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EDWARD S. BURGESS

YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

Bequest of
SINCLAIR LEWIS
Yale 1907

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THE NEW PURITAN
JJ'etu QrngUnit (JTuio ^unbrtli lijtars !3lgo
SOME ACOOrNT OF THE
LIFE OF EGBERT PIKE
THE PURITAN WHO DEFENDED THE QUAKERS,RESISTED
CLERICAL DOMINATION, AND OPPOSED THE
WITCHCRAFT PROSECUTION
By JAMES S. PIKE

NEW YORK
HARPER & BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS
FRANKLIN SQUARE
1879

Z70

PREFACE.

It may be that no explanation is necessary for this
little volume. Yet, perhaps, it is proper to say that it is
prepared for a narrower circle than the multitude of mis
cellaneous readers.
It is more likely to interest the numerous descendants
of its subject, and the people of the locality where he
lived, than the general public. But we shall be mistaken
if there be not among the latter some who will appreciate
the merits of the exceptional character here outlined, and
relish its fresh and original flavor.
The poet "Whittier thus writes of liim :
" From all that I have read, and from the traditions of
the valley of the Merrimac, I have been accustomed to
regard Robert Pike as one of the wisest and worthiest of
the early settlers of that region 
" He was by all odds the most remarkable personage
of the place and time 
"I shall look with interest for thy book. I have al
ways had an admiration for the subject of it, and in my
story [Leaves frora Margaret Smith's Journal] I endeav
ored to do justice to him."

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.
ROBERT PIKE. — SUMIIAJRY OF HIS LIFE AND CHARACTER . Page 9
CHAPTER II.
SPIRIT OF THE TIME  19
CHAPTER III.
JOHN PIKE. — HIS CHAUACTER AND WILL  25
CHAPTER IV.
ROBERT pike's EDUCATION AND MARRIAGE. — BECOMES A FREE
MAN. — APPOINTMENT AS MAGISTR.4.TE AND COMMISSIONER. —
CHOSEN A MEMBER OP THE GENERAL COURT .... 29
CHAPTER V.
ROBERT pike's CONFLICT WITH THE GENERAL COURT. — HIS
PROSECUTION AND DISFRANCHISEMENT. — ACTION OF THE
TOWNS IN HIS BEHALF BY PETITION. — PROCEEDINGS AGAINST
THE PETITIONEES BY TIIE GENERAL COUET. — SUBSEQUENT
PEOCEEIJNGS OF THE PETITIONERS. — EIGHT OF PETITION
ASSERTED  34
CHAPTER VI.
HIS RETIREMENT FROM, AND EEAPPEAEANCE IN, THE GENERAL
COUET.  NEW LAW AGAINST THE QUAKERS .... 47
CHAPTER VII.
PURCHASE OF NANTUCKET AS A RETREAT FOR THE OFFEND
ERS.— ROBERT pike's POSITION AND AGENCY . , .50

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER VIII.
THOMAS MACY PUNISHED FOE SHELTEEING QUAKERS. — HIS
PERILOUS VOYAGE TO NANTUCKET. — SUCCESS OF THE EN
TERPRISE  Page 54
CHAPTER IX.
TRIUMPH OF THE QUAKERS IN THE GENEI!AL COUET. — EGBERT
pike's EE-ELECTION.^ appointed a MAGISTRATE. — COMMIS
SIONER TO EXTEND THE JURISDICTION OF MASSACHUSETTS
OVER THE PROVINCE OF MAINE. — DIRECTIONS OF TIIE GEN
ERAL COURT  57
CHAPTER X.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER THE BOUNDARIES OF
EXETER. — EESBEVATION OF TIMBEE. — EOBEET PIKE AS MAG
ISTRATE. — MEMBER OF THE GENERAL COURT. — SERGEANT-
MAJOR OF NORFOLK COUNTY AND PISCATAQUA. — MEMBEE
OF THE BOAED OF ASSISTANTS  63
CHAPTER XI.
EEV. JOHN WHEELWEIGHT, EGBERT PIKE'S MINISTER . , 67
CHAPTER XII.
MAJOR pike's controversy WITH WHEELWEIGHT, WHO EX
COMMUNICATED HIM. — LIVELY EXPEESSIONS OF MUTUAL
CONSIDERATION. — PUBLIC PEACE THREATENED. — POWER OF
THE GENERAL COURT INVOKED. — EEPOET OF LEGISLATIV3S
COMMITTEE. — THE MAJOR EEINSTATED IN THE CHURCH. 
DEATH OF WHEELWRIGHT  71
CHAPTER XIII.
KING PHILIP'S WAR. — MAJOR PIKB'S LETTEES.  DISTRESS OF
THE INHABITANTS ON THE FRONTIER. — HIS CHARGES FOR
PUBLIC SERVICES PRONOUNCED " -STSRY LOW " .... 81
CHAPTER XIV.
HOSTILITY OF THE MAGISTRATES.  APPEARANCE OF PARTY
DIFFERENCES. — MAJOE PIKE IN FAVOE WITH THE DEPU
TIES  '  88

CONTENTS. 7
CHAPTER XV.
AN AMUSING PROSECUTION OF MAJOR PIKE FOE VIOLATING
TIIE SABBATH. — ELECTED AS ASSISTANT. — TEOOP PETI
TIONS  Page 93
CHAPTER XVI.
POPUL.\R AND ROYALIST PARTIES.  FALL OF POPULAR GOV
ERNMENT IN MASSACHUSETTS. — REVOLUTION OF 1688. —
ROBERT pike's APPOINI'MENT AS ONE OF THE COUNCIL OF
SAFETY. — MORE INDIAN DEPEEDATIONS AND MURDERS. —
LETTEES OF MAJOE PIKE  „  99
CHAPTER XVII.
ROBERT pike's CORRESPONDENCE. — INDIAN MASSACRES AT THE
EAST. — COMPLAINTS FROM MAJOR PIKE OF THE INEFFICIEN
CY OF THE AUTHORITIES  105
CHAPTER XVIII.
A LETTER OF SUPPLICATION, INSTRUCTION, AND REPROOF. —
ALARMING DANGER FROM THE SAVAGES. — NEW HAMPSHIRE
AFFAIRS. — EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER OF NATHANIEL
WEARE  110
CHAPTER XIX.
FURTHER CALLS FOR ASSISTANCE AGAINST THE INDIANS. — MA
JOE CHURCH SENT TO THE EAST. — ENUMERATION OF POPU
LATION BY ANDEOS IN 1688. — EOBEET PIKE APPOINTED COJI-
MANDER- IN -CHIEF OF THE EASTERN FORCES. — FURNISHES
CHURCH WITH MEN FOE HIS EXPEDITION. — MAJOR PIKE'S
LETTER. — HIS COMMISSION AND INSTRUCTIONS . . . .116
CHAPTER XX.
RESULTS OF THE INDIAN EXPEDITION UNDER MAJOE CHURCH.
 MAJOR pike's letters TO THE GOVERNOR AND COUNCIL,
AND TO GOVERNOR HINCKLEY, OF PLYMOUTH COLONY. —
MAJOR PIKE APPOINTED TO MAKE A TREATY WITH TIIE
INDIANS.  HIS INSTRUCTIONS. — CHOSEN " MAGISTRATE." —
FIRST POPULAR ELECTION AFTER THE REVOLUTION OF
1688-89  121

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXI.
TEUCB WITH THE SAVAGES. — ITS INSTANT VIOLATION.— FUR
THER CALLS FOR ASSISTANCE. — LETTERS OF ROBERT PIKE
ON THE SITUATION. — APPEEHENSIONS OF FAMINE. — PETI
TIONS TO THE COUET RESPECTING HIS SON , . . Page 131

CHAPTER XXII.
THE PAINFUL RECORD CONTINUED. — DANGERS OF STARVATION.
— THE SETTLE.MENTS SURROUNDED AND HARASSED BY THE
SAVAGES. — PUBLIC APPEAL FROM THE GOVERNOR AND COUN
CIL FOE SUCCOR FOR THE SUFFERERS. — MORE OF MAJOR
PIKE'S LETTEES. — HIS FOEBEAEANCE AND HUMANITY. — " HAD
RATHER BE WRONGED BY THE INDIANS THAN BREAK OUR
FAITH WITII THEM"  137
CHAPTER XXIII.
ROBERT pike's CONNECTION WITH THE SALEM WITCHCRAFT
PEOCEEDINGS. — HIS GEEAT ARGUMENT AGAINST THE PROS
ECUTION  147
CHAPTER XXIV.
MR. UPHAM'S COMJIENTS ON THE WITCHCRAFT PROCEEDINGS,
AND ON ROBERT PIKE'S ARGUMENT AGAINST THEM . , 159
CHAPTER XXV,
FINAL RECORD OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. — LAST OP EOBEET PIKE's
COERESPONDENCE. — END OF HIS CAREER  166

Appendix I  yy^
Appendix II  _ j^gg
Appendix III  295
Appendix IV  223
Appendix V  . .  231
Appendix VI. ...  234

THE NEW PURITAN.

CHAPTER I,
ROBERT PIKE, — SUMMARY OF HIS LIFE AND CHARACTER,
Robert Pike, of Salisbury, Massachusetts, was horn in
England some time before the l7th of March, in the year
1616, and died in Salisbury, December 12th, 1706, in the
91st year of his age.
So far as we have been able to discover, all private rec
ords and recollections of our subject have passed into ob
livion with the lapse of years. The only knowledge re
specting him that remains to us is derived frora occasional
facts and references to be met with in published history,
from such of his letters as have been preserved in the ar
chives of Massachusetts, and from the unpublished records
of his time. From these sources we have endeavored to
construct a narrative of the principal facts of his life.
More can hardly be expected in regard to a person who
lived two hundred years ago, who has, up to the present
time, been without a biographer, and of whom, so far as
we know, no person, friend or foe, has preserved a single
private memorial.
Robert Pike was engaged in three conspicuous contro
versies during his life ; and it is principally his part in
1*

10 THE XEW rrKITAX.
these that lifts him above the generality of his contempo
raries, and challenges the attention of posterity.
The first was his arraignment, in 1653, by the General
Court (or Legislature) of Ma'ssachusetts, for his hostile criti
cism on its action toward the Quakers, For this offence
he was tried, convicted, fined, and disfranchised by that
body. The second was his resistance, in 1675, to the dogmatic
authority of the clergy, in the person of his pastor, the
well-known John Wheelwright, and his excommunication
therefor. The third was his opposition to the Salem witchcraft
prosecutions of 1692, and his triumphant argument against
them. The significant fact in all these cases is, that he was an
eminently orthodox and conservative man, and prosecuted
his opposition in each instance from a puritanic point of
view. It does not appear that he entertained sentiments that
could be deemed heretical by the Puritan clergy of the
time, even in his defence of Quaker preaching, or his main
tenance of the more general doctrines of toleration and
personal independence. He simply held advanced views
on "civil and ecclesiastical liberty" which finally became
dominant. He did not affiliate with the radical school of Roger
WiUiams and Anne Hutchinson ; and on the occasion of
the contest between Vinthrop and Mrs. Hutchinson's
friend. Sir Henry Vane, for Governor, he made the journey
from Salisbury to Boston to cast his vote for the former.
He held the medium between the bigot on the one side
and the truculent radical on the other.
He opposed "Wheelwright, and the arbitrary devices of

SUMMARY OP HIS LIFE AND CHAKACTER. 11
his church polity, to the extent of incurring excommuni
cation. But ho enforced his rcadmittance to the church
through the soundness of his opinions, and without re
tracting his judgments or receding from his positions.
"When the Legislature disfranchised him for his condem
nation of their conduct, he did not take the attitude of a
martyr and depart out of the jurisdiction, but stood his
ground till public opinion forced a revocation of his sen
tence. It is to be remarked that in all his controversies Rob
ert Pike stood almost alone. He at first represented no
party, but only individual independence. He held his ad
vanced views in opposition to a society with which he
sympathized, and whose general objects he earnestly aimed
to promote. He did not dislike the organization of that
society or its method of action. In nothing was he at va
riance with it, except its lack of intelligence and its want
of toleration. He was as anxious for its development on
the line of its departure as any of its leaders. He did not
wish to change its purposes or modify its principles. He
opposed it merely to save it from the effects of its own
errors. Notwithstanding the opinions held by Robert Pike, and
the state of semi-hostility in which they placed him to
ward the ruling powers of the community, his public ser
vices were always in demand, being intermitted only at
short intervals during a period of nearly fifty years. He
appears for the first time as member of the General Court*
* The officers of .government provided for by the Massachusetts
charter were a governor, deputy governor, and court or board of eigh
teen assistants, though their actual number was seldom more than ten
or twelve. These were the magistrates of the colony, acting both as
supreme law-makers and judges. The " Great and General Court "

12 THE NEW PURITAN.
in 1648, at the age of thirty-two; the records show him
on duty in the Board of Assistants as late as 1696, forty-
eight years afterward, and he had served in one branch or
another of the government during a very large part of the
whole intervening time. When a popular election of mag
istrates took place after the revolution of 1688 in England,
and the deposition of Andros in New England in the fol
lowing year, we find him returned near the head of the
poll; and when afterward the list of appointees to fill
the same offices was decided upon by the crown, Robert
Pike's name is found among them, though the names of
several of his conspicuous colleagues were omitted. Thus
fully were his claims to regard recognized at once by the
popular voice and the conservators of public authority.
During the puritanic rule of New England in the seven-

originally consisted of these functionaries and the whole body of
freemen, meeting together once in three months. (By vote of the
General Court, in 1631, none were thereafter allowed to take the
"freeman's oath" but church members, and by 1676 the effect of
this measure was to disfranchise a large portion of the people.) The
freemen were to have a voice in making or confirming laws ; but
their numbers soon becoming unwieldly, the magistrates ceased to
submit laws to them, promulgating and administering them without
their concurrence, and confining the functions of the freemen practi
cally to the election of assistants when vacancies occurred. These
usurpations occasioned a great popular ferment, and in 1634 the
freemen of the eight towns then existing elected each three deputies
to represent their grievances. These deputies, sustained by the pop
ular voice, soon compelled the magistrates, in violation of the char
ter, to recognize them and their successors (their number being after
ward reduced to two from each town) as a permanent representative
body, and to consent to the annual election of all officers. The mag
istrates, however, retained all their judicial powers, and the rio-hfc of
a negative upon the action of the deputies. In 1635 a governor's
council was established, consisting of an indefinite number of mem
bers appointed for life, but possessing no independent authority.

SUMMARY OF HIS LIFE AND CHARACTER. 13
teenth century, it was easy to be popular and influential
by supporting all the dogmas and opposing none of the
acts of the ruling powers. But it is something exceptional
to find a man of mark faithfully adhering to tho body
with which his independent convictions associated him,
who yet set his face like a fiint against some of its most
cherished views of practical duty. It was not a case of
merely theoretical diversity, such as abounded in those
days, but one where practical action was involved in the
development of a new and experimental society.
John AVheelwright denounced the early Puritan admin
istration of Massachusetts in terms of violent opprobrium,
and insisted loudly upon his views of reform, and then,
after long exile, came back and confessed his errors, and
humbly begged readmission to the circles he had spurned.
He received pardon for his offences on condition of chang
ing his ways and behaving properly in the future, and was
thus restored to fellowship, after an experience which was
at once a shock to his independence and a humiliation to
his pride.
Roger Williams, in his opposition to the Puritan idea
and practice, lost caste and influence, and was forced out of
the jurisdiction for contumacy. And yet it would appear
that Roger Williams went no further in behalf of religious
toleration than did Robert Pike in the act for which he
was tried, condemned, fined and disfranchised. But Pike
did not leave the jurisdiction, did not promise any reform
in his ways, his opinions or his methods, and did not allow
himself to be driven from his post ; and when the last
crucial trial of his intelligence and his independence came,
he was there to enter his protest against the headlong fa
naticism of the witchcraft proceedings.
The diabolical energy of those prosecutions affrighted

14 THE NEW PURITAN.
everybody into yielding support to them, or at least into
studied silence respecting them. Mr. Upham, the author
of the " History of the Salem Witchcraft," testifies that
not a voice comes down to us of deliberate and effective
hostility to the movement, except that of Robert Pike, in
his cool, close, and powerful argumentative appeal to the
judges who were trying the witchcraft cases. This heroic
act seems to have been hut one of several similar efforts
by him to convince those jurists of the injustice of their
course. It stands out against the deep blackness of those
proceedings, like a pillar of light upon a starless midnight
sky. Confronting these judges stood this sturdy old man,
his head whitened with the frosts of seventy-six winters,
possessing a deeply religious character, and with convic
tions moulded into fixed and rigid forms by the views and
practices of a lifetime. He was hampered hy his belief in
the power of the devil and his imps, living in an invisible
world close to our own, to vex and ruin the bodies as well
as the souls of men ; accepting in full faith, like nearly all
his contemporaries, the most literal interpretation of those
passages of Scripture supposed to bear upon the subject.
This old man, seeing a prosecution apparently devised by
pious Christian men to destroy the devil and aU his works,
might well be expected not to be willing to interfere with
such a warfare upon the great enemy of souls. He micht
have more readily taken the ground assumed by the ven
erable Higginson, one of the most eminent preachers of
Massachusetts, that he " was too old to understand the
case," and declined to express an opinion ; or of old Gov
ernor Bradstreet, who, though believed to be opposed to
the prosecutions, did nothing to prevent them. Through
all his pious surroundings, piercing through the mists and
mysteries of the case, Robert Pike clearly saw the injustice

SUMMARY OF HIS LIFE AND CHARACTER. 15
of the methods pursued, and endeavored to make the judges
see it also. The judges might have told him, as they told
Philip English, the richest and most active merchant of
Salem, when he tried to persuade them to acquit his wife,
that this showed he was a witch himself, and have arrested
him on the charge, as English was arrested. But all such
considerations, though prevailing with others, were discard
ed by him. He laid before the court his argument against
the convictions, made not from the stand-point of our times,
which would be a comparatively easy task, but from that
of the judges and prosecutors themselves. He demon
strated that there was no legal way of convicting a witch,
even according to the laws and beliefs of those times.
Mr. Upham, in his elaborate history already referred to,
expresses his admiration of this arguraent, and notes also
a sense of humor exhibited by its author in the taking of
some of the witchcraft depositions, which, as Assistant, it
became his duty to do. In the famous case of Susanna
Martin, a number of the depositions were taken by Rob
ert Pike, and the same peculiarity is observable in some
others. Whether in the exercise of his office in the one case, or
in his notable letters and argument in the other, we cannot
fail to be impressed with the same evidence of a mind
apparently no more under the influence of the prevailing-
thought of the times than is the reader himself. He rises
above the clouds of doubt and delusion that environ the
subject, the witnesses, the prosecutors, and the judges, as
well as the ministers like Cotton Mather, who urged on
the proceedings. by their counsel and their presence at the
trials and executions. While others raay have seen and
felt as he did, of this we are certain, that no one but Rob
ert Pike rose to the demands of the situation, and pro-

16 THE NEW PURITAN.
claimed his opposition by a formal and thorough exposi
tion. The great merit of this position, so far as yet ap
pears, belongs solely to him, and no man in New England
of the seventeenth century enjoys so lofty an honor as
this. In private life he seems always to have been engaged in
improving his fortunes ; and the gradual disposition of a
large estate for those times, in the closing years of his life,
among his heirs, shows that he lived and died in compara
tive affluence. He educated one of his sons, the Rev. John
Pike, of Dover, at Harvard College; and he defrayed the
expenses of a medical education for his grandson, Robert.
Up to a very late period of his life, he often appears as
a guardian and director in the affairs of others. He was
one of the original proprietors of the island of Nantucket,
before its settlement, and had pecuniary interests there at
the time of his decease. Thomas Macy, the first settler on
that island, went from Salisbury, and was one of the ob
noxious men involved in the action of the Massachusetts
Legislature when it fined and disfranchised Major Pike.
In 1690, at the age of seventy-four, we find him defend
ing Colonel Benjamin Church, the renowned Indian fighter,
from the censures cast upon his expedition into Maine in
that year. Robert Pike was the commander-in-chief east
of the Merrimac, and Church acted under and obtained part
of his military force from him. But Church failed to find
the Indians at Sagadahock, the Kennebec, or elsewhere in
the east, and he was compelled to return without the usual
trophies, which his great prowess had encouraged the public
always to expect frora his expedhions. He was received
coldly, and made to feel severely the loss of his prestige
and popularity. Church complains bitterly of this in his
autobiography, and gives a letter which ho wrote to Robert

SUMMARY OF HIS LIFE AND CHARACTER. 17
Pike, from whora he says he received a friendly and satis
factory answer, which he had lost. It now appears that
Pike also wrote a letter to Governor Hinkley, of Plymouth
Colony, whose troops were under Church's command, de
fending Church, which has lately appeared in the publica
tion of the Hinkley papers.
It is evident that Robert Pike was a ready and copious
writer; but we have to lament the loss of most of his pro
ductions. Neither have we any record of the speeches and
arguments which we have reason to believe he was in the
habit of making. In his controversy with the Legislature,
it is reported of him that he declared himself ready to make
good his charge that the majority of that body had violated
their oaths and the principles of " civil and ecclesiastical lib
erty." And, from his management of the witchcraft argu
ment, we may suppose that, when called before that body,
he did make the charge good in an effective manner.
And so, also, in the case of John Wheelwright, his pas
tor, who excommunicated him from the Church, only to be
compelled to receive hira back again. There was here an
opportunity for a freedom of speech agreeable to his tem
perament, of which we may suppose he availed himself.
And, seeing the result, it is not difficult to imagine that
the distinguished controversialist who occupied the pulpit
found his match in his truculent parishioner.
To have been able to see and appreciate, so well as he
did, at his epoch, the limitations of civil and religious au
thority ; to have measured so accurately the just claims of
the citizen to individual freedom ; and, above all, to have
been able to distinguish the claims of law and justice when
beset by religious frenzy, and swayed by an overwhelming
popular delusion, which bore along the highest names in
its ghastly procession ; these traits of his character consti-

18 THE NEW PURITAN.
tute a claim to distinction which we think will long be
recognized. It is the fate of ordinary public men to fall into forget-
fulness with the lapse of tirae. They only escape oblivion
who, from force of circumstances, associate their names and
fame with views and principles of undying interest and im
portance, which command the notice and sympathy of ev
ery recurring generation. This fortune, we think, belongs
to Robert Pike, and thus we believe his figure is one which
is to emerge into yet greater distinctness with the progress
of years.

SPIRIT OF THE TIME. 19

CHAPTER II.
SPIRIT OP THE TIME.
We shall do but faint justice to our subject if we fail to
take into consideration the imperious claims of authority
embodied in government that existed two hundred years
ago, even when springing from quasi -popular sources.
Since that period the modifications of those claims have
been immense in all countries. Then the civil authority
was offensively dictatorial in its commands. No individ
ual outside of the ruling power had any rights with which
government could not meddle ; and to attempt to modify.
this idea, or the practice under it, was to incur official dis
pleasure and punishment. In the seventeenth century, the
first century of our political existence, what we now call
the rights of man were not only undefined and unrecog
nized, but almost unknown. It is needless to recur to the
practice of the Continental powers in their treatment of the
humbler class of their subjects, when not even the princely
families and nobles could protect themselves from the out
rages of royal authority. And in England, at the same
time and later, we know how men like Algernon Sidney
and John Bunyan either had their lives taken, or suffered
imprisonment, for no greater offences than expressing cer
tain abstract views in regard to government or religion.
As L'Escarbot, the historian of one of the earlier expedi
tions to our shores, said at that time (1607), when trying
to regulate his- conduct so as to make it acceptable to the

20 THE NEW PURITAN.
governraent in France, " it was necessary to keep in a very
straight path, if one would escape a visit from the gen
darmes of either the civil or the priestly authority."
This was just as true in England as in France, and true
to a greater extent here in New England than we like to
acknowledge. To be sure, the excuse here, drawn from
example abroad, and from what were believed to be exact
ing domestic necessities, was to a great extent wefi found
ed. But, however this may have been, the peremptory
character of even Massachusetts' semi-popular government
admits of no question ; and to face its hostility was an act
of temerity in which few engaged, and from which very
few of those who did undertake it emerged unscathed.
The men and women who opposed the rule of the Puri
tans, whether Mary Dyer and Anne Hutchinson, or Roger
Wilfiams and John Wheelwright, were swept away as ef
fectually as if they had contested their claims with the
Stuarts or the Bourbons. The Puritans were eminently
humane, as compared with the best portions of European
society of their day, and were never guilty of anything so
bad as the atrocities practised in England and Scotland
toward the Dissenters, as late as the Revolution of 1688.
Their government was clemency itself when contrasted
with that of England in the latter half of the seventeenth
century. Nevertheless, the arm of their power was both
long and strong, and whoso opposed its exercise was re
garded and treated as a criminal, who must be summarily
dealt with in behalf of truth, justice, and religion. It was
a period of history, both at home and abroad, when the
average citizen or subject could secure immunity only by a
discreet, quiet, and complete obedience.
It was the time when Russell and Sidney had been be
headed for slight civil offences, and the powerful Univer-

SPIRIT OF THE TIME. 21
sity of Oxford had declared that the doctrine that civil au
thority is derived from the people, was " seditious and athe
istic, and the parent of rebellion." It was the time when
such men as Jeffreys were judges of political offences, and
when the only doctrine tolerated was that of unconditional
submission ; when " speaking ill " was enough for the ar
raignment and condemnation of pious souls like Baxter,
and when every man suspected of entertaining liberal ideas
was silenced or punished. In the language of Charles
James Fox, it was " a period of convictions against evi
dence, sentences against law, enormous fines, and cruel im
prisonments." W"e, who live in happier times, cannot appreciate the
effects of such a condition of things upon the currents of
thought in practical life and in learned circles, or upon the
conduct of individual men. The new political opinions
were yet shapeless and unfledged. Religious freedom was
itself scarcely more than a theory. Even its most notable
advocates were at loggerheads. The great reformers, Roger
Williams and George Fox, were open eneraies ; Williams vi
olently opposing the Quakers, though himself a dissenter of
the Dissenters, and the pious Fox retorting by caUing him
a "lying slanderer." It was extremely difficult to know
the truth, dangerous to preach it, and fatal to insist upon
it against the prevailing opinion. Genuine toleration had
no foothold anywhere.
The sentiment in regard to the Quakers in Massachusetts
is an example of the spirit of the times coming directly
home to every man of that day. So moderate a man as
Governor Endicott, speaking in behalf of the General Court
of Massachusetts, and addressing himself to the king,
Charles IL, said : " Concerning the Quakers — open and cap
ital blasphemers, open seducers from the glorious Trinity,

22 THE NEW PURITAN.
and frora the Holy Scriptures as the rule of life, open ene
raies to the government itself, malignant and assiduous pro
moters of doctrines directly tending to subvert both our
Church and State — we were constrained, for our own safe
ty, to pass a sentence of banishment against them, on pain
of death."
Such was the condition of things confronting every man
who felt impelled to speak or to act in resistance to civil
or ecclesiastical tyranny. The liberty of speech, and the
liberty of criticisra and opposition, were the precise things
that were denied. The raan who contended for either had
to do it in the spirit of a raartyr, and risk a martyr's doom.
But, bad as this condition was, it was doubly intensified
at the period of the witchcraft prosecutions. These were
ostensibly founded upon a holy effort to frustrate the mach
inations of the great enemy of souls. It was a war against
the devil and his imps. For a man to resist such a prose
cution was to ally hiraself with Satan, and proclaim himself
an instrument of the powers of darkness. To resist the
civil and ecclesiastical powers in any of their temporal pro
ceedings was rash and dangerous enough. To oppose them
in their conflict with hell itself was madness. It was to
court immolation, not only by the decree of the court, but
by popular fury.
The late eminent jurist, Mr. Justice Story, in speaking of
the belief in witchcraft at this period, observes : " It count
ed in its train philosophers as well as enthusiasts ; it was
graced by the learning of prelates, as well as by the coun
tenance of kings ; the law supported it by its mandates,
and the purest judges felt no compunction .... in en
forcing it."
Watson says, in his "Annals of Philadelphia," page 228:
" Six hundred persons were executed in France, in 1609 for

WITCHCRAFT PROSECUTIONS. 23
the alleged crime of witchcraft. In 1634 Grandierc, a
priest of Loudon, in France, was burned for bewitching a
whole convent of nuns. In 1654 twenty women were ex
ecuted in Bretagne for witches."
It is recorded that in 1644 and 1645 upward of one
hundred convictions for witchcraft took place in the coun
ties of Suffolk and Essex, in England, before a commission,
of which the Earl of Warwick was the head, and which was
supported by Dr. Calamy. Of these, sixteen were hanged
at Yarmouth, fifteen at Chelmsford, and sixty at various
other places. Dr. Clark, who examined the records, says
more than three thousand persons were executed for witch
craft in the century preceding 1670. It was as late as
1735 before the statutes against witchcraft in Scotland
were repealed, and the repeal gave great offence to a large
body of Christians there.
Sir Matthew Hale presided on a witchcraft trial in 1664,
and was supported by Sir Thomas Browne, who had pre
viously signalized himself by writing a book entitled "An
Inquiry into Vulgar Errors." Sir William Blackstone de
clared in his " Comraentaries," in 1765, "that to deny the
existence of witchcraft is to flatly contradict the revealed
word of God, and the thing itself is a truth to which every
nation has in its turn borne testimony."
Bentley, in his history, says of the witchcraft period :*
" The torrent was irresistible. No life was safe. They
who thought they saw the delusion did not expose it.
None had courage to propose or apply relief." . . . . " The
doctrine of invisible agency no one was bold enough to
deny." In Salem, " terror was in every countenance, fear
haunted every street."
* Mass. Hist. Coll., 1st series, vol. vi., p. 265.

24 THE NEW PURITAN.
In the totally changed habits of thought that marks our
era, in the perfect freedom of speech that we enjoy, it is
difficult to fully appreciate, as it is hard to overrate, the
intrepidity of spirit that was required to maintain the po
sition taken by Robert Pike, alike in his earlier controver
sies as in his final opposition to the most malignant fanati
cism of his times.

JOHN PIKE. 25

CHAPTER III.
JOHN PIKE. — HIS CHARACTER AND WILL.
John Pike, the father, of Robert, came to this country
from Southampton, in the James, in 1635, bringing five
children. The records state that he came from Langford,
England. There are numerous parishes of that name in
the Old Country, and careful inquiries in each have thus far
failed to reveal which of them is the one referred to. It
is possible that the statement is erroneous, for at that pe
riod it was sometimes found expedient for persons of pro
nounced opinions, hostile to the governing powers, to leave
the authorities in the dark as to the places of residence of
the zealous Dissenters who were hastening out of the coun
try. Mr. Savage says, in his " Genealogical Register :"
" To evade the despicable tyranny of the regulation, a true
description of the persons was sometimes concealed."
The description of John Pike as a " laborer from Lang-
ford" may be therefore mythical. It is clear that a part
of it, at least, is inaccurate. Mr. Coffin, the historian of
Newbury, remarks : " No laborer of those days had two
such educated sons as Robert and John Pike, Jr., both
men of marked prominence in the colony."
In the Essex County Court records of 1636, John Pike,
Sr., appears as the attorney for Mr. Eson, plaintiff, versus
Robert Coles, defendant, obtaining a verdict from the jury
of £4 7«. M. damages, and 4«. cost. At Salem, in January,
1637, he is again present as attorney for Mr. Eson, and ob-
2

26 THE NEW PURITAN.
tains a verdict of £5 18s. 5d. These offices do not seem
to come within the functions of a " laborer" of those days.
We find other recorded evidence showing him to have
been a man of marked characteristics. On one occasion
he is the subject of prosecution for rending the garment
of a person who had excited his righteous indignation.
Again, we discover a letter of his to a friend, exulting in
a sermon he had heard advocating "the Congregational
way." And we find him, also, to be very much in favor of
a way of his own on several other occasions.
He was first at Ipswich, and afterward went to Newbury,
where is found this record on the town-books : " Voted,
that John Pike be fined 2 s. for departing frora the meet
ing without leave and contemptuously." This brief notice
testifies as to what manner of man he was. If he was a
" laborer," he very early made it manifest that he did not
work in vineyards which did not suit him.
In his later years he removed to the town of Salisbury,
whither his son Robert had preceded him in 1639, leaving
his place in Newbury in the occupation of Samuel .Moore,
a tenant. Judging from the inventory of his property
after his death, it appears that he died in good circum
stances, in the same vocation at Salisbury that he had pur
sued at Newbury, that of husbandman.
TTiU of John Pike.
In the name of God, Amen. The last will and testament of
John Pike, senior, being sick and weak in body, but of perfect
memory. May 24th, 1654.
First, I wiU and bequeath my soul unto God in the Lord
Jesus Christ, and my body to he buried in convenient hurying-
place, and my worldly goods to he bestowed as foUoweth :
First, I give my house and land at the old town at Newbury,
both upland and meadow, with my privilege of common at

JOHN PIKE'S WILL. 27
S^ewhury, unto my grandchild John Pike, the son of my eldest
ion John Pike, with that parcel of my land at the Little river;
md in case the said John Pike do die without issue .ind before
le is tweut5'-one years old, then the said land shall pass to his
jrother and sisters by equal portion; and if they fail, then it
shall pass to the next of kin.
Also, I give that portion of my land at. the new town [Salis
bury] called by the name of the Pit, both upland and meadow,
jnto my grandchild John Pike, the son of my son Robert Pike;
md in case the said John Pike die without issue or before the
jge of twenty-one, the said lands shall pass to his sisters ; and
if they fail, then it shall pass to the next of kin.
Also, I give unto my daughter Dorothy twenty pounds, to
be equally divided betwixt her and her children by equal por
tions. Also, I give to my daughter Ann twenty pounds, to be di
vided betwixt her and her children by equal portions.
Also, I give to my daughter Israel twenty pounds, to be di
vided betwixt her and her children by equal portions.
Also, I give to my daughter-in-law Mary, the wife of my son
John, forty shillings ; and I give to her children, Joseph, Han
nah, Mary, and Ruth, each of them, forty shillings.
Also, I give unto my daughter-in-law Sarah, the wife of my
son Robert, forty shillings; and I give to her children, Sarah,
Dorothy, Mary, and Elizabeth, each of them, forty shillings.
Also, I give my tenant Samuel Moore the bedstead that he
hath of mine.
Also, I do appoint my two sons, John and Robert, to be my
jxecutors, to see my will performed, and my debts and all
3harges paid so far as my estate will reach ; and the remainder
3f my estate, within door and without door, shall be divided
betwixt my two said executors, my sons John Pike and Robert
Pike, by equal portions, all debts and charges being first dis-
sharged and paid.
Furthermore, nly will is that in case my sons John Pike and
Robert Pike should remove out of the country, with their fam
ilies after my death, before my said grandchildren are of the
!ige of twenty-one years, that then it shaU be in the power of
my said sons John and Robert. to dispose in the way of sale or

28 THE NEW PURITAN.
otherwise of the said land for the benefit of my said gr.indchil-
dren respectively ; that is to say, my son which is the father
shall dispose of that land which is by me given to his own
child, and so both respectively. John Pike.
Henry Monday, ) Witnesses.
The mark of /^ John Rolf, S
This will was proved by oath of Mr. Henry Monday and Johu
Eolf to be the last will and testament of John Pike, late of
Salisbury, deceased, in the county court held at Hampton the
3d of the 8th month, 1654. Thomas Beadbuey, Rec'd.
A True Inventory of the Estate of John Pike, senior, 'being deceased
the 26th of May, 1654, taken hy Mr. Henry Monday, John Rolf,
and George Goldioire, May the 29th, 1654. £ s. d.
Imprimis : His house aud land at the old town of Newhury  CO 0 0
It.: His land at the new towu  60 0 0
It.: Yonug horse aud one mare and bridle and saddle  3T 0 0
It.: 7 cows and youDg cattle of two years' vautiige  39 0 0
It.: Que hed and appurtenances  7 0 0
It.: One new broadcloth suit  3 3 4
It.: One stuff suit and waistcoat  3 2 0
It.: One cloth suit  14 0
It.: One cloth coat  2 10 0
It. : Shirt, handkerchiefs, and hands and other lineu  2 15 0
It: 4 pair of stockings and 2 hats  1 U 0
It.: A pair of boots and 2 pair of shoes  12 0
It.: 2 pair of gloves and a pair of mittens  0 4 0
It.: One brass pan, one warming-pan, one frying-pan  1 10 0
It.: One brass pot, one brass posnet  110
It.: One brand-iron, one andiron  0 6 0
It.: A hatchet, a cutting-knife to cut hay, and other small things. 0 6 6
It.: A chest, a box, and other lumber  0 16 0
It.: In books  10 0
It.: In debts  7 0 0
It.: A cheese-piess and some other lumber  0 13 0
Sum total  230 6 10
Henry Monday.
John ^ Rolf, mark.
The mark of 0 George Goldwire.
John Pike and Robert Pike, being executors to John Pike,
Sr., as by his will doth appear, did testify upon oath, in the
court held at Hampton the 3d of the 8th raonth, 1654, this to
be a true Inventory of the said John Pike, Sr.'s, estate, to their
best knowledge. By me, Tho. Beadbuey, Rec'd.

