An Additional brief NARRATIVE Of a late Bloody DESIGN Against The Protestants in Ann Arundel County, and Severn, in Maryland in the Country of Virginia. AS ALSO Of the extraordinary Deliverance of those poor oppressed people. Set forth by Roger Heaman Commander of the Ship Golden Lion, an eye witness there. LONDON, July .24. Printed for Livewell Chapman at the Crown in Popes-Head-Alley. 1655. An Additionall brief Narrative of a late bloody design against the Protestants in Anne Arundel County, and Severne in Maryland, in the Country of VIRGINIA. THAT the sixth of November last, in the year of our Lord, 1654. he set sail from the Downs, then outward bound, for the Bay of Virginia, for the Ports of Patuxent, and Severne, and through the blessing of God arrived at Patuxent the 29 of January following. That within two days after his arrival at that Port, there came a Boat with about five persons therein, to the Ship side, and by information of one of his Ships company, who formerly had been at Maryland, declared that Capt. Stone, formerly Governor Stone, was there. He thereupon called assistants of his Ships company to Man the Ship side to accommodate the coming up of Mr. Stone into the Ship; where after some civil respects showed him, he called for a Glass of Wine, and drank to him by the name of Governor Stone: At which he replied, he had formerly been a Governor, but was not so now; That the Governor there at present was one Capt: Fuller, a Gentleman lately settled by the Commissioners of the Parliament of England; and that Mr. Fuller was then at Severne. He was likewise so informed by the Inhabitants of Patuxent, but understood nothing of any difference, or Hostile preparations in the least. After some dispatches of affairs in relation to the proceeding of his Voyage, and the hard weather was broken, did on the sixteenth day of February, early in the morning set sail for Severne, where he arrived late that night, and settling the Ships business, went the next morning ashore to attend the Governor, whom he found there; and having given the Governor satisfaction as to his intended proceeding, came aboard his Ship again. On the fifteenth of March following, in Order to his Voyage, left directions with Mr. Cole his Mate concerning the Ship, and Man'd forth one of his Sloopes, and himself went for Roads River, some seven Leagues distant from thence, to procure Goods; but before he could dispatch his business there, received a particular Message from Capt. Fuller the Governor, than also at Severne, requiring him presently to attend him, and that his men might presently repair to his Ship, then at an Anchor at Severne. He not knowing what speed such a Message might require, left his business, and endeavoured so soon as might be, to wait upon the Governor: But as he drew near, he perceived a piece of Ordnance fired from his Ship, which much amazed him and his Boats crew, whereupon hastening to the Ship, at his coming on board, he there found the Governor, Capt. Fuller, with Mr. Cole, whom he had entrusted the care of his ship unto, and demanding the reason of the firing of that Gun, he told him it was by the Governors' Order. The Governor forthwith related to him, That he had received certain Intelligence, that Capt. Stone with a party of Romish Catholics, Malignant, and disaffected persons, who had called to their assistance a great number of Heathen, were in Arms, and what other they could not by favour persuade, they forced along with them, plundering all that refused to assist them. That they had privately designed the destruction of the Governor, and all the Protestants at Severne, and to destroy men, women, and Children, that should not submit to their wicked design. And this, the better to carry on their interest, was under pretence of bringing in subjection those factious people in the County of Anne Arundel, to the obedience of the Lord Proprietary, not owning the Lord Protector of England, etc. his power in the least. The Governor further also informed him, that the design was against him, his ship, and company (if they would not assist Captain Stone) to fire his Ship riding at anchor, and to be effected by one Abraham Hely a seaman who ran away from his Ship at Patuxent; and this design so settled, that Captain Stone and his soldiery were ready to march. The sudden news of such horrid treachery to be acted by such instruments, put the poor Inhabitants into so lamentable a condition, in respect they were so surprised, that they had no deliverance to expect, but only extraordinary Providence from God, having formerly by sad experience known the malice of their Adversaries, against all that owned the ways of God in truth. The Governor desired that many of the poor trembling Women and Children might come on board the ship, which was granted; In the mean time his Council and the Inhabitants consulted their own safety, and agreed to have a Letter drawn up to be directed to Capt. Stone, and sent to him by Messengers of their own by the ships Wherry. A first Message having been sent to demand his power, and the ground of such his proceed. The second Message to him being such low terms, that those that sent it were grieved at their hearts that ever it went out of their hands, which was as followeth, For Capt. William Stone Esq; SIR, THe People of these parts have met together and considered the present transactions on your part, and have not a little marvelled that no other Answer of the last Message hath been made, than what tended rather to make men desperate than conformable, yet being desirous of Peace, do once again present to your serious consideration these ensuing Proposals, as the mind of the people. 