem within so many days at Boston; and the League of Peace was then by them confirmed, which was much to the general satisfaction; but yet many had hard thoughts of them, fearing they will at last prove Treacherous: They were dismissed out of Town in safety, according to their desire. The Governor and Council seeing, and seriously considering the Misery that many had already undergone, and that the Country was like to be in, Issued out this following Order for a Solemn Fast all over the Colony; which was performed with a very great show of outward Penitence, and (no question) with much inward Affection by very many: The Governor himself beginning the duty of the Day, with a most heavenly Prayer. AT A COUNCIL Held at BOSTON, Sept. 17. 1675. IT pleased the HOLY GOD (all whose Works are Truth, and his Ways Judgement) for our sins whereby he hath been provoked, in special by the undervaluation of our pleasant things; great unthankfulness for, and manifold abuses of our wonderful Peace, and the Blessings of it in this good Land, which the Lord hath given us; ill entertainment of the Ministry of the precious Gospel of Peace: Leaving our first-Love, dealing falsely in the Covenant of the Lord our God: The Apostasy of many from the Truth unto Heresies, and pernicious Errors; Great Formality, inordinate Affection, and sinful Conformity to this present evil vain World: And (beside many horrid and scandalous Sins breaking forth among us, for which we have cause to be greatly humbled before the Lord) our great unsensibleness of the displeasure of the Lord in suffering these Abominations to be perpetrated, together with our Carnal Security, and unquietness under the judgements of God upon us; our abiding very much unreformed, notwithstanding all Warnings and Chastisements, whereby the Lord hath been, and is still debating with us; we having greatly incensed Him to stir up many Adversaries against us, not only Abroad, but also at our own Doors, (causing the Heathen in this Wilderness to be as thorns in our sides, who have formerly been, and might still be, a Wall unto us therein; and others also to become a Scourge unto us) the Lord himself also more immediately Afflicting us by Diseases, whereof so many Children in some of our Towns have died this Summer. His not going forth with our Armies as in former times, but giving up many of our Brethren to the Mouth of the devouring Sword, yea, showing himself Angry with the Prayers of his People: Threatening us also with scarcity of Provision and other Calamities, especially if this present War with the barbarous Heathen should continue: And that the Lord of Hosts himself withdraw not the Commission He hath given to the Sword, and other judgements to prevail against us. The Governor and Council of this jurisdiction therefore (being under the Sense of these evils, and also of the distressed State of the rest of the Colonies confederate with ourselves, and of the Churches of Christ in other parts of the Christian World, in this day of Trouble, Rebukes, and Blasphemy; and fearing the sad Issue thereof, unless the Lord help us with our whole Heart, and not feignedly, to turn unto Himself) Do Appoint, and Order the seventh day of the next Month, to be a Day of Public Humiliation, with Fasting and Prayer, throughout this whole Colony; that we may set ourselves sincerely to seek the Lord, rending our Hearts, and not our Garments before Him, and pursue the same with a through Reformation of what ever hath been, or is an Image of jealousy before the Lord, to offend the Eyes of his Glory; if so be, the Lord may turn from his fierce Anger, that we perish not. We do therefore require all the Inhabitants of this jurisdiction to forbear Servile Labour upon that Day, and that they apply themselves respectively to observe the same, as is Appointed. By the Council. Edward Rawson, Secretary On the 1st of October, News came to Boston, that the Indians had Burnt the Farm-house of Major Pinchon, situate near Springfield, and killed much cattle, and Burnt much Corn, which occasioned his Son to abide still in Boston (he being before provided to go for London, with Capt. John Walley in the Johns Adventure, Mr. Pinchon's one Ship): It is judged that Major Pinchon's damage may amount to eleven or twelve hundred Pound Sterling. This day also came the News to Mr. Purchas, that his House and Goods were Burnt, his Wife and Children killed; the latter proved false: He was also bound in Capt. Walley for London, but remained at Boston for some time, in order to the settling his Family there. His Loss likewise amounted to above a thousand Pound Sterling. On the 12th of October, a Body of Indians came to Springfield, who immediately fired the Town, and consumed thirty two Houses, and almost as many Barns, with their Corn and Hay. The Indians that did this Mischief, were a company of those sort called Praying Indians, about forty in number, that always dwelled near to Springfield, and at that time were confined to their Town and a mile about it; but for their usual Civility sake, were permitted daily to have Converse with the Town, about what Business they had, and at midnight they did their Exploit. The Neighbouring Towns hearing it, and that it was done by them, Rose without any Command or Leader, and slew all of them they could find, which was about thirty. Likewise tidings came this day from the Eastward, that they have killed twenty Men within this ten days; wherefore here is this 20th of October, marched forty Men out of Boston, for their Relief. The Narragansets we fear more and more every day, will be perfidious to us, the time being past that they should have delivered Squaw Sachem at Boston. Our Fears are the more increased, as well in that we understand several of them appear up and down in Arms; however here is a Levy now coming out for a thousand Englishmen to wait on them, which we hope may reduce them to good order, as well as recover Squaw Sachem out of their hands; which if she be but taken by the English, her Lands will pay more than all the Charge we have been at in this unhappy War. October 28. This day by advice from Hatfield, we have this particular Account of what happened there. On Wednesday, the 19th of October, a party of Indians about seven Miles off Hatfield in the Woods, made several great Fires, to make the English think they were there, but as soon as ever they had set fire to the Wood, they came directly towards Hatfield, and about two Miles from Hatfield they lay in Bushes by the way side undiscoverable, thinking to cut off the English in their way to the Fires: About Noon, they of Hatfield sent ten Horsemen well armed, to Scout out and see what is the matter in the Woods; and in their way, the Indians at once shot down nine of the ten, and the other returned to Hatfield to carry the news: Capt. Samuel Moseley being than not far from thence, with sixty Men, was immediately sent for, who presently came. By four a Clock, there were come into the Town, above seven hundred Indians armed, and immediately set Fire in three places to the Town, but by care was soon quenched; Capt. Moseley presently engaged five hundred of these Indians, whilst two hundred and more other Indians were at the other end of the Town endeavouring to Fire it, There was also another Captain, with about sixty Men not far off, who hearing the Guns, came immediately thither and set on the other Party of two hundred and odd; but two English Captains soon joined together, and they had a Fight with those seven hundred and odd Indians, for near two Hours time, till they could see no longer; in this Fight we lost only three Men, and we judge we may have killed above an hundred Indians, we forced the rest in great disorder to run away, we forced them over a large River, who in their Swimming over, lost all their Arms and Ammunition, and several were Drowned, as was seen the next day, This Fight doth much discourage them, and encourage our English: there were ten Men wounded of ours in the Fight, but none Mortally we hope. Care now is taken to satisfy the (reasonable) desires of the Commonalty, concerning Mr. eliot's Indians, and Capt. Guggins Indians. They that wear the name of Praying Indians, but rather (as Mr, Hezekiah Ushur termed Praying-Indians) they have made Preys of much English Blood, but now they are all reduced to their several Confinements; which is much to a general Satisfaction in that respect. Dated from Boston, Novemb. 10. 1675. POSTSCRIPT. SIR, I Have here enclosed you as large an Account as I can at present of the State of this Wilderness, in respect to the Heathens: I must confess, I was the willinger to take a little the more Pains in the Collecting thereof, for the sakes of those with you, who wish us well. Which if it may answer its intended end therein, the Labour in Writing will be well bestowed. You may expect more from me as there is occasion, mean while I am, Sir, Your Friend and Servant. Psal. 80.7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. FINIS.