EDUCATION AND MARRIAGE. 29

CHAPTER IV.
JOBEET pike's EDUCATION AND MARRIAGE. — BECOMES A FREE
MAN. — ^APPOINTMENT AS MAGISTR.\TE AND COMMISSIONER. —
CHOSEN A MEMBER OF THE GENERAL COURT.
Robert Pike was nineteen years of age when brought
;o this country by his father, in 1635. He therefore must
nave received his education in England. He wrote in
I bold, flowing hand, and apparently with great facility,
iome of his longest letters to the government being dated
it "midnight." The style and matter of his composition
ead us to the conclusion that he was as well instructed as
;he leading men of his time, and that his education was
xmple to afford full scope for the display of his strong
natural powers, as well as the sturdy moral graces of a
religiously taught pupil of the puritanic school.
At the age of twenty-one, March l7th, 1637, he took the
Dath of "freeman" and became a citizen, and was invested
(vith all the rights that belonged to those who composed
;he governing body of the people ; a class who, we are con-
itrained to confess, were a clear minority of the whole
Dopulation. Two years afterward, in 1 639, he joined a colony of sixty-
ive persons, who left Newbury, removed across the Merri-
nack river, and founded the " new town " of Salisbury, on
its eastern bank. Here he remained during the rest of
tiis life, a period of sixty-seven years. Of this new locality
Bubbard, in his " History of New England," says : " Salis
bury was well stored with meadow-lands and salt-marshes.

THE NEW PURITAN.

although the uplands were something sandy, and likely to
be barren."*
He was twice married: first, on the 3d of April, 1641,
to Sarah Sanders, by whom he had eight children; and
second, in 1685, to Martha Goldwire, widow of George
Goldwire, whence came no issue. The latter died Febru
ary 26th, 1713, having survived her husband six years and
two months.f He bequeathed his homestead to his grand-
* The original list of the townsmen of Salisbury in the Book of
Records is as follows :

Mr. Sam. Dudley,
Mr. Wm. Worcester,
Mr. Francis Doane,
Mr. Heni-y Byly,
Edward French,
Eichd. Wells,
John Eolf,
Johu Sanders,
Isaac Busnell,
John Severance,
Mr. Tho. Bradbury,
John Hodges,
Josiah Cobham,
Jarett Hodden,
John Bayley, Sr.,
Henry Brown,
Mr. Christo. Batt,
Eobert Pike,
Wm. Partridge,
Mr. Thos. Deemer,
Mr. Henry Monday,
Geori^e Carr,

Sam. Felloes,
Wm. Sargent,
John Harrison,
Philip Challis,
liUke Heard,
Ant. Colby,
John Bailey, Jr.,
Christian Brown,
Eichd. Tingletary,
Tho. Hawkesworth,
.John Eyer, Sr.,
Ant. Sadler,
Eodg. Eastman,
Johu Stevens,
Eobt. Fitts,
Mr. Sam. Hall,
John Hoyt,
Wm. Holdred,
Tho. Baruett,
John Ilsley,
Wm. Allin,
Wm. Barnes,

Eichd. North,
Abraham Morrill,
Wm. Osgood,
Mr. Wm. Hook,
Mr. John Hall,
Thos. Eowell,
John Dixon,
Daniel Ladd,
John Fuller,
Thos. Carter,
Enoch Greenleaf,
Eichd. Goodale,
Eichd. Currier,
Joseph Moves,
Andrew Greely,
Ealph Blaisdall,
Eobt. Codman,
John Wheeler,
Tho. Macy,
Joseph Parker,
John Coles.

f The following petition of Major Pike, in his own handwriting, is
extant among the court records of Essex County :
To the honoraUe County Court sittini) at Salem, June the SOth, 1635, the sub-
scrther hereof humbly presents to your knowledge and consideration asfol-
loweth, viz. :
That Mr. George Goldwire, late of Salisbury, did in his lifetime give unto
his wife (who is now the wife of your petitioner) a certain estate of houses,
lands, stock, and all sorts of movables, etc., with respect to jointure prom
ised in marriage, and the same estate committed into the hands of the hon
ored Major Saltonstall, as a feofferin trust for the security thereof, and for
his said wife's benefit and behoof (they havi]ig no children) ; and after this
enfeoffment the said Goldwire dwelt on the said living, yet he had it as from

INCOKPOEATION OF SALISBURY. 31
)a Robert, son of the Rev. John Pike, of Dover, whom he
id educated as a physician. This homestead, after the
pse of nearly two hundred and forty years, is still in the
Dssession of descendants of his family of the same name.
Salisbury, incorporated October 7th, 1640, now became
le frontier town of Massachusetts on the east. The first
[habitants fully recognized the dangers of this position,
id originally went in large numbers to guard against them.
he situation subjected them to Indian inroads, devasta-
ons, capture, and murder. From all of these the inhab-
ants of Salisbury frora tirae to time suffered severely.
[uch of the correspondence of Robert Pike, embraced in
lese pages, relates to the trials and exertions of the peo-
[e on this frontier, in their contests with the Indians ; a
¦ontier which gradually extended its lines across New
[ampshire into Maine — first to York and Wells, beyond
le Piscataqua, and then to Casco Bay and still farther
1st. During the sixty-seven years our subject covers, and
3r many more afterward, the lives of these early inhabit-
nts were spent in almost incessant conflict with the sav-
jes, who, during the wars between England and France,
ere always aided by their French allies on the coast.
id by the allowance of the said feoffor to his dying day, in which time there
ere several transactions by him whereby several debts were contracted ;
me to him and sorae from him remain, as do appear, which seeras to be his
oper estate, distinct from what was given his wife, and very needful to be
oked after.
I do therefore humbly move that some order of this court may be given
r the empowerment of sorae one or other to look after it; yonr subscriber
sing not willing to do it hiraself (or, however, not without order).
That you would be pleased to take cognizance of the case of the estate of
y wife as aforesaid, and to direct me and my wife in what is incumbent
)on us according to law to do for the  Since the death of the said
r. Goldwire I have several times moved, but have yet received no answer
om you, and so know not what is our duty to do in such case, which we
ouki readily attend if we knew it. I cannot but think something should
i done, your resolution whereof will much oblige your humble servant,
Eob't Pike.

32 THE NEW PURITAN.
It was a perilous period. It was often a struggle for
mere physical subsistence. Famine often threatened, and
sometimes came. The stealthy savage always dogged the
footsteps of the early settler. The hand of oppression was
always visible, and frequently, felt, from over the sea. Dis
senters frora dissent perplexed their path. The stream of
their progress was always turbid and uncertain, and it was
hard to predict whither it would finally carry or land them.
In our day the term frontiersman is the synonyme of all
that is rude, and rough, and illiterate ; and yet these Massa
chusetts Dissenters were frontie'rsraen for a long and weary
period. But from their conflicts, both with savage and
civilized enemies; frora their struggles with poverty; from
the oppressions of foreign rule ; from the labors and trials
of an effort at self-government hitherto new to mankind;
from their ceaseless combats with an inhospitable climate
and a sterile soil ; from all their meagre and discouraging
surroundings, they emerged at last in the front rank of re
fined and prosperous communities.
Robert Pike planted himself empty-handed, and began
life as a husbandman, on the borders of the Salisbury
marshes. Upland and meadow were meted out in moder
ate quantities to each of the original settlers, and reserva
tions were made for subsequent comers, by the town au
thorities then and there established by popular vote, under
the auspices and general direction of the central power of
the colony.
Under date of 1644 the records of the General Court of
Massachusetts, as its supreme legislative body was termed,
contain this entry : " Ordered, that Samuel Dudley, Robert
Pike, and John Sanders have power to end small causes
at Salisbury." This was his first appointment to the mag
isterial function, with which he was continuously clothed

EARLY MEMBERSHIP. 83
with the brief interval of his disfranchisement by the Leg-
slature) to the end of his life. In 1647 we find him ap-
)i'oved by the same authority as the chosen lieutenant of
he Salisbury train-band.
In the two following years of 1648 and 1649 he was
elected a member of the General Court; and thus, at the
ige of thirty-two, comraenced his long term of legislative
lervice. At the second session, in 1649, he was appointed
)n the " Coraraittee on Courts, the Treasury, Shires," etc.
In 1650 he was chosen one of three commissioners of
'Norfolk County, to sit as the assistants of the magistrates
n holding the county courts.
In 1651 he was appointed by the General Court one of
hree commissioners to lay out and establish the line be-
vreen the towns of Hampton and Exeter; and in 1652 he
vas selected, along with Messrs. Winslow and Bradbury, to
istablish the western boundary of the town of Hampton.
In the latter year a law was passed changing and estab-
ishing the coinage, fixing it at " twopence in a shilling of
esser value than the present English coin, of the just al-
oy of new sterling English money. All such coin shall
)e acknowledged to be the current coin of this common-
realth." This, it will be observed, reduced the New Eng-
and pound to the value of about four dollars of our exist-
Bg coinage. In speaking of money values after this time,
his pound is to be taken as the standard, until another
hange was made, toward the close of the century, which
stablished the value of the " pieces of eight reals of Spain,
ir dollars of Seville," at six shillings. This settlement ex-
3ts to this day, making the New England poimd (which,
ill within a recient period, was still used as a money of ac-
ount) three dollars and thirty-three and one-third cents of
•ur present coinage. 9*

84 THE NEW PURITAN.

CHAPTER V.
ROBERT pike's CONFLICT WITH THE GENEEAl COURT. — HIS
PROSECUTION AND DISFRANCHISEMENT. — ACTION OF THE
TOWNS IN HIS BEHALF BY PETITION. — PROCEEDINGS AGAINST
THE PETITIONERS BY THE GENERAL COUET. — SUBSEQUENT
PROCEEDINGS OF THE PETITIONERS. — EIGHT OF PETITION
ASSEETED. In 1652-3, at the age of thirty-six, Robert Pike sud
denly found himself involved in a conflict with the General
Court, of which he had previously been two years a mem
ber. Up to this period that august body had apparent
ly never imagined such a thing as a hostile criticism of
its proceedings. It seemed not only to regard its au
thority as supreme, but its judgments as infallible, and to
hold that to question either was an audacious and criminal
offence. When Robert Pike, therefore, broke the spell by
denouncing a law which it had passed, and declaring "that
those members who had voted for it had violated their
oaths as freeman ; that their act was against the liberty of
the country, both civil and ecclesiastical, and that he stood
ready to make his declaration good," the incensed and
amazed body instantly arraigned the culprit who thus dared
to insult their majesty. The law in question was one mak
ing it a misdemeanor for any one to preach to the people
on the Sabbath who was not a regularly ordained minister
of the Church. It was especially designed to restrain Jo
seph Peasley and Thomas Macy, of Salisbury, from exhort
ing the people on the Sabbath, in the absence of a minister.

COFFBT'S ACCOUNT. 35
The following version of the story is from IMr. Coffin's
History of Newbury :" September 7th [1053].
The Court, on hearing that Lieutenant Eobert Pike de-
ared that such persons as did act in making that law (re-
raiuing unfit persons from constant preaching) did break
leir oath to the country — for, said he, it is against the liberty
' the country, both civil and ecclesiastical — declared that he
id been guilty of defaming the General Court, and order that
3 shall he disfranchised, disabled from holding any public
Bee, bound to his good behavior, and fined twenty marks,
jual to thirteen pounds six shillings and eight pence.
The law alluded to above was made to restrain Joseph Peas-
y and Thomas Macy, formerly of Newbury, then of Salisbury,
5W town, from exhorting the people on the Sabbath in tho
osence of a minister. This order had no effect on Joseph Peas-
y, who still continued his preaching in defiance of the law, as
e find, in the year 1659.
The punishment inflicted on Lieutenant Pike caused a great
insation in the neighboring towns. Petitions were presented
) the General Court, containing the names of nearly all the
itizens of Newbury, Andover, Hampton, Salisbury, etc., ear-
estly entreating the magistrates to remit the punishment and
le fine imposed on Lieutenant Pike. The whole case is a very
istructive one. It exhibits, on the ono hand, the watchful
3alonsy of the people, in consequence of any real or supposed
icroachments on their civil or ecclesiastical rights, and, on
le other hand, the determination of the magistrates not to
iive their authority lightly called-in question.
They immediately chose a committee to call the petitioners
^the several towns togetlier, ascertain their reasons for sign-
ig the petition, and make return. This was done in 1654, and
ght Newbury men were bound to their good behavior in a
3ud of ten pounds each for signing the petition, the remain-
;r having acknowledged their offence.
Macy was subsequently the first settler and founder of
le settlement at Nantucket. Both he and Peasley were
; this time members of a Baptist sect in Salisbury ; and,

36 THE NEW PURITAN.
while not proclairaing themselves Quakers, were yet im
bued with the sentiments of that sect, and practised its
methods. To defend them, therefore, was to defend the
hated and detested Quakers, and it was this thankless task
that Robert Pike undertook.
At the session of the General Court called by the Gov
ernment and Council, held at Boston, August 30, 1653, the
opening record is as follows :
The Court being informed that, on the x^uhlishing the last
court orders at Salisbury, Lieutenant Eobert Pike demanded
if that law (which was made to restrain unfit persons from con
stant preaching, etc.), whether that law was in force after the
next General Court; to which answer being made that the
Court had declared their mind therein; on which he replied
that such persons as did act in making that law did break
their oath to the country, or acted contrary, expressing the
freeman's oath ; for, said he, it is against the liberty of the
country, both ecclesiastical and civil, and that he stood there
ready to make it good ; and further said that divers or several
churches had called their members to account which did act
in that law-making, and that some places were about to show
their minds to the General Court about it.
[ Testimony, ]
By Sam. Winsley, Sam. Fellowes, William Busnell.
I do very well remember that Lieutenant Pike spoke words
to that effect, as is above specified. Per me, Tho. Bradbury.
The Court doth order that Lieutenant Eobert Pike should
be sent for with speed, to answer such things as are laid to his
charge. He was sent for by attachment accordingly, and ap
peared before the Court, September 7th, 1653. Then fol
lows this record :
The Court, on a full hearing of the case about Lieutenant
Robert Pike, and all the evidences that have testified in the

PIKE'S PROSECUTION AND CONVICTION. 37
ase, do judge that he is guilty of defaming the General Court,
,ud do therefore order that the said Eobert Pike shall be dis-
rauohised, and disabled to bear any public office in towu or
ommonwealth, and from pleading any case except his own in
.ny court ; aud further, that ho be bound to good behavior
luring the Court's pleasure, and be fined tho sum of twenty
narks to the country. Eobert Pike accordingly bound himself
n ton pounds to the treasurer, Mr. Eichard Eussoll, on this
londitiou : that he will bo of good bearing till the next Court
)f Assistants.
Nevertheless, the Court proceeded at once to repeal the
)bnoxious order, which they did in the following terms :
Wlwreas the last session of this Court passed an order con-
¦eriiing public preaching without allowance, which order we
mderstaud is dissatisfactory to divers of the brethren whora
ve have cause to respect and tender; although we conceived
,he said order, rightly understood, to be safe and much con-
lucive to the preservation of peace and trnth among us, yet,
,hat all jealousies may be removed, the Court doth repeal said
jrdor, and doth hereby ooact that every person that shall pub-
ish aud maintain any heterodox or dangerous doctrine shall
JO liable to be questioned and censured by the County Court
vhere he liveth, according to the merit of his offence.
The proceeding against Robert Pike caused a great agi-
.atioh in Salisbury and the neighboring towns of Hamp-
,on, Newbury, Haverhill, and Andover. Petitions were
;irculated and nuraerously signed in each, asking for the
evocation of the sentence passed upon the offender, and
vere duly laid before the General Court at its next meet-
ng the following spring. These petitions were looked
ipon as incendiary, and insulting to the legislative majesty,
md provoked the following action of the Court :
Tho Court cannot but deeply resent that so many persons
if several towns, conditions, and relations, should combine to-

38 THE NEW PURITAN.
gether to present such an unjust and unreasonable request as
the revoking the sentence passed the last court against Lieu
tenant Piko, and tho restoring him to his former liberty, with
out any petition of his own, or at least .acknowledgment of
his offence, fully proved against him, which was no loss than
defaming this Court aud charging them with breach of oath,
etc., which the petitioners call some words lot fall by occasion.
The Court doth therefore order, iu this extraordinary case, that
commissioners be appointed in the several towns — namely,
Mr. Bradstreet for Andover aud HaverhiU, Captain Gerrish
aud Nicholas Noyes for Newbury, Mr. Winslow aud Mr. Brad
bury for Salisbury, and Captain Wiggan for Hampton — who
shall have tho power to call the said petitioners together, or
BO many of them at a time as they think meet, and require a
reason of their unjust request, and how they came to be in
duced to subscribe to the said petition, and so to make return
to tho next session, that tho Court may consider further how
to proceed herein.
Acting under this commission, the committee proceeded
upon their inquest. They went into the several towns and
held their sessions, calling upon the offenders to appear
before them and justify their conduct. The answers they
obtained bespoke the characters of the signers. Some de
clared that they signed without reflection ; some because
they were asked to do so ; some because they thought it was
a proper thing to do ; and generally they professed that
they had no intention of doing anything improper, or of
insulting the authority of the General Court. But among
the petitioners of the several towns there were found a con
siderable number of refractory spirits, who either vouch
safed no explanation, or asserted their right to petition when
ever they saw fit, and denied the right of anybody to inter
fere. These incorrigibles were duly reported, and turned
over to the tender mercies of the General Court, by whom
fifteen of them were bound over for trial, as follows :

RIGHT OF PETITION. 89
At a session of tho General Court hold October, 1654, iu the
ase respecting Lieutouant Eobert Piko, and the petitioners iu
lis behalf, tho committee appointed to examine their several
.nswers have mado return of those persons who have not given
atisfactiou, whoso names are herein written. The Court or-
lers that those persons shall bo summoned to give bond, in £10
0 each man, to give answers for their offence before tho Coun-
y Courts.
The names of the fifteen humble immortals who thus
;arly valiantly asserted the right of petition, so long con-
;ended for and so long denied — which has at length got
tself fully recognized as among the natural rights of all
ree and enlightened subjects and citizens — deserve to be
ecorded. They are as follows :
Of Newhury — John Emery, Sr., John Hah, Benjamin
5wett, John Bishop, Joseph Plummer, Daniel Thurston, Jr.,
Daniel Cheney, John Wolcot.
Of Salisbury — Samuel HoUis, Philip Challis, Joseph
Fletcher, Andrew Greeley, George Morton.
Of Hampton — Christopher Hussey, John Sanborn.
We may not think much of this early and inconsidera-
Dle demonstration, but the vital issue of the right of peti-
;ion was here, and the determined assertion of it was just
IS real to them as it has been in any case at any time since.
ilen and parties in subsequent generations may have re-
scived greater credit for their stubborn determination to
lecure this right, but those fifteen Massachusetts citizens
vere as genuine defenders of civil rights as any other fif-
,een of more pretension.
The fact should not be overlooked that it was only thir-
;een or fourteen years before this, in 1640, when petitions
vere presented to Parliament against King Charles's govern-
nent, that the Earl of Strafford met the petitioners with the
issertion that they should be tried by martial law and shot.

40 THE NEW PURITAN.,
The petition to the General Court to relieve Robert Pike
of the disabilities imposed by that body, and the report of
the committee, are curious, as showing the temper and dis
position of the little community thus called upon to show
cause for the faith that was in them, touching the matter
of " civil and ecclesiastical liberty." Robert Pike had
started the question in regard to this subject, then but
poorly understood. It is interesting to note what head
way was made at this epoch. The rights of man had not
then been popularly defined. Rousseau and Tora Paine
had not been born. On the spiritual side some distinct
views had been obtained; but these only involved the re
lations between man and his Maker. The pious soul felt
an inborn conviction that with these government had sure
ly nothing to do. But this was quite foreign to the ques
tion of the rights of the civil power over the individual
man in his civic relations.
Every man, who did not confess to the omnipotent power
of government, had to define for himself, with very little
besides his own inner light to guide him, what his personal
rights were in any matters that government undertook to
regulate. The General Court had planted itself on the comprehen
sive claim that nobody had a right to question its acts or
to petition for their repeal. The Court, though but the
representative of the whole body of the citizens, claimed
the right of supreme rule over them. It is interesting to
see how this claim was viewed by the uninstructed mem
bers of the community over whom the authority was now
asserted. It was such primary discussions as these that first gave
vitality to the doctrines of civil liberty on this continent.
We may safely say they derived no aid from the creed or

DISCUSSIONS. 41
)eculations of the philosophers. They sprung, we must
mclude, frora the consciousness of the individual man,
id were not taught to our ancestors by the schools. Rob-
¦t Pike seems to have had about as clear a perception of
lese things as anybody of his generation, but he only left,
;cording to his executors' inventory, six shillings' worth of
3oks. It seems he did not require scholastic aid to dis-
Dver that the General Court transcended its just powers in
rohibiting the Quaker method of public teaching ; or,
lat the authorized religious preachers of the time set up
id aimed to enforce claims to domination not consistent
ith the rights of the parishioner and church member.
.e evidently saw boundaries and limitations of the civil
3wer which he had not learned from books.
Here are a hundred, more or less, of the citizens of Sal-
bury, Newbury, Hampton, Andover, and Haverhill, called
pon to excuse or defend their audacious conduct in calling
1 question the supreme authority of the General Court.
. large number hastened to apologize, and proclaim their
ibmission ; but a portion, about a fifth of the whole, stand
it and valiantly refuse to succumb. They have their
ghts, according to their own estimate ; they have but
:ercised them, and they refuse submission and defy the
eneral Court. These defying men are the salt of their
veral villages. They have sprung out of the earth, and
e the advance guard of the coming legions of revolution.
if teen of the most independent and intractable are selected
J the General Court for punishment ; but we do not learn
lat the prosecution was ever pressed to trial. The moral
feet of their resistance was sufficient to prevent it. And
lus the first Right of Petition case here disappears from
le record.
The petition, with the Newbury signatures, and some of

42

THE NEW PURITAN.

the proceedings of the committee, are subjoined. Some
portions of the manuscripts have become illegible, includ
ing several of the signatures, which are omitted.
The hmnhle petition of the inhabitants of Newbury, to the honored
General Court now assembled at Boston, showeth :
That whereas our loving friend. Lieutenant Eobert Pike,
of Salisbury, hath by occasion, as it is witnessed against
him, let fall some words for which tho honored Court hath
been pleased [to censure him], wo, having had experience
that he hath been a peaceable man and a useful instrument,
 do therefore humbly desire this honored Court that tho
said sentence may bo [revoked], and that the said Lieuten
ant Piko be  restored to his former liberty. So 
pray, etc.,
Wm. Titcomb,
John Baetlbtt,
Tho. Browne,
ElCHD. Baetlett,

Eichd. Kent, Je.,
Wm. Moody,
Daniel Peiece,
Geo. Little,
Saml. Moody,
Eichd. Dole,
John Pooee,
Dan. Thurston,
Joseph Plummer,
Eichd. Thuely,
John Wolcot,
John Hull,
Rob. Adams,
Wm. Chandler,
John Tillotson,
John Baily,
John Wheeler,
EOB. Cooper,
Eichd. Kent, Sr.,

Ben J. Swett,
Joseph Swett,
Steph. Greenleaf,
Anthony Morse,

Gyles Cromlowe, Henry Lunt,
Aquilla Chase, Solomon Kyes,
Edw. Eichardson,
Wm. Eichardson,
John Bishop,

Sam. Poore,
John Hutchins,
Wm. Sawyer,
Eichd. Fitts,
John Bond,
Cheis. Baetlett,
James Ordway,
Edwd. Woodman,
Stephen Swett,
Wm. Ilsly,
Tho. Smith,
Here follow the recantations or excuses of some of
these and other signers, under press of the Legislative
Committee's investigations :

Tristram Coffin,
Francis Plummer,
Sam. Plummer,
Dan. Thurston,
Wm. Cottle,
John Rolf,
John Muslewhite,
John Emery, Sr.,
John Emery, Jr.,
Sam. Mooee,
NiCH. Batt,
John Cheney,
Daniel Cheney.

COURSE OF PETITIONERS. 43
We, whose names are underwrittou, did unadvisedly sot our
uds to a petition iu tho behalf of Lieutenant Eobert Pike,
lerein wo have given the honorable Court just occasion of
'ence. We did it ignorantly, aud we are sorry for it, and do
ive that you would bo pleased to pass it by.
Will. Moulton,
Nathaniel Bachiler,
Samuel Fogg,
Joseph Mery.
The Answer of James Ordway and Eichard Bartlett.
The reason that I set my hand to the petition is explained
the petition; aud as for being moved to it by any one, there
is no [inducement to] me to do it, only my good- will to the
mthat moved me to it; not thinking nor intending the least
ihonor to the honored Court, as far as I know mine own
art, but desiring to give them their [due respect].
Good Sie, — Be pleased to signify this as an addition to
odman Goldwire signing of the petition : that he did not
tend the least offence to the General Court, and is sorry that
hath offended them, humbly desiring the honored Court to
ss it by. I pray, sir, lot it not be forgotten, because it is
concernment. Your humble servant, Tho. Beadbuey.
Sir, — John Eaton also doth acknowledge his offence in set-
ig his hand to the petition, and is heartily sorry, humbly
siring tho honored Court to pass it by. Per me,
Tho. Beadbuey.
The honored Court may please to understand that the rea
ls why wo set our hands to the petition were expressed in
! petition, we apprehending the person petitioned for a quiet
1 serviceable man. Stephen Swett,
C'heistophee Baetlett,
John Tillotson,
Joseph Plujoier,
Daniel Thurston, Jr.,
John Cheney, Jr.,
Daniel Cheney.

44 THE NEW PURITAN.
Whereas, the honored Court appointed William Gerrish and
Nicholas Noyes to examine the petitioners of Newbury respect
ing Lieutenant Robert Pike, we, iu .luswer, crave favor of this
honored Court to make tho best construction of the answers,
as from our being, as we are, capable to return thorn, consider
ing t'he answers themselves as wo have received them. Some
having formerly answered, and upon second thought did not
approve of it, would return their own answer, as may appear
by two papers, aud no other answer could wo have ; some ques
tioning our power, others tender of ensnaring such as prevailed
with them. Others, being called to answer if they were in
structed, were most free in confession who brought them the
petition. Robert Adams said Lieutenant John Pike brought it him.
John Lull would not  otherwise than this ; being desired
to make some answers  of Johu Pike, said: set him down
so, if you please, and let it go. Some said John Bartlett, John
Hutchinson, John Cheney brought it [the petition]. Abraham
Tappine, William Soyer, Tristram Cofiin, William Chandler,
say they judged Robert Pike >¦, peaceable man, and thought
no hurt in petitioning for him, being ignorant of the ground
of his [offence] ; but, upon consideration, they judge it was
their weakness. Are sorry they have given the Court offence.
Thomas Smith, also  Thurston, Anto. Morse, Sr., Daniel
Pearse, Stephen Greenleaf, Robert Cooper, Nicholas Batt, Eob
ert Adams, say they were ignorant of his sentence, and con
ceived  he being a man useful in those parts, moved them
to [petition]  any offence to be given to tho honored Court,
and [regret it] had not given satisfaction. They would not
have  it to do agaiu ; and these are sorry they did it 
Francis Plummer and Robert Morse say tho reason is because
ho is a useful man, aud thought they might petition without
offence. It was in the liberty of the Court to accept it or re
ject it, and  they could not see they had done amiss in
petitioning. John Bishop being desired to go into the meeting-house to
explain  about tho petition, he said ho could not stay, but
the constable said ho must. He came into the houso before
us ; said, would the General Court have tho reasons, they are

SOME RESIST jUVTS. 45
1 the petition ; aud that was all ho would say, and so turned
;8 back and away ho went. Edward Woodman saith he was
:noraut what words ho spoke, moaning Robert Pike ; thought
ley had been ordinary words, and that he had acknowledged
,s fault. On consideration, judged it weakness, and is sorry
I have given the Court offence. This [is also the] answer
' Edward Richardson, Samuel Moody, Richard Kent, AVil-
im Moody, John Bayly, John Poore, John Bartlett, Thomas
rowne, John Wheler, John Emery, Jr., Richard Dole, Richard
ettingel, and Samuel Morse.
Benjamin Swett saith every free subject hath liberty to po
tion for any that had been in esteem, without ofl'ence to any ;
id the petition itself hath answer iu itself sufficient, as far as
J is able to speak. Johu Muslewaith and William Ilsly add
lis : Hearing him commended by Mr. Bradstreet for a fair
oader, they wore encouraged thereby to use their liberty to
stition for him, not intending any dishonor to the honored
3urt. Solomon Kyes and John Cheney say they were his
lends, and out of love to him, being in want of him, did poti
on for him, not being induced by any man, but did it volun-
,rily. Samuel Plummer saith he intended no affront to the
snored Court, but only desired Lieutenant Robert Pike's lib-
¦ty in a lawful way. Henry Lunt, also, and John Hutch-
son. John Emery demanded our commission and tho sight of the
itition, and then would answer. Being produced, he answer-
l we had no power to demand who brought him the petition;
id hearing John Bond make answer, told him he was a wise
an, in a bold, flouting manner. His carriage, we conceive,
Eis [iusulting]. Daniel Thurston, Jr., saith his reason is set
iwn. Being demanded who [showed] it him, saith, why
ould ho answer to any other question ?  Rolfe saith
e reasons are in the petition. He did apprehend every [man
id] liberty to petition for a man that had been so serviceable
the commonwealth ; and ho found tho petition lying on the
ble. Joseph Plummer said he does not know he is bound to
ve an answer who brought the petition. So said his brother
miel Cheney; William Titcomb saith ho does remember that
I set his hand to a paper which did concern Lieutenant Pike,

46 THE NEW PURITAN.
hut in what circumstance ho knows not, unless he saw tho pa
per — that being all ho had to answer. John Wolcot saith the
chief reason was his good-will to tho man  no hurt to
that Court. For other answer, if he be called to [a higher]
power to answer, he will then answer — and so went away
very highly.
These we conceive to be the several answers, as near as we
can possibly return. WILLIAM Gereish, > aommittee.
Nicholas Noyes, y

DISABILITIES REMOVED. 47

CHAPTER VI.
[S RETTEEJIENT FEOM, AND REAPPEARANCE IN, THE GENERAL
COURT. — NT:W law against THE QUAKERS.
During the year in which the proceedings we have now
lated were taking place, and for the two succeeding years,
ieutenant Pike had opportunity for uninterrupted atten-
on to his farm and his private affairs. But from what
.bsequently occurred, we infer that he felt a brooding dis-
intent over the injustice of which he was the victim.
does not appear that he made any confession, or
,me before the General Court personally as a suppliant
any form. His fine was paid, but the political dis-
anchisement remained. He petitioned for its removal.
is friend and pastor for many years, the Rev. Mr. Wor-
ister, who was settled over the church at Salisbury from
339-40 to 1663, appeared before the General Court and
'ged the revocation of the sentence as a personal favor
hiraself. It seems probable from this that Lieutenant
ike declined this service for himself, and left it to his
lends. At the fall session of the General Court, on the 23d of
ctober, 1657, we find this record:
Iu answer to the petition of Eobert Pike, humbly requesting
0 Court's favor, his fine being paid, to remit to him and re-
ase him from the other part of the Court's sentence against
m, Mr. Worcester, the pastor of the church at Salisbury, ap-
saring on behalf of the petitioner, and acknowledging him-

48 . THE NEW PURITAN.
self much bound to the Court if they would bo pleased to grant
the said Pike's request, the Court grant his request.
The people of Salisbury did not wait long before ex
pressing their sentiments. They immediately elected their
newly enfranchised fellow-citizen, and sent hira to the Gen
eral Court, to present their compliments in person. He
appeared there as a member on the 19th of tho following
May (1658). The assembly did not receive this testimonial
graciously. They could not openly protest against this
prompt return of a contumacious citizen, and so they set
about showing their indignation in another way. The
first act they performed was to pass a new law against the
Quakers. This enactment declares :
That Quakers, and such accursed heretics arising amongst
ourselves, may be dealt with according to their deserts, and
that their pestilent errors and practices may speedily be pre
vented, it is hereby ordered, as an addition to tho former law
against Quakers, that every such person or persons professing
any of their pernicious ways, by speaking, writing, or by meet
ings on the Lord's day, or any other time, to strengthen them
selves or seduce others to their diabolical doctrine, shall, after
due means of conviction, incur the penalty ensuing; that is,
every person so meeting shall pay to tho county for every time
ten shillings, and every one speaking in such meeting shall
pay five pounds apiece; aud in case any such person has been
punished by scourging or whipping the first time, according to
the former laws, shall bo still kept at work in the house of
correction till they put iu security, with two sufficient men,
that they, shall not auy more vent their hateful errors, or
use their sinful practices, or else shall depart this jurisdiction
at their own charge ; and if auy of them return again, then
each such person shall incur the penalty of the laws made for
strangers. This performance having relieved the legislative mind,
'• it soon found something for the refractory member to do.

RE-ELECTED TO TEE GENERAL COURT. 49
On the 26th of May, 1658, on petition of Edward Colcord,
the Court appointed a committee, consisting of Lieutenant
Robert Pike and three others, to reopen a case relating to
a saw-mill standing on Exeter River, and report upon the
same at the next session of the court.
3

so THE NEW PURITAN.

CHAPTER VII.
PURCHASE OF NANTUCKET AS A RETREAT FOR THE OFFEND
ERS. — ROBERT pike's POSITION ANT) AGENCY.
During the summer of 1658 the new law against the
Quakers, " and the accursed heretics arising amongst our
selves," like Peasely and Macy, and their defenders, fore
boded the approaching violence toward them that was af
terward manifested in the execution of several of their
number. Macy was an active, determined man, and, unlike Mary
Dyer, preferred not to be hung, and so resolved to depart
out of the jurisdiction. He and a number of other Salis
bury people entered into negotiations for the purchase of
the island of Nantucket. No white man had yet lived
upon it, and it was inhabited by about three thousand sav
ages ; but, with his habit of free speech, Macy preferred
his chance with thera to remaining where he was. In this
enterprise Robert Pike sympathized and joined. The isl
and was owned by Thomas Mayhew, merchant of Water-
town, who had bought it in October, 1641, of James For-
rett, or Forest, agent of Lord Stirling in New York, who
claimed for his principal all the islands lying between Cape
Cod and the Hudson River. Richard Vines of Saco, agent
of Sir Ferdinando Gorges, had also set up a claim to it ;
but Mayhew had bought out his rights. Though the pur
chase had been made in the winter preceding, the deed was
not executed till the 2d of July, 1659.