1 If you will Governous so, as we may enjoy the liberty of English Subjects; 2 And that we be, and remain indemnified in respect of our engagement, and all former acts relating to the Reducement and Government; 3 That those who are minded to departed the Province, may freely do it without any prejudice to themselves or Estates; We are content to own yourself as Governor, and submit to your Government. If not, we are resolved to commit ourselves into the hands of God, and rather die like men than be made Slaves. Will Durand, Secret. But no answer to this was returned, but the same paper in scorn sent back again. The Messengers being dispatched from the Governor and Council, had the ship Golden Lions Wherry for their more speedy passage; And they accordingly came to Capt. Stone, whom with the whole body they met at the Cliffs, some marching by Land, and others is Sloops or Boats coming by Water, in pursuance of the bloody design. And upon the Messengers coming to him to present the Letter, he immediately in a rage commanded the Messengers to be taken into Guard, and took away the Wherry; yet two of the Messengers escaped and came to Severn, and acquainted the Governor, and the Council, of the Enemies proceed, and what further intelligence they could meet with. And withal, that Captain Stone had so ordered, that if the Commander of the ship the Golden Lion would not assist him and his Company, the ship should be fired as it lay at an Anchor by a Servant of the Commanders that run from him at Patuxent. The Governor and his Council in Order to their security sent several Warrants, requiring observance of their Commands, one whereof directed to the Relator hereof, as followeth. To Capt. Roger Heaman Commander of the Golden Lion, now riding at Anchor in Severn River in Providence. SIR, THe Government of Mariland hath been settled by the Supreme Authority of the Commonwealth of England, and confirmed by the said Power, which is expressly owned, what their Commissioners Rich. Bennet Esq; and Col. Will. Claybourn, and Cap. Edw. Curtis had done, and since by the Lord Protector, which is now contradicted by the Lord Baltemore and his Officers, without showing any power at all, These are in the name of the Lord PROTECTOR of England, to will and require you the said Capt. Heaman, with your Ship and Men, to be for the service of the Lord Protector and Commonwealth of England, in assisting to your power the people of Providence oppressed. Given at Providence the 22 of March, 1654. Wil Fuller. The Governor sent a second Warrant dated 23. of March, following. THese are in the Name of His Highness the Lord Protector, To will and require you Capt. Heaman, Commander of the Golden Lion, to command all such Boats and Vessels, as are now arrived, or shall arrive, to disturb the Government here settled under His Highness the Lord Protector, and them to detain until further Order herein, as you will answer the contrary at your peril. Given 23. of March, 1654. William Fuller. Directed to Cap. Roger Heaman. This day in the evening, the Ships Watch descried a Boat rowing near to the ship, which they commanded in, and when the men were come on Board, they presented a Letter from Cap. Stone, directed to the Relator hereof, who so soon as he received it, went forthwith ashore, and shown it to the Governor and Council, the effect is as followeth: That he had heard the Relator would with his Ship and Company aid and assist the people of Severn against the Lord Baltemores' Government, which by persuasions, he desired a desistance from, and that for his satisfaction he had sent a Petition presented to His Highness the Lord Protector, and withal His Highness' Order thereupon, declaring against the Government of Richard Bennet Esquire in Virginia, yet in truth, sends no such thing enclosed in the Letter, but appointed the bearer to say so. Whereupon Capt. Fuller, and the Council being well satisfied as to the matter of the Letter, that it was of no greater weight, desired the Letter might be answered by the Relator, as he thought fit, and send away the Messenger, who presently writ a Letter to Cap. Stone, as followeth: SIR, AFter my service to you presented, These are to certify you I have received your Letter, wherein you writ to me of several things in particular, as to resist your power which you have from the Lord Protector of England, a thing altogether disowned by yourself to me at Patuxent, and which if I once could see, I should readily with my ship and life, be ready to serve you; but expecting to have received a copy thereof, as you writ to me, and satisfaction of the truth thereof, I find it only reported by yourself, and of no more credit. I find at Severn the Government settled in Cap. Fuller, by the Supreme Power of England, and since established by the Lord Protector, which, Sir, I am bound to obey. I have received several Warants from them, which this bearer hath seen, and desire you to be satisfied therewith, which is all at present, etc. R.H. From Aboard the Golden Lion, March 23. 