PURCHASE OF NANTUCKET. 51
The original deed conveyed it to Tristram Ceffin, Thom
as Macy, Christopher Hussey, Richard Swayne, Thomas
Barnard, Peter Coffin, Stephen Greenleaf, John Swayne,
and William Pike or Pile, Thomas Mayhew reserving a
twentieth part to himself. These proprietors, at a meet
ing in Salisbury the previous February, after the purchase
had been determined upon, but before the deed was given,
agreed to admit ten other partners. One of these was Rob
ert Pike, who shared the interest of Christopher Hussey.
It was a period when it was not known who might soon
find it convenient to hold a proptrietorship in this distant
island of the sea. One might have questioned its charac
ter as a harbor of refuge, considering its population ; but
the subsequent conduct of the Indians toward the white
settlers justified no suspicion that might then have existed
in regard to their treacherous dispositions or warlike tem
per. No serious differences ever arose between them and
the whites. The latter soon set the example of pursuing
in open boats and capturing the whales which sought the
shallow waters of that shoal-bound coast, and the sa\'ages
quickly followed, and soon became among the most expert
of the original whalers of Nantucket.
Robert Pike held relations with the island people at the
time of his death, over forty years afterward, and it is thus
presumable that his original connection with the enter
prise continued through his life. The subjoined document
attests his intimate business relationship with Macy while
he resided at Salisbury :
' Tho deposition of Eobert Pike, who, sworn, saith that, being
empowered about the estate of Eobert Ring, as by a writing
bearing date the 3d of the 9th month, 1643, doth more fully ap
pear, that ho did, in the absence of tho said Ring, as his agent,
or friend, or attorney, etc., manage tho said Ring's estate, some-

52 THE NEW PURITAN.
times alone or at least by consent of Thomas Macy, sometimes
both together ; also, that the said Ring had both land and
cattle in his absence, for which I or we paid rates both to
church, town, and commonwealth, from time to time till ho re
turned, sometimes more, sometimes less ; also, that in sale of his
house-lots we did not seU his commonages, but intended his
habitation in a more convenient [place] where now he dwells.
Also, that this deponent did, as Eobert Eing's agent in his
behalf, demand of tho town a share of this common division of
meadow now sued for; also, that he did make known his power
so to do and the bill of sale to John Fuller, whereby ho chal
lenged the common right of John Fuller.
Sworn before the Court held at Salisbury tho 14th, 2d raonth,
1663. Tho. Bradbury, Recorder.
This is a true copy of the origiual on file, as attests,
Tho. Bradbury, Recorder.
Vera cojpia. Attests. Edw. Eawson, Secretaiy.
Whether Robert Pike ever contemplated a change of
residence to Nantucket we have no means of knowing.
Though a bold and outspoken man, he seems also to have
possessed that worldly wisdom which enabled him to main
tain a just equipoise in the midst of contending opinions.
What his views were in these vital issues that were agitat-
ting the community, leading to violent punishments, and
even death itself, can adrait of no doubt. He had suffered
fine and disfranchisement for them. After being restored
to his rights he joined in this measure, which was to secure
a safe retreat for the persecuted victims whose cause he
had espoused, and in whose behalf ho had suffered ; but,
while doing this, he maintained his position at home. Th.e
people of Salisbury at this very time returned hira again
and again to the General Court. Never belonging or pro
tending to belong to the persecuted sects whose battles he
had fought, his weight of character and the popular sup-

HIS TRIUMPHS. C3
port he received, enabled him to hold his place undisturbed
in the community.
Any misstep or indiscretion at this critical period, when
the whole public was excited and inflamed against the
" accursed heretics," might have involved him in serious
difficulties. But he appears to have wisely avoided the
snares that beset him, aud preserved his just balance until
the storm had passed, and the General Court had been
compelled by the progress of events, and by orders from
home, to erase from their statute books the offensive en
actments which originally aroused the resentment and pro
voked the hostility of this vigilant citizen.
He had the satisfaction of seeing, at the end of eight
years from the time of the original prosecution against
him, the entire structure of intolerance against which he
had contended swept away. His mere presence in the
General Court afterward, and in the Board of Assistants,
to which he was soon after elevated, was a constant reproof
to the spirit of persecution, and a reminder of its humili
ating failures. Such was the reward of his patient labors
in the ways of righteousness, and the good sense which
enabled him to see what those ways were.

54 THE NEW PURITAN.

CHAPTER VIII.
THOMAS MACY PUNISHED FOR SHELTERING QUAKERS.  HIS
PERILOUS VOYAGE TO NANTUCKET. — SUCCESS OF THE EN
TERPRISE. Thomas Macy did not reach Nantucket before the Gen
eral Court found occasion to again call him to account.
He had given shelter to four travelling Quakers, and at an
early session of the court, in 1659, he was summoned to
appear before it and answer to a complaint made against
him for this offence. Instead of complying with the re
quisition he sent a letter, of which the following is a copy:
27th of the 8th month, 1G59.
This is to entreat the honored Court not to be offended be
cause of my nonappearance. It is not from any slighting the
authority of tho honored Court, nor from fear to answer the
case ; but I have been for some weeks past very ill, and am so
at present ; and, notwithstanding my iUness, yet I, desirous to
appear, have done my utmost endeavor to hire a horse, but
cannot procure one at present. I, being at present destitute,
have endeavored to purchase, but at present cannot attain it ;
but I shall relate the truth of the case, as my answer would
be to your honored Court, and more cannot be proved, nor so
much : On a rainy morning there came to my house Edward
Wharton and throe men more ; tho said Wharton spoke to me,
saying they wore travelling eastward, and desired me to direct
them in tho way to Hampton, and asked me how far it was to
Casco Bay. I never saw any of the men before except Whar
ton, neither did I require their names or what they were ; but
by their carriage 1 thought they might be Quakers, and told

HANGING QUAKERS. 55
them so, and therefore desired them to pass on their way, say
ing to thom I might possibly give offence in outertaiuing thom ;
and as soon as the violence of the rain ceased (for it rained
very hard) they went away, aud I never saw thom since. The
time thoy stayed in the house was about three-quarters of an
hour, but I can safely affirm it was not an hour. They spoko
not many words iu the time, neither was I at leisure to talk
with thom, for I came home wet to tho skin immediately be
fore they came to the house, and I found my wife sick iu bod.
If this does not satisfy tho honored Court, I am subject to their
sentence. I have not willingly oft'eudod. I am ready to serve
and obey you iu the Lord. (Signed), Thomas Macy.
Two of the men who accompanied Edward Wharton
were William Robinson, a merchant of London, and Mar-
maduke Stevenson, of Yorkshire, England ; and these two
were hanged in Boston the fofiowing 27th of October
(1659). Thomas Macy was fined thirty shillings for his offence,
and ordered to be admonished by the Governor. Paying
his fine, and receiving his admonition, he shook the dust
from off his feet and departed for Nantucket with all his
worldly goods, accompanied by his family. He encoun
tered a severe storm, and his wife, who was influenced by
some omens of disaster, besought him to put back. He
told her not to fear, for his faith was perfect. But she
entreated hira again. Then the spirit which impelled him
broke forth : " Woman, go below and seek thy God. I
fear not the witches on earth or the devds in hell !"
Thomas Macy survived all his persecutions and perils,
and safely landed at Nantucket, the first and only settler
of 1659. The increase of his posterity, since that worthy
and intrepid beginning, is an extraordinary example in the
art of multiplication, aud is duly recorded in an octavo vol-

56 THE NEW PURITAN.
ume of more than one thousand pages. Other emigrants
soon followed, and since then the men of Nantucket have
earned a renown hardly surpassed by that of any other
New England community. Its glories have bloomed and
faded in the two centuries and more that have since
elapsed ; but the memory of its early beginning by the
men of Salisbury, in the cause of toleration, will survive,
when the other facts of its history shafi be forgotten.

THE QUAKERS' TRIUMPH. 57

CHAPTER IX.
TRIUJIPH OP THE QUAKEES IN THE GENERAL COUET. — EOBERT
PIKE'S EE-ELECTION. — APPOINTED A MAGISTEATE. — COMMIS
SIONER TO EXTEND THE JURISDICTION OF MASSACHUSETTS
OVER THE PROVINCE OF MAINE. — DIRECTIONS OF THE GEN
ERAL COUET.
In the first year of Thomas Maoy's voluntary exile (1659)
the citizens of Salisbury again bore testimony to their sym
pathy with him, by sending his friend and defender, Robert
Pike, to the General Court. , If the Court was rid of one
more pestilent heretic, who had been the subject of their
active attention during several years past, there was still a
truculent Puritan remaining behind, one of their own num
ber, daily confronting them in condemnatory companion
ship. This presence was no doubt irritating and hard to
bear, but it was a useful discipline in preparing the minds
of the body for that greater humiliation which soon fol
lowed, in the order from home requiring the persecution of
the Quakers to cease. The Court, in 1660, took the final
satisfaction of reviving the old law of 1631 against them ;
but the king's order, issued in September, 1661, revoked
their action, and forbade all further proceedings against
the Quakers.* Thus, at the end of eight years of- hostile
* The order in regard to the Quakers was obtained by Burroughs,
after a personal interview with the king, and was as follows : " That
if there .were any of those people called Quakers amongst them, now
already condemned to suffer death or other corporal punishment, or
that were imprisoned and obnoxious to the like condemnation, they
were to forbear to proceed any further therein." Samuel Shattuok,

58 THE NEW PURITAN.
controversy, the triumph of Robert Pike was complete.
Up to this period the General Court had borne down all
opposition, and its violent proceedings had culminated in
the hanging, on Boston Common, of Mary Dyer and two
of the Quakers whom Thomas Macy had harbored in the
fall of 1659. But a change took place, and there has been
no hanging or trying of Quakers from that day to this.
While awaiting this result, through the years of 1660
and 1661, Thomas Bradbury, the life-long friend of Rob
ert Pike, occupied the post of Deputy from Salisbury ; and
in the year of triumph, 1662, the place was accorded to
Philip Challis, one of the refractory petitioners for the
revocation of Robert Pike's sentence.
Some current business had -been, meantime, transacted by
the General Court in 1659 and 1660, in which Pike plays
the part of land viewer and locator of grants by that body.
After the expiration of Philip Challis's term of a single
year, Robert Pike reappears in his old place of Deputy, in
1663. This time he comes with a coUeague, Jeremiah
Honchin. And now he evidently stood well with his col
leagues. The king, Charles IL, had addressed a letter to
his Massachusetts subjects, and it was necessary that it
should have a seasonable and worthy reply, from the raost
considerable men among them then present in the General
Court. A committee of thirteen was appointed, of which
Robert Pike was one, as appears by the following record of
proceedings on May 27th:
a Quaker of Salem, then in England under sentence of banishment,
brought the order in person, and presented himself at the Governor's
door. Governor Endicott, after due consideration, replied that " he
should obey his Majesty's command." This was in November, 1661.
The same month the General Court declared the laws against the
Quakers suspended.

LETTER OF CHARLES IL 59
The Court, on a long and serious debate of what is necessary
to be dono iu referonoe to his JIajesty's letter, and there hav
ing been much time already expended thereabouts — tho Court
intending to break up speedily — in answer to his Majesty's
pleasure therein, and for tho satisfaction of all parties con
cerned, it is ordered, that a committee of thirteen be appointed
to consider tho subject in tho recess, and draw up a suitable
answer, and present the same for the consideration of tho Gen
eral Court at tho next session.
This committee consisted of Mr. Simon Bradstreet, Mr.
Thomas Danforth, Mr. Eleazer Susher, Major-General John
Leverett, Captain Edward Johnson, Captain John Pynchon,
Mr. Harry Bartholomew,' Captain Robert Pike, Ensign
Daniel Fisher, Mr. Allen, Mr. Reynor, Mr. Higginson, and
Mr. Mitchell.
In 1664 Salisbury had but one member, Mr. Jeremiah
Honchin, who was also re-elected in the following year.
In May, 1665, "the Court considering the state of the
county of Norfolk, as being exposed to great trouble and
charge, by reason of their remoteness from any magistrate,
it is ordered, that Captain Robert Pike of Salisbury, and
Mr. Samuel Dalton of Hampton, or either of them, shall be,
and hereby are, empowered as commissioners to take the
acknowledgment of deeds, to administer oaths in all civil
cases, to put forth warrants, to search for stolen goods, to
take notice and punish defects in watching, to punish
drunkenness, excessive drinking, and such like crimes of
inferior nature, according to law — to bind over offenders
to the County Court, and to solemnize marriage to per
sons duly published, during the Court's pleasure."
In 1666 Mr. Honchin was succeeded as member by Cap
tain Robert Pike, who was also returned again in 1668.
In 1667, on a petition of the inhabitants of Exeter for
an enlargement of their town to an extent of ten miles,

60 THE NEW PURITAN.
Captain Robert Pike and two others were appointed a com
mittee to view the land and make report to the next court.
In 1668 Massachusetts issued a declaration asserting her
jurisdiction over the province of Maine, or Yorkshire, as it
was sometimes called, and appointed four commissioners to
repair thither and effect a settlement of the affairs of that
province. It was not till this commission had acted that
the inhabitants east of Saco River, being mostly Episco
palians, acknowledged themselves subject to the jurisdic
tion of Massachusetts, and then only with reluctance. On
this commission Robert Pike was appointed, but for some
unknown reason does not appear to have acted — whether
because the stretch of power the appointment involved did
not square with his sensitive ideas on the subject of "civil
and ecclesiastical liberty," or for what other reason, we are
left wholly to conjecture. All we know for certain is, that
the proceeding incorporating Maine suddenly and peremp
torily into the Massachusetts jurisdiction was left entirely
to the other three commissioners, of whom John Leverett,
afterward Governor of Massachusetts (from 1673 to 1679)
was the chief.
The order and instructions of the General Court in the
premises, dated May 27th, 1668, were as follows :
To Major-General John LEVERETr, Edward Tyng, Esq,, Cap
tain Eichard Waldf.on, and Captain Robert Pike :
Gentlemen, — You are hereby authorized and required to re
pair to York, in the county of York, and there you or any two
of you, whereof JIajor-Geueral Leverett shall be ono, to keep a
County Court, according as tho law directs; and in case you
meet with any person or persons, under the pretence of any
other authority, tliat shall swerve from the duo obediouco they
owe unto this jurisdiction, under his Majesty's royal charter,
to which thoy have submitted and engaged themselves, that
you call before you all such persons, aud bring them to a duo

ANNEXATION OF MAINE. 61
trial, and proceed to sontenco as the merit of their ofibnoea
shall require.
Further, you are authorized and commissioned to establish
and confirm all officers aud commissioners, civil and military,
as you shall judge meet, for the settling aud preserving order
aud peace iu tho said county of York. And for the better en-
abliug you to effect tho same, you are hereby authorized, from
the date of these presents, to act and do all such things, prepar
atory to tho keeping of courts and settling of peace iu the said
conut.v, as iu your discretion you shall judge most meet. And
all officers, civil and military, within this jurisdiction, aud all
other inhabitants, are hereby required to be assistants unto
you, as the matter shall require ; and you are to reuder an ac
count of what you shall do herein to this Court at their next
session in October. In testimony whereof, this Court hath
caused tho seal of the colony to be affixed, and signed by tho
Governor, the SOth of May, 1668.
Instructions for our Commissioners in the present transactions re
ferring to the affairs of Yorkshire.
1st. As you are empowered by your commission from this
General Court to exert our jurisdiction in that county, and ac
cordingly to suppress any disturbance or opposition you may
meet with in those parts, we are as well willing that, in put
ting forth the power and trust committed to you, you use as
much lenity as iu your wisdom the general state of the busi
ness will admit.
2d. That according as it hath been already expressed to such
as did from those parts make api)lication to this Court, you
shall seasonably let the people there uudcrstand the same,
namely : in regard of their lato causeless revolt, they must not
expect to have any privilege but what is common to the rest
of the shires or towns iu this jurisdiction.
3d. That endeavor bo made to make as little alteration as
may bo touching any propriety, but that men's rights stand in
statu quo prius, namely, as thoy were before tho revolt.
4th. That you endeavor to admit as little questioning of
such grants of lands as have been given in the time of the in
terruption as may be, being done by their general assemblies.

62 THE NEW PURITAN.
5th. That you take notice that you are not altogether obliged
to strict form of law iu tho present disposing of courts and offi
cers, civil and military, leaving it to your wisdom at present
to betrust such men as you deem fittest for their respective
places. The three commissioners, under these instructions, pro
ceeded to York and discharged their duties in the same
peremptory spirit in which the orders were issued ; and in
due time they made their report, and Maine was annexed.

¦REPORT OF COMMITTEE. 63

CHAPTER X.
report of the committee to CONSIDER TIIE BOUNDARIES OF
EXETER. — RESERVATION OF TIMBER. — ROBERT PIKE AS MAG
ISTRATE. — -MEMBER OF THE GENERAL COURT. — SERGEANT-
MAJOR OF NORFOLK COUNT!" AND PISCATAQUA. — JIE.MBER
OF THE BOAED OF ASSISTANTS.
At the session of May 27th, 1668, the committee ap
pointed to consider the extension of the boundaries of Ex
eter made their report, signed by Samuel Dalton and Rich
ard Walderne. To this report is appended the following-
note :
Though I could not, by straitness of time, make a full view
of all the lands above mentioned, yet from what I do know,
together with that , information 1 have had of those that do
woU know of tho quality of the rest of tho land, I do judge
that the bounds above mentioned may be just and reasonable,
and do concur in subscribing. Robert Pike.
In respect to the foregoing report, the General Court
express their concurrence, but with the following excep
tion, referring to a practice which made great difficulty in
the following century, at the time of the Revolution.
It is ordered, that the bounds of Exeter stand as above set
tled, provided that all pine-trees fit for masts, which are twen
ty-four inches and upward within throe foot of the ground,
that grow above three mUes from their meeting-house, within
the bounds of the town, are hereby reserved for the public ;
aud if any person shall presume to foU auy such pine-trees fit
for masts, he or thoy shall forfeit ten pounds for every tree, one
half to the informer and the. other half to the public treasury.

64 THE NEW PURITAN.
The action of officials and informers, in the attempt to
preserve all the best timber of the forests for masts for
the royal navy, led to irritations, jealousies, and conflict.
The law bred a race of spies on the one hand and of smug
glers on the other, and its execution was often a source of
lasting bitterness between the people and the officials. In
the final struggle of the Revolution it was a grievance in
the frontier communities, which the patriots seized upon
with great effect to secure adhesions to the popular cause.
The following extracts from the records of the General
Court explain themselves : November 7th, IOCS.
Tho Court, considering of Captain Robert Piko as a commis
sioner for the county of Norfolk, and otherwise serviceable to
the country, judge meet to free him from country rates and
county rates for the year past. May 19th, 1060.
It is ordered by this Court, and the authority thereof, that
Captain Nathaniel Saltonstall, Captain Robert Pike, and Mr.
Samuel Dalton, be intrusted with magisterial power for ono
year ensuing, aud that auy one of them may do and execute
within their respective towns whatever any magistrate may
legally do.
In May, 1670, Captain Robert Pike again appears as
Deputy elect to the General Court. From the record of
May 26th of that year we copy as follows :
It is desired that the General Court would bo mindful of
appointing of some ono or more of the Magistrates to be tho
President and Judge at tho County Court to be holden at Nor
folk for this year ensuing, there being no magistrate living in
that county. The Court may also please to take notice that
the commissions granted to Captain Robert Pike of Salisbury,
and Mr. Samuel Dalton of Hampton, are now expired ; so that
the Court may now act for the continuanco of it as thoy please.
In answer to this motion, it is ordered, that Captain Daniel
Gookin shall be, and hereby is, appointed to keep the County

APPOINTED SERGEANT-MAJOR. C5
Courts at Hampton and Salisbury for the year eusniug, with
tho Associates.
And do order and hereby empower Captain Nathaniel Sal
tonstall, Captain Robert Piko, and Mr. Samuel Dalton, with
magistratical power for tho year ensuing, and that every of
them may do and execute withiu their respective towns where
thoy live, aud not elsewhere, whatever any magistrates may
legally do.
Tho Magistrates have passed this, their brethren the Depu
ties hereto cousenting. Edw. Rawson, Secretary.
Consented to by the Deputies. WiLLLui Torrey, CUrieus.
In 1670 the military affairs of Norfolk County and Pis
cataqua had become entangled by jealousies and violence,
and the regular officers were unable to compose the disor
ders that had arisen. Robert Pike, who then filled the
posts of memher of the General Court and captain of the
Salisbury troop of horse, was selected as the most suita
ble person to harmonize the discordant elements, in the ca
pacity of sergeant-major. A protest was made against this
interference by the parties concerned, who claimed the
right to settle the case in their own way ; but the ap
pointee was allowed to proceed, and nothing more was
heard of the difficulty. May 31st, 1670.
Whereas the militia of the county of Norfolk and tho river
of Piscataqua are at an unsettlement for want of a sergeant-
major, under whose command they might be drawn together
and exercised in regimental service, as the law directoth ; and
by long experience it is found difficult for them to make their
address to the major-general, and Major Denison for to order
the militia iu those parts, whoso care aud lovo to them have
been in many ways manifested, according to what the former
occasions have been; aud seeing that those parts have now

66 THE NEW PURITAN.
increased to such a competent number as may bo capable of
regimental exercise, this Court judgeth it moot to appoint
Captain Robert Piko to be sergeant-major over tho military
companies of the county of Norfolk and Piscataqua.
On the same day, on motion of Seaborne Cotton, Cap
tain Robert Pike and Samuel Dalton were appointed to
lay out eight hundred acres of land granted to Rev. John
Cotton and his heirs.
About this period the General Court consisted of from
thirty -five to fifty members, but the numbers fluctuated
considerably. Either members were not returned at all
frora certain towns, or the record of their election and pres
ence is omitted. Thus, in 1675 there is no record of the
election of any members whatever. No one but Robert
Pike appears as representative from Salisbury during the
twelve years from 1670 to 1682, and he only appears in
the years 1673-74 and 1680-81. In 1682 he was chosen
to the upper branch, or Board of Assistants.
It was an inactive period, and King Philip's war, in
1675, after a continuous peace of forty years, was the only
marked event that broke the monotony of domestic affairs.
Yet it was the era of one of the stirring passages in Rob
ert's life, as will be shown in the following chapters.

EEV. JOHN ^VHEELWRIGUT. 67

CHAPTER XL
REV. JOHN WHEELWEIGHT, EOBEET PIKE'S MINISTEE.
In 1675 the Rev. Mr. Worcester, the first pastor of the
Salisbury church, and the faithful friend of Robert Pike,
had been dead for twelve years, after a pastorate of twen
ty-four years. He was succeeded by the Rev. John Wheel
wright, a celebrated person in his day and generation.
This gentleman was a very remarkable specimen of the
arrogant English parson, educated to a high estimate of
the superior dignity of his cloth, and withal of a turbulent
and disputatious temper, not at all subdued at this period,
after a checkered career of fourscore years.
Mr. Wheelwright was born in England, between 1590
and 1595; was educated at Cambridge for the ministry,
where he graduated in 1614, and was occupying a pulpit
in England as early as 1618. He came to Boston in May,
1636, fully charged with activity, acerbity, and violence.
He was attached to no school but his own. His wife be
longed to the Hutchinson family, and was sister of the
husband of the well-known Anne Hutchinson, with whom
and Roger Williams he concurred in their opposition to
the Puritan authorities. But it appears they could not
agree in anything else. Wheelwright declined to accom
pany them to Rhode Island at the well-known period of
their exodus. He had an attractive family, three of his
daughters having been twice married. The first year of
his arrival in Boston he preached a sermon of such a char-

68 THE NEW PURITAN.
acter that he was convicted of sedition and contempt of
authority ; and as he refused to retract his obnoxious sen
timents, he was banished out of the jurisdiction. Sixty
persons remonstrated, and they were called before the Gen
eral Court, and received various degrees of punishment.
This was the origin of the settlement of Rhode Island,
whither most of them. went. But Wheelwright departed
in an opposite direction, and, with a few followers, found
ed the town of Exeter, in New Hampshire, in 1638. He
displeased his followers there, and in the same year the peo
ple of Exeter wrote to Boston asking for his dismission.
In 1642 New Hampshire was brought under the juris
diction of Massachusetts, and then Wheelwright moved
again — this time to Wells, in Maine, of which he is also
termed the founder. Not finding peace and satisfaction
in these yet remoter regions, he abated his pretensions,
and petitioned for reinstatement in 1643. In his petition
he acknowledges his " own distempered passions," and
confesses to having uttered " vehement and censorious
speeches." Under date of "Wells, 7th of the 10th raonth,
1643," he writes as fofiows to the Governor at Boston :
Eight Worshipful, — Upon tho long aud mature consider
ation of things, I perceive that tho main difference botweeu
yourselves aud some of the reverend elders and me, in point
of justification and tho ovideuciug thereof, is not of that nat
ure as was then presented to me iu the false glass of Satan's
temptations and my own distempered passions, which makes
mo unfoignedly sorry that I had such a hand in those sharp
and vehement contentions raised thereabout, to the great dis
turbance of the churches of Christ. It is the grief of my soul
that I used such vehement, censorious speeches in the applica
tion of my sermon, or in auy other writing, whereby I reflected
any dishonor upon your worshiiis, the reverend elders, or any
of contrary judgment to myself. .... I confess that herein I

WHEELWRIGHT'S SUBMISSION. 09
have done very sinfully, and do humbly crave pardon of your
honored selves  J. Wheelwkigut.*
The author of the '' Ecclesiastical History of Massachu
setts" (Massachusetts Historical Collection, 1st series, vol.
ix.) savs of a sermon preached by Wheelwright — following,
one by Cotton, calculated to heal divisions — that he '' was
fierce in his manner of speaking, and his matter was more
unbecoming than any discourse ever preached in the country.
He attacked magistrates and ministers, calling them Jews,
Herods, and Philistines  For this he was called to
account, and though a number of his respectable friends
signed a protest against the proceedings of the court, he
was banished for sedition. He was obstinate for some
time, thinking he could appeal to a superior tribunal in
England ; but being convinced to the contrary, he submit
ted, and left the province. After remaining a number of
years in exile, he made an open confession of his errors,
and was restored to the communion and good-will of the
people." This judicious writer remarks, of the religious quarrels
of that period : " It was an age of credulity  No man
is wise at all times ; and those who are judicious in most
things often show a weakness of mind in certain opinions
which have something marvellous in the relation, or are
combined with their prejudices  Much of the blame
falls upon the ministers, who were zealous men ; but their
enemies had become the prevailing party, and might have
kept their influence had they not been more practical than
wise. Had they [Roger Williams, Mrs. Hutchinson, etc.]
not gone to an extreme when Vane was Governor, the peo-
* Hubbard's " History of New England," in Mass. Hist. Coll., 2d
series, vol vi, p. 366.

70 THE NEW PURITAN.
pie who settled Rhode Island might have been the first
characters in Massachusetts. The great Cotton would not
have wavered, but have been a partisan, most likely, in
their cause. Wheelwright would certainly have been his
colleague  There was this difference between Cotton
and Wheelwright : the former was more of a peacemaker ;
his zeal was qualified, though at times this was rather like
the fire of eraulation than a coal taken from the divine al
tar. But the latter was opinionated, decisive, and regardless
of consequences. He cared neither for men nor measures,
and carried his seditious language even to the pulpit. This
man seemed desirous of increasing the unhappy divisions
which then disturbed the churches, and were combined
with all civil business."
Wheelwright, having got hack into Massachusetts, be
came reconciled to Winthrop, and in 1647 took the post
of colleague to Mr. Dalton, in Hampton.
Cromwell having become Protector, Wheelwright went
to England in 1657, and renewed his acquaintance with
the triumphant Puritan, with whom he had formerly been
intimate at college. He returned after the restoration, in
1660, and from his old place in Hampton he stepped over
into Salisbury, where he became Mr. Worcester's successor,
and Robert Pike's minister, in 1662.

CONTROVERSY WITH WHEELM'RIGHT. 71

CHAPTER XH.
MAJOR pike's controversy "WTTH WHEELWEIGHT, WHO EX
COMMUNICATED HIM. — LI^TSLY EXPRESSIONS OF MUTUAL
CONSIDERATION. — PUBLIC PEACE THREATENED. — POWER OF
THE GENERAL COURT INVOKED.  EEPOET OF LEGISLATIVE
CO.MMITTEE. — THE MAJOE REINSTATED IN THE CHURCH. 
DEATH OF WHEELWRIGHT.
What has been said in the preceding chapter of the
character of Robert Pike's pastor in 1676 is useful, as
throwing light on the extremely lively expressions of mu
tual consideration which follow.
The preacher and the magistrate had fallen out. As
Mr. Palfrey observes, in his most loyal history : " In every
settlement the minister was the chief man, unless the set
tlement boasts also a magistrate or assistant, and then the
minister is the magistrate's peer."
In this case it would seem that the Rev. Mr. Wheel
wright had forgotten that the magistrate " commanded a
deep reverence," which is the complement of the histori
an's statement of the preacher's position. But, however it
carae about, a feud had sprung up between the parties, and
we can readUy presume, frora what we have seen of the
character of the pastor, that he was not diffident in assert
ing his priestly prerogatives. Though sorely buffeted in
the past, he had not forgotten his early ways. It is cer
tain that he attempted to coerce Major Pike through the
terrors of church discipline, for he did finally excommuni-

72 THE NEW PURITAN.
cate the refractory layman ; and, though he was aftervvard
compeUed to receive him back into the bonds of church
fellowship, with whatever humiliation that may have in
volved, it Avas only done under a pressure too formidable
for the irate pastor to resist.
Of the documents in this case that have come down to
us, the first in order is the following vigorous onslaught by
Mr. Wheelwright, endorsed, " For Major Pike:"
It is commonly reported that you have for a long time much
ojiposed your former minister, denied him power of rule which
was duo to him, and honorable maintenance, and you did fre
quently neglect conung to the place of God's public worship
in due time, and thus you have walked toward mo.
Though I doubt not but Major Pike might have been just
ly excommunicated without any previous admonition, for his
heinous facts of lying, reviling, railing, groundless accusations
of his pastor ; his furious, outrageous behavior, in his words,
gestures, and actions; his constant pleading tho wicked causes
of delinquents ; crimes to be abominated and abhorred of all
the churches of God, for which we have precept and procodeut
(1 Cor. v.), yet did not wo go that way with him.
J. Wheelwright.
[This is a true copy, taken out of tho original.]
Major Pike, finding himself in possession of this very in
flammatory document, and being unable to discover from
any internal evidence that it was the production of a saint,
whose business it was to call sinners to repentance, pro
ceeded to verify it as follows : 8 : ll"". '75.*
This paper was brought me by John  , a Jersey man,
who said he had it of ono in the street, but must not tell who ;
* That is, February 8th, 1675, or, according to the present reckon
ing, 1676. As the year then began on the 25th of March, February
would be the 11th month; but in one of the succeeding papers it ap
pears to be reckoned (perhaps by a shp of the pen) the 12th.

WHEEL\YRIGHT SUMMONED. 73
hut, being urged, said it was Doctor Grath,who is a Gorman.
Doctor Grath, upon demand, owned that ho delivered it, and
that he received it of Mr. George Person as he was riding iu
the street, w ho was au Englishman. Mr. Person owned it, and
said ho had it delivered to hira by Mr. Wheelwright, his fa
ther-in-law, to give me. February 11th, 1075.
The Reverend Mr. John Wheelwright owned that ho sent
this writing by his son Person, and that ho forgot to deliver
it, till ho came back from Hampton, to one Mr. Cottry.
Before mo, Robert Pike, Commissioner.
The major meditated in his wrath how to deal with this
extraordinary assault upon his good name and character,
and knowing of no more effective method than bringing
the culprit before a magistrate, and thinking there could
be none more suitable than himself, the offended party, he
issued the foDowing summons.
He was, perhaps, a little hasty in this assumption of
authority to try a case of his own, but this was better than
that Lynchdaw which, in our more civilized times, is some
times resorted to for the punishment of fiagrant offenders.
To the Reverend Mr. John Wheelweight. February 9th, 1676.
SiE, — Yon are, in his JIajesty's name, required to appear be
fore me, at my houso in Salisbury, upon Friday next, by eight
of clock in the forenoon, then and there to take notice of a
scandalous, reviling, and reproachful writing that is gone
abroad as in your name, to soo whether you own it or not, and
to give a reason of it if you do ; as also to be inquired of con
cerning another of like nature, to which there is no name ; as
also to bring with you or send that writing that you presented
to the Council when at Salisbury, which was openly read, aud
thereupon required hy authority, to be responsible as an evi
dence for the country against the author thereof (it being so
notoriously abusive, scandalous, and reproachful, tending to
tho breach of the peace, of the laws of God aud tho country),
4

74 THE NEW PURITAN.
or an exact copy of it, according to your promise to the Coun
cil when they delivered it to you ; as also to answer to several
other acts dono by you of like nature and teudeucy, and hereof
not to fail. Per Robeet Pike, Commissioner.
To ihe Constable of Salisbury or his Deputy.
9th d., 12th m., '75.
You are, in his Majesty's name, required forthwith to serve
this warrant according to the color thereof, aud make x^resent
return thereof unto mo under your hand, aud to do it with
all due respect and civility, regarding both the person and his
place. Per Robeet Pike, Commissioner.
This warrant was owned before the Council tho 10th of
JMarch, 1675. Per Edward Rawson, Secretary.
Though the magistrate himself had been charged with
heinous sins, even to that of being a criminal lawyer, he
evidently determined to keep himself within the limits of
respectful demeanor toward the godly man who was to be
tried for his offence of assafiing magisterial authority and
dignity ; and he accordingly directs the constable to exe
cute the warrant " with all due respect and civility, regard
ing both the person and his place."
But the reverend clergyman, thinking there might be hot
ter law than this, appealed his case to the General Court in
the following petition, from which it appears that he was
still as active in body as in mind, and that his weight of
eighty years was not regarded as any hindrance to a fresh
voyage to Europe :
To the Honorable John Leverett, Esq,,Governm-, and Council, the
petition of John Wheelwright of Salisbury humbly showeth :
Whereas your petitioner is bound for England upon urgent
and weighty reasons, and is by Major Robert Piko (as ho ap
prehends) injuriously and illegally obstructed, causing him to
give one hundred pounds bond for his appearance at a court

THE COUNCIL GRANT A 11EA1UN(;. 75
in April next, to answer in a matter wherein he doubts not to
clear his iuuocency, but shall inevitably bo a sufferer by the
obstruction thereby given him in his intcudcd voyage; your
petitioner does therefore humbly crave tho favor of this hon
ored Council, so far to consider the premises as to favor your
petitioner with commandiug the abovesaid Major Pike to ap
pear before your honored selves, and givo tho reason of his ac
tions iu the premises, aud your petitioner shall ever pray.
John Wheelwright.
February 17th, 1675.
In answer tn Ihis petition of Mr. Johu Wheelwright, the
Council having had tlie sight of several letters also from Major
Pike of like import, the Council do order that there bo a hear
ing of the case between them at tho ue.xt Court of Assistants,
on tho 10th of March next. The said Mr. John Wheelwright
and Major Robert Piko are both required to bring with thom
such writiugs and evidences as concern their case, at which
time the Council will givo thom a hearing.
By order of tho Council. Edward Rawson, Secretary.
The fofiowing judgraent and declaration show that the
petitioner obtained the desired relief :
The Court having heard and considered tho complaint of
Mr. John Wheelwright against Major Eobert Pike, iu the case
referred to this Court by an act of tho Council, in answer to
the petition of the said Mr. Wheelwright, they judge and de
clare the warrant of Major Eobert Pike, whereby Mr.. Wheel
wright was conveuted before him to be illegal, and that there
fore Mr. Wheelwright and his sureties are not obliged by tho
bond given for his appearance at Hampton Court next ; and
that Major Piko bear tho necessary charges of Mr. Wheel
wright's attendance upon this court iu this business.
Passed by tho Court and Council this 11th of March, 1675.
E. E., S.
It is plain, from the intimations and references in the
text, that we have only a small part of the controversy be-

76 THE NEW PURITAN.
fore us. Robert Pike was evidently as pugnacious an ad
versary as Wheelwright himself, though in the present in
stance more respectful, as we have already seen in his
request to the constable to treat the pastor with " respect
and civility."
The records of Norfolk County Court show that at this
point Wheelwright himself sought to bring the major into
a court of law, and appealed to the judge accordingly.
The following is the answer of the Court, under date of
May SOth, 1676:
Whereas there was presented to this court, at tho latter end
thereof, a complaint consisting of certain articles against Ma
jor Eobert Pike, under the hands of several of the members
of the church at Salisbury ; tho Court, taking iuto considera
tion the difference and division that is and hath been long iu
tho said church, to the great dishonor of God, and that the
hearing and determining of tho said complaint is not like to
heal the same, but rather to make the breach greater if the
grievance of one party should only bo heard, the other party
pretending as great reason to prefer their complaint, and there
being no convoniout opportunity at present to hoar either tho
one or tho other: this Court do therefore advise, and as much
as in them lies, require the said church of Salisbury to attend
their duty, by their diligent and serious endeavor speedily to
issue and compose tho uuha,pi)y difference, either by them
selves, if it may be attained, or by the help of other churches,
or advice of some able godly Christian friends, chosen by the
mutual consent of tho church, and parties chiefly coucornod ;
which, if refused or neglected, the said church may expect that
civil authority will, according to their duty, provide some due
way and moans for the putting an end to and issuing the afore
said differences as speedily as they can ; or otherwise, if noth
ing be done iu the meantime, this Court will give a hearing of
tho aforesaid complaint (parties concerned having due notice
thereof by the clerk of the court) at tho next session of the
said court in the county of Norfolk.

CONVENTION OF CITIZENS. 77
But the case did not end here. It rose afterward into
dangerous proportions for the peace of the community,
and required the intervention of the higher powers of the
commonwealth. In June, 1677, we find the fofiowing record of the pro
ceedings of the General Court :
In answer to the petition of several members of the church,
and inhabitants of the town of Salisbury, it is ordered, that
Major- gouoral Denison, Thomas Dauforth, Joseph Dudley,
Esq., Major Thomas Savage, Captain Hugh Mason, Captain
Daniel Fisher, Major Samuel Appletou, aud Mr. Thomas Graves
shall be, and hereby are, empowered as the committee of this
Court, to repair unto Salisbury town, and convene before them
the inhabitants of said place ; and after a full hearing of the
rise and grounds of the disturbance and contentions that have
of late years happened among thera, referring to their civil
aud ecclesiastical concerns, and to make such a conclusion as
may have a tendency to the healing of their spirits and put
ting an end to their quarrels, and preventing the like for the
future; aud all persons concerned are required to attend time
and place that shall be appointed for their meeting, and sub
mit to the determination that shall bo mado and given by tho
committee. And the committee is to make report of the re
sult to the next session of tho court.
Of the foregoing committee, Danforth was afterward
lieutenant-governor, and Dudley governor. In September
the committee made the following report :
Salisbury, 13th of 7th rae, 1077.
We, whose names are subscribed, appointed by tho honora
ble General Court, May 23d, 1677, having repaired to Salisbury
and given notice to all parties to yield their attendance, a full
hearing and plea being allowed to Major Pike and the Eov.
Mr. Wheelwright, and others of the church concerned, we find:
that though the original fault charged upon Major Pike was
not a matter of plain immorality and scandal, yet in the after
management and prosecution of the difference between him-

78 THE NEW PURITAN.
self and said Wheelwright, pastor, he hath shown himself too
litigious in irapoaching him with so many articles under his
hand, thereby procuring great disturbance to the church aud
place, and also much contempt of said Wheelwright's person
and office, iu publicly retorting upon him those words in the
5th verse of the 7th chapter of Matthew, " Cast out the beam,"
etc. ; aud also of him and the church in his sudden withdraw
ing, and with much contempt refusing their judgment, as
proved against him — of all which wo expect his candid ac
knowledgment. Neither can we, on the other hand, excuse
Mr. Wheelwright for his too great precipitancy in pronouncing
a sentence of excommunication against said Pike without fur
ther trial for repentance, according to the vote of tho church.
If he repented not, it was an aggravation, in that tho offence
was primarily personal, plainly hazarding a breach in the
church, which sadly came to pass, as was seen iu the vote of
eight to seven.
Wo cannot but condemn that evil practice of those of the
church and town that did endeavor, in their petition to the
General Court, to eject Mr. Wheelwright from his ministry, by
asserting hira to be the cause of the disturbance, and that his
ministry had a tendency to inflame the minds of tho people
one against the other — a practice of such dangerous conse-
quenoos, that not only the contrivers, but even those that wore
drawn thereinto, ought to reflect upon with self-condemnation,
which we expect to hoar from them.
We find, also, that those brethren with Major Pike are charge
able for breach of communion and a tendency to schism, in
their so far espousing that quarrel as to withdraw ; and those
of Amesbury alike faulty, for their particular interposition iu
that matter which they were not present at the managemeut
of, too much espousing a party rather than seeking peace in
the church ; aud therefore do advise and pray a general and
serious sense of these particulars, in the several parties con
cerned, and that Mr. Wheelwright and the church do, upon tho
major's confession as above, receive him again to their com
munion, hoping Mr. Wheelwright and the church will see the
error of the former transaction, as intimated above, and that
they all agree together to obtain some other godly and learned

EEPORT OP COMMITTEE. 79
person to assist their pastor in tho work of his ministry, not
abating his former mainteuanco among thera.
(Signed), Daniel Den'i,son,
Jos. Dudley,
Thomas Savage,
lluiHi Mason,
Daniel Fisher.
To the honorable General Court, now sitting.
The committee appointed to repair to Salisbury to settle
and compose the dissensions there, report :
Having given notice to the church, and persons concerned iu
Salisbury, of our intention to be there on tho 12th of Septem
ber last, to attend to the order and commission given us by
the last Court, and accordingly most of ns repairing thither
and convening the people and acquainting them with our
commission, and signifying to them that their dissensions and
the disturbances among thera were grievous and scandalous,
aud accordingly advising thera to Christian composure and
due reflection ou their lato distempers, they had full liberty to
declare their causes.
The pastor began by declaring tho grounds of his proceed
ings aud those with hira. In like manner wo heard Major
Pike and such others as were with him speak freely aud fully.
After which we told them thoy should soon after understand
our minds and sense, which was delivered to thom, whereof
the annexed is a true copy.
After reading to the assembly wo gave copies to both par
ties for that night's consideration. In the morning, after some
difficulty in open assembly, we obtained their compliance there
in, and a remission of all offences mutuall.v, and Mr. Wheel
wright's and tho church's free reception of Major Piko iuto
their fellowship again, and their resolution, by God's help, to
bury and forgot all past miscarriages, and live and lovo in tho
fear of the Lord. (Signed), Daniel Denison,
Jos. Dudley,
Thomas Savage,
Hugh Mason,
Daniel Fisheu.

80 THE NEW PURITAN.
Major Appleton was present, consented, and signed, but is
now absent. J. D.
This return is accepted by the Court.
And thus, so far as the record shows, we come to an end
of this notable controversy. The major was reinstated
in full fellowship with the church ; and, as we shall see,
grew in consideration and activity thenceforward. Wheel
wright died two years afterward, about eighty-five years
of aa;e.

KING PIHLLP'S WAR. ai

CHAPTER XHL
king Philip's war. — major pike's letters. — distress of
the inhabitants on the frontier. — his charges foe
public seevices peonounced "very low."
The period covered by the controversy with Wheel
wright was that of "King Phfiip's War," from 1675 to
1677, inclusive, in which Robert Pike seems to have had
his hands full with the Indians.
The following letter is without a date, but seems by its
tenor to have been written in the winter of 1675-76, after
that remarkable exploit of the Puritans in storming the
Narragansett fort, in December, 1675, to which he evi
dently refers. When that stronghold of the savages was
assaulted and destroyed by one of the bravest bodies of
raw troops that ever undertook a desperate enterprise, the
Indian warriors who escaped fled in every direction, and
menaced the frontier settlements on all sides. It is to
these that Major Pike evidently refers as being likely to
visit the eastern settlements, when he terms them people
who would be apt to prove "unlovely neighbors." The
previous letter to which he alludes, as is the case with a
great many others, is missing. Indeed, all that we have
may be regarded as but fragments of his correspondence.
By virtue of his office of sergeant-major, Robert Pike was
in charge of the military service of Norfolk and Piscata
qua counties, and communications with the government
were thus made through him. This letter was thus a
4*

82 THE NEW PURITAN.
cover to that of Major AValdron, another citizen command
er of the same district. To the Governor and Council.
Much Honored. — These are only to give a cover to Major
Waldrou's, by which all that is new is declared. Wo ha^-c had
nothing considerable since my last of tho 6th instant, save only
that at Hampton, ou Saturday last, about nine at night, au In
dian coming from goodman Sleeper's barn towards his dwell
ing-house (which wore about eight rod asunder), having fire
iu his right hand (in appearance about tho bigness of au egg)
and straw under his other arm, they shot at him about four
rod from the house, and he tumbled down, and tho straw fell
afire and blazed up. Thoy say they saw another run away
between tho fire and tho barn, but no hurt was dono. In the
morning they saw pieces of birch-bark whore the fire was, but
found no Indian. Wo have several men out to-day and yes
terday after the Indians, to track them iu the snow, but I hear
not yet of the success of Hampton, Exeter, or HaverhiU. Our
Salisbury men came in Tuesday night, having found no track.
The child at Exeter is found, and is supposed not to have been
carried away with Indians. No more hurt there but the burn
ing of a house and mill ; but Captaiu Gilman did not signify
to me whoso it was. We should be very glad to hoar how
things go about the Narragansotts aud tho common enemy ;
that we, understanding their motion, might be able to conject
ure what wo may expect, for I fear if they seek their winter
quarters eastward we shall find thera unlovely neighbors.
The only wise God direct your counsels and motions.
So prays yonr honors' most humble servant, Egbert Pike.
This day I ara informed that Tho. Triky, the ferryman of
Dover, is drowued.
The annexed communication is likewise without date,
but appears to belong to this period :
Much Honored Sir, — Since my first this morning frora
Captain Daniel, now another frora Mr. Martin, requesting pres
ent order or help, besides what carae in tho morning from Cape

MAJOR PIKE'S BILL OF SERVICES. 83
Neddick. I understand that on Lord's Day two wero shot
dowu at Wells. Pray, sir, givo yonr presout direction as to
the present oxigeucy, that will admit of no delay. I have or
dered from Portsmouth such present relief as themselves judge
may bo spared, which they only desire order for. As to tho
Isles of Shoals, please to give your order, which I shall ob
serve. As to a presout support hero, I hope a more ample sup
ply will soon bo mado. I am, sir, your humble servant,
Egbert Pike.
[Superscribed: "To the honored Major-General Denison, these present,
at Ipswich; haste, post-haste."]
The following document, dated in January, 1677, seems
to refer to the services of the preceding season, as well as
those of 1675, the war having broken out in the early part
of that year. The testimony is that Major Pike was very
moderate in his charges for his time spent in the public
service, the officers who examined the accounts testifying
to their being "very low." The pound at that time was,
as we have seen, fixed at four dollars ; so that eighty dollars
covered the entire charge for one hundred days' service of
horse and man, including all " other expenses and charges."
January 8th, 1677.
We, tho officers of tho militia of the town of Salisbury,
whose names are hereunder written, have examined Major
Pike's bill of expense, and do find that he hath expended
about one hundred days' attendance upon tho country service
sithonco [since] the Indian war began to this day, horse and
man, besides other expenses and charges ; for the which we
do allow him twenty pounds, which we do account very low.
Tho. Bradbury, Captain.
John Severans, Cornet.
WILLIA3I Buswell, Ensign.
Ephraim Winsley, Constatle.
At a General Court held at Boston the 2Zd of May, 1677 : In
answer to the motion from the committee of militia for tho
town of Salisbury, tho Court judgeth it moot that the commit-

84 THE NEW PURITAN.
tee of militia take Major Pike's account, and that it he pre
sented to those whom it doth concern, that due satisfaction
may bo mado accordingly.
This is a true copy, taken out of tho court's records.
As attests, Edward Rawson, Secretary.
Consented to hy the Deputies. William Torrey, Clericus.
Salisbury, May the 30th, 1677.
Much Honored, — These are only to give cover to tho en
closed, having to add only that I shall not bo wanting on my
part, and something more, as to Captain Daniel's motion ; for I
suppose thoy have power enough to do that without my order,
however it is dono. As to the matter in general, itself speaks
the necessity of expedition. In all your motions, that tho Only
Wise may direct, is tho prayer of your honor's most humble
servant, Egbert Pike.
Major Waldrou may understand that Tom Avery was com
mander of the [men] that did tho deed.
The following midnight effusion shows the pressure of
the duties that lay upon our friend, and discloses the un
happy condition of those early Massachusetts comraunities
who were exposed to the inroads of the savages. They
were in a state of terror and peril of which we can have
but little conception. We see with what steadfast purpose
the brave and resolute raen who were the breastwork of the
threatened massacres stood their ground :
To the Governor and Council.
Salisbuiy, July Sth, 1677. 12 at night.
Much Honored Sir, — After many thanks for your groat
care of us, and readiness to assist us in our danger, whereby
under God we are yet iu being, which is tho cause of my pres
ent address. But all are now gone from us, aud not a man
left, as I am just now informed, to the amazement of tho poor
people and encouragement of tho enemy, who do stand and bo-
hold every matron among us, and will most certainly and sud-

D^iNGER FROM THE INDIANS. 85
donly improve it, if tho Lord do not beyond .an ordinary w.ny
of reason prevent it. What tho cause of the thing is I cannot
imagine. For my own part, I declared myself unto you as not
desirous of putting the country to ono farthing of unnecessary
expense, nor would I do it. If any orders be not observed, I
hope it Ues not in me. Captain Gerrish came over with Cap
tain Appleton and Captaiu Whipple, aud showed mo a com
mission in Captain Appleton's hand, to bring over a party of
horse and foot to join with ours, in case Simon and his crew
were hero ; but if it were only a skulking party, thou to do
something else, the particulars whereof I do not romombor
justly. I showed them what iutolligence I had, and all de
clared that Simon was there, as far as can bo known by tho
womau that know him; but she saw not more than ton with
him, though more than that where the men wore killed. Also,
that Simon knew her and called her by her name, whereby
it is undoubtedly Simon. Captaiu Appleton expressed some
doubt how the whole party would commodiou.'ily proceed in
our woods, the foot not being able to keep to tho pace of the
horse, nor the horse willing to come to the slow motion of the
foot. I endeavored to remove these scruples. Then Captain
Appleton said he must refer to his commission ; to which I re
plied. Then the matter must rest upon yourself to determine
whether, by wjiat you hear, Siraou and his crew be here or no.
To which (as I remonibor) he said ho thought that if it were
that party, they would not rest with doing such sraall mat
ters ; to which I said they may have company enough, though
it may be divided for their advantage.
Then Captain Gerrish proposed coming over with tho troop,
and with ours to range tho woods to Haverhill, and so home
to-day ; to which Captain Appleton said it was too late, but
he would go up Newbury side as far as Haverhill, and there
come over ; 2d, Captain Gerrish proposed lotting some of their
foot stay, and those come home who are at hand, and can soon
.come over if need. For which I was thankful — not haviug it
in my power to determine anything; but I said, as before, it
was Simon and his crew, I doubted not ; with which Captain
Appleton seemed not satisfied. At last, understanding there
was a ferry at Amesbury, he resolved to march up thither, aud

86 THE NEW PURITAN.
there moot with Ensign Greenleaf and his men, if I would
write to tho Amesbury men and him to meet thom there, and
as further intelligence should be, so to conclude. But because
of the weight of the business, I wont myself to meet thera ; but
by roasou of the Araesbury men's uuroadiuoss, as well as En
sign Groeuleaf's, the gentlemen wero gone when we came to
the ferry, and had sent over twenty men. This is tho full of
the case, as far as I know. The enemy still remains, as is
evident by every day's intelligeuco ; and tho people are shut
up in garrisons there. Neither do auy stir about anything.
We stand on our defence, though now much discouraged aud
grieved to sec ourselves forsaken in such apparent danger;
but tho Lord i« in heaven, and doth whatsoever ploaseth him.
Sir, just as I am writing came the enclosed to me from
Amesbury, as also a signification that Sergeant Belcher is not
yet gone off by reason of their emergencies. We are by God's
help endeavoring this day to fiud out the enemy iu his dismal
lurking holes, and to improve tho little strength wo have to
the utmost ; for we aro kept from our occasions, and must in
evitably end miserably if the Lord be not merciful to us by
driving the enemy away, or sending sorae to be helpful to us,
as we have helped others iu tho like case, which we humbly
conceive is no more than just. The seat of the war being now
in our eastern parts, if we are driven out it is apparent who
will go next. Our humble request is to tho honored Council
that they would bo ploasod to take our case into thoir serious
consideration, and to .afford us some assistance of men, whore-
by we may be enabled to subsist, at least till we see how tho
Lord will be pleased to detormino concerning this wretched
enemy, or until wo have got in some of our harvest. AVe aro
iu greater dauger than is imagined, in consequence of tho
thickness of our woods, that conceal tho enemy until he is
upon us, and makes all our endeavors against them fruitless.
By presout intelligence thoy seem to be upon Araesbury, Salis
bury, Exeter, and now, we hear, at HaverhiU, and what will
be next is with the Lord. The enclosed I have sent your hon
ors, whereby it may appear that Siraou and his crow, and such
as have been our neighbors, aro the enemy, or at least the
guides of them that do oppress us. Humbly leaving our case

END OF THE IXDIAN WAR. 87
with yonr honor, aud yon to tho direction of that infallible
Guide and Saviour who alouo is perfectly able to do whatso
ever ploaseth him, I subscribe myself,
I'our honor's most humble servant, Egbert Pike.
This letter resulted in a comraunication from the Gen
eral Court to the major-general of the Massachusetts forces,
concerning the fulfilment of his promise to Major Pike to
furnish sufficient force to resist the enemy's head-quarters
at "Ansebee." But the result of the application is not
stated. After this we have nothing more up to the close
of the war, which ended with the death of Philip in the
foUowino- month.

THE NEW PURITAN.

CHAPTER XIV.
hostility of the magistrates. — appearance of party
differences. — MiUOR PIKE IN FAVOR WITH THE DEPUTIES.
Through the years 1678 and 1679 we only hear of
Robert Pike in his appointment as associate justice for the
Norfolk County courts, and for that of Dover and Ports
mouth, his annual election and appointment as Magistrate
seeming never to have been intermitted from the time of
his first appointment.
In 1680 he is on the record as Deputy frora Salisbury.
In the preceding year the Rev. Mr. AVheelwright had de
parted this life, whence we may infer the necessity that
occasioned the following petition. The good of society
demanded that marriages should not be compelled to await
the tardy action of the church in settling a new pastor.
At least such was the view of " several " of the people of
Salisbury. According, the following action was taken :
Several of tho inhabitants of the town of Salisbury hurably
crave the favor of this honored Court that, considering our
remoteness from any Magistrate, or any one invested with
power to join persons in marriage, that they would be pleased
to appoint some moot person in our towu for tho end aforesaid.
In answer to this motion, the Deputies judge meet that Ma
jor Pike bo empowered to solemnize marriage at Salisbury,
provided one at least of tho parties being inhabitant there,
and that they bo published according to law, our honored
Magistrates consenting hereto. William Torrey, Clericus.

DIFFERENCES IN THE GENERAL COURT. 89
Yet the following brief record shows that a majority of
the Magistrates opposed the proposition. Whether this
was occasioned by their want of sympathy in the case,
from the circumstance of having themselves long before
passed the stage of celibacy, or whether it might be the
lingering remains of prejudice against the belligerent old
Puritan, on account of his past controversy on the claims
of the clergy, and his sinful tendencies toward a common-
sense view of things, we are left to conjecture. The curt
rejection of the proposition is thus expressed : June 2d, 1680.
The Magistrates consent not hereto. Edward Eawson, Secretary.
What follows induces us to think there was at this peri
od a decided feeling of hostility between the two branches
of the Legislature. For it will be seen that in the next
year, when the House assented to a petition of Robert Pike
of a most reasonable character, the Magistrates again inter
posed their veto, which they offered to forego on the con
dition that the same thing he petitioned for should be
granted to somebody else. This action appears to be in
dicative of the Magistrates' opinion that the House of Dep
uties were more inclined to favor Robert Pike's proposi
tions than those of their own particular friends. There is
plenty of room here for the conjecture that the contest
over the rights of the Quakers, and involving " civil and
ecclesiastical liberty " in general, was by no means dor
mant, and that a literal report of the debates of those early
days would afford piquant reading. While a strong con
servative force evidently held the field, the House was ap
parently at this period on the side of Robert Pike. At
all events there was a sympathy with hira, which a certain
jaunty tone in some of his remarks indicates, that he felt

90 THE NEW PURITAN.
he could rely upon, in the body to which he belonged. On
one occasion, as we shall see, he asks the House for a de
cision on one side or the other of a proposition of his own,
intimating that he would be much obliged to them if they
would not grant his request, which, it would appear, he
had preferred merely in the line of his duty. He writes
as follows :
May it please the Honored Court, — These may inform
you that the commission granted to the subscriber for the con
duct of our troop was under the name of tho " County Troop
of Norfolk ;" but now two of the towns are gone off, and the
county is extinguished. I am about to seek what is to be
done, especially seeing the Court aro not pleased to re-estab
lish the county again. My humblo request, therefore, is that
this Court will be pleased to let mo know what thoy further
expect from me respecting the remainder of the said troop.
Egbert Pike.
In response to this application it was
Voted by tho Deputies, that the troopers in those towns re
maining iu this colony, belonging to tho late county of Nor
folk, shaU be and remain under the coraraand of Major Eobert
Pike, and that he hath liberty granted him to enlist such into
his said troop as shall be williug to bo enlisted out of the
other towns in tho county of Essex, being qualified according
to law.
The Deputies passed this, our honored Magistrates consent
ing. Per order, Elisha Hutchinson.
June 1st, lOSl.
Here comes the bluff dissent:
Not consented to by the Magistrates. Edwaed Rawson, Secretary.
Then comes the conditional consent : June 2d, losi.
Tho Magistrates consout hereto, provided that Captain Wil
liam Browne have tho like liberty of enlisting to make up his

LEGISLATIVE BICKERINGS. 91
troop in Salom to the number of sixty-four, besides officers,
aud that those that do oulist in these troops bo such as are al
ready oulistod in any othor troop : their brethren the Deputies
hereto consenting. Edward Eawson, Secretary.
Tho Deputies consent June 2d, 1681.
Per order, Elisha Hutchinson.
But the animus of the Magistrates is still more clearly
seen in their action in refusing to rectify a little wrong,
which the major refers to in the following letter. The
House grants his petition, and then comes the record :
"The Magistrates consent not." Then the document is
sent up to the Governor, and it comes back with his ap
proval and the Magistrates' concurrence. The petition fol
lows :
To the Honored General Court now sitting at Boston, October liih,
1681.
May it please you to understant), — That iu or about
the year 1677, iu answer to a motion of the militia of tho town
of Salisbury, this Court wore pleased to pass an order for a
commission to examine aud allow the accounts of your suppli
ant, the subscriber hereof; which they accordingly did, aud al
lowed him twenty pound.?, as by tho said bill, dated the 8th of
January, 1677, may appear. And tho said bill was delivered to
the constable for the satisfying of so much of his then rates to
the country ; aud the constable brought it to the honored Mr.
Hull, tho thou treasurer. The treasurer, supposing it should
have first been approved by some other committee before he
could allow it, or that this honored Court should declare their
own intention about it, it was left with the treasurer by tho
constable, and could not for some time bo found. By that
moans your subscriber is in danger of paying the money again,
unless relieved by this Court.
It is therefore tho humble request of your suppliant that this
honored Court will bo pleased so to order that he may have
the benefit of the said order, aud so grant an issue of that trou-

92 THE NEW PURITAN.
ble and danger; and he shall, as in duty hound, always pray
for your prosperity. Your honors' most humble servant,
Egbert Pike.
October 27th, 1681.
The Deputies have voted that the petitioner be paid this
twenty pounds by the treasurer, and desire our honored Mag
istrates' consent hereto. W^illiam Torrey, Clericus.
The Magistrates consent not hereto. Edward Eawson, Secretary.
This being presented to the Governor and Magistrates, the
18th October, 1682, thoy consented to the Deputy vote for pay
ment. As attests, Edwaed Eawson, Secretary.
Consented to by tho Deputies. William Torrey, Clericus.
And so ends the absurd animosity.

AMUSING PROSECUTION. 93

CHAPTER XV.
AJIUSING prosecution OF MAJOR PIKE FOE VIOLATING THE
SABBATH. — ELECTED AS ASSISTANT. — TEOOP PETITIONS.
An amusing incident in Robert Pike's life occurs about
this period. The following brief notice of it is extracted
from the records of the County Court, under date of May
4th, 1680:
Major Eobert Pike, upon his presentment, convicted by evi
dence for profaning tho Sabbath, is fined ten shillings in money,
and to pay costs and fees eight shillings.
Here is this pious man, Magistrate, meraber of the church
and of the General Court, whose whole life is a savor of
godliness and a testiiHony to his righteousness, suddenly
found among the registered culprits, for the heinous offence
of profaning the Lord's Day.
An examination brings the following curious details to
light, from papers on file among the records of the court :
The testimony of Henry Roby, who saith: That being at the
house of Major Pike, at Salisbury, the Saturday before the
Court of Assistants in March last, Nehemiah Partridge called
at the house of Major Piko after sunset a good while, as ho was
going to Hampton, and among other things that the major
asked him, ho told him that his brother, Ed. Gove, Avas gone
toward Boston, or that way, for ho parted with him at Ijoswich.
He further said tho ways wore so rotten already with the thaw,
that if it continued till Monday it would bo almost impossible

94 THE NEW PURITAN.
to get to Boston in two days. This put us on a strait what
to do, fearing Govo would got his business over before wo
should come there ; and tho resolution was only to go to New
bury a Lord's Day night, that so tho danger of tho bridge and
ferry might be secured, which thing we did.
I do further testify, that though it was pretty lato cro Mr.
Barrows ended his afternoon's exercise, yet did the major stay
till, in Mrs. Stockman's [his daughter's] house, repetition of
both forenoon and afternoon's sermons was over, aud tho du
ties of the day concluded with prayer ; and after a little stay,
to be sure the sun was down, thou we mounted, aud not till
then. The sun did indeed sot in a cloud, and after wo wero
mounted I do remember the major spake of lightning up where
tho sun sot ; but I saw no sun. It was, as I remember, as we
passed the street between Ephraim Winsloy's aud Captain
Bradbury's, but it was quickly gone and no appearance of it,
but began to grow darkish or duskish by the tirae that we
got to tho bridge.
Sworn tho 3d May, 1680, before mo.
Samuel Dalton,
One of the Council of H. M.'s Prov, of N. B.
Ephraim Winsley swears :
The deposition of Efihraim Winsley, who saith : That I did soo
Major Robert Pike rido by my houso towards tho ferry upon
tho Lord's Day. As I did apprehoud, tho sun was about half
an hour high at evening, aud it was tho boginniug of March
last past, the sun at that time shiniug.
Sworn in court hold at Ipswich, 30 (1), 1680.
Robeet Loed, Clerk.
Cornet Jo. Sovcrnes, upon oath in court held at Ipswich,
tho 4th of May, 1680, testified to the truth of what is above
sworn unto by Ephraim Winsley.
As attests, Robert Loed, Clerk.
And now Stephen Tong or Tongue, the Quaker, appears,
and tells us what he saw :

QUAKER TESTIMONY. 95
May the 8d, 16S0.
The affirmation of Stephen Tong, aged 40 years or thereaboal :
I do affirm, and am ready to depose, that I did see tho Major
Pike wheu he took horso that day that ho went toward Bos
ton (as was said) iu Blaroh last, and I do affirm that it was
about sunset. The sun did indeed sot iu a cloud, aud a little
after the major was mounted there appealed a light wlioro the
sun wout down, which soon vanished again, possibly half a
quarter of au hour. But not expecting anything about it, did
not take exact notice; but am quite sure they that spoke of
half au hour do greatly miss it. All which I am ready to tes
tify, as witness my mark, O.
Such is the story of this wicked man's offence. It was
March. The roads were breaking up and the streams ris
ing, or, as a witness deposed, " the ways were rotten," and
the ferry had to be passed. It was the Lord's Day. The
major had attended church forenoon and afternoon, and
heard two sermons from the Rev. Mr. Burrows. Both dis
courses had been reviewed and prayerfully considered in
the family of his. favorite daughter, Sarah Stockman, where
he appears at that tirae to have been staying, he having
lost his wife the previous November ; and the pious old
Puritan had finished the day with. the ctistomary evening
pra}'ers. Urgent business called him and his friend to
Boston, usually a two days' journey, but not to be accom
plished now, in that spring time, unless the road to the
ferry' and the foaming Merrimack were safely passed the
night before starting on the journey. The holy day was
over at sunset. To escape the darkness of the coming
night, the two friends waited impatiently for the going
down of the sun. A cloud was on the .western horizon ;
the sun fell behind it; the hght had departed. Should
this be deemed a constructive sunset ? Robert thought it
might, and started with his companion. But, as ill luck

96 THE NEW PURITAN.
would have it, as they passed Ephraim Winsley's house a
few minutes later, a little gleam appeared on the horizon
for an instant, just as the departing god of day finally sunk
out of sight behind the Amesbury hills.
The wicked Ephraim ! He it was who was at the bot
tom of the subsequent scandal. He had a grudge against
the major, and now was his chance to be avenged. Malice
kindled in his heart as he saw how he could take advan
tage of his neighbor's indiscretion. We will show what
ground we have for this judgment upon the wicked
Ephraim. In the old Norfolk County court records, under date of
12th of 2d month, 1653, appears this record : " Lieutenant
Pike entered his dissent to Samuel Winsley serving on the
jury." Again, eleven years afterward, in 1664, we find this en
try on the books of the court : " Samuel Winsley, plaintiff,
against Captain Robert Pike, defendant, in an action of
appeal from a judgraent of the Selectmen of Salisbury, in
a case of replevin for undue impounding of his cattle, etc.
Plaintiff withdraws the appeal."
Now here is a plain case of hostility running through
eleven years ; first Pike versus Winsley, then Winsley ver
sus Pike. But Samuel has grown old, and now Ephraim
appears, and it is yet again Winsley versus Pike. Of
course we infer that Ephraim is the son, and that it is tho
old grudge breaking out in a new place. With such ease
do we establish our supposition that this prosecution did
not result from any sacred impulse, but was the fruit of a
malevolent heart.
In the year 1682 Robert Pike was elevated from his
place in the House to the post of " Assistant." The Board
of Assistants conformed in its general character to the

M.VJOR PIKE CHOSEN "ASSISTANT." 97
present Council, only with more authority. It was frora
this body that the governors were generally chosen. Those
elected to it were usually taken frora among the more
grave and substantial of the Deputies, and the tenure of
their office was practically more permanent than that of
the more popular body. Robert Pike continued to be
elected Assistant until his final retirement from public af
fairs in 1695-6, when he had attained the age of four
score years.
In 1684 we come upon some further signs of hostility
of the Magistrates. Major Pike was now near seventy,
but he still figures as the active commander of his old
troop of horse, of which he was captain a quarter of a cen
tury before.
As we have seen, some new adjustments of county lines
had lost him a portion of his troop, and ho again petitions
for the action of the General Court to raake substitution,
or let him know their pleasure, whatever it is. But the
Magistrates are again found a hinderance. He recites the
whole case in the communication which follows, and finally
succeeds in securing definite action upon it :
To the Honored General Court noio sitting in Boston, May lO'/i,
1684.
May it please your honors to remember, that since tho great
change of affairs eastward, in consequence of the towns of
Hampton and Exeter being taken from tho county, iu which
two towns a great part of tho troop of Norfolk did reside, the
affairs of tho remaining part of the said troop have been sev
eral times under consideration iu this court ; and once an or
der was given for the making up of the said troop out of tho
next adjacent towns on the other side of tho Merrimack River.
This has been since altered by ordering them to bo a troop of
themselves, under conduct of Captain Dnraraer, so that the
said troop of Norfolk reraains broken. 5

98 THE NEW PURITAN.
For the repairing thereof, application was this session made
to this honored Court for those throe things, namely, that
Major Piko may remain their conductor, as before ; 2, that the
troop may bo made up out of the throe towns on the north
side of tho Merrimack ; 3, that they may not, iu their ordinary
exercise, be constrained to go over tho river ; which request
of theirs is by the honored Magistrates denied ; which neces
sarily occasions mo to request a farther explanation of your
meaning iu your vote, so that I may not bo accounted a trans
gressor in your service, either iu doing or not doing, namely,
whether your meaning bo that there shall be no troop, or that
it shall be no bigger, or that it shall not be conducted by Major
Piko ; which resolution will much oblige,
Y'our humble servant, Robert Pike.
Aud I shall faithfully givo you my sense of the case, as in
duty I am bound. May 10th, 16S4.
In answer to this motion of Major Eobert Pike, it is ordered
by this Court, that Major Piko is allowed to enlist so many
men for troopers, out of the three foot companies of Haverhill,
Salisbury, aud Amesbury, iu proportion to the numbers of tho
said companies, as to make the troop forty-eight men, besides
officers, provided this troop bo under command of Major Eob
ert Pike for their captain; aud Major Piko is ordered to pre
sent to the next session of this Court tho names of other com
missioned officers to complete tho said troop.
And in enlisting tho said addition out of the foot companies,
this Court doth dispense with all qualifications of the persons
in point of paying tho country rate, provided thoy bo other
wise qualified with ability of body and sufficient horse and
arms. The Magistrates have passed this, their brethren the Depu
ties hereto consenting. Edward Rawson, Secretary.
Consented to by the Deputies. Per order,
John Laffin.

POPULAR AND ROYALIST PARTIES. 99

CHAPTER XVI.
POPUL.VE AND ROYALIST PARTIES.  FALL OF POPULAR GOV
ERNMENT IN MASSACHUSETTS.  REVOLUTION OF 1688. —
ROBERT pike's APPOINTMENT AS ONE OF THE COUNCIL OF
SAFETY. — MORE INDIAN DEPREDATIONS AND MURDERS. —
LETTEES OF MAJOE PIKE.
The semi-republican Puritan colonies in New England,
which had flourished under Cromwell from 1650 to 1660,
began, soon after the restoration of Charles IL, in the latter
year, to be the subjects of harassing examination and treat
ment by the home government. All sorts of annoyances,
oppressions, and exactions were practised, the natural re
sult of which was the creation of parties in the colonies.
The creatures and instruments of arbitrary power made
their appearance in the virgin colony of Massachusetts Bay.
The lines between the popular party, and the royalists or
the party of prerogative and arbitrary power, grew gradu
ally more and more distinct as the years rolled by. Before
the end of twenty years the distinction became as appar
ent and as generally recognized as that between the same
parties immediately anterior to the revolution of 1775 ; and
the divisions then were upon the same general principles as
in the latter era.
In this division of parties we of course know where to
look for Robert Pike. Dr. Palfrey, in his " History of
New England," thus testifies :
Of tho popular party, Danforth, the deputy governor, a man
of oxoollent abilities aud virtue, was the acknowledged head.