1654. The same Messenger then also received a Letter from Mr. Richard Owen, directed to Cap. Stone; Mr. Owen was a Merchant then aboard the ship, and by his Letter certified him as followeth verbatim. SIR, My kind love and respects to you presented, hoping of your good health; These are to certify you, That I have seen the Letter you sent to the Commander of the Golden Lion, which is my loving Friend, Wherein I understand, that you have heard strange reports, that he should act, I am sure for his part, he desires to meddle neither with one thing nor other, but to ply his voyage, which is that he came to do, but I think you cannot blame him to obey the power here, until such time you show him yours; and then I am sure he will to the utmost of his power, obey you in what you shall command him, and not only him, but I myself, and all the people in this place, for we must, and will all own, and obey the Government of the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, and am sure if once you do but produce that from his Highness, you need not think the people will do any thing else but obey you. Sir, the Cap. and I, dealt with Mr. Preston of Patuxent for some goods, and now here we are like to suffer in, by reason of you, which I hope, Sir, we shall not need to fear; do therefore crave leave to rest, as ever, your Friend and Kinsman to command, Rich. Owen. Golden Lion March 23, 1654. The Relator receiving daily intelligence of the threats of Capt. Stone and his party, and their Design against his Ship, endeavoured to get his freight aboard, which within a small matter was now accomplished, and the 24 of March in the morning went ashoat to acquaint the Governor thereof and that in pursuance of his Employers trust he intended with the first Expedition to get his water aboard, and so departed the Port, whereupon the Governor and Council then considered of the stoppage of the ship, receiving daily intelligence from all parts, how subtly the interest of the Lord Baltemore was carried on, and under such pretences, and how their Adversaries were then near at hand, drew up a special Warrant to command all parties to their assistance, and sent for the Relator hereof, and in the presence of the Council, the Governor there gave him a particular and strict charge, in the name of his Highness the Lord Protector of England etc. not to offer to departed the Port without their Order, as he and his Company would answer the contempt thereof at their perils, declaring then how much the Government established by his Highness in that Province was now concerned, that their Enemies were cruel, and bloody, and very malicious against any that owned the Protestant cause. The Relator than used several Arguments to the Council, in behalf of his departure, the trust of the Owners in him, and that their goods were now on board, that his ship was upon Merchant's Affairs, and no ship of War; these and many other Reasons were urged, but the necessity of Affairs could admit of no longer dispute, and therefore they did require his speedy repair on board. The Governor also by advice of his Council had drawn up a special Warrant, and caused the same in the absence of the Relator hereof to be fixed to the Main Mast of his ship, which Warrant he knew nothing of, till his coming on board, the effect whereof followeth, These are in the Name of his Highness the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, etc. for the maintenance of the Laws of the said Lord Protector, established in this Province, by the Supreme Authority thereof, and for the defence of the Lives, Liberties, and Estates of the free and obedient Subjects of the said Commonwealth, to require and charge you Capt. Roger Heamans Commander of the good ship, the Golden Lion of London, now riding at Anchor in the River of the County of Providence in Mariland, to serve the public interest of the said Commonwealth, concerning the people of Providence, and the rest of the Subjescts of the Commonwealth there residing, in your own person, with your ships company, the Ships Ammunition, in such services as you shall be commanded by the Government here established, by the Commissioners, Richard Bennet Esq Col. William Claybourn, and Capt. Edmund Curtis, who by the Supreme Authority reduced this Province, and is since settled by further Power. And hereof you are not to fail, as you will answer the contrary at your perils. Given at Providence March 24. 1654. WILL FULLER The Relator at his coming aboard his ship, upon reading the Warrant, had several debates by himself and Officers, and after by himself, and his whole ships company, whom he found then unanimous in their Resolutions for relief of those distressed people, and that they altered not from their first engagements in England, to defend to the utmost with their lives and fortunes the established Government in England, and in all places the Governments subordinate to that, and that the case of the Protestants there was their own, did then resolve not to leave that Port until God should put an end to the restless condition of their Brethren, or suffer their deliverance to be wrought from so wicked a design (than full ripe) against them. The same day at night, in order to his ships Affairs, the Relator went a shore to have his Bills of lading firmed, but stayed not, being required to attend the Council, who then imparted to him the certain news of the Enemies entering the Mouth of the Harbour, with a great number of Sloopes and Boats full of men armed, with Drums and Colours, in pursuance of their design, and therefore required him speedily to repair to his ship, with two of the Council, and to observe their commands. That suddenly, or within two hours after at the most, in the very shutting up of the daylight, the ships company descried off, a company of Sloops and Boats, making towards the ship, whereupon the Council on board, and the ships company, would have made shot at them, but this Relator commanded them to forbear, and went himself upon the Poop in the Stern of his ship, and hailed them several times, & no answer was made, he then charged them not to come nearer the ship, but the Enemy kept rowing on their way & were come within shot of the ship; His Mates and Company having had information of their threaten, as well against the ship as the poor distressed