100 THE NEW PURITAN.
With him were Gookin, Norvell, Saltonstall, Richards, and oth
ers among the Magistrates, and numerous prominent names
araoug the Deputies, as Cook, Brattle, Hathorne, AVait, Hutch
inson, and Piko.
On the other side were the crowd of parasites who al
ways throng about the footstool of power, with able and
unscrupulous raen for leaders, such as Stoughton, Brad
street, Dudley, Denison, and Randolph. As in raore mod
ern times, some were weakly conservative, and somK3 wick
edly so. As the representatives and favorites of the des
potic ruler at home, they were, of course, a most formidable
party. In those early days of resistance to kingly power,
it was no holiday work to engage in persistent hostility to
them. Yet such was the necessity of the popular party ;
and it was kept up in one form and another, until tho
whole fabric of popular government fell before the blows
of the oppressor. The claims of arbitrary power grew
more and more imperious, untfi at length they culminated
in the abrogation of the Massachusetts Charter in 1684,
and popular government in Massachusetts ceased to exist.
During this period we have found Robert Pike success
fully contesting the arrogant claims of clerical domination.
That he was as active on the political field we cannot
doubt ; it is a necessary inference from his character and
the position he occupied. But the records are not full
enough to enable us to measure the precise degree of this
activity. We learn from a note in Mr. Palfrey's history
(vol. iii., p. 275) that Robert Pike, in 1672, is found ad
vising Robert Mason in regard to his claims to New Hamp
shire, made before the British Privy Council. He seeras
to fear that Mason will make some concession that is in
jurious, and proposes that the General Court act in aid of
Mason, in order to prevent it. In his proposal to Mason,

REVOLUTION OF 1688. loi
which, it seems, is preserved among the colonial papers in
the State -paper Office in London, he begs him (Mason)
"not to proceed" in a "treaty with his Majesty about the
surrender of the estate." AA'e find in this brief record an
evidence of the busy hand of the Deputy from Salisbury,
trying to thwart the enemies of Massachusetts in their efforts,
aud his characteristic manner of doing justice to others.
But when all measures had proved insufficient, and all
efforts had failed, in this long contest of four-and-twenty
years, to preserve the rights and liberties of Massachusetts,
the heroes of the contest on the popular side were forced
into temporary retirement. Spiritual and civil tyranny
were for a brief period in the ascendant. From May,
1686, to April, 1689, arbitrary power, in the persons of
Dudley and Andros, had entire sway over Massachusetts.
The people were robbed by a corrupt band of officers, who
made no end of their plundering exactions. And there
was no remedy. The General Court was suppressed, and
the courts of law were the new instruments of the tyran
ny which held the people captive. But the revolution of
1688 took place in England, and that of 1689 quickly fol
lowed in Massachusetts. The people rose and dispossessed
the knaves who had rifled their pockets and trodden their
rights under foot. Prudence forbade the execution of
justice upon these great offenders, and they escaped the
penalty due to their crimes.
On the overthrow of Governor Andros, a provisional
government was extemporized. The representatives of the
popular party in 1686 were recalled, to assume control in
1689. A Committee of Safety was formed, and Robert
Pike was appointed one of its members. The government
was afterward speedily reconstructed,- and. then he was re
instated in his old place as Magistrate and Assistant. A

102 THE NEW PURITAN.
judicious winnowing took place in constituting the new
governraent, but Robert Pike was retained, and Governor
Hutchinson afterward testified to the great merit of the
selections made.*
In the summer of the first year of the new administra
tion the Indian depredations and murders broke out afresh,
and to these the following letters refer :
Portsmouth, June 2Sth, 16S9.
Major Robert Pike:
Honored Sir, — Herewith we send you an account of the
Indians surprising Cochecha this morning, which we pray you
immediately to post away to the honorable tho Governor and
Council in Boston, and forward our request for present assist
ance, wherein the whole country is immediately concerned.
Wo aro, sir, your most humblo servants,
Richard Martyn,
William Vaughan,
Richard Waldron, Jr.,
Tho. Graffort,
Sam. Wentworth,
Reu. Hull,
Ph. Siuret.
[Superscribed: "To the honored Major Eobert Pike, at Salisbury; haste,
post-haste."] The account referred to follows :
Portsmouth, June 2Sth, 16S9. About 8 o'clock in the morning.
Just now there came ashore here from Cochecha John Ham
and his wife, who went homo last night (they living within a
mile of Major Waldrou), and about break of tho day, going up
tho river in a canoe, they heard guns fired, but notwithstanding
proceeded to land at Major Waldrou's landing-place, by which
time it began to bo light. Then they saw about twenty In
dians near Mr. Coffin's garrison, shooting and shouting, and as
* Hutchinson says : " The twenty-eight councillors appointed un
der the new regime in 1692 were persons of the best character in
the several parts of the colonies."

INDIAN MASSACRES. 103
many more .about Richard Otis's and Thomas Paino's. Thoy
saw their w.ay clear to Major Waldrou's, whore thoy intended
immediately to secure themselves ; but coming to tho garrison,
and calling and knocking, thoy roooived no answer, yet saw a
light ill ono of the chambers, and one of them says that, look
ing through a crack of the gate, ho saw sundry Indians with
iu tho garrison. He supposed they had murdered Major Wal
drou and his family, and thereupon thoy determined to mako
an escape, which they did, and met with one of Otis's son.?,
who also escaped from his father's garrison, informing us that
his father aud tho rest of the family were killed. Quickly
after tho Indians set sundry houses on fire. This is all the ac-
couut we have at present, which being given in a surprise may
admit of some alteration ; but doubtless the men of those fam
ilies at or about Cochecha aro destroyed.
The above account was related to me.
Richard Waldron, Jr. *
To the Governor and Council.
Salisbury, June 28th, 1689. About noon.
Much Honored, — After duo respect, those are only to give
yonr honors the sad account of the last night's providence at
Cochecha, as by the enclosed the particulars whereof are awful.
The only wise God, who is the keeper of Israel, that neither
slumboreth nor sleepeth, is pleased to permit what is done.
Possibly it may be either hotter or worse than this account
renders it; as soon as I can get more iutolligence, I shall, God
willing, speed it to your honors, praying your speedy order or
advice iu so solemn a case. I have despatched the intelligence
to other towns, with advice to look to themselves. I shall not
be wanting to serve in what I may : should have waited on
your honors ere now, had I been well.
I shall not now come, except by you commanded, till this
bustle be abated. That the only wise God may direct all
your weighty affairs, is the prayer of your honors' most humble
servant, Robert Pike.
[Superscribed: "To the much honored Simon Bradstreet, Esq., Governor,
and the honored Council now Bitting at Boston, these present with all
speed ; haste, post-haste."]
"Eeceived about twelve at night, apon Friday June 28th."

104 THE NEW PURITAN.
Salisbury, June 30lh, 1689. 12 at night.
Much Honored, — By my last to you tho last night, I gave
yonr honors the sense of the country about the present com
motion after those cruel murders, and intended your honors no
further trouble in the case till I had received your pleasure
therein, and till I had soon who would have moved off tho last
night aud this morning. There was an account given of con
siderable numbers likely to go.
Mr. Vaughan being with lue this night at Salisbury, and de
siring the conveyance of tho enclosed, and hearing also that
Captain  was to come down, have taken occasion to trou
ble your honors before I am able to give you that account I
expected. I fear, by what I just now hear, that tho design
is in a groat moasuro obstructed, if it be true that we hoar,
namely, that sixty men intending to go from Ipswich as volun
teers refused, iu cousoquonco of Major Appleton's iraprossing
some of them. I would hope it is not so, tho rather because
if it be true, as Thomas Paine reports, namely, that about thir
ty miles off there is a pond or lake, with several islands iu it, to
Avhich they may resort with their plunder, and leave it secure ;
and from whence thoy can go to the [Hudson?] river or any
where. But I hope, seeing they are Penaoook and Eastern In
dians, they may not go to that lake, but to their own country ;
but it is with tho Lord. But which way soever thoy go, do-
lays are hazardous. I have not to add but my prayers to tho
Almighty for your direction, and that I am your honors' most
humble servant, Robert Pike.

ROBERT PIKE'S CORRESPONDENCE. 105

CHAPTER XVII.
EGBERT pike's CORRESPONDENCE. — INDIAN MASSACRES AT THE
EAST. — COMPLAINTS FEOM MAJOR PIKE OF THE INEFFICIEN
CY OF THE AUTHORITIES.
The time between 1686 and 1689 is regarded as a hia
tus in the Massachusetts government, of which no official
notice was taken in the proceedings of the new administra
tion. The following letter shows one of the phases of re
construction under the new regime :
The return of the troop of Salisbury, Haverhill, and Amesbury to
the honored General Court or Council now sitting in Boston, July
22d, 1689.
May it please y'our Honors, — In obedience to .ind pur
suance of the order of court requiring the present state of the
militia, our troops, by order, did moot at HaverhiU tho 11th
instant for the end aforesaid, or as many as the distractions of
tho times would permit. The troop upon the new list appear
ed to be about 54, of which were wanting at that tirao 17 : of
Salisbury, 7 ; of Haverhill, 7 ; and of Amesbury, 3. It was
therefore propounded fairly whether we should proceed to
nomination or stay longer, and it was agreed to proceed, only
to defer it till the afternoon, that it might bo done with all
possible deliberation. Accordingly, iu the afternoon we mount
ed, drew up into a ring, and desired thom to bring thoir votes
to me in the middle, which thing they did, our major being
present, iu whose presence the votes wero openly told, which
were as followeth :
First votes for a lieutenant were 31 ; of which for Mr. Simon
Wainwright wero 29. Votes for a cornet were 31 ; of which for
Mr. Richard Hubbard were 23, for Mr. Peter Ayros were 8.
5*

106 THE NEW PURITAN.
Vote for quartermaster: Mr. Peter Ayros 19, for Jacob Mor-
rell 13.
Elected by the major vote : Mr. Wainwright, lieutenant ;
Mr. Hubbard, cornet ; Mr. Ayres, quartermaster.
All was dono and carried on without so much as one word
of contest or controversy. It is now our humble request to
your honors to signify your allowance thereto, and to order
their commissions accordingly, except you see reason to tho
contrary. In submission to all which I take leave to subscribe
myself, Your honors' most humblo servant, Robert Pike.
By virtue of tho aforesaid order, finding myself to have com
mission dated from the year 1683 [1686], do take it to bo in force
the 12th of May, 1686 [1689], and upon that account pass for
captaiu of tho troop till your honors declare the contrary.
The following, without date, appears to belong to this
period. It exhibits the detail of service performed, and
gives the names of those who were on duty ; interesting,'
perhaps, in a genealogical point of view, if in no other.
It shows the active old trooper of seventy-three years still
ready to lead his men in pursuit of their savage foe.
Much Honored Sir, — In obedience to your command I have
given out my warrants for impressing, and order our rendezvous
at Haverhill, Wednesday, where I now ara, to attend their ap
pearance. I received your order Tuesday, between four and
five in the afternoon, and have now sent those that are corae,
who aro as in this list ensuing. Per your humblo servant,
Robert Pike, Se., Major.
The list of the N'umes of the Soldiers sent to Marlborough from Norfolk and
Piscataqua.
Salisbury. — 3 ohn Carter, Ephraim Browne, Abra. Browne, Thomas
Clough. Amesbury. — John Weed, Joseph Larg, Francis Wainwright.
Hampton. — Mr. John Stanian, Thomas Cram, Caleb Perkins, John Hug-
gens, Jacob Garland, Abra. Chase, .John Philbrick, John Palmer.
Haverhill.— Ssimnel Watts, Thomas Duston, Joseph Bond, Johu Jonson,
John Clement.
Portstnouth. — Hubert Mattoon, John Lewis, James Joans, Eobert Hiuks-
man, John King, William Willy, Jaraes Bracket, Philip Cartty.

KNOCKED IN THE HEAD. 107
Honored Sir, — It is now Thursday morning, and there is
yet wanting, of what my warrants required, ono returned short
from Portsraouth ; no return yet from Exotor, only one man
come, three more expected, according to warrants; frora Dover
no return yet, whence eight aro oxpootod, according to warrant.
I was not williug to retard tho march of these present, but
intend to send tho others after as soon as they appear, who are :
From Dover, 8 ; from Portsmouth, 1 ; from Exeter, 3. In all 12.
I have ordered Mr. John Stanian and Samuel Watts to con
duct this party to your honors.
To the Governor and Council. Salisbury, July 20th, 1089.
May it please your Honors, — Just now came tho enclosed
from Captain Sherborne, and 1 sent a copy thereof immediate
ly to Mr. Johu March of Newbury, whoso motion was this day
expected to Haverhill, where thoy expected to meet with some
from your parts, and go immediately for Penicook ; ou which
design divers of our town and others were prepared to go with
them, whom we expected over this raorning according to agree
ment. But instead thereof, just now two HaverhiU men are
come from him, who say that, by means of some discourage
ment from Haverhill, all is knocked in the head. I asked what
discouragement it was, and thoy said that March, sending his
brother to Haverhill for intoUigonco of their forwardness, Mr.
Wainwright told him it was not approved of hy their towu,
nor by tho major nor himself; nor wore any others to corao
there from other places, nor none out of thoir town. So by
two or throe sorry follows the design is retarded.
I doubt not but the account of the slaughter at Saco is come
to yonr hands, and that at Sagadahock, on Lord's Day, 28th in
stant, came a letter to mo and Captain Church, from Ports
mouth, signifying that the province forces had thoir rendez
vous at Nowiohwauuock on Wednesday, the 12th instant, and
that at tho news of the slaughter aforesaid at Saco, Major
Frost and Captain  , parting from the rest, went east
ward to those parts. Captain Wiucoll aud the rest, about 160
or 170, on the 26th instant passed over a brook for Piquoacket,
and from thence sent back the horses by thirteen men, desir-

108 THE NEW PURITAN.
ing them to be there agaiu with provisions on Wednesday, and
they wero in the mean while to go to the Indian head-quarters
on the east of the pond. The Portsmouth men desired from
us some men to have made their convoy stronger ; but, by
reason of tho suddenness of the request, and tho present mo
tion to Penicook, and some of our men being now at HaverhiU,
we could afford them none. And now, all that design being
quashed, is very grievous to all with us, and looked upon as a
sad oraou, with Wells next. God only knows I thought it but
my duty to givo your honors notice speedily. People in these
solemn cases think I say much. The Lord unite your counsels
and tho people's hearts, which are extremely put out of frame,
that wo may bo a people saved of tho Lord, though a people
that destroy ourselves.
I am your honors' most humblo servant, Robert Pike.
Tho bearer hereof says that there is yet hope, if encouraged
by your honors : his reasons, or what else necessary, he will bo
present with you to inform you.
The foregoing letter exhibits an impatience of the inac
tion of the central authority in affording no succor to the
sorely tried and greatly menaced settlements of the eastern
frontiers. The writer's confession that people think he is
unduly active in his complaints, will meet with the sympa
thy of the reader, who will not join in such criticism. It
was not a time for reserve, and yet we see by his closing-
sentence that, while he struggles hard with his condemna
tion of the want of efficiency manifested, he controls its
expression within respectful bounds.
The following letter of Captain Sherborne is tho one re
ferred to as enclosed : Hampton, July SOth, 1089.
Major Pike ;
Sir, — These are to inform you that this last night there
came news to me from Exeter, that one of Philip Cromwell's
sons came yesterday from Oyster River, whore were twenty In-

MORE ALARMS. 109
dians seen, and several houses burning. About twenty Eng
lish issued out to boat thera off. Many guns wore heard go off,
but as ho came away while it was adoing, wo have not as yet
any account of what harm there is dono. AVe thank you for
your care about our convoy, although uo help could bo pro
cured. But a few could bo procured with ns, tho notice was
so sudden, but those that aro gone wout yesterday, when it
was almost night. They wore willing to stay no longer.
When I have account further from Oyster River I wiU send it
to you. Not else at present. From your friend,
Samuel Sherborne.

110 THE NEW PURITAN.

CHAPTER XVIIL
A LETTER OF SUPPLICATION, INSTRUCTION, AND REPROOF. — ¦
ALARMING DANGER FROM THE SAVAGES. — NEW HAMPSHIRE
AFFAIRS. — EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER OF NATHANIEL WEAEE.
AA'e have another midnight letter, written under appall
ing circumstances. A neighboring settlement has been de
stroyed, and nineteen persons butchered or taken captive.
Major Pike's own town has been stripped of its fighting
men, and no aid is coming. The savages are in great
force in the vicinity, and the inhabitants are informed by
a captured Indian that it and three neighboring towns are
marked for speedy destruction. No wonder the writer says
the consternation is such that " he dare not move, nor hard
ly to stay." The wolf is at his unguarded door, and it Is
alraost equally unsafe to stay and await his attack or to
sally forth and face him single-handed. But there seems
to be a determination to meet the worst, whatever that
may be, and no horror can be greater than that of the ap
prehension that the town is to be sacked by savages while
it is yet filled with helpless women and children.
But in the midst of this awful prospect our friend sits
down at midnight and coolly pens a letter, in which de
scription, satire, complaint, and appeal are about equally
blended. The writer evidently longs to apply some Bible
texts he has in his mind to the authorities who have neg
lected and are neglecting their duty at this fearful juncture,

STARTLED AND DISTRACTED. Ill
but he represses his desire, and only refers them to Solomon
generally. We have to leave the subject in the cloud in
which he has purposely enveloped it. It is only plain that
he does not feel at liberty to express that degree of cen
sure which he would like to bestow.
To the Governor and Council.
Salisbury, September 13th, 1089. 12 at night.
Much Honored Sirs, — My hurable service premised, with
that of tho rest of our militia and aU our inhabitants, these
rude aud hasty linos are once more to revive our former ad-
di-ess and supplication, which lies before you, for some relief of
men iu our desperate condition. We are a frontier town, that
lies as open to danger as any iu the country. Wo have had
some killed in it, besides great loss of corn and hay, for want of
help to save it. When I waited on your honors on this account
you were pleased to tell me that when the army did go forth
we should have what help we desired, and that iu the mean
while the men of the regiment would relieve us. But we found
tho contrary, for instead of sending home our six men that had
been long in garrison at Haverhill, or any other, there was or
dered a press of eleven more out of our towu ; so that there
are seventeen taken out of our town, and are kept at Haver
hill. Those are, as I am informed, a fourth part of our service
able men. W^e need nine constantly, which is too little, but
not so much as one man has looked after us, at which there is
groat discontent and perplexity. For some redress wo sent to
Haverhill on Thursday last, but Major Saltonstall and Captaiu
Noyes being both at Cambridge, we lost our labor and almost
our patience also. The solemn news this evening frora Oys
ter Elver not only startles but almost cfistracts us, to see our
selves so neglected wheu tho very stroke is ready to fall upon
us, and our email help taken from us by those that should
endeavor our preservation. I have daily occasion to take no
tice of Solomon's observation of oppression, and that upon
wise men.
Our humblo request is unto your honors once more, that we
may bo presently relieved with about forty men, if possible.

112 THE NEW PURITAN.
If it be not possible, then that you would please to order our
own men to bo with us. We do not intend that we would
have them released, but that thoy may serve the country hero
till necessity commands them off. Tho captive reports that
our four towns aro intended to bo destroyed by themselves this
week or the next, and skulking rogues are daily seen in our
towns that do observe all things.
Tho account that we have concerning Oyster Elver is, that
about au hour after tho soldiers were marched out of the gar
rison, and six or seven were gathering corn, the Indians carao
aud killed them, and then took the garrison. They bound a
woman, while they cut her husband in pieces while alive ; took
her seven children and knocked out their brains against the
walls ; thou killed the woman and set tho fort on fire, and so
wont away. Some of tho soldiers mot and skirmished with
some of them, but it soon ceased. The number slain aud car
ried away is said to be uinotoen. Tho towns that are designed
for present destruction aro Hampton and Exotor, Salisbury
and Amesbury. The number of the Indians is declared by tho
captive to be about four hundred; but Mr. Woodman did not
see above sixty pass by his garrison at Oyster Elver. This is
in brief what is yet to come to us.
AVe further humbly request that we may, sorae way or oth
er, certify to the people that here is a government and law,
which is commonly denied, because of that unhappy super
scription that was published when the government was re
stored, namely : that the subscribers did not intend the re-
assuming of tho charter government, nor would be so under
stood; aud nothing since is published to declare tho contrary,
which proves a most deadly mischief among us in those times
of distress, say what we can. I have hoard that something
is in print that would solve it, but it never came so far as the
Merrimack. I should wait upon your honors, as in duty bound, but our
present consternation is such as I dare not move, nor hardly to
stay. The Lord establish our hearts iu Hira, and guide all
your counsels.
Wo should gladly hear of the issue of the treaty with tho
Mohawks, and that our magazines wore furnished.

LETTER FROM MAJOR WEARE. 113
I waited ou Major Swain the last week at Kittery, and left
him with Major Frost, who would accompany him to the east.
I humbly crave your pardou for all these distracted lines,
and [hope for a] favorable return.
The bearer hereof will more fully acquaint your honors with
the state of things with us than is meet for rae to trouble
you with by writing, who am, and desire lo subscribe myself
to be, Yonr honors' most humblo servant, Robert Pike.
But we find the writer engaged in other public duties
of a different character about this period. He is solicited
for his assistance in the affairs of the neighboring province.
AA'c have no further knowledge in respect to the subject
than what appears in the following " extracts of a letter
from Nathaniel AA^eare, Esq., to Major Robert Pike, one of
the Assistants of Massachusetts Colony," in the New Hamp
shire Historical Cofiections (vol. i., p. 135). Nathaniel
AVeare belonged to Hampton. He was appointed agent
for the province of New Hampshire in the time of Cran-
field, and went to England in 1683. He was the ancestor
of Meshech AA'eare, Chief justice of that State and Presi
dent of its Council for many years. Hampton, March 15th, 1089-90.
Major Pike :
Honored Sm, — The many revolutions and changes that
have happened abroad are very wonderful and almost amaz-
iug. Besides, what has happened among and upon ourselves
is very awful, and things look very dark. The consideration
thereof is so oppressive that I cannot but seek for some ease,
and I know no better way (as to man) than to communicate
some things to your honor, from whose prudent directiou I
may receive much satisfaction, and shall therefore crave the
boldness to offer a few lines to your consideration, not to
meddle with things further off. ... . It is no new thing to tell
you that  we had no governors nor authority in this prov
ince, so as to answer the ends of government, and to command

114 THE NEW PURITAN.
and do in the defence of their Majesties' subjects against the
common enemy. Therefore many essays wero made iu this
province to mako some government till their Majesties should
take further order, but all proved ineffectual  The in
habitants of the town of Hampton began to be very jealous of
their friends aud neighbors, that thoy would bring them under
several inoouveniencos, in commanding from thom their men
and money as thoy pleased, and so wero very hard to bo
brought to anything. But after several meetings and debates
they chose six persons as commissioners, with power accord
ing to tho other towns, viz., Portsmouth, Dover, and Exotor,
and after debates, jointly and fully, every man then present
agreed to such a method as was then drawn up  But all
proved ineffectual. After some time tho apprehension of the
necessity of some orderly way of governraent, thereby to be
in tho better method to defend themselves again.st the com
mon enemy, seemed to enforce thom to another essay for the
obtaining thereof. So [some] inhabitants of Portsmouth drew
up and signed a petition to the honorable tho Governor aud
Council of Massachusetts Colony, to take this province into
thoir care and protection aud govcrumout, as formerly. The
other towns, Dover and Exotor, complied with it, how goner-
ally I know not. It was brought to Hampton on tho 28th of
February last past, when the soldiers were there warned to
appear for concerns specified in said order, but no intimation
given as to tho end of signing the petition  Copies I
suppose yourself have. What was dono on that day I need
not tell. Yourself knows very well. But this I shall insert,
that choosiug of major, treasurer, and recorder, was not ac
cording to former usage and custom. It was pressed by sorae
to have it voted whether they would, iu this town of Hamp
ton, acquiesce and comply with the petition and tho return, or
words to that effect, which yourself was pleased to say all
would be knocked on tho head at one blow. Now, how com
fortable it will bo for about fifty persons to proscribe the
method and way of government for about two hundred, I
shall leave to your honor to consider  To have a gov
ernment so imposed will, I fear, be followed by distractions,
heart-burnings, disobodienoo to the supposed commanders, pub-

EXPRESSION OF CONFIDENCE. 115
lie declarations, remonstrances set forth that may reach as
far as England, and so mako way for a person to be deputed
by the Crown of England, that may, under color of commis
sion, exorcise his own will  1 doubt not your Wisdom
will bo exercised in this matter, aud that we may have peace
.and unity with you, and that, at length, wo may have a hap
py, peaceable settlement. And that tho God of peace would
by all means givo us peace and truth, is tho desire and prayer
of Your very humblo servant, Nathaniel Weare.

116 THE NEW PURITAN.

CHAPTER XIX.
FURTHER CALLS FOE ASSISTANCE AGAINST THE INDIANS. — MA
JOR CHURCH SENT TO THE EAST. — ENUMERATION OF POPU
LATION BY ANDEOS IN 1688. — EOBERT PIKE APPOINTED COM
MANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE EASTERN FORCES. — FURNISHES
CHUECH WITH MEN FOE HIS EXPEDITION. — MAJOR PIKe'S
LETTER. — HIS COMMISSION AND INSTRUCTIONS.
The storm passed, and the menaced towns were spared.
Either the moral force of their determination to meet the
savage foe with such means as they had, or some material
aid, enabled thera to overcome the exigency, for this sea
son at least. The next year, however, the grave necessity
of further efforts in the same direction lay still upon them.
The previous winter, Governor Andros^ with one thousand
men, had gone down to Pemaquid to chastise the eastern
Indians in their homes. But It proved an abortive exploit.
He found nobody, not even the Baron Castine and his In
dian family, for the latter fled into the woods on the ap
proach of the warlike governor. Andros could find neither
French nor Indians, although it had occurred to him pre
viously to try and trace their settlements, and he had ac
cordingly despatched some agents to cruise along the coast
and inlets all the way from the Penobscot to the St. Croix.
As an interesting record of the population in eastern Maine
at that period, we give the result of this enumeration of
the white inhabitants, as found in a paper dated May 11th,
1688, published in the Hutchinson papers. It appears from

GOA^ERNOR ANDROS'S ENUMERATION. 117
this record that there were at that time just thirty-eight
(or possibly, \\ith changes of punctuation, forty-one) in
habitants in the whole of Maine between the Penobscot
and the St. Croix, of whom eleven were English and thir
ty French. Their names and residences are returned as
follows : At Penobscot.
St. Castin [Baron Castiuo], and Rcuuo, his servant.
At Agemogin lEdgemoggin^ Reach.
Charles St. Robin's son.
La Flower [La Flour] and wife, St. Robin's daughter.
At Pettit Pleasance, by Mount Desert.
Lowrey, wife, and child. Hind's wife and four children —
English.
In Winscheage [now Fi'enchman's'\ Bay, on the eastern side of
. Mount Desert.
Cadolick and wife. [We cannot suppose this to be the name
of tho person, but only a blind answer of an ignorant French
man to au imagined inquiry about his religion.]
At Machias.
Martell, who pretends grant for the river from Quebec. John
Brotoon, wife, and child, of Jersey ; Latin, wife, and three chil
dren — English; his servants.
At Passimaquody [Eastporf], near St. Craijc.
St. Robin, wife, and son, with like grant from Queboo. Lot-
rell, John Minn's wife and four children ; Lambert, and Jolly
[Jolie] Cure, his servants. At St. Croix \_Calais2.
Zorzy [Saussaye], aud Lena, his sorvaut. Grant from
Quebec. The renowned Indian fighter Captain Church, who had
gained so much reputation both in King Philip's war and

118 THE NEW PURITAN.
previously, and who now (as major) appears on the scene
in the cast, followed the line of population indicated in
the above record, in an expedition he conducted thither
in 1704. But Church's first essay was made in the year
1690. At this time Robert Pike was commander-in-
chief of all the Massachusetts forces east of the Merri
mack, and Major Church, who headed some Plymouth
troops destined for service against the eastern Indians, was
sent to Pike to obtain an addition to his forces. Their co
operation was harmonious, and the requisite numbers wero
obtained and despatched under Church's iraraediate com
mand. Church was unsuccessful in this enterprise, and much
complaint was made at his failure ; but he found a faith
ful friend in Robert Pike, who wrote a letter to Governor
Hinckley, of Plymouth Colony, defending him. This, and
other papers relating to the expedition, will be found in
the next chapter.
The following papers refer to the proceedings of this
year, 1690 : To the Governor and Council.
Salisbury, May 18th, 1690. 5 in afternoon.
Much Honoeed Sie, — All due respects premised, tho en
closed came just now to my hand, which I presently despatched
to your honor, and have not to add to it, but only that I did,
upon Thursday last, give your honor tho trouble of a letter ou
the behalf of these eastern parts, that tho soldiers might have
been in their places till some news from Sir WiUiam [Phips],
which I hope carao to your honor's hand, but I have never
hoard of nor soon tho messenger sent. I doubt it came too
late to prevent them, because they were then upon their march ;
aud I have not to say more to it. But, "is there any evil iu
the city that I tho Lord have not done it ?" whoever aro in
struments. AVo have no intelligence lately of any euomies
seen about ns. Tho only wise God direct yon in all your conn-

EASTERN DESOLATION. 119
oils, that a good issue may come out of these evil things, which
he only is able to effect ; for whose presence with you I pray,
taking leave to subscribe myself,
Y'our honor's most humble servant, Robert Pike.
To the Governor and Council. Salisbury, May 19th, 1690.
Much Honored, — This is my third to your honors, which
brings the sad news of what I at first feared. The Lord direct
you in your councils for what is before you, that a stop may be
put to the enemy's motion, or all this part of the country is
lost if this news be true. I have not to add but my prayers to
the Almighty God for your direction ; and that I am
Your honors' most humble servant, Robert Pike.
Everything is beautiful in its season, and once over cannot
bo recalled again. Thus it may become us to be the more
speedy in what now is seasonable to be done for the prevent
ing further mischief. To the Governor and Council. Salisbury, May 24th, 1690.
Much Honored, — After the tender of my humble service,
these are only to givo cover to tho enclosed, which is only a
further confirmation of the lamentable eastern desolation, and
to beg your present assistance, or else all will be lost. I mis
erably lament tho drawing off tho soldiers, which now cannot
bo recalled ; nor am I sure tho place could have been saved if
they had staid ; but the occasion of ovil reflections had been
taken away, and wo had been in the use of means for the safety
of what is loft, which is now our duty towards those that re
main, which must bo done presently, or else that will be too
late also ; which the good Lord prevent.
So prays your most humble servant, Robert Pike.
The authorities at length heeded the voice of complaint
which had been so often heard, and Major Pike was put in
coramand of the military operations in the east, and Ma-

120 THE NEW PURITAN.
jor Church ordered to active service in the field under him,
as we have already seen. The following are Major Pike's
instructions :
Major Robert Pike, — In pursuance of your coramissiou,
given you by the Governor and General Court, to bo commaud-
(¦r-in-chief of all tho forces detached or to bo detached, out of
tho militia belonging to this colony of tho Massachusetts, post
ed in tho provinces of New Hampshire and Maine, and such
others as shall be put under your command :
Y'ou are to take all tho said forces iuto your care and con
duct, and to keep all your soldiers under good order and dis
cipline, according to tho laws aud rules of war, and to see that
the worship of God be carefully kept up, and all disorders, vice,
or profanouess bo suppressed or duly punished.
Y'ou are diligently to intend tho defence aud preservation of
the lives and estates of their Majesties' subjects, and to repel
tho force of the enemy.
Y'ou are to take aU caro to inform yourself of the seat, state,
and number of the enemy, and to improve your soldiers to pur
sue, prosecute, kill, and destroy thera as you shall have oppor
tunity, wheresoever they may bo found.
You aro in your proceedings to advise aud consult with the
commission officers of the several companies under your com
mand (or so many of thom as j'ou shall have present opportu
nity), who are appointed to bo of your council.
And also consult Major Vaughau aud Major Frost, or other
gentlemen of the province, when you shall bo favored with
their prosonco; from whom you may expect all needful assist
ance. Give intelligence from time to time to the Governor aud
Council of your proceedings, and what shall occur.
(Signed), Simon Bradstreet, Governor.
With the advice and consent of the Council.

MAJOR CHURCH'S EXPEDITIOxNf. 121

CHAPTER XX.
RESULTS OF THE INDIAN EXPEDITION UNDER MAJOE CHUECH.
 MAJOR pike's LETTEES TO THE GOVEENOE AND COUNCIL,
AND TO GOVEENOR HINCKLEY, OF PLYSIODTII COLONY. 
MAJOR PIKE APPOINTED TO MAKE A TREATY WITH THE
INDIANS.  HIS INSTRUCTIONS. — CHOSEN "MAGISTRATE." 
FIRST POPULAR ELECTION AFTER THE REVOLUTION OF
1688-89. Major Church had now been to the east in pursuit of
the Indians as far as the Kennebec, but could find none,
and had returned unsuccessful. Large expectations, grow
ing out of his previous exploits, had been entertained, and
the public disappointment was correspondingly enhanced.
But the Indians were seemingly tired of the war, and were
beginning to sue for peace. They made no show of hos
tilities this summer, and withdrew as the whites advanced.
The transports and such armed vessels as had been engaged
in the expedition had returned to Portsmouth without tro
phies, excepting a few miserable captives gathered by the
way. The following letter coraraunicates the news and explains
the situation : To the Governor and Council.
Portsmouth, September 27th, 1090.
May' IT PLEASE YOUR Honors, — All due respects premised,
may you please to understand that ou Thursday night last
our fleet and army arrived in this river, and yesterday went up
6

122 THE NEW PURITAN.
to tho bank, where the soldiers went ashore. They had, I sup
pose, four poor captives, of whom 1 saw only two^objects of
great compassion. Being arrived, wo held a council about
what was next to be done, particularly whether to make anoth
er trip eastward in pursuance of what was begun. It was gen
erally concluded to bo very advisable, aud our corara.auders
wore very willing ; but upon examiuatiou of our ability to
perform it, we found ourselves by Diviue Providence hedged
in by impossibility: 1st. Because our Indian pioneers will not
go again till they have boon at home; the small-pox had car
ried away some, and divers more of them have been with tho
sick so as to become infected, and thus not capable of be
ing kept iu their places. 2d. Thoy being drawn off, no suf
ficient number will be left to attempt further operations.
There being no prospect of any such thing, we have conse
quently to dismiss the fleet; which done, we have considered
what shall be done with the army (for the resolve of which
we wait your honors' pleasure), as also what settlement to bo
made for the future security of tho frontier towns. It is the
sense of all men present in council that to lot any of those
towns be lost will be intolerably prejudicial to tho whole coun
try, and dishonorably reflecting [upon us] all tho world over.
3d. -That, to keep them frora being lost, we must of necessi
ty aft'ord them some further assistance from the country, till
¦we see what the Lord will do for us and thom. It is now dis
coursed of ranging our own frontiers, to soe what lurking ene
mies may be met withal upon the confines thereof, and as we
thou find,' shall inform your houors with humblo presentage.
Our general apprehension is that sorae strength of raen should
bo left for the safety of the places, under careful conductors,
aud not so many commission officers to be constantly there, be
cause of saving charges. Particularly as to Wells, we hear
that their captain is minded to leave, which will be very grate
ful to the people, provided they may have Lieutenant Andrews
in his room, under whose conduct thoy say they wero very hap
py aud quiet. They desire nothing more than that the cap
tain may go off with honor, -n'hioh may be best accomplished
by their silence. As to a further account of our lato expedi
tion, I refer your honors to the relation of the conductors there-

EASTERN EXPEDITION. 123
of, who will suddenly wait upon you ; not having at present
to add but that I am your honors' most humble servant,
Robert Pike.
I received Mr. Addington's by Major Vaughau.
I suppose tho Indians taken, which are in number eight,
will come dowu to your honors with Captain Alden. It is said
that Plymouth men are iu expectation of soiuo part iu the cap
tives by promise. What is of that nature your houors will un
derstand by Major Church, who speaks fairly, A'iz., that they
shall be loft for rederaptiou of captives. That should be done
with them, whatever else be dono, if they are not so disposed
of. They are : Hawkins's squaw, two of his children, and two
of her children. Hawkins is said to be sagamore of Pigwacket.
Two of the children of Worarabo, sagamore of — — . A child
of one Saco.
May it please your honors, you will understand that we re
ceived yonr honors' letter ou Lord's Day morniug, signifying
your pleasure that au essay should be raade to tho head-quar
ters before the army was [disbanded]. In pursuance there
of we mot ou Monday following. I declared your pleasure,
with which all were so ready to comply, that it came preseut-
ly to a strenuous endeavor to accomplish it. Major Church
conceiving that he, by persuasion or compulsion, raight make
his Indiaus stay, the people offered their personal services, and
to pull their clothes frora their backs to supply sorae of the sol
diers that did waut, rather than tho design should fail. Wheu
all carae to their appearing, two hundred in number, tho com
manders wero williug to go with those that could be had. So
wo wont to furnish tho vessels for the design, but found there
was not provision for the same, and so were forced to give off
all at once. Wo dismissed the vessels and the army to their
quarters till your honors' pleasure be further known concern
ing it, and shall in the meantime range the frontiers. I ara
forced to break off, that the .sloop may bo gone who stays for
this letter. Major Church and Captain Converse aro now com
ing to wait upon your honors, to whose relation I humbly re
fer your houors till I next wait upon [you], which will be
forthwith, God assisting, who am your honors' most humble
servant, E. P-

124 THE NEW PURITAN.
As we have seen, Major Church was feeling the weight
of popular discontent over his unsuccessful expedition to
the east, in the summer and autumn of 1690. We quote
frora his journal :
Now, having a fair wind. Major Church soon got to Piscat
aqua. [He] was to apply hiraself to Major Pike, a worthy
gentleman, who said he had advice of his coming from Bos
ton gentleraeu; also, ho had received directions that what
men tho said Church should waut must be raised out of
Hauipshiro, out of tho several towns aud garrisons. Major
Pike asked him how many men he should want. Ho said,
enough to mako up his forces ; that ho brought with hira three
hundred at least, aud not more than three hundred and fiftj'.
Aud so, iu about nine days' time, he was supplied with two
compauies of soldiers. He haviug boon at about twenty shil
lings a day charge in expenses while there. Now he received
Major Pike's iustructions, which aro as followeth :
"To Major Benjamin Church, Commander-in-chief of their
Majesties' forces noio designed upon the present expedition east
ward, and now resident at Portsmouth.
" Portsmouth, in New Hampshire, September 9th, 1690.
"Tho Governor and Couucil of tho Massachusetts Colony
reposing great trust and confidouco in your loyalty and valor,
from oxperience of your former actions, aud of God's presence
with you in the same, in pursuance of au order received from
them coraraanding it, those are, in their Majesties' naraes, to
empower and require you, as coraraauder-in-chief, to take into
your care and conduct those forces now here present at thoir
rendezvous at Portsmouth, aud thoy are alike required to obey
you, and with thom to sail eastward by the first opportunity to
Casco, or place adjacent, that may be most commodious for
lauding with safety and secrecy ; and to visit the French and
Indiaus at their head-quarters at Amerascogon, Pejepscot, or
any other place, according as you may have hope or intelli
gence of tho residence of the enemy ; using always your ut
most endeavor for tho preservation of your own men, and the
killing, destroying, and utterly rooting out of tho enemy,

INSTRUCTIONS TO CHURCH. 125
wheresoever they may bo found ; aud, also, as much as may
possibly bo done for tho redeeming or recovering of our cap
tives iu auy places.
" You being there arrived, and understanding your way, to
take yonr journey back again, either by land or water, as you
shall judge most convenient for tho accomplishing of the end
intended, and to givo iutolligence always of your motions,
whensoever you can with safety aud convenience.
"Lastly, iu all to consult your couucil, the commanders or
commissioned officers of your several companies, when it may
be obtained, the greater part of whom to determine. And so
the Lord of Hosts, the God of armies, go along with you, and
be your conduct.
" Given under my hand, the day and year above said,
" Per Robert Pike."
To Major Pike. Bristol, November 27th, 1690.
Honored Sir, — These come to wait upon you to bring the
tenders of my hearty service to yourself and lady, with due ac-
knowlodgraeut of thaukfuluoss for all the kindness and favor
I received frora you iu the eastward parts, when with you.
Since I came from those parts I am informed by Captain An
dros that yourself and most all the forces aro drawn off from
the eastward parts. I admire at it, considering that they had
so low esteem of what was done, that they can apprehend the
eastward parts so safe before the enemy were brought iuto
bettor subjection. I was in hopes, when I came from thence,
that those who wore so desirous to have my room would h.ave
been very brisk in my absence, to have got themselves some
honor, which they very much gaped after, or else they would
not have spread so many false reports to defame me, which,
had I known before I left tho bank, I would have had satisfac
tion of thom. Your honor was pleased to give me some sraall
account, before I left tho bank, of sorae things that wore ill
represented to you, concerning the eastward expedition, which,
being rolled home like a snowball through both colonies, was
got to such a bigness that it overshadowed one from the in
fluence of all comfort, or good acceptance among my friends

126 THE NEW PURITAN.
iu my journey homeward. But through God's goodness am
come home, finding all well and myself in good health ; hop
ing that those reports will do mo the favor to quit me from all
other public actions, that so I may the more peaceably and
quietly wait upon God, aud be a comfort to my own family iu
this dark time of trouble — being as one hid till his indignation
is overpast. 1 shall take it as a great favor to hear of your
welfare. Subscribing myself as I am, sir.
Your most assured friend and servant,
Benjamin Church.
P. S. — M.ajor Church did receive after this answers to his
letters, but hath lost thom, except it bo a letter from several
of the gentlemen iu those parts in June following.
In the absence of Pike's reply to Church, which Church
says he had lost, we print the following letter of Major
Pike to Governor Hinckley of Plymouth Colony, in which
he expresses himself fully in regard to the expedition in
question, and giving his testimony to the character and
services of Major Church :
Robert Pike to Governor Thojias Hinckley.
Salisbury, March 233, 1690-91.
May it please your Honor :
Sir, — After the tender of my humblo respects, these linos
(having so fair au opportunity to send thera) are with respect
to Major Church, and the other gentlemen that from your parts
accompanied him iu their Majesties' service in our parts the
last suraraer :
1st. To givo yourself and them, and your colony for send
ing them, and then for coming, ray hearty thanks, praying tho
Lord to requite it to you, and to supply all your needs at aU
times, and to your and our safety.
2d. To declare unto you that I am heartily sorry to hear
of tho ill requital that he have met with, if all be true as I
have hoard, namelj', that he is unworthily reproached as un
faithful or cowardly, or worse. What tho reason of it, or
whether it be true that he is so rendered, I am not certain ; but

LETTER TO GOVERNOR HINCKLEY. 127
this I judge it my duty to say, that iu tho little happy acquaiut-
aiico that I had with him iu that design (raysolf having tho
chief conduct thereof), I found hira to bo very forward, faith
ful aud diligout ; vigorous and expeditious iu despatch at thoir
first going forth, and iu our private council, casting one thing
and another, resolved to keep faithful and close to duty, what
ever proved tho issue, aud after his return was industrious (as
I thought) beyond raeasnre to have proinoted a second motion,
which might have been of good advantage, with God's bless
ing, could it have been accoraplished; which had certainly
beeu done had we had provisiou, though his Indians went
away. Aud as for tho time they were out, their improvement
was great, aud the success ans^vcrable, God favoring them -ivith
winds, so as that they accomplished the breaking of the brunt
of the enemy and raade thera sue for peace ; aud could they
have gone the second time, it might have beeu what God saw
good to mako it ; aud I wish that envy of men do not rob God
of tho praise duo to him. All that I could take notice of was
the sparing of tho Indian that was taken aud ran away, for
which the major was blamed; to which I shall only say, it
was what it was. His commission from yourselves did bear
it, aud he had experienced good by it, and doubtless hoped
for the like now; and his running away was not intended by
him; and to expect absolute perfection in any is to account
him more than a man; and not to allow him the accidents
of imperfection, is to deny him that which makes him less
than a man.
Sir, I humbly crave your pardon of this my boldness and
rude application, who am constrained to break off abruptly for
haste, and to excuse all that is amiss, upon the good affection
of him that is, honored sir,
Y'our honor's most humblo servant, Robert Pike.
The pretended desire of the Indians for peace had now
become so strong in its expression that tho government
was induced to appoint a commission to treat with them,
and further hostile enterprises were abandoned. Major

128 THE NEW PURITAN.
Pike was appointed head of the comniission, and the fol
lowing are his instructions, from the records :
Instructions for Major Robert Pike, Major Elisha Hutchin
son, etc. Boston, November 9th, 1690.
Lot not yonr place of treaty bo without tho bounds of Wells,
and bo very careful to prevent any surprise by treachery.
Y'ou are in the first place to satisfy yourselves concerning the
persons that present themselves to treat with you, and iu what
capacity thoy come ; aud in case you find them sagamores, or
appointed by them, you are to demand of them what proposals
they have to make, and acquaint them that the war was be
gun near nine mouths before the government came into our
bauds, and, for aught we know, themselves or accomplices were
first aggressors therein ; and endeavor to make thom sensible
of the resentment wo have of their perfidiousness aud bloody
cruelty exorcised toward tho English.
Lot thom understand that, as we wero not tho beginners of
the war, so we aro not averse to peace in a just and righteous
way. Let them understand it is but just that they render satisfac-
tiou for tho innocent blood which they have shod, and depre
dations mado upon tho country.
That yon insist upon the return of all the English captives
in their power, and their quitting of the English possessions
and interest.
That in case there be any couolusiou of peace, endeavor to
gain hostages for security on their part. Aud if auy injury bo
hereafter offered unto them by the English, that thoy first make
complaint thereof to the government before thoy seek any re
venge. Iu tho management of this affair of so great concernment,
much must be left to your good sound discretion, upon the
place ; but lot nothing be done so as to give the enemy ad
vantage to ensnare, by being over-credulous of them.
Ordered, That Major Robert Pike be allowed for his service

ELECTION OF MAGISTRATES. 129
to tho country, against the common enemy at the eastward,
eight pounds por month. December 19th, 1090.
Passed in the affirmative by tho Deputies.
Per order, Christopher Osgood.
Consented to by the Governor and Assistants.
James Addington, Secretary.
In this year (1690) took place the first election of Magis
trates since the Revolution. The official return of the elec
tion is appended. The vote given shows the relative strength
of the candidates. Several prominent men were defeated.
Bradstreet was an old man and governor, and generafiy
popular. Danforth was the recognized leader of the pop
ular party, but he is not so well supported as some of his
coadjutors. Stoughton and Saltonstall were leading loyal
ists. Sir AVilliam Phips, who became governor two years
later, did not secure the full support of the popular party.
But he had previously succeeded in raising his Spanish
galleon, and this gave him his knighthood and governor
ship. Thus did he mount over the heads of better men.
Tho twenty-six persons hereunder named stand in nomina
tion for Magistrates within tho Massachusetts Colouy for this
present year, as appears by the votes of tho freemen of the
said colony — being opened, perused, sorted, and numbered by
commissioners from tho several counties, thereto chosen and
appointed, met in Boston, May 6th, 1690 :
Vid. : Simon Bradstreet, Esq  966
Thomas Danforth, Esq  813
William Stou.ghton, Esq.  369
Nath. Saltonstall, Esq  490
Samuel Appleton, Esq  904
John Richards, Esq  459
Eobert Pike, Esq  883
James Eussell, Esq  888
William Johnson, Esq  757
John Hathorn, Esq  722
Elisha Cook, Esq  941
6*

13130 THE NEW PURITAN.
Samuel Sewall, Esq  742
Elisha Hutcheson, Esq  1115
Peter Tilton, Esq  879
Isaac Addington, Esq  843
John Smith, Esq  679
Wait Winthrop, Esq  972
Samuel Shrimpton, Esq  373
Jonathau Corwin, Esq  708
Johu Phillips, Esq  8,19
Jeremiah Sweyn, Esq  603
Sir William Phips, Knt  693
Mr. Thomas Oaks  005
Mr. Johu Boles  389
Captain Daniel Pears  804
Mr. William Bond  271
Signed by tho commissioners of the several counties.
Penn Townsend, ; „ „ ,,
> Suffolk.
Samuel Williams, ^
Joseph Belknap, Hampshire.
John Wainwright, } ^
T T. t Essex.
John Pittman, >
Samuel Phips, ) _,. _ ,,
_ T, J- Middlesex.
Ebenezer Peout, \

TRUCE WITH THE SAVAGES. 131

CHAPTER XXI.
TRUCE witii the SAVAGES. — ITS INSTANT VIOLATION.— FUE-
THEE CALLS FOE ASSISTANCE. — LETTEES OF EOBEET PIKE
ON TIIE SITUATION. — APPREHENSIONS OF FAJIINE. — PETI
TIONS TO THE COUET EESPECTING HIS SON.
The year 1690 had closed by a truce with the Indians,
under the authority already recited in the last chapter. It
was stipulated in the truce that some captives, who were
named, were to be brought in, and certain sagamores to
appear and ratify the bargain. When spring came the
captives had not been returned, and at a meeting of the
commissioners in May the sagamores promised did not at
tend. At this meeting, however, a number of chiefs ap
peared by their representatives, and several Indians in a
private capacity. A new bargain was here made, but it
turned out to be a worthless compact, and was violated
almost as soon as made. The year 1691 proved to be,
hke its predecessor, a season of agitation, depredation,
captures, and murders by the Indians. The following doc
ument shows what was done at the spring meeting with
the savages, and relates, also, to their violation of the truce
of the previous autumn : Province of Maine, at Wells, May 1st, 1691.
Thomas Danforth, Esq., Major Robert Pike, Esq., Major Wil
liam Vaughau, Esq., Major Charles Frost, Esq., commissioners
.empowered by the General Court of Massachusetts, being met
at the house of Lieutenant Joseph Storer, according to articles

132 THE NEV/ PURITAN.
of agreement mado with Edgaremott, Toqualmott, Wosomba-
uet, Natombomett, Walumbee, and John Hawkins [Indian saga
mores and chief men], at Sagatahook, November 29th, 1690,
and by them then signed and sealed, there appeared Kena-
woonett on behalf of Edgaremott, and AVesombanet and Tan-
toogan on behalf of Warumbe, as also eleven more Indians
iu a private capacity, and being demanded why the other In
dians named in the abovesaid article did not mako their ap
pearance, they answered that they were not come home from
hunting; also being demanded tho captives, according to cove
nant, thoy denied their promise, but afterward brought forth
two captive children, and confessed that there wore seven
more captives at Keunebeck, aud naraed some of them, and
sundry more wero toward Penobscot and the eastward; and
being again urged with their failure to perform their covenant
(which ou tho English part had punctually been observed),
they answered it was not now in their power to help it, but •
that they do engage within twenty days to make good their
covenant in returning tho captives, to bo brought to Wells,
and there delivered at the house of Lieutenant Joseph Storer —
and such as aro nearer than tho rest, withiu ten days at fur
thest — and to bring to Captaiu Converse the desire of tho saga
mores as to a further lengthening out of the time for a cessation
of the war, in order to be communicated to their Majesties'
Governors of Boston and Now York. In the moan time, until
there ho the answers of the said governors returned to them,
the truce shall be continued in like maunor as was agreed by
tho above recited articles, the performing whereof without
fraud or delay they do solemnly oblige themselves, and have
no doubt but that the sagamores absent will, with like good
hearts, perform : as witness thoir hands and seals this first day
of May, Anno Domini ono thousand six hundred and ninoty-
ono, Annoq. RR' and R"" Guilielmi et Marijo tertio.
Signed and sealed in presence of us,
Jonathan Remington, Wesombonet, ^ [L.S.]
William Paeteidge, Nonunkte, sQ). [L.S.]
Tentomegon, OJU [L.S.] Samson Hegbn, ^ [L.S.]
Kenowonit, i* [L.S.] Rob. DONY, kj [L.S.]
Old Dony, i^ [L.S.] Sabadis, G [L.S.]

A TREACHEROUS DEVICE. 1S3
It soon became e\'ident that the new agreement was but
a treacherous device. The savages, without warning, re
sumed the war against the settlements. The two papers
which follow are the opening notes of fresh distresses :
Captain Gerrish ; June 15th, 1091.
Sir, — Yesterday, going out after tho rain, three of our men,
going over the brook down below the house, did discover tho
track of the Indians. Men went out to see farther, aud they
saw the tracks of teu or twelve, and one track within half-
shot of the garrison. Wo do judge it was yesterday morning.
Therefore, sir, our condition is very bad, and we do desire, if
possible may be, to have some relief; if not, that sorae speedy
caro may bo taken for to draw ns off, for we do suppose our
selves to be in imminent danger. Yours, Thojias Downs.
Major Vaughan : Cochecha, June 15th, 1091.
Sir, — Y'ours I received, and have attended your orders, and
all are in garrison, except Timothy Hanson aud faraily, and
they will not remove. I have sent unto the upper garrison,
and tho enclosed was sent to me. I desire your perusal, and
endeavor to make our case known, aud if we cannot have sud
den help, we desire help for to draw off, for we are all penned
up iu our garrisons, and all our corn will bo spoiled; for wo
cannot so much as venture out for to look to our fences or any
thing else, and tho people are much afraid, more than ever. I
therefore desire you to do what you can for us, and desire God
to direct you and us in this weighty concern.
I shall rest yours to command, John Gereish.
Robert Pike writes :
To the Governor and Council.
Salisbury, June 14th, 1691. 4 of clock, afternoon.
Much Honoeed, — About an hour ago I received the on-
closed from Major Vaughan. I had the same a little before
from Captain Swinbnrn, concerning the Exotor disaster, with
this further addition, that because the enemy is in every hole.

134 THE NEW PURITAN.
they, being so few, could not send to give notice till it was
night. That the case is already very bad, and like to bo worse,
is apparent. What tho rea.sou of their taking this method of
proceeding with us I cannot imagine.
That the truce is broken with groat insoloncy by them I
doubt not. That wo and they also are very sensible of.
W^hether to lot them alone will bo safe or honorable for us is
seriously aud speedily to be considered. I humbly offer tho
souse of some advised persons in the case, viz. . That an army
be forthwith sent out again.st thera, that raay follow them to
their quarters, wheresoever thoy go, aud raako what spoil they
can; which army shall be corapetoutly able to acquit them
selves, though they meet with more enemies than they may
justly expect, aud be conducted by such faithful and prudent
commanders as have power to use such methods as reason, ox
perience, or inforraation raay dictate to thera, by order of tho
authorities ; and that a party of horso should attend them, to
carry supplies by land and bring iutelligeuce, and also sorae
by sea, to go to meet thom with relief about Casco, or where
it may bo in your wisdom thought most convoniout ; and so
not to give it over while an Indian can be heard of in the
country, which, by the blessing of God, may givo prospect of
an issue within a few mouths, if not weeks. And that some
course be taken to strengthen our frontier towns, that they
may be enabled to attend to getting victuals, or all will be
starved. Tho only wise God direct your counsels in all these weighty
concerns to a good conclusion ; so prays your humble servant,
Robeet Pike.
7 of clock. — Just as I was sealing up came in tho post from
Wells, which gives ua cause to say that tho Lord is gracious,
and that his mercy endureth forever. I humbly beg the speedy
return of your pleasure in general.
Haverhill, June 15th, '01. At 12 in the night.
Hon. Major Pike :
Sie, — This day, about sunset, came information by two men
that there is ground to fear that John Robio is kiUed hy the

INDIAN DEPREDATIONS. 135
enemy about two hours before sunset, by hearing of a gun, and
tho shrieks of his sou ho had with hini in that part of the
woods about Bradley's, where they formerly did mischief. In
all the inquiry we can make, no certainty can be had to give
account of. I have beeu looking out for a full inquiry. I
fear the report is too true. Before day wo hope to have men
out to know what is the truth.
There will bo good reason for your taking care for your se
curity, by good, strong watches and scouts. Wo were upon it
before this report came. I look for nothing but trouble ; and
though this will not be pleasant, give rae leave to say that I
account it ray duty to acquaint you with it, were there no
other reason but your careful information, given us twice yes
terday, and onco before tho 11th instant, for which I give you
most hearty thanks. The Lord guide and preserve you, and
encourage us all iu a way of duty in the use of suitable means,
without which wo can't expect his blessing.
Sir, 1 am your friend and servant, N. Saltonstall.
[Superscribed : " To Major Eobert Pike, to be exposed to the view of Cap
taiu "Tho. Harvey, and by him sent forward to Major Pike in haste. Gtiu-
tlemen and fellow-soldiers, be faithful."]
Major Pike : Portsmouth, June 16th, 1691.
Much Honoeed, — Have nothing new at present. Some
what is enclosed. Can learn no intelligence as yet about tho
Indians ; when we do yon shall hear it, or what else occurs.
Much wonder there. is nothing yet from Governor, and Coun
cil, or no assistance from any place. Till when, all the out
places aro shut up, not daring to venture out to look after their
fences, so that in a, little time all their corn will be destroyed.
I am, sir, your humblo servant,
VfiLLiAM Vaughan.
[Superscribed : " For Major Pike, humbly present, in Salisbury."]
To the Governor and Council.
SaTisbury, June 17th, 1691. 12 or 1 o'clock.
May it please y-oue Honoes, — That tho post may not be
hindered, I give your honors the trouble of tho sight of what

136 THE NEW PURITAN.
daily occurs, only bidding that Roby of HaverhiU is found,
brought home, aud is yet living, though barbarously handled ;
but his son not heard of. Y'esterday, about seven iu tho after
noon, your honors' to Major Vaughan came to my hand, which
I presently sent away, but know not the contents nor the least
hint in tho world of what your honors intend or advise, for
which our people are much troubled, and things look very
black many ways. I never saw people iu such a condition as
now. Dr. Dole now tells me that John Eoby is dead. I am now
moving (as before) that some of us rnay go and help our dis
tressed neighbors, tiU we can hear what your honors will do ;
but I fear I shall give a larae account about it, all things speak
ing such discourageraent. Yesterday two men were taken
away at Exeter. I dread what a day may bring forth, if not
presently prevented. I hope your honors have giveu Major
Vaughau some encouragement, of which we, one way or other,
may have some notice.
1 have had some thoughts about that pretence of the enemy
at Wells, of having nothing for the two captives brought iu
there, which is fallacious, for though they did at first speak of
paying for them to some other Indians, yet after they were
brought in the deponent and Jlr. Moody went aside with thom,
and left us to further discourse with tho Indians ; and among
other things we told thera wo were honest with them, and ex
pected tho like of them to us, and demanded of thom what they
paid for the said captives ; and they said "No pay," of which
we doubt not. But Mr. B  and the other gentlemen pres
ent there can teU your houors. That the only wise God may
direct you in these weighty affairs is the prayer of
Your honors' most humble servant,
EoBEET Pike.

DANGERS AND SUFFERING. 137

CHAPTER XXII.
the painful EliCORD CONTINUED.^DANGERS OF STARVATION.
— THE SETTLEMENTS SURROUNDED AND HARASSED BY THE
S.VVAGES. — PUBLIC APPEAL PROM THE GOVERNOR AND COUN
CIL FOR SUCCOR FOR THE SUFFERERS. — MORE OF MAJOE
pike's LETTERS. — HIS FORBE.\R.\NCE AND IIU.MANITY. — " HAD
EjVTHEE be wronged by THE INDIANS THAN BREAK OUR
FAITH WITH THEM."
There was no cessation of the raids of the Indians
throughout the summer. The governiHent at length be
came alarmed, as will be seen by an " order in Council,"
published in its place. The strain upon the population in
defending themselves from the bloody incursions and sav
age cruelties of the enemy had become unendurable. It had
exhausted both public and private resources, and the gov
ernment was compelled to appeal to the citizens every
where for special assistance, both iu men and money.
Robert Pike's assiduity was nuinterraitting, and we find
the testimony to his faithfulness in the letter of Major
Saltonstall, in the foregoing chapter. The lives of the peo
ple depended on their crops, and these could only be culti
vated at the very season when the Indians were the most
active and threatening. The inhabitants were thus always
living in the apprehension of starvation on the one hand
and of torture and massacre on the other.
The tension of both body and mind, for numerous suc
cessive years, with blow after blow of savage foes falling
upon them, can be mo.re easily imagined than described.

138 THE NEW PURITAN.
The following letters of information are addressed to
Major Pike, and are specimens of the correspondence of
this period : Kittery, June 19th, 1691.
Honored Sir, — This moruing I received information from
Y'ork and WoUs, as also Newichawannock. Each place gives au
account that the enemy constantly reraain about each of their
towns, destroying both fat and lean cattle ; and it is taken for
granted, without sorae speedy help comes, that they will not
leave a beast alive in tho whole province. Thoy have killed
no one since Tuesday that I hear of. At that time one mau
was killed or carried away from York, aud one house burned. I
have also information that the Indiaus have taken possession
of tho upper garrison at Newichawannock, commonly called
Holmes's garrison, and there they keep ; and wo have our gar-
risous so thinly manned that we are not able to sail}' out after
them. Therefore wo do humbly request your honor to signify
this unto Major Appletou and Major Saltonstall, who have a
particular order from tho Governor aud Council, that if wo aro
assaulted and iu distress before tho array appointed do come
unto us, that thou they are, without further order from the
Governor and Council, presently to afford help to us. There
never was more need than now, for the enemy is ou every quar
ter of us, and several garrisons are broke up already, aud oth
ers breaking up. In a little while, without present help, we
shall be all gone. Not else, but concludiug your honor will do
what possible in this matter, I take leave, being in groat haste.
I remain, sir, your obliged servant, Francis Hooke.
Pray, sir, bo pleased also to send a copy of this to tho Gov
ernor aud Couucil forthwith, that help may be hastened. It
would do very well if our eastern men that are lately gone
frora us were all impressed and sent back again. Good sir, ex
cuse my boldness because of haste.
[Superscribed : " To Major Kobert Pike, at Salisbury ; haste, post-haste. "]
To Major Pike : Portsmouth, June 19th, 1091.
Much Honored, — My last gave account of the quitting of
several of the frontier garrisons. Many others, viz., Cochecha,

SETTLEMENTS THREATENED. 139
Oyster Elver, etc., are ready to move unless present help ap
pear, for all places are SO weak thoy aro capable of nothing but
standing upon their guard withiu their garrisons to preserve
their lives ; aud we have now advice that tho enemy are daily
appearing, both at WoUh, York, and Newichawannock, and de
stroying their cattle of all sorts. We are advised by Mr. Wal
dron, who came homo last night, that your honor is deter
mined to do what is possible to be done for the defence of the
country, considering its present circumstances, aud pray that it
may be done with such despatch that no more of the frontier
garrisons may bo quitted, but enabled to stand their grouud.
Wo wore hopeful, according to your honor's direction, of sorae
present relief frora Major Appleton aud Major Saltoustall till
further order was taken, but none yot coraes.
I am, rauch honored, your raost hurable servant,
William Vaughan.
The fofiowing notes are without sisfnature :
York, June 22d, 1091.
Brother Snell, — This last night the sad news of nine of
our principal mou, sorely wouudod by tho Indians, and one
man killed at Cape Neddick, calls for prayer and pity, aud
speedy relief, by men forthwith sent unto us. There wore
about forty Indians. AVe are in hourly jeopardy, lives and es
tates. Pray coraraunicate to Major Vaughau, to whora present
my service. Cape Neddick garrisou is burned. June 23d, 1091.
The above came just to hand frora York, frora Mr. Duniraer.
The raessenger that brought it declares the matter thus. Tbat
yesterday thirteen men went thonco to Capo Neddick to load
a sloop with staves. The sloop got off, but most of the men
ashore in the cauoe were surrounded by the enemy and fired
upon, but all got into their canoe, where ono was shot dead,
another wounded and since dead, and three raore wounded and
like to die. But they aU got on board the sloop, aud left
neither dead nor living in the enemy's hand, but forthwith
weighed anchor and came to sail with rauch difHculty, receiv
ing many shots in their sails, etc. They arrived this morning

140 THE NEW PURITAN.
at Y'ork, and say further that Cape Neddick garrison was
burned yesterday, the people having deserted it about a week
ago. To Major Pike. June 19th, 1091.
Honored Sir, — I received yours bearing date Juno tho 18th,
1691, by which wo have an account of the distressed condition
of our friends at the eastward. It is sad and lamentable to
hear of it, but far worse to endure it. Yonr worship was
ploasod to send to us for a party of horse, which we did not
mention to the people, because wo find them very much dis
couraged by reason that they can have no eucouragement
from the Council for any service they have done upon such
occasions. The time wo have expended upon such actions has
been very great, to the damage both in estate and otherwise.
The coraraittee of railitia of our town did petition tho Council
for relief iu this matter, but could have none for their time
nor yet for thoir amraunition. Our soldiers do think them
selves much wronged, and can hardly bo quieted. I should
be glad there could be a way found for their satisfaction,
otherwise tho edge of our sudden expeditious wiU be much
dulled. Sir, 1 have given the reason we did no more in that matter
yourself wrote for ; pray pardon my boldness iu it.
Sir, I am your servant at all times,
Thomas Noyes.
To the Governor and Council.
June 20th. 3 o'clock in the morning.
May it please your Honors, — This carao just now to my
hand, aud is the account of an endeavor of mine. It is from the
captaiu, and is all tho account that I have yet received from
Newbury, but is indeed the lamentable complaint of those
times. Yet I have some hint that Captain Greenleaf, by order
frora your honors, is providing to come over with his troop,
and have so signified to Major Vaughau and the people east
ward, with all the encouraging hopes imaginable; and yet
thought it my duty to send this to your honors for your con
sideration. Y'our honors' most humblo servant,
Egbert Pike.

LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR. 141
To the Governor and Council.
Salisbury, June 19th, 1091. 12 at night.
May it please your Honors, — Yours of the 18th instaut,
dated and subscribed by Mr. Sewall, per order, was this day
received about five o'clock, as also yours to Major Vaughan, to
which I gave present despatch. I givo your honors most hum
ble thanks for your letter and the contents thereof, which gave
ii little life to au almost despairing people. Several Ports
mouth gentlemen yesterday told me that your former letter to
Mr. Vaughau he so improved, as that there is hope that several
garrisous that wore ready to go would stand yet a little lon
ger iu hope of relief. Your honors w ill understand by Major
A'^aughan's and Captain Hook's, which for haste I sent your
honors, not having time to write a copy, as by thom desired.
I lament the breaking up of Capo Neddick garrison. I have
spoken with Lieutenant Ilunnewell and the rest of the men,
who say thoy will return agaiu if relief come into those parts.
I this night had an account of Lioutonant Hunnewell con-
ceruing the whole attack of Wells on Saturday last, an account
of which I shall endeavor to givo your honors as soon as I can
have a time orderly to take it from hira. Only at present,
concerning tho number of tho eueiny, his apprehension was
that ono hundred and fifty was the least that could rational-
l.y bo thought ; for, by report, they had not loss than fifty
or sixty against Storer's garrison^ fifteen or sixteen in the
meadows against tho vessels, and they in tho other garrisons
think there wero not loss than seventy or eighty more ; and,
then, there wore some that lay off frora Storer's garrisou that
never engaged in fight, aud ho believed that they were squaws.
They also told him that Moxos or Dokawoudo was there, but
he had forgot which ; but, whichever it was, ho refused to
treat with any of thera because they were not sagamores. But
I shall not further trouble your houors, but only to consout
with you in this, that I had rather bo wronged by them than
to break our faith with them. Hoping the righteous God will
take the case into his own hand, to whora all, I take leave to
subscribe, Your honors' most humble servant,
Egbert Pike.

112 THE NEW PURITAN.

To the Governor and Council.

Salisbury, June 23d, 1091.
May it please your Honors, — Since my last to your hon
ors nothing of momout has occurred, but only tho sad account
of a raan that was lost last night, half an hour after sunset.
Oue John Ring of Salisbury, going out of Jacob Morall's garri
son to fetch in a cow (ashe had dono several nights before), was
carried away by the enemy, who waylaid him and took hira
not much above twenty rods from tho garrison, as did appear
by his hat and his shoes that were there found this raorn
ing. A great part of our town aro now out iu tho woods after
them, aud many of Hampton, but have little hope of recover
ing him.
Tho truth is, wo aro a distressed people, because a frontier
towu, with but few men iu it, aud sever.il of thera sick; yet two
of oiir men aro pressed for Wells, aud wo have order from tho
major to impress three more, which, if they be carried away,
will still more weaken us; which we humbly pray your honors
to prevent, and, if it may be, to send us sorae help, for tho ene
ray is in all places of our town, whom we cannot without groat
toil discover, it is so full of hideous swamps. Tho man that is
now taken we greatly lament, because he was a stout mau, aud
had boon often iu service against the enemy, and done them
rauch damage, and they kuow him, aud we fear will extromo-
ly torture hira.
On Saturday last Captain Greenleaf wont to Haverhill with
about thirty-four horses, the next day to Hampton, and yester
day morning for Exeter ; nothing of thom since, nor from any
othor place.
Our people aro much afflicted, impoverished, and discour
aged. The only wise and sovereign Lord undertake tho pro
tection of us and tho direction of your honors, which is tho
prayer of Yonr honors' most humblo servant,
Robert Pike.
May it please your houors, it is the humble request of our
militia that our town may have the privilege of a frontier town,
as last year, when ton raen were sent to us, for we fear the en
emy wiU oppress us, as thoy did the last year ; and we now hear

POVERTY AND EXHAUSTION. 113
that Hampton mon aro not gone out -to-da.v, as wo hoard thoy
had. The Newbury mon aro not so able to assist us as thoy
wore last year.
The incessant assaults of the savages upon the eastern
towns had now becorae so formidable that the government
felt itself compelled to fresh efforts to put a stop to them.
But poverty and exhaustion prevailed everywhere. It was
at this juncture that it issued the following appeal :
Boston, June 25th, 1091.
Gentlemen, — The distresses befalling us, by God's letting
loose the heathen afresh to commit horrid outrages and bar
barities, awfully threatening the desolating of the out towns
aud plautations, besides the annoyance given by sea, aud fears
of what attacks we raay probably- raeot with in that respect,
and the hazard of exposing their Majesties' interests, without
some meet preparations be mado for our defence and safety
against tho incursions of tho auti-Christiau and heathoii ene
raies ; aud the late great changes aud di8a[)pointraents that
have happened, having exhausted tho public treasury, so that
it is impracticable for us to manage and carry ou the public af
fairs iu what is necessary unless some present supply be made,
aud God stir up a public spirit in those that are able, wherein
the gentlemen of Boston and Salem have approved themselves
very worthily to provide for our defonco by sea. Wo have
therefore thought fit to request yourselves, with some othor
gentlomen in tho several counties, forthwith to raake a vi,sit
to tho towns iu the respoctivo counties, to discourse the select
men and some of the principal gentlemen, and give them a
sense of the present straits of the country, aud to recoraraoud
it unto thera to see what moneys can bo presently gathered
up, to the value of ono thousand pounds (if it may bo), more
or less, iu part of tho rates that are ordered for tho supplying
of ammunition, provisions, and clothing for the soldiers that
are or shall be sent forth in their Majesties' service against
the said common enemy; each ono that shall .advance any-
thiug on this account to have it set-off iu their assessment,
for which directiou shall be given. Please to iuform, with

144 THE NEW PURITAN.
all possible expedition, what encouragement you meet with
in this matter.
By order of the Governor and Council.
James Addington, Secretary.
Neither the lapse of time nor the exertions of the gov
ernment seem to have modified the distressed circumstances
of the inhabitants. As late as the following September the
same lurid atmosphere of captivity and torture and death
still overhangs the settlements. The perplexities and anxie
ties of the situation at last prostrated the old veteran of sev
enty-five years, and made him, as he says, "extreme sick."
But he quickly rallied. There is fifteen years of life in
him yet, and he appeared at his highest point of vigor in
the following year, when the witchcraft delusion called
forth the mental effort which crowned his life with imper
ishable distinction. Letter from Henry Dow.
Hampton, September 29th or SOth, 1091.
Major Pike:
Sir, — Wo have received intelligence from Sandybeach that
since 12 o'clock this day the euemy have killed or carried
away sixteen iiorsons, of which old goodman Bracket's and
goodman Ran's families have the greatest blow. The mes
sengers that brought the news, on their returning home about
the time the moon did rise this night, at a place called Raggy
Neck, about half a mile this side Sandybeach garrison, they
do affirm to me thoy saw, as they adjudged, about forty ene
mies coming toward Hampton with five or six canoes on their
heads, which caused them to corae back to Hampton again,
and brought us word of it, which we have thought it conven
ient to signify to your worship, lest they should come along
with their canoes iu the night and do damage to houses near
the sea. We are iu a sad condition, tho enemy is so violent.
The Lord give us all wisdom to teach us what wo ought to do.
So, with my respect presented to you, I remain your loving
friend and servant, Henry Dow.