people, resolved to fire upon them without their Commanders consent, rather than hazard all by the Enemy's nearer approach, whereupon he ordered them to fire a Gun at randum to divert their course from the ship, but the Enemy kept still course right with the ship, and took no notice of any warning given; He than commanded his Gunner to fire at them, but one of his Mates, Mr. Robert Morris, who knew the Country very well, the malice of the Adversary against those poor people, who were then near worn out with fears and watch, made a shot at them, which came fairly with them; Whereupon they suddenly altered their course from the ship, and rowed into the Creek, calling the ships Company, Rogues, Round-headed Rogues, and Dogs, and with many execrations and railing, threatened to fire them on the morning. The same night came further intelligence from the Enemy in the Harbour as they lay there that they were making fireworks against the ship, whereupon the Governor (whose prudence and valour in this business deserves very much honour) commanded a small ship of Capt. Cuts of New England, then in the River, to lie in the mouth of the Creek to prevent the Enemies coming forth in the night, to work any mischief against the ship. The next morning by break of day, being the Lord's day, the 25 of March last, the Relator, himself, and Company, discerned Capt. Stone with his whole body drawn out, and coming towards the water side, marching with Drums beating, Colours flying, the Colours were black and yellow appointed by the Lord Baltemore. There was not the least token of any subjection in Stone and his Company, or acknowledgement of the Lord Protector of England, but God bless the Lord Proprietary, and their railing against his ship's Company, was Rogues, and Round headed Rogues, etc. The Governor by this time perceiving his Enemy's Quarters and now time admitted no delay, after an earnest seeking of God, and laying their innocency at his feet, with his own Cause, in so remote a part of the World, Resolved with an humble cheerfulness to go over to the Enemy, and withal sent for the English Colours used aboard the ships in the service of his Highness, which were lent, and fixed to a half pike for the Governor's use, he having neither Drum nor Colours in his party, and then went over the River some six miles distant from the Enemy, and at his muster of his party, it consisted of 107 and no more, the Enemy's body was then 250 and upwards; as by their selves were related after the fight. The Governor and his Company being come to an open place, resolved to pitch his Colours there, being the Colours of the Commonwealth of England, which he believed might beget the Enemy to incline to a parley, and prevent the shedding of blood; by which time the Enemy was come thither, and without any deliberation at all, made several shot at the setting down the Colours, and as the Relator is informed, killed two of the Governor's men; whereupon the Governor's Body had the word given them, In the name of God fall an, God is our strength, and with very much courage gave fire at the Enemy, whose word was, hay for St. Mary's, hay for two Wives, who with great boldness engaged likewise, which came to a very sharp dispute, though, blessed be God, not long till Stone and his whole party totally toured, and near forty of his men slain upon the place (now called by the name of the Papists Pound) and several desperately wounded. And it pleased the good hand of God to order things so, that notwithstanding the great thickness of the Woods and other advantages for the Enemies, being a very neck of land, there was not above five of the Enemy's Body escaped, but what were prisoners and in custody. And of the Governor's Company, there was only three killed in the field, and three since dead of their wounds, which unparallelled mercy did beget a far greater joy than can be related; and to the Relators knowledge no Narration yet made, is to be equalised with the people's religious, humble and holy rejoicing, each common Soldier with such Christian incitement revived the hearts of one another. Give the glory to the God of our deliverance. All the Arms bag and baggage was taken together, with the Boats that brought them, wherein was the preparations and fuses, for the firing of the ship Golden Lion. And amongst the rest of their losses, all their consecrated Ware was taken (viz.) their Pictures, Crucifixes, and rows of Beads, with great store of Relics and trash they trusted in, which as the Relator is informed, divers was put to the Ancient, or Colours, for their defence; the vanity whereof as also their great boasting in their own strength, hath much confirmed the hearts of the people of God in those parts. Captain Stone himself was so convinced in this overthrow, that he declared that he did conceive he was cursed, and many such like words expressed, in that he should be brought into so ignominious an overthrow, and the rather, in company with those who he knew were the very direct and absolute enemies of the people of God, and did much relent his ever undertaking their late Design; Declared further, That it was just with God to blast his company and him, and for his part, did wholly disclaim the Lord Baltemores' cause and interest, and engaged, he would choose rather to die than own his cause, to join with the Catholics. The Relator did observe further, when he came ashore after the fight, God had put such a spirit of fear and trembling in the hearts of the Enemy, that the poor tired people, who slept as they were keeping the door where the Prisoners were put in, yet their Adversaries durst not attempt to run away. The Relator amongst the