FIRST ISSUE OF PAPER MONEY. 145
Gentlemen, — I am extreme sick, aud it is now about eleven
at night that this carao to my hand, with tho confirmation of
six killed at Newichawannock tho day before.
I am your humble servant, Robert Pike.
On the back of this letter, in Major Pike's handwriting :
Date, 29 ; 7, 1691.
If Captain March be not at home, carry it to the com-t yourself, or send by
a sale hand. Koheut Fiia:, Assistant.
September 29th, 1691.
Late in the night, near to break of day, this came to hand
wheu I was asleep at my lodging at Ipswich, being there on
court service, aud therefore send it forward to the governor.
Yours, N. Saltonstall.
The Indian wars of this period were not the only sources
of suffering to which the early colonists were subjected.
The following complaint of citizens of New England was
made of the Andros government, happily brought to an
end by the revolution of 1689 :
Of aU our oppressors we wore chiefly squeezed by a crow of
abject persons fetched from Now York to bo the tools of our
adversaries. By these wore extraordinary and intolerable fees
exacted from every one upon all occasions, without auy rules
but thoir own insatiate avarice and beggary.
A little later they had a taste of the mischief of the first
issue of paper money. Governor Hutchinson says :
The first paper money issued in New England was to defray
the expenses of the abortive expedition against Canada, in the
summer aud fall of 1690. These notes fell at first, but after
ward came up on being received for taxes at five per cent, pre
mium. The experiment was repeated in 1711, ou the second
expedition to Canada. This issue had fifty thousand pounds
added to it iu 1714, and ono hundred thousand pounds more iu
1716. In 1702 sis shillings and eightponoo in currency was
equal to an ounce of silver. In 1749 it took fifty shillings in
7

146 THE NEW PURITAN.
paper money to buy an ounce of the same metal. In this year
hiUs of credit wero abolished.
Hutchinson goes on to relate the following curious facts :
Barbadoos followed the first example, and the notes fell so
low that the affairs of tho island feU into confusion, and the
paper money had to be abolished.
A land bank was established in England iu the reign of King
AVilliam [about this period] and entirely failed.

Hutchinson suggests that the idea of this bank came
from New England, and adds a remark that has not been
verified by experience, namely, that " unless these experi
ences shall be forgotten, the government will never, it is to
be presumed, issue any more paper money."

SALEM AVITCHCRAFT. 147

CHAPTER XXIII.
ROBERT pike's CONNECTION WITH THE SALEM WITCHCRAFT
PEOCEEDINGS. — HIS GREAT ARGUMENT AGAINST THE PROS
ECUTION. Robert Pike's connection with the Salem witchcraft
proceedings in 1692, when he was seventy-six years old,
was the raost signal event of his life. Circumstances con
spired to interest hira in it personally to the highest de
gree. In the wide sweep which the prosecutions took,
high and low were alike iraplicated, till at length no one
felt secure frora attacks which were almost sure to be suc
ceeded by swift and sudden destruction. No one dared
breast the storm, for such resistance was deemed evidence
of complicity with the imps and witches, who, with all the
powers of hell at their back, were aiming at the overthrow
of God's kingdom on earth. This offence was so great,
that the prosecutors did not hesitate to seize upon the
highest and best people, some of whom, under the diabol
ical influences of the tirae, were peremptorily taken to
jail, and thence hurried to execution.
Among the persons so charged with witchcraft was
Mary Bradbury, a woman of seventy-five years, the wife
of one of the most prominent and honorable citizens of
the town of Salisbury. She was a woman of exceptionally
high standing in Christian life and character. She and
her husband had been residents of Salisbury for over fifty
years, and were the life-long friends of Robert Pike. Their
son, AVymond Bradbury, had married Sarah Pike, eldest

148 THE NEW PURITAN.
daughter of Robert, thirty years before. The farailies
were thus associated by ties of the raost intimate charac
ter. On the arrest of Mary Bradbury, we may presume
that Robert Pike entered into the case with all the zeal
and energy of his nature. If anything was wanting, be
yond the native irapulses of his character, to induce hira
to embark in opposition to the fanatical storm then raging,
we have it in this family connection.
The circumstances under which Robert Pike's argument
was brought to light have been fully explained by Mr.
Upham, in his " History of the Salem Witchcraft," an ex
tract from which will be found in the next chapter.
In the celebrated case of Susanna Martin, the reraera-
brance of which is perpetuated by the genius of Whittier,
Robert Pike was the magistrate before whora a portion of
the testimony was taken. In the performance of his duty
to record the narrations of the several witnesses, there was
but little opportunity for him to manifest his private sen
timents on the subject of witchcraft, and the character of
the evidence produced to sustain it ; but of such oppor
tunity as there was he availed himself. One striking in
stance is referred to by Mr. Upham ; but the careful reader
will not fail to perceive others, as he peruses the testimony
of the witnesses, which will be found in the Appendi.x.
They were allowed full scope for all they had to say, with
out let or hinderance, and in the hands of believers, like
Cotton Mather, were never required to qualify their state
ments. But in these depositions will be found some dam
aging adraissions, which it is plain were drawn out by
questions of the magistrate. He is once called on to con
firm the statement of a witness that his wife had gone
crazy in consequence of being bewitched. He says he for
merly knew the woman to be sane, but that now she was

MARY BRADBURY'S CASE. 149
" miserably demented ;" but he takes very good care not
to say ho thought there was any witchcraft in the case.
The depositions referred to were taken in May, 1692.
Mary Bradbury was imprisoned in July of the same year.
The argument laid before the judges bears date August
9th, 1692. There were no executions after September 22d
in that year, and a general jail delivery took place in May,
1693. All the trials aud convictions that resulted in exe
cutions took place between the months of June and Sep
tember, 1692.
Pike's argument did not secure Mary Bradbury's acquit
tal. She was convicted, along with five others, four of
whom were hanged on Septeraber 22d, which was the date
of the last executions. But Mary Bradbury escaped, by
sorae means of which we are not informed.
Robert Pike was there not only as an advocate but an
advisor. Had he been Governor of Massachusetts at this
crisis, as from his age, position, and character he might
well have been, the old comraonwealth would most proba
bly have been spared the blackest page in her history.
But he had discovered no sunken Spanish galleon loaded
with treasure, and was thus neither knight nor governor,
like Sir AAllliara Phips, the rude son of fortune who then
occupied the executive chair.
The following is the letter and argument of Robert Pike,
which we have so often mentioned, addressed to one of the
judges : Letter from " R. P." to Jonathan Corwin.
Salisbury, August 9th, 1692.
Honored Sir, — According as in my former to you I hinted
that I held rayself obUged to give you sorae further account
of my rude though solemn thoughts of that great case now
before you, the happy management whereof do so much con-

150 THE NEW PURITAN.
duce to the glory of God, the safety and tranquillity of the
country, besides what I have said in my former and the en
closed, I further humbly present to consideration tho doubt
fulness and unsafoty of admitting spectre testimony against
the life of any that are of blameless conversation, and plead
innocent, from the uncertainty of thom ; for, as for diabolical
visions, apparitions or representations, they are more common
ly false aud delusive than real, and cannot be known wheu
thoy are real and when feigned, but by tho devil's report, and
then not to he believed, because he is the father of lies.
1. Either the organ of the eye is abused, and the senses de
luded, so as to think they do see or hear some thing or person
when indeed they do not, and this is frequent with common
jugglers. 2. Tho devil himself appears in the shape and likeness of a
person or thing, when it is not the person or thing itself; so
he did in the shape of Samuel.
3. And sometimes persons or things themselves do really
appear, but how is it possible for any ono to give a true testi
mony who possibly did soe neither shape nor person, but were
deluded, and if thoy did see anything, they kn.'W not whether
it was the person or but his shape. All that can be rationally
or truly said in snch a case is this : that I did see tho shape
or likeness of such a person, if my senses or eyesight wore not
deluded ; and they can honestly say no more, because they
know no more, except the devU teUs them more ; and if he do,
thoy can but say ho told them so. But the matter is still in
credible ; first, because it is but their saying the devil told
them so ; if he did so tell thom, yet the verity of the thing re
mains stiU unproved, because the devil was a liar and a mur-
erer (John viii. 44), aud may toU these lies to murder an in
nocent person.
But this case seems to bo solved by an assertion of some, that
affirm that tho devil do not or cannot appear in the shape of a
godly person to do hurt ; others affirm the contrary, and say
that he can and often have so done, of which they givo many
instances for proof of what they say ; which, if granted, tho
case remains yet unsolved, and yet tho very hinge upon which
that weighty case depends. To which I humbly say :

ARGUMENT AGAINST AVITCHCRAFT. 151
First. That I do lament that such a point should be so need
ful to be detormiued — which seems not probable, if possible, to
be dotormined to infallible satisfaction, for want of clear Script
ure to decide it by, though very rational to bo believed accord
ing to rules; as, for iustanoe, if divers examples are alleged
of tho shape of persons that have been seen, of whora there is
.ample testimony that thoy lived aud died in tho faith, yet,
saith the objector, it is possible thej' may bo hypocrites, there
fore the proof is not infallible ; and as it may admit of snch au
objection against the reasons given ou the affirmative, rauch
more may the same objection bo made against the negative,
for which thoy can or do give no reason at all, nor can a nega
tive bo proved (therefore difficult to bo determined to satisfy
infallibly); but, seeing it must bo discussed, I humbly offer
these few words : 1st, I humbly conceive that the saints on
earth are not more privileged iu that case than the saints iu
heaven ; but tho devil may appear in the shape of a saint in
heaven, namely, iu tho shape of Samuel (1 Sam. xxviii. 13, 14) ;
therefore he can or may represent the shape of a saint that
is upon the earth. Besides, there may bo innocent persons
that are not saints, and their iunoceucy ought to be their se
curity, as well as godly men's ; and I hear nobody question but
the devil may take their shape.
Second. It doth not hurt any mau or woman to present tho
shape or likeness of an innocent person, more than for a limnor
or carver to draw his picture and show it, if he do not iu that
form do some ovil (nor then either) : if tho laws of man do
not oblige him to suffer for what the devil doth in his shape,
the laws of God do not.
Third. Tho devil had power, by God's permission, to take
the very person of our Lord Josus Christ, in tho day or time of
his humiliation, and carry hira frora place to place, and tempt
ed him with teraptatious of horrid blaspheray, and yot left hira
innocent. And why not much more appear in his shape (or
mako folk think it is his shape, when indeed it is not), aud yet
tho person be innocent — being far enough off, and not knowing
of it, nor would consent if ho had known it, his profession and
conversation being otherwise.
Fourth. I suppose it is granted by all that the person of ono

152 THE NEW PURITAN.
that is dead canuot appear, because the soul and body are sep
arated, and so the person is dissolved, and so ceasoth to bo :
and it is as certain that the person of the living cannot bo iu
two places at one tirae, but he that is at Boston canuot be at
Salera or Cambridge at tho same time ; but as the malice and
envy in the devil makes it his business to seek whom he may
devour, so no question but he doth infuse tho same quality iu
to those that leave Jesus Christ to ombraco him ; that they do
envy those that aro innocent, and upon that account be as
ready to say and swear that they did see thom as the devil is
to present their shape to them. Add but this also, that, when
the}' are once under his power, he puts thom on headlong (they
must needs go whom tho devil drives, saith the proverb), and
the reason is clear — because they are taken captive by him, to
do his will. And we see, by woful and undeniable experience,
both in the afflicted persons and the confessors, some of thom,
that ho torments them at his pleasure, to force thera to accuse
others. Sorae aro apt to doubt they do but counterfeit ; but,
poor souls ! I am utterly of another mind, and I laraent thora
with all my heart ; but, take which you please, the case is
the same as to the main issue ; for, if they counterfeit, the
wickedness is the greater iu them, aud tho less iu the devil ;
but if they be compelled to it by tho devil, against their
wills, then the sin is the devil's, and tho sufferings theirs ;
but if their testimonies bo allowed of, to mako persons guil
ty by, tho lives of innocent persons are alike in danger by
them, which is tho solemn considoration that do disquiet tho
country. Now, that the only wise God may so direct you in all that
ho may have glory, the country peace and safety, and your
hands strengthened iu that groat work, is the desire and con
stant prayer of your humble servant, R. P., who shall no fur
ther trouble you at present.
Position 1st. That to put a witch to death is the command of
God, aud therefore tho indispensable duty of man, uaraely, the
magistrate (Exod. xxii. 18) ; which granted, resolves two ques
tions that I have hoard made by some : 1st, AVhethor there are
any such creatures as witches iu the world ; 2d, If there be,
whether they can bo known to be such by mon : both which

ARGUMENT AGAINST WITCHCRAFT. 153
must be determined on the affirmative, or else that command
ment were in vain.
Position 2d. That it must be witches that are put to death,
and not innocent persons : " Thou shalt not condemn tho inno
cent nor the righteous " (Exod. xxiii. 7).
Query 1st. AA'hich premised, it brings to this query, namely,
how a witch may be known to bo a witch.
insider. 1st, By tho mouth of two or three witnesses (Deut.
xix. 15 ; Matt, xviii. 16 ; Deut. xvii. 6) ; 2d, Thoy may be knowu
by their own confession, being compos mentis, aud not under
horrid temptation to self-murder.
Query 2d. AVhat is it those two or three witnesses must
swear ? Must thoy swear that such a person is a witch ? AVill
that do the thing, as is vulgarly supposed ?
Answer. I think that is too unsafe to go by, as well as hard
to bo dono by the advised : 1st, Because it would expose the
lives of aU aUke to the pleasure or passion of those that aro
minded to take thera away ; 2d, Because that, iu such a testi
mony, the witnesses aro uot only informers in matter of fact,
but sole judges of the crime — which is the proper work of the
judges, and not of witnesses.
Query 3d. AVhat is it that tho witnesses must testify in the
case, to prove one to bo a witch ?
Answer. They must witness the person did put forth some
act which, if true, was an act of witchcraft, or familiarity with
tho devil, the witness attest the fact to be upon his certain
knowledge, aud the judges to judge that fact to bo such a
crime. Query ith. AVhat acts aro they which must bo proved to be
committed by a person that shall be counted legal proof of
witchcraft, or familiarity with the devil ?
Answa: This I do profess to be so hard a question, for want
of light from the Word of God and laws of raen, that I do not
know what to say to it ; and therefore humbly conceive that, iu
such a difficulty, it may be more safe for the present to let a
guilty person live till further discovery, than to put an inno
cent person to death : Ist, Because a guilty person may after
ward bo discovered, and so put to death ; but au innocent per
son to be put to death cannot be brought agaiu to life wheu
7*

154 THE NEW PURITAN.
once dead ; 2d, Because secret things belong to God only, but
revealed things to us aud to our children ; aud though it bo so
difficult somotiraes, yot witches there aro, and may be knowu
by some acts or othor put forth by them, that may render thom
such ; for Scripture examples I can remember but few in tho
Old Testament besides Balaam (Numb. xxii. 6 ; xxxi. 16).
First. The sorcerers of Egypt could not tell the interpreta
tion of Pharaoh's dream, though he told them his dream (Gen.
xli. 8). His successors afterward had sorcerers, that by en
chantments did, first, turn their rods into serpents (Exod. vii.
11, 12) ; second, turned water iuto blood ; third, brought frogs
upon tho land of Egypt (Exod. viii. 7).
Second. Nebuchadnezzar's magicians said that thoy would
tell him tho iuterpretation if he would tell them his dreara
(Dan. iv. 7) ; but tho king did not believe thora (verses 8, 9).
Third. The AVitch of Endor raised tho devil, in the likeness
of Samuel, to toll Saul his fortuue ; and Saul made use of him
accordingly (1 Sam. xxviii. 8, 11-15); and, as for the New
Testament, I see very little of that nature. Our Lord Jesus
Christ did cast out many devils, aud so did his disciples, both
while ho was upon earth and afterward, of which sorae were
dreadfully cirourastanced (Mark ix. 18 ; Mark v. 2-5) ; but of
witches, we only read of four raentioued in tho apostles' tirao :
let, Siraou Magus (Acts viii. 9, 11); 2d, Elymas the sorcerer
(Acts xlii. 6, 8) ; 3d, Tho seven sous of Sceva, a Jew, that were
vagabond Jews — exorcists (Acts xix, 13-16); 4th, The girl
which, by a spirit of divination, brought her master rauch gaiu
(Acts xvi. 16), whether it were by telling fortunes or finding
out lost things, as our ounniug mou do, is uot said ; but some
thing it was that was done by that spirit which was iu her,
which, being cast out, she could not do. Now, whatever was
done by any of those, by tho help of the devil, or by virtue of
familiarity with him, or that tho devil did do by their consent
or instigation, it is that which, the like being now proved to
be done by others, is legal conviction of witchcraft or famili
arity with the devil.
As I remember, Mr. Perkins apprehends witchcraft may be
sometimes committed by virtue of an implicit covenant with
the devil, though there be not implicit covenant visibly be-

ARCUMEXT AGAINST WITCHCRAFT. 155
tweeu them, namely, by using snch words and gestures where
by they do intimate to tho devil what they would have him do,
and he doth it.
To tell events contingent, or to bring anything to pass by
supernatural means, or by no means.
I have heard of sorae that raake a circle, and mumble over
some uncouth words ; and some, that have boon spiteful and
suspicious persons, that have sent for a handful of thatch from
the house or barn of him that thoy have owed a spite to, and
the houso has boon burned as they had burned, the thatch
that they fetched.
When Captain Smith was cast away in tho ship built by
Mr. Stevens at Gloucester, many years ago, it was said that
the womau that was accused for doing it did put a dish in a
pail of water, and sent her girl several times to see tho motion
of the dish, till at last it was turned over, and then the woman
said, " Now, Smith is goue," or " is cast away."
A neighbor of mine, who is a Hampshire man, told me that
a suspected woman desired something of some of tho faraily,
which being denied, she either muttered or threatened, and
some evil suddenly followed, and thoy put her into a cart, to
carry her to AA'^inch ester; and when they had gone a little way
tho team could not raovo tho cart, though in plain ground.
Tho master commanded to carry a knitch of straw and burn
her in the cart; which to avoid, she said thoy should go along,
aud they did. This they did several times before they came
to AVinchester, of which pas.sagos tho men that went with her
gave their oaths, aud she was executed.
Some have boon transformed into dogs, cats, hares, hogs, and
other creatures; and in those shapes have somotiraos received
wounds which have made thom undeniably guilty, and so con
fessed. Sometimes having their imps sucking them, or infalli
ble tokens that thoy aro sucked, in the search of which great
caution to be given, because of some superfluities of nature,
and diseases that people are incident unto, as the piles, etc.,
of which tho judges are, upon the testimony of the witnesses,
to determine what of crime is proved by any of these circum
stances, with many other, in which God is pleased raany times,
by some overt acts, to bring to light that secret wickedness to

156 THE NEW PURITAN^".
apparent conviction, sometimes by thoir own necessitated con
fession, whereby those that ho hath commanded to bo put to
death may be known to be such ; which, when known, then it
is a duty to put them to death, and not before, though they
wore as guilty before as then.
There are two queries more with respect to what is proper
to us in this juncture of time, of which we have no account of
tho like being common at other times or in other places, name
ly, these :
Query bth. Tho fifth query is, what are we to think of those
persons at Salem, or the Village, before whom the people are
brought for detection, or otherwise to bo concerned with thom,
in order to their being approhended or acquitted ?
Answer. That I ara, of all men, the least able to givo any
conjecture about it, because I do not know it, having myself
never seen it, or know nothing of it but by report, iu which
there must be supposed a possibility of some mistake, in part
or in whole; but that which I have hero hoard is this: 1st,
That they do toll who are witches, of which some thoy know
and sorae thoy do uot ; 2d, They tell who did torraont such
aud such a, person, though they kuow not tho person ; 3d,
Thoy aro tormented theraselves by the looks of persons that
are present, and recovered again by the touching of thom ; 4th,
That, if thoy look to them, they fall down tormented; but, if
the persous accused look from them, they recover, or do not
fall into that torment ; 5th, They can tell when a person is
coming before thoy see them, and what clothes they have ; and
sorae, what they have dono for several years past, which no
body else ever accused thom with, nor do not yet think them
guilty of; 6th, That tho dead out of thoir graves do appear
unto thera, aud toll thera that they have boon murdered, aud
require them to see them to be revenged on the murderers,
which they narae to thera ; sorae of which persons are well
known to die thoir natural deaths, and publicly buried iu tho
sight of all mon. Now, if those things be so, I thus affirm :
1st, That whatsoever is done by thom that is supernatural
is either divine or diabolical ; 2d, That nothing is or can be
divine but what has God's stamp upon it, to which ho refers
for trial (Isa. viii. 19, 20) : " If they speak not according to

ARGUMENT AGAINST AVITCHCRAFT. 157
these, there is no light in thom ;" 3d, And by that rule nono
of those actions of theirs have any warrant in God's word, but
condomued wholly.
1st, It is utterly unlawful to inquire of the dead, or to be
informed by thora (Isa. viii. 19). It was an act of tho AVitch
of Endor to raise the dead, aud of a reprobate Saul to inquire
of him (1 Sam. xxviii. 8, 11-14 ; Deut. xviii. 11) ; 2d, It is a
like ovil to seek to thom that have familiar spirits (Lev. xix.
31). It was tho sin of Saul in the foreraentioued place (1 Sara.
xxviii. 8), and of wicked Manasses (2 Kings, xxi. 6) ; 3d, No
more is it likely that there racking and tormenting should be
done by God or good angels, but by tho devil, whoso m-anner
has over boon to bo so employed. AVituess his dealing with
tho poor child (Mark ix. 17, 19, 20-22), and with the man that
was possessed by hini (Mark v. 2-5), besides what he did to
Job (Job ii. 7), aud all tho lies that he told against hira to
the very face of God ; 4th, The same may be rationally said
of all the rest. AVho should toll them things that they do not
see but the devil, especially when some things that they tell
are false and mistaken ?
Query 6th. These things promised, it now coraes to the last
aud greatest question or query, namely : How shall it be
known when tho dovil do auy of these acts of his own proper
motion, without hum.an concurrence, consent, or instigation,
and when he doth it by tho suggestion or consent of any per
son? This question, well resolved, would do our business:
1st, That the devil can do acts supernatural without the
furtherance of him by huraan consent or concurrence; but
men or women cannot do thom without tho help of the devil
(must be granted). That granted, it follows that the devil is
always tho doer, but whether abetted in it by anybody is un
certain ; 2d, AVill it be sufficient for the devil himself to say
such a man or woman set him a work to torment such a person
by looking upon him? Is the dovil a competent witness in
such a case ? 3d, Or are those that are tormented by him legal
witnesses to say that the devil doth it by the procurement of
such a person, whereas they kuow nothing about it but what
comes to them from the devil (that torments them) ? 4th, May
we believe the witches that do accuse any ono because they say

158 THE NEAV PURITAN.
so (can the fruit bo better than the tree) ? If the root of all
their knowledge be tho devil, what must their testimony bo ?
Sth, Their testimony may be legal against themselves, because
they kuow what themselves do, but cannot know what another
doth but by information from the dovil : I mean in such cases
when the person accused do deny it, and his conversation is
blameless (Prov. xviii. 5 ; Prov. xix. 5).
1st, It is directly contrary to the use of reason, tho law of
nature, aud principles of humanity, to deny it and plead inno
cent when accused of witchcraft, aud yet, at the very same
tirae, to be acting witchcraft in the sight of all raen, wheu they
kuow their lives lie at stake by doing it. Self-interest teaches
every one better; 2d, It is contrary to the devil's nature, or
common practice, to accuse witches. They are a considerable
part of his kingdom, which would fall if divided against itself
(Matt. xii. 26) ; except wo think ho that spoke the words uu-
derstood not what he said (which were blasphemy to think) ;
or that those common principles or maxiras are now changed ;
or that the devil has changed his nature, and is now becorae
a reformer, to purge out witches out of the world, out of the
couutry, and out of the churches ; and is to be believed, though
a liar aud a murderer from the begiuui'ng, and also though his
business is going about continually seeking whom he may de-
stroy (1 Pet. v. 8); and his iieculiar subject of his accusation
aro tho brethren ; called the accuser of tho brethren.
Objection. God does sometimes bring things to light by his
providonco in a way extraordinar.y.
Ansiver, It is granted God has dono so, and brought hidden
things to light, which, upon examination, have boon proved or
confessed, and so the way is clear for thoir execution ; but what
is that to this case, where the dovil is accuser and witness ?

C. AV. UPHAM'S COMMENTS. 159

CHAPTER XXIV.
MR. UPHAJI'S COMMENTS ON THE WITCHCRAFT PROCEEDINGS,
AND ON EOBEET PIKE'S ARGUMENT AGAINST THE.M.
The following extract is from the Hon. C. W. Uphara's
able and exhaustive " History of the Salera Witchcraft,"
to which we have before referred (Supplement to vol. ii.
p. 449) :
It can hardly be said that there was any open and avowed
opposition iu the community to the [witchcraft] proceedings
during their early progress. There is some uncertainty and
obscurity as to what extent there was an unexpressed dissent
in tho minds of particular private persons. Ou the general sub
ject of tho existence and tho power of the dovil and his agency,
mOTO or less, in influencing human and earthly affairs, it would
bo difficult to prove that there was auy cousiderable difforence
of opinion.
The first undisguised and unequivocal opiiositiou to the pro
ceedings was a remarkable document that has recently corae to
light. Among' some papers which have found their wayto tho
custody of the Essex Institute is a letter dated " Salisbury,
August 9th, 1692," addressed " To tho worshipful Jonathan Cor
win, Esq., these present, at his house iu Salera." It is endorsed,
"A letter to my grandfather, on account of the conderanation
of the witches." Its date shows that it was written while
the pubUc infatuation and fury wore at their height, ancl the
Court was sentencing to death aud sending to the gallows its
successive cart-loads. There is no injunction of secrecy, and
no shrinking frora responsibility. Although tho narae of tho
writer is not given in full, he was evidently well knowu to
Corwin, and had written to him before on the subject. The

160 THE NEAV PURITAN.
messenger, iu accordance with the superscription, undoubtedly
delivered it into tho hands of the judge at his residence, on tho
corner of Essex aud North streets. The fact that Jonathan
Corwin preserved this document, aud placed it in the files of
his family papers, is pretty good proof that ho appreciated tho
weight of its arguments. It is not improbable that he ex
pressed himself to that effect to his brethren on tho bench, and
perhaps to others. AVhat ho said, aud tho fact that he was
holding snch a correspondence, raay have reached the ears of
tho accusers, aud led them to coraraence a movomout against
him by cryiug out upon his mothor-in-law.
Tho letter is a raost able argument against tho manner in
which the trials wore conducted, and by conclusive logic over
throws the whole fabric of tho ovidonco on tho strength of
which tho Court was convicting aud taking the lives of inno
cent persons. No such piece of reasoning has come to us from
that age. Its author must be acknowledged to have boon an
expert iu dialectic subtleties, and a pure reasoner, of unsui-
passod acumen and force. It requires, but it will reward, the
closest attention and concentration of thought iu following the
threads of the arguraent. It roaches its conclusions ou a most
difficult subject with clearness and certainty. It achieves aud
realizes, in more mental processes, quantities, aud forces, ou the
points at which it aims, what is called demonstration in math
ematics and geometry.
Tho writer does not discredit, but seems to have received,
the then prevalent doctrines relating to the personality, pow
er, and attributes of the dovil, and from that standpoint con
troverts and demolishes the principles ou which the Court was
proceeding iu reference to the " spectral evidence," aud tho
, credibility of the " afflicted children " generally. Tho letter,
and the formal argument appended to it, arrest notice in oue
or two general aspects. There is an appearance of their hav
ing proceeded from an elderly person, not at all from any marks
of infirmity of intellect, but rather from an air of wisdom and
a tone of authority which can only result from long experience
and observation. The circumstance that an amanuensis was
employed, and the author writes the initials of his signature
only, strengthens this impression. At the same time there aro

UPHAM'S COMMENTS. 161
indications of a free and progressive spirit, more likely to have
had force at au earlier period of life. In some aspects tho doc
ument iudicatos a theological education, and familiarity with
matters that belong to the studies of a minister; in others, it
manifests habits of mind aud modes of expression aud reason
ing more natural to ouo accustomed to close legal statements
and deductions. If the production of a trained professional
mau of either class, it would justly bo regarded as remarkable.
If its author belonged to neither class, but was merely a local
magistrate, farmer, and militia officer, it bocoraos more than re
markable. There must have boon a high development among
the founders of our villages when the laity could present exam
ples of such a capacity to grasp tho most difficult subjects and
conduct such acute and abstruse disquisitions.
Tho question as to the authorship of this paper may well ex
cite interest, involving as it does minute critical speculations.
Tho elements that enter into its solution illustrate the difficul
ties aud perplexities encompassing tho study of local antiqui
ties, and attempts to determine tho origin and bearing of old
documents or to settle miunte iioiuts of history. The weight
of evidence seems to indicate that the docuraont is attributa
ble to Major Robert Pike of Salisbury. AVhoever was its au
thor did his duty nobly, and stands alone, above all the schol
ars and educated men of the time, in bearing testimony, open
ly, bravely, in the very ears of tho Court, against the disgrace
ful and shocking course they were pursuing 
The facts and considerations iu reference to tho authorship
of the letter to Jonathan Corwin may be summarily stated as
follows : The letter was signed " R. P." Under these initials
is written" Robert Paino" in a different hand, aud, as the ink
as well as tho chirography shows, at a somewhat later date.
R. P. are blotted over, but with ink of such lighter hue that
tho origiual letters are clearly disoerniblo under it. A Robert
Paino graduated at Harvard College in 1656, but he was prob
ably the foreman of the grand jury that brought iu all the in
dictments iu the witchcraft trials, aud therefore could not,
from the doclaratious.of the letter itself, have boon its author.
The only other person of that name at the time, of whom we
have knowledge, was his father, who seems, by the evidence

162 THE NEW PURITAN.
we have, to have died iu 1693. (That date is given in the
Harvard Triennial for tho death of Robert Paiuo the gradu
ate, but erroneously, I think, as signatures to documents, and
couveyauces of property subsequently, can hardly bo ascribed
to any other person.) Robert Paine, tho father, from the ear
liest settlomont of Ipswich, had boon one of the leading raen
of the town, apparently of larger property than any other, of
ten its deputy in tho General Court, and, for a groat length of
tirae, ruling elder of the church. "Elder Paine," or Penn, as
tho name was often spoiled, enjoyed the friendship of John
Norton, and all tho ministers far aud near, and religious meet
ings wero often hold at his houso. AVo kuow nothing to jus
tify us in saying that he could not have boon tho author of
this paper; but we also know nothing, except the appearance
of his narae upou it, to irapute it to hira.
The document is dated from " Salisbury." So far as wo
know. Elder Paino always lived iu Ipswich ; although haviug
propert.y in the upper county, ho may often have been (aud
possibly in his last years resided) there. It is, it is true, a
strong circumstance that his name is written, although by a
late hand, under the initials. It shows that the person who
wrote it thought that "R. P." meant Robert Paino; but any
ono conversant especially with the antiquities of Ipswich or
this part of tho couutr}', might naturally fall into such a mis
take. Tho authorship of documents was often erroneously
ascribed. The words " Robert Pain " wore, probably, uot on
the paper wheu the endorsement was made : "A letter to my
grandfather,'' etc. Elder Robert Paine, if living in 1692, was
ninoty-ono years of age. Tho document under considoration,
if composed by him, is truly a marvellous production — an in
tellectual phenomenon not easily to bo paralleled.
Tho facts in reference to Robert Pike of Salisbury, as they
bear upon tho question of the authorship of the document, aro
these: Ho was seventy-six years of ago in 1692, and had al
ways resided in " Salisbury." The letter and argument are
both in tho handwriting of Captain Thomas Bradbury, Re
corder of old Norfolk County. On this point there can be no
question. Bradbury aud Pike had been fellow-townsmen for
more than half a century, connected by aU the ties of neigh-

UPHAM'S COMMENTS. 163
borhood and family intermarriage, and jointly or alternately
had borne all the civic and military houors the people could
bestow. Tho document was X5repared aud delivered to tho
judge whUe Mrs. Bradbury was iu prison, and just ouo month
before her trial. Piko, as has boon shown (p. 226), was deeply
interested in her behalf. The origiual signature (" R. P.") has
tho marked characteristics of the same initial letters, as found
iu iunuiuerablo autographs of his ou filo or record. There are
interlineations, beyond quostiou, in Pike's handwri ting. These
facts demonstrate both Piko and Bradbury were concerned in
producing the document.
The history of Robert Pike proves that ho was a mau of
great ability, had a turn of mind toward logical exercises, and
was from early life conversant with disputations. Nearly
fifty years before he argued iu town meeting against the pro
priety, iu view of civil aud ecclesiastical law, of certain acts
of tho General Court. Thoy arraigned, disfranchised, and oth
erwise punished hira for his " litigiousnoss ;" but the weight
of his character soon compelled them to restore his political
rights, and the people of Salisbury, the very next year, sent
him araoug thora as thoir deputy, and continued hira from
time to time in that capacity. At a subsequent period he was
the leader aud spokesman of a party in a controversy about
some ecclesiastical affairs, involving apparently cortaiu nice
questious of theology, which created a great stir through the
countr.y. The contest reached so high a point that tho church
at Salisbury excommunicated hira ; but the public voice de
manded a council of churches, which assorablod in September,
1676, and reinstated Major Pike, condorauiug his excommuni
cation, "finding it not justifiable, upou divers grounds." Ou
this occasion, as before, tho Gouoral Court frowned upon aud
denounced him ; but tho people carao agaiu to his rescue,
sending hira, at the next election, into tho House of Deputies,
aud kept him there until raised to the upper houso as au As
sistant. He was in the practice of conducting causes iu tho
courts, and was long a local Magistrate and one of the county
Judges. Ho does not appear to have been present at any of the trials
or examinations of 1692, but his official position as Assistant

164 THE NEAV PURITAN.
caused many depositions taken in his neighborhood to be ac
knowledged aud sworn before him. While outertaiuing tho
prevalent views about diabolical agency, he always disap
proved of the proceedings of the Court, in the particulars to
which tho arguments of the communication to Jonathan Cor
win apply— the " spectre evidence," aud tho statements and
actings of "the afflicted children." There are indications that
sometimes ho saw through the folly of the stories told by per
sons whoso depositions ho was called to attest. One John
Prossy was circulating a wonderful tale about an encounter he
had with the spectre of Susanna Martin. Piko sent for him
aud took his deposition. Prossy averred that ono evening,
coming frora Araesbury Ferry, ho fell iu with the shape of
Martin in tho form of a body of light, which " seemed to be
about the bigness of a half-bushel." After much dodging and
manceuvering, and being lost and bowildorod, wandering to and
fro, tumbling into holes — where, as the deposition states, no
"such pits" wore known to exist — and other misadventures,
ho came to blows with the light, and had several brushes with
it, striking it with his stick. At ono time " he thinks he gave
her at least forty blows." Ho finally succeeded in finding " his
own houso, but, beiug then seized with fear, could not speak
till his wife spoke to hira at the door, and was in such a condi
tion that tho family was afraid of him ; which story being car
ried to town the next day, it was, upon inquiry, understood
that said goodwife Martin was in such a miserable case aud iu
such pain that they swabbed her body, as was reported." He
concludes his deposition by saying that Major Pike "seemed
to be troubled th.at this deponent had not told him of it iu
season, that she might have beeu viewed, to have seou what
her ail was." The affair had happened " about twenty-four
years ago." Probably neither Prossy nor tho Court appreci
ated tho keenness of the major's expression of regret. It broke
tho bubble of the deposition. The whole story was tho pro
duct of a benighted imagination, disordered by fear, filled with
inebriate vagaries, exaggerated in nightmare, and resting upon
wild aud empty rumors. Robert Pike's course, in tho case of
Mrs. Bradbury, harmonizes with the supposition that he was
Corwin's correspondent.