Prisoners found Hely a Seaman, who run from his Ship at Patuxe●t, who was particularly brought before the Council upon the 28. day of March, 1655. and examined, did there confess, that he was solicited by divers eminent Officers under Captain Stone, to set fire on the Ship, or blow up the Ship Golden Lion, whereof Capt. Roger Heaman is Commander. And some Implements and Materials delivered, and large rewards promised to effect it. And he further declared aboard the Ship, after he was cleared by the Governor, that the firing of the Ship should have been the same night they came into the Harbour with their Boats, and that two of Capt. Stones Officers were to go along with him. And for this service he was to have twenty thousand weight of Tobacco. The Governor being daily solicited by the Relator for his dispatch from thence, was some four days after the fight discharged, at which time, after many thanks of the Governor and people, he set sail with the first opportunity, and came for Patuxent, where he heard a large Narration of the Enemy's Threats against him and his Ship, and that they had burned and destroyed a great part of his Wood and Cask. And Hely the second night of his Arrival at Patuxent fearing his Trial at his return home, run away again. The Relator in this so remarkable a passage, was an eye witness of the constant and religious practices and duties of those precious servants of God, in those remote parts, with what assurance of believing they rested on the God of their deliverance, that neither the malice or treachery of so subtle an Adversary could change them, or their resolutions, from waiting upon God for this great mercy which they beforehand did assuredly believe and see, as if acted already. In all this time (notwithstanding the false and scandalous reports) that the Relator himself should be a fomenter or stickler amongst the Protestants party, to withstand the lawful power of Captain Stone, Governor under the Lord Baltemore, as some would suggest, he is ready to prove, he never left his ship at any time, unless about his Fraight; or when the Governor by special command enjoined his appearance at the Council. He could say much as to the pretences of Captain Stone, and others, as to the Laws for Liberties, but leaves that to the prudence of His Highness the Lord Protector, that hath provided better Governors for the people of God, than professed enemies of his truth, and those who hunt after the innocent. What he did in relation to the Protestants cause, he doubts not but good men will own, and encourage others to act the like; and to say no more in this, He hath seen the plottings of the Wicked, and the deliverance of the Innocent. The truth of this Relation, the Relator with his Merchants, and all his Ships Company, are ready to justify. The first Message sent to Capt. William Stone Esq. WHereas we are given to understand, That by Warrant from yourself, expressed to be in the name of His Highness the Lord Protector of England, etc. a party of men in Arms was appointed to surprise the Records of this Country, to remove them from the place, where by act of Assembly they were appointed to be kept, which is effected; We think it is our duty, and the discharge of trust which is committed to us by the Commissioners of the Commonwealth of England, to require you, in the Name of the Lord Protector of England, that for the peace and welfare of the Province, and preventing of troubles, if you have any other or higher power than is here established, by the Commissioners of the Commonwealth of England, you would make it known to us, and to the free Inhabitants of this Province, in an orderly and legal way, which indeed is the great desire of the people about Providence and Kent, as well as others, which power once being made known, shall not be opposed or disturbed by us in the least measure. And this also we request of you, at friends and neighbours, which is so equitable, as cannot be denied by any that have good ground for what they do, or desire the peace and welfare of the Commonwealth, and the Honour of His Highness the Lord Protector himself, or the fair accommodation of their own affairs and proceed; For our parts, we affect not pre-eminence, but had much rather be governed ourselves by the Law of God, and lawful Authority by him set over us, than that we ourselves should be placed in an employment, the nature whereof in these times is above our abilities, and those that are far more able; for we believe that God himself Reigns, and will bring down all high Mountains which men are lifted up to, and thereupon oppose the Kingdom of Christ: Our addresses to you, at this time, are in a way of peace and love; And we entreat you, as you are Christians, to be tender of his Name; the condition of so many that are in darkness inwardly, and outwardly, and to take care that the Country be not brought to ruin and desolation, whilst you think to heal the breaches thereof. We hope it shall be found that we are not the men as we are censured to be by men, if we be true to that which is just and right, and not repugnant to the lawful Authority, not injurious to our Neighbours. Sir, we have sent a Messenger to you on purpose, with these Demands and Requests, desiring your answer, if you desire the composement of the affairs of the Province, the good of your Friends, and Neighbours, and your own, and so we desire the God of Heaven may counsel and direct you into that way which is wellpleasing unto him, and all honest men, and rest your loving Friends, March the 5. 1654. W.F.W.D.R.P.L.S.R.E. This was subscribed by the Commissioners at Providence. William Durand Secretary of the Province of Maryland. FINIS.