ELDER PAINE. 165
Materials may he brought to light that will change tho ovi
donco on this point. It may be found that Elder Paino died
before 1692 ; that would dispose of tho question. It raay .ap
pear that ho was living iu Salisbury at tho time, aud acted
with Pike aud Bradbury, they giving to tho paper tho author
ity of his venerable name and years. But aU that is now
known constrains me to tho conclusion stated iu the text.
It is well established that Robert Paine, son of Elder
Robert Paine, was foreman of the jur)' in the wdtchcraft
trials. Mr. Savage, in his " Genealogical Dictionary," says the
death of Elder Robert Paine took place in 1684. Joseph
B. Felt, in his " History of Ipswich," where Elder Robert
Paine resided, says, in his obituary and biogTaphical no
tices, chronologically arranged, under date of 1684, "Rob
ert Paine died about this year; born 1601."
Elder Paine was a practical man, possessing a consider
able estate, and much engaged with business affairs. He
held numerous trusts, and was both town and count}' treas
urer. He resigned the latter office in 1683. If there were
no other reasons, it is not according to the course of nature
that he should have composed such an arguraent as this at
the age of ninety-one, had he lived so long.

166 THE NEW PURITAN,

CHAPTER XXV.
FINAL RECORD OF INDIAN AFFAIES. — LAST OF ROBERT PIKE'S
CORRESPONDENCE. — ENT) OF HIS CAREER.
The witchcraft proceedings of 1692 were accorapanied
and followed by the same never-ending tale of savage dep
redations and murders, and the efforts of the whites to ob
tain peace.
The subjoined letter from Rev. John Pike, chaplain at
Pemaquid, son of Robert, written in 1695, is an iUustra-
tion of this condition of affairs. John was a minister of
respectability, and his journal, kept at Dover, where he was
afterward settled, is among the publications of the Massa
chusetts Historical Society :
To the Governor and Council. Pemaquid, July 4th, 1695.
I need not trouble your honors with any relation of our late
transactions, because the comraissionors aro now returning
horao. AA'o understand that neither the Council nor your honor
did approve our former treaty with tho Indians. Wo plainly
told them we could make no truce or agreement with thom un
less tho Council approved thereof; aud, if it were not so ex
pressed in our letter, it was for lack of time to word it right.
But wo could not get the captives out of their hands by any
thing less than what was done. I presume the gentlomen sent
hither to treat aro sufficiently convinced there is nothing to be
gained of this subtle and docoitful enemy by holding them to
strict terms ; neither will thoy be hold to their own words and
promises. But what I always thought is now apparent, that
they only aimed at the getting of bommazoen, etc., in all their

THE LAST LETTER OF ROBERT PIKE. 167
pretences — which, not according with thoir expectation, thoy
soora little concerned about peace, aud went off with much dis
content. It is also evident thoy have been Frenchified, both in
spirit and apparel, since their former treaty with us. I have
acquainted tho gentlemen sent hither with my necessity of
returning horao (as I formerly signified it to your houors), which
is strongly urged upon mo by tho danger of tho enemy, and the
spreading sickness in those parts. Craving loavo to subscribe
myself Y'our honors' humble servant, John Pike.
The following letter of Robert Pike, dated, as will be
seen, in July, 1695, is the last of his preserved correspond
ence with the governraent. It is probably araong the last
of his coraraunioations, as he does not appear at any meet
ing of the Assistants after the succeeding month of May,
1696. He was now eighty years of age, and, as his journey of
forty miles to the Capitol at Boston was raade usually on
horseback, it was but natural that he should think of retir
ing from public service.
To the Governor and Council.
Salisbnry, July the 29th, 1695.
May it please your Honors, — Not knowing of whom it
might bo expected to give your honors an account of tho issue
of our last week's motion — which made so great a noise, and
the result of which no better account can bo given by reason
of some false steps taken in it — I before informed you that on
Wednesday morning, when the cattle wore driven away, Ames
bury men signified it to Colonel Peirce iu a letter. Colonel
Peirce writ on tho backside of the letter, " Show this to Major
Pike," and ho did so; upon which wo sent a young mau into
the meadow with a trumpet sounding, aud fetched the captain
and many men out of the meadow, and presently posted up a
matter of thirty mon, so that with Amesbury aud Salisbury we
had about sixty. It is to be observed that no alarm was given
either at Amesbury or Salisbury, because they had uo groat

168 THE NEW PURITAN.
hope of au opportunity of taking the enemy, supposing it to bo
tho main body of them, and therefore considered it not wise to
move but with nurabers suitable. There carao from Newbury
at first under twenty, but tho next day Colonel Peirce hiraself
went over with so many more as mado thoir numbers ono hun
dred aud four. Because of the smokes that wore discovered,
which increased their confidence of the case. Colonel Peirce
sent post to Ipswich and Salem, which by Friday had sent in
two troops of horso, for which wo owe tho acknowledgment of
all care and readiness of Colonel Peirce, Colonel Appleton, and
Colonel Gedney, to accommodate us with suitable supply, as
soon as could be expected. It is to bo understood that when
Colonel Peirce was at Araesbury he found the troops had made
Captain Harvey chief. Thoir motions were impeded the first
night by tho rain, so that thoy went uot on till Thursday night,
which was a very still night. AA'hilo waiting for tho rising of
the moon they heard sorae passing over a brook, which they
judged wero Indians, about a furlong off. They had a dog
araoug the Araesbury men that met with sorae garae, and
bawled at it a long time, so that it was probable our men wore
discovered. Tho Newbury raou drew off, because they said
their order was but to bo at the garrison, except there did ap
pear two hundred raou. After they were gone the rest wont
ou through folly, aud some of tho disorderly among them set
themselves in a single rank, intending to sweep over a hill
and so oomo upon the place of the smokes. They fell short
of it, and, being tired out, returned before the horse came to
assist thom ; and so it ended. The troopers and thoir com-
mauders showed theraselves wonderful gentlemen, desirous to
have done service could thoy have had guides ; but those are
hideous woods. AVhat thoy then did themselves wiU givo the
best account. AVe understand there went out about seventy
men frora the province as from Exeter. What they met with
I yet hear not, but the effect of it all, with the blessing of God,
is that eight of nine oxen, and tho fat cow, are come again ; so
that the enemy have got but one ox, except it may be some
young cattle that they do not know of. Tho last oxen carae
home Friday night in a strange plight. This is the account
that I had of Lieutenant Allen and Sergeant Eaton as concern-

HIS DEATH. 169
ing thoir actious, and from some of the Amesbury mon, this
morning, about tho coming in of tho other cattle — all which I
thought it my duty to signify to your honors, to prevent any
abuse by false rumors. Craviug your pardou and loavo to sub
scribe myself Your most humble servant, Robert Pike.
On the 27th of May, 1696, we find tho writer of the
foregoing letter at his post, at a meeting of the Board of
Assistants in Boston. But he only appears for a single day,
and it is his last day of service there.
For the remaining ten years and a half of his life he
lived at home. During this period we fiud him much oc
cupied with his private affairs. In company with his fa
vorite son John, whom he had raade his trustee and attor
ney, he was engaged at intervals in disposing by gift of
the various portions of his estate to his nuraerous heirs.
He left nothing by will, choosing this method of settle
ment in preference to that of bequests. So far as tho
county records show, we give in the Appendix an abstract
of these transactions. It will be observed, on their peru
sal, that his affection and generosity were held in wise
subordination to the last. Such of his possessions as he
thought he needed for his own use and occupation, and
even those for which he thought he might have only a
contingent and possible use, he carefully preserved, by the
condition that the transfer was not to take effect until a
considerable period after his decease.
In this practical and leisurely manner were the last days
of Robert Pike passed, and finally ended on the 12th of
December, 1706, when he died, at the age of nearly nine
ty-one years. He was gathered to his fathers, and no
stone marks his resting-place.
The following chronological table is taken from the

170 THE NEW PURITAN.
Massachusetts archives. It embraces the period after the
Revolution in England of 1688, and that in Massachusetts
in 1689, till the close of Robert Pike's public life :
1689.
April 25th. Major Robert Piko appointed ouo of tho Commit
tee of Public Safety, consisting of thirty-seven members.
May 9tli. He appears at a meeting of tho Council; twenty-
six merabers present.
May 10th. Present at same. At a meeting of sixty-five repro-
sontativos of towns it was resolved that tho government of
1686 should resume the control of affairs. Tho Assistants,
ten being present, recommended a further reference to the
people. The record says, "Major Piko agreeing, but going
home before signing."
May 22d. A meeting of the Council, twenty- two in number,
Robert Piko being present.
May 25th. Meeting of Council. Robert Pike present, with
seven others.
October 2d. Meeting of Council. Robert Pike present, with
twelve others. 1690.
April 17th. Mooting of Governor and Council. Robert Pike
IDroseut, with eight others.
May 10th. "Ordered, that Major Robert Piko be comraander-in-
chief of the forces that are gone and going eastward for tho
prosecution of the common French and Indian enemy, and
commission and iustructions wero given him accordingly."
May 28th. Mooting of Governor and Council. Present, Robert
Pike and ton others.
General Court assembled, and election was mado of Dep
uty Governor aud eighteen Assistants; araong thom, Robert
Piko, Sir AVilliam Phips, Samuel Sewall, Wait Winthrop,
Jonathan Cumin, E. Hutchinson, Nathaniel Saltonstall, Sam
uel Appleton, etc.
Meeting of Assistants. Robert Pike and eight others
present.

THE AVITCHCRAFT YEAR. 171
October 21st. Mooting of Governor and Council. Robert Piko
present, and eight others.
Docerabor 10th. Meeting of Governor and Council Proscut,
Eobert Pike and nine others.
"Ordered, that Major Eobert Piko bo allowed for his ser
vices to the country, against tho common enemy at tho east
ward, eight pounds per month." 1691.
May 20th. Mooting of tho Governor and Council. Eobert Piko
present, with twelve others.
May 21st. Meeting of Gouoral Court. Robert Pike chosen As
sistant for year ensuing. 1692.
WITCHCRAFT YEAR.
May 4th. Eobert Pike chosen Assistant.
May 5th. Meeting of Governor and Council. Present, Eobert
Pike and twelve others.
June Sth. Meeting of sarao. Present, Eobert Piko and twenty-
three others. The record says : " Eobert Pike, Esq., one of
the members of tho Council, took his oath for tho due aud
faithful porformauco of his office of Councillor, as also tho
oaths appointed to bo taken by directiou of the Chamber,
and repeated and subscribed the declaration." Sir William
Phips, Governor.
Juno 14th. Present in Council, Eobert Piko and twenty others.
October 15th. Present in Council, Robert Pike and fifteen oth
ers. Remain in continuous session to November 2d. (Do-
bates of this period much needed.) 1693.
May 31st. Robert Pike chosen Councillor, with twenty -four
others.
June 2d. Present in Council, Robert Piko and fourteen others.
Continuous session to Juno 16th.
1694.
May 30th. Robert Piko appears as Councillor.
May 31st. Same, with thirty -ono others, and continued to
June 15th.

172 THE NEW PURITAN.
1695.
February 28th. Mooting of Governor and Couucil. Present,
Robert Piko and twenty- one others. Remains till March
15th.
May 29th. Robert Piko appears as Councillor, with twenty-one
others, and remains to June 19th.
1696.
May 27th. Robert Pike appears as Councillor, with twenty-five
others. This is his last appearance iu a public capacity.

APPENDIX I.

DEPOSITIONS TAKEN BY ROBERT PIKE IN THE CASE OF
SUSANNA MARTIN, EXECUTED AS A WITCH, 1692.
The deposition of William Brown of Salisbury, aged
seventy years, who, testifying, saith : That about one or
two and thirty years ago Elizabeth, his wife, being a very
rational woman and sober, and one that feared God, as was
well known to all that knew her, and as prudently careful
in her family, which woman going upon a time from her
own house towards the mill in Salisbury, did there meet
with Susanna Martin, the then wife of George Martin, of
Amesbury. Just as they came together the said Susanna
Martin vanished away out of her sight, which put the said
Elizabeth into a great fright ; after which time the said
Martin did many times afterward appear to her at her
house, and did much trouble her in many of her occasions ;
and this continued till about February following, and then,
when she did come, it was as birds pecking her legs or
pricking her with the motion of their wings ; and then it
would rise up into her stomach, with pricking pain, as
nails and pins ; of which she did bitterly complain, and
cry out like a woman in travail ; and after that it would
rise up to her throat in a bunch like a pullet's egg, and
then she would turn back her head and say, " AVitch, ye
sha'n't choke me."
In the times of this extremity the church appointed a
day of humiliation, to seek God on her behalf ; and there-

174 APPENDIX L
upon her trouble ceased, and she saw goodwife Martin no
more for a considerable time, for which the church, instead
of the day of humiliation, gave thanks for her deliverance.
She came to meeting and went about her business as be
fore. This continued till April following, at which time
summonses were sent to the said Elizabeth Brown and
goodwife Osgood by the court to give their evidences con
cerning the said Martin ; and they did, before the grand
jury, give a full account.
After which tirae the said Elizabeth told this deponent
that, as she was milking of her cow, the said Susanna Mar
tin came behind her and told her that she would make her
the miserablest creature for defaming her name at the
court, and wept grievously as she told it to this deponent.
About two months after this deponent came home from
Hampton, and his said wife would not own him, but said
they were divorced, and asked him whether he did not
meet with one Mrs. Bent of Albury, in England, by whom
he was divorced. And from that time to this very day
she has been under a strange kind of distemper and frenzy,
incapable of any rational action, though strong and healthy
of body. He further testifyeth that when she came into
that condition this deponent [got] Drs. Fuller and Crosby
to come to her for her release, but they did both say that
her distemper was supernatural ; no sickness of body, but
that some evil person had bewitched her.
Sworn the 11th of May, Anno Domini 1692, before me,
Robert Pike, Assistant. 10 ; 3, 1692.»
Concerning the truth of what is sworn by Wifiiam
Brown concerning his wife, with respect to her being a ra-
* May 16th, 1692.

APPENDIX L 175
tional woman before she was so handled, and of her now
present condition, and her so long continuance, all that
then knew her and now know her can testify to the truth
of it, for she yet remains a miserable creature, of which
myself is a witness. Robert Pike.
The deposition of Joseph Ring of Salisbury, aged tioen-
ty-seven years. Being sworn, saith : That about the latter
end of September last, being in the wood with his brother,
Jarvis Ring, hewing of timber, his brother went home with
his team and left this deponent alone to finish the hewing of
the [timber] for him  to carry when he came again.
But as soon as his brother was gone there carae to this depo
nent the appearance of Thomas Hardy, of the great island
at Piscataway, and by some impulse he was forced to fol
low him to the house of Henry Tuker, which was desert
ed, and was about half a mile from the place he was at
work in, and in that house didappear Susanna Martin of
Amesbury, and the aforesaid Hardy, and another female
person, which the deponent did not know. There they
had a good fire and drink. It seemed to be cider. They
continued most part of- the night. Said Martin was then
in her natural shape, and talked as she used to do. But
toward the morning the said Martin went from the fire,
made a noise, and turned into the shape of a black hog,
and went away, and so did the other person go away, and
this deponent was strangely carried away also, and the first
place he knew was by Samuel Weed's house in Amesbury.
Sworu by Joseph Ring, May 13th, 1692, before rae,
Robert Pike, Assistant.
Jarvis Sing of Salisbury maketh oath as followeth :
That about seven or eight years ago he had been several

176 APPENDIX L
times afflicted in the night-time by somebody or something
coming up upon him when he was in bed, and did sorely
afflict him by lying upon him ; and he could neither move
nor speak whfie it was upon him, but sometimes made a
kind of noise that folks did hear him and come up to him,
and as soon as anybody came it would be gone. Thus it
did for a long time bother him, but he did never see any
body clearly but one time  But one time in the
night it came upon me as at other times, and I did then
see the person Susanna Martin of Amesbury. I, this depo
nent, did perfectly see her  come to this deponent
and took him by the hand and bit him  by force,
and then came and lay upon him awhile as [before] ; and
after awhile went away.
[Some of this paper gone.]
Sworn to before Robeet Pike, Assistant.
The testimony of John Pressy of Amesbury, aged fifty-
three years or thereabout, taken before me, at my house at
Salisbury, the eleventh day of May, Anno Domini, 1692,
is as followeth : That about twenty-four years ago he, this
deponent, was at Amesbury ferry upon a Saturday, in the
evening, near about the shutting in of the daylight (which
was about three mfies frora his house) ; and as he was go
ing home, a little beyond the field of George Martin, at a
hill called Goodall's Hifi, the deponent was bewfidered and
lost his way ; and having wandered awhile he carae back
again to the same place, which he knew by stooping trees
in that place ; which perceiving, he set out again and
steered by the moon, which shone bright, and was again
lost, and came back again to the same place. And then
set out the third time in like manner, and was bewildered
and came back, but not so far as before, but knew where

APPENDIX L 177
he was, and so set himself in his way as before. And in
less than half a mile going he saw a light stand on his left
hand, about two rods out of the way. It seemed to be
about the bigness of a half bushel, but this deponent kept
on his way and left it ; and in a number of seven or eight
rods going it appeared again, at the like distance from him
as before, and so it did again the third tirae ; but the de
ponent passed on his way, and in less than twenty rods
going the same or such another light lay in his way ; and
he having a stick in his hand did, with the end of it, en-
dea\'or to stir it oiit of the place, and to give it sorae sraall
blows. And the light seemed to bristle up and wave frora
side to side, as a turkey-cock when he spreads his tail, but
went not out of the place. Which perceiving, this depo
nent laid on with his stick with all his might ; he thinks
he gave her at least forty blows ; and so was going away
to leave it, but, as he was going, his heels were struck up
and he laid on his back on the ground, and was sliding
into a deep place (as to him seemed), but taking hold of
some brush or bushes he recovered himself, and having
lost his coat, which he had upon his arm, went back to the
light, saw his coat, and took it up and went home without
any more disturbance. He further saith. That he does not
know any such pit to be in the place that he was sliding
into. He also saith, That when he did strike at the light
he did certainly feel a substance with his stick.
He further saith. That after his striking it, and his re
covering himself and going on his way as aforesaid, when
he had gone about five or six rods he saw Susanna Mar
tin, then wife of George Martin of Amesbury, standing on
his left hand, as the light had done there. She stood
and looked upon him, and turned her face after him,
as he went along, but said .nothing or did nothing to
8*

178 APPENDIX I.
this deponent, as he went home as aforesaid. Only he
never went to his own house, but knowing the ground he
was upon, returned and found his own house ; but being
then seized with fear, could not speak till his wife spoke
to him at the door, and was in such condition that his fam
ily was afraid of him. Which story being carried to the
town the next day, it was upon inquiry understood that
the said goodwife Martin was in such a miserable case,
and in such pain, that they swathed her body (as was re
ported). This deponent further saith, That those things being
noised abroad, Major Pike sent for this deponent and had
an account of the case, but seemed to be troubled that
this deponent had not told him of it in season, that she
might have been viewed, to have seen what her ailment
was. Sworn to before Robert Pike, Assistant.
The deposition of John Pressy, aged fifty-three, and Ma-
rah his ivife, aged forty-six or thereabout, who, testifying,
say : That some years after that the said Johu Pressy had
given his evidence against the said Susanna Martin, she,
the said Martin, came and took these deponents to do
about it, and revded thera with many foul words, saying
we had took a false oath, and said that we should never
prosper for our so doing, particularly that we should never
have but two cows, and that if we were ever so likely to
have more, yet we should never obtain it.
We do further testify. That frora that tirae to this day
we have never exceeded that nuraber, but something or
other hath prevented it, though never so likely to obtain
it, though they had used all ordinary means for obtaining
it by hiring cows of others that were not thoir own.
John Pressy made oath to the truth of all that is above

APPENDIX I. 179
written at my house in Salisbury, the eleventh day of May,
Aimo Domini 1692, before me, Robeet Pike, Assistant.
The deposition of Barnard Peake, aged forty-three or
thereabout, who, testifying, saith : That about six or seven
years since, this deponent, living at the house of Jacob Mo-
rell, in Salisbury, being in bed on a Lord's Day night, ho
heard a scrabbling at the window ; he, this deponent, saw
Susanna Martin, wife of George Martin of Amesbury, come
in at the window and jump down upon the fioor. She was
in her hood and scarf, and the same dress that she was iu
before at meeting the sarae day. Being come in, she was
coming up toward this deponent's face, but turned back to
his feet and took hold of them, and drew up his body into
a heap, and lay upon him about an hour and a half or two
hours, in all which time this deponent could not stir or
speak ; but feeling himself beginning to be loosened or
lightened, and beginning to strive, he put out his hand
among the clothes and took hold of her hand, and brought
it up to his mouth and bit three of the fingers (as he judged)
to the breaking of the bones ; which done, the said Martin
went out of the chamber down the stairs and out of tho
door. And as soon as she went away this deponent called
to the people of the house and told them what was done,
and that she, said Martin, was now gone out of the door.
This deponent did also follow her, but the people did not see
her (as they said) ; but without. the door there was a bucket
on the left hand, and there was a drop of blood in the buck
et, two more upon the snow, for there was a little flight of
snow, and there were the prints of her two feet about a foot
without the threshold, but no more footing did appear.
He further deposeih, That some tirae after this, as he

180 APPENDIX I.
supposeth about three weeks after, the said Martin desired
this deponent to come and husk corn at her house the next
Lord's Day night, and said that if I did not come it were
better that I did. But this deponent did not go, being
then living with William Osgood, of the said Salisbury, and
that night lodged in the barn upon the hay ; and about
an hour or two in the night the said Susanna Martin and
another came out of the shop into the barn, and one of
them said, " Here he is," and then came toward this depo
nent. He, having a quarter-staff, made a blow at them, but
the roof of the barn prevented it, and they went away ; but
this deponent followed them, and as they were going to
ward the window made another blow at them and struck
them both down ; but away they went out of the shop
window, and this deponent saw no more of them. And
the rumor went that the said Martin had a broken head at
the time, but the deponent cannot speak to that upon his
own knowledge.
Sworn, May 11th, 1692, before me,
Robert Pike, Assistant.
Joseph Ring of Salisbury, aged twenty-seven years, hav
ing been strangely handled for the space of almost two years,
maketh this relation upon oath, as followeth, viz. : That
in the month of June next after Casco Bay fort was taken,
this deponent, coining between Sandybeach and Harapton
town, met with Thomas Hardy of Great Island, and a com
pany of several other creatures with him. Said Hardy de
manded of this deponent two shillings, and with the dread
ful hideous shapes of these creatures, and fireballs, this de
ponent was almost frightened out of his wits, and in about
half an hour (or, indeed, he could not judge of the time)
they left him, and he came to Hampton.

APPENDIX I. 181
About ten days after, as the deponent came frora Bos
ton, between Rowley aud Newbury, this deponent was over
taken with a company of people on horseback, who passed
by him, and after they were past by him the aforesaid
Thomas Hardy turned about his horse, alit, and came back
to this deponent Avith his horse in hand, and desired the
deponent to go to Mrs. AAdiite's aud drink with hira, which
being refused, he turned away to the company, and they
all came up together, such a breadth that it seemed impos
sible to escape being trod down by them, but they went
all past, and then appeared no more.
About October following, coming from Hampton, in
Salisbury Pine Plain, a company of horses, with men and
women upon them, overtook the deponent ; and the afore
said Hardy, being one of them, came to this deponent as
before and demanded two shillings of hira, and threatened
to tear him in pieces ; to whom this deponent made no
answer ; and so he and the rest went away and left this
deponent. After this, this deponent had divers strange appear
ances, which did force him away with them unto unknown
places, where he saw meeting and feasting and dancing,
and many strange sights ; and from August last he was
dumb and could not speak till this last April.
He also relates. That there did use to come to him a
man that did present him a book, to which he would have
him set his hand, with promise of anything that he would
have, and there were presented all delectable things, per
sons, and places imaginable ; hut he refusing it, would usu
ally end with most dreadful shapes, noises, yelping and
screeching, that almost scared him out of his wits ; and
this was the usual manner of proceeding with him. One
time the book was brought and a pen offered him, and to

182 APPENDIX I.
his apprehension there was blood in the inkhorn, but he
never touched the pen. He further saith that they never
told him what he should write, and he could not speak, to
ask them what he should write.
He further saith. That in several of their merry meet
ings he has seen Susanna Martin's appearance among them.
And that day that his speech came to him again, which was
about the end of April last, as he was in bed, she did stand
by his bedside.
Sworn to, May 13th, 1692, before Robert Pike.
Be it understood that the matter about the two shillings
demanded of said Ring was this, viz. : That when Casco
was assaulted, before it was taken, Cedrach AA^alt was go
ing from Great Island in Piscataway with a party for their
relief, of which party said Ring was one ; and said Hardy
coming up into the room where said Ring was, before they
sailed, played at shuffleboard or some such game, and urged
said Ring to play. Said Ring told him he had no money,
and said Hardy lent him two shillings ; and then said Ring-
played with him, said Hardy, who won his money away
from him again, and so he could not then pay him.
This account was by said Ring given to rae.
Robert Pike, Assistaiit.
The deposition of John Kimball of Amesbury, aged for
ty-five or upward, who, testifying, saith : That about twen
ty-three years ago this deponent, being about to reraove
from Newbury to Amesbury, having bought a piece of
land of George Martin of Amesbury, for which he was to
pay him in cattle or goods upon a certain day in the March
fofiowing, and when the day of payment was come Mar
tin and his wife came for the pay, and the said Kimball

APPENDIX L 183
offered them the choice of three cows and Other cattle,
but did vest two cows, which they were not free to part
with, they being the first that ever they had ; and Martin
himself was satisfied with their pay, but Susanna his wife,
understanding from this deponent and his wife that they
would not part with one of these two cows, the said Su
sanna Martin said, " It had been as good if you had, for
they will never do you any more good." And so it carae
to pass, for next Aprfi following that very cow lay in the
fair dry yard, with her head to her side, but stark dead ;
and when she was fleeced no irapediraent did appear in her,
for she was a stout lusty cow. And in a little while after
another cow died, and then an ox, and then other cattle, to
the value of thirty pounds that spring.
Sworn by John Kimball, May 16th, 1692, before
Robert Pike, Assistant.
John Kimball of Amesbury, aforementioned, further de
poseih : That same year, after he was come to live at Ames
bury, and was dwelling in the house of Edmund Elliott, he
was minded to get a dog, and hearing that the wife of said
George Martin had a bitch that had whelps, this deponent
went to her to get one of her; but she not letting him have
his choice, he did not absolutely agree for any, but said he
heard one Blaisdell had a bitch by which he raight supply
himself ; but if not there, or nowhere else, he would have
hers at her price. But being upon that account at said
Blaisdell's, and having marked the whelp that I agreed for,
George Martin, coming by, asked me whether I would not
have one of his wife's puppies, to which this deponent made
answer in the negative.
The sarae day Eliot said that he was at the house of the
said Martin, and heard the said Martin ask his wife whether

184 APPENDIX L
this deponent were not to have one of the puppies, and she
said he was. Then, said he, he has got one of goodman
Blaisdell's, and he saw hira choose it and mark it ; to which
his said wife said, " If I live I'U give him puppies enough."
AA^thin a few days after this, this deponent coming from
his intended house in the woods to Edmund Elliott's house,
where I dwelt, about the sunset or presently after, there
did arise a little black cloud in the north-west and a few
drops of rain, and the wind blew pretty hard. In going
between the house of John Wood and the meeting-house
the said deponent came by several stumps of trees hy the
wayside. He, by impulse he can give no reason of, that
made him tumble over the stumps one after another, though
he had his axe upon his shoulder, which put him in danger,
and raade hira resolve to evade the next, but could not.
And when he came a little below the meeting-house there
did appear a little thing like a puppy, of a darkish color.
It shot between my legs forward and backward,  and
this deponent, being free from all fear, used all possible en
deavor to cut it with his axe, but could not hurt it ; and as
he was thus belaboring with his axe, the puppy gave a little
jump toward hira and seemed to go into the ground. In
a little farther going there did appear a black puppy some
what bigger than the first, but as black as a coal to his ap
prehension, which came against hira with great violence,
and its quick motions did exceed his motions of his axe, do
what he could ; and it fiew at his belly and away, and then
at his throat, and over his shoulder one way, and go off,
and up and at it again another way ; and with such quick
ness, speed, and violence did it assault him, as if it would
tear out his throat or belly. A good while I was without
fear, but at last I felt my heart to fail, and sunk under it,
that I thought my life was going out. I recovered myself

APPENDIX I. 185
and gave a start up and ran to the fence, cafiing upon God
and naming the narae Jesus Christ, and then it invisibly
went away. My raeaning is, it ceased at once, but this de
ponent made it not known to anybody.
The next morning Edmund Elliott (as he told abroad
and in his own house) said that he, going toward the house
of said Martin to look after his oxen, went in to light his
pipe, and the said ^Martin's wife asked him where Kimball
was. Said Elliott said, "Abed with his wife, for aught he
knew." " Then," said she, " They say he was frightened
last night." " AVith what ?" said Elliott. She said, " With
puppies." Efiiott replied that he heard nothing of it, and
asked where she heard it. She said, "About the town."
AVhich story (said Elliott having told it) was all the town
over when this deponent carae home at night; for he had
heen all the day alone in the woods at work at his frame.
Sworn to May 16th, 1692, by John Kirabafi, before
Robert Pike, Assistant.
The deposition of John Allen of Salisbury, aged forty-
fiue years, xoho, testifying, sa.ith : That in or about the year
 this deponent was hauling timber for Mr. George
Carr, for building a vessel at Amesbury, at Mr. Goodin's
building place, and having done and about to go home,
Susanna Martin, then wife of George Martin, desired this
deponent to cart staves for them, which this deponent re
fused to do, because of his oxen, which were weak and
needed now to get flesh. She seemed to be discontent, and,
as James Freez and others then present told this depo
nent, she said, " It had been as good if I had, for my oxen
should never do me much more service ;" upon which this
deponent said, " Dost threaten me, thou old witch ?" or words
to that effect, resolving to throw her into a brook that was

186 APPENDIX I.
fast by, which to avoid, she fled over the bridge and so
escaped. But, as he was going home, one of his oxen so
tired that he was forced to unyoke him to get him horae.
And after they were corae home, he put the said oxen to
Salisbury Beach, where several other oxen were, and where
cattle are usually put, where they had long range of mead
ows to feed on, and where cattle did use to get flesh. But
in a few days all the oxen upon the beech, we found by
their tracks, were gone to the mouth of the river Merri
mack, but not returned from thence, and we thought they
were run into the said river. But the next day, sending to
Plum Island, found their tracks there to be come ashore,
which tracks they followed to the other end of the said isl
and, and a considerable way back again, and there sat down.
Being espied by those that sought them, they did use all
imaginable gentleness to them to get some acquaintance,
which sorae of them seeraed to attend ; but all on a sud
den away they all ran with such violence as if their mo
tion had been diabolical, till they came near the mouth of
Merrimack River, and then turned to the right hand and
ran right into the sea, all but two old oxen, which had
before left their company. All the rest went to sea as far
as they could see them, and then one of them came hack
again with such swiftness as was amazing to behold, by
those who stood ready to embrace him and help his tired
carcass up. But, letting him loose, away he ran up into
the island, and from thence through the marshes up to
Newbury tov.'u, and so up into their woods, and there he
was after awhile found about Hartchok River, over against
Amesbury;' so that of fourteen good oxen only that one
was saved ; the rest never came. At last some came up at
Cape Ann, some in one place and sorae in another, but of
them they only had the hides.

APPENDIX L 187
//(' further saith, That tho abovesaid James Frecz did
move the prosecuting of the said Susanna Martin in the
case, being undoubtedly confident that she was a witch.
Lieutenant John Allen made oath to tho truth of the
above, June 7tli, 1692, before Robert Pike, Assistant.
The deposition of Barnard Peake, aged forty - tioo or
thereabout, testifieth : That about ton years ago this depO'
nent, living with AA''illiam Osgood of Salisbnry, he, said Os
good, had an ox hurt and he killed him. George Martin,
of Amesbury, desired to have some of the beef, but was
denied and went away discontent. And the next day one
of the goodliest cows my said master Osgood had was in
such a mad fright that two men had much ado to get her
into the house where she had usually been tied up, she did
so run and fly about. The next day she, being let out,
went away with the other cattle (well and lusty as far as
we could discern), but came home at evening very ill, hav
ing lumps under her eyes as big as walnuts, and died the
same night.
Sworn at Salisbury, the 20th day of May, 1692, before
me, Robert Pike, Assistant.
The deposition of Robert Downer of Salisbury, aged for-
ty-ttoo years, who testifies and says : That several years ago
Susanna Martin, the then wife of George Martin, being
brought to court for a witch, the said Downer had some
words with her (she at that time attending Mrs. Light at
Salisbury). This deponent, araong other things, told her
he believed that she was a witch, by what was said or wit
nessed against her ; at which she seemed not wefi affected,
and said that a she devil would fetch hira away shortly.

188 APPENDJX I.
At which this deponent was not much moved, biit at night,
as he lay in his bed in his own house alone, there came in
at his window the likeness of a cat, and by-and-by came up
to his bed, took fast hold of his throat, and lay hard upon
him a considerable while, and was like to throttle him. At
length he minded what Susanna Martin threatened him
with the day before. Tie strove what he could, and said,
"Avoid, thou she devil, in the narae" of the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Ghost," and then it let him go, and went down
upon the fioor and went out at the window again.
He further saith. That the next morning, before ever he
had said anything of it, some of that family asked him
about it (as from her own).
Mrs. Mary Andrus, aged forty years, testifies : That she
did hear the said Susanna Martin threaten or tell the said
Robert Downer that a she devil would fetch him away
shortly. She further saith. That from some of her father's
family she did hear that the said Susanna Martin told
them how said Downer was served that night that he was
afflicted as abovesaid.

APPENDIX II.

CASE OF MARY BRADBURY, CONVICTED FOR WITCH
CRAFT.
[From Upham's Histoi-y.]
Marv Bradbury is described, in the indictment against
her, as the " wife of Captain Thomas Bradbury, of Salis
bury, in the county of Essex, gentleman." A few of the
documents that are preserved, belonging to her case, will
give some idea what sort of a person she was :
The Answer of Mary Bradbury to the Charge of Witch
craft, or Familiarity loith the Devil.
" I do plead 'Not guilty.' I am whofiy innocent of any
such wickedness, through the goodness of God that have
kept "me hitherto. I am the 'servant of Jesus Christ, and
have given myself up to him as my only Lord and Saviour,
and to the dfiigent attendance upon him in all his holy or
dinances, in utter contempt and defiance of the devil and
all his works, as horrid and detestable, and, accordingly,
have endeavored to frame my life and conversation accord
ing to the rules of his holy word ; and in that faith and
practice resolve, by the help and assistance of God, to con
tinue to my life's end.
" For the truth of what I say, as to matter of practice,
I humbly refer myself to my brethren and neighbors that
know me, and unto the Searcher of all hearts, for the truth

190 APPENDIX IL'
and uprightness of ray heart therein (human frailties and
unavoidable infirmities excepted, of which I bitterly com
plain every day). Mary Bbadbuey." July 2Sth, 1692.
" Concerning my beloved wife, Mary Bradbury, this is
what I have to say : AVe have been married fifty-five years,
and she hath been a loving and faithful wife to me. Unto
this day she hath been wonderful laborious, diligent, and in
dustrious, in her place and eraployraent, about the bring
ing up of our family (which have been eleven chUdren of
our own and four grandchildren). She was both prudent
and provident, of a cheerful spirit, liberal and charitable.
She, being now very aged and weak, and grieved under
her affliction, may not be able to speak much for herself,
not being so free of speech as some others may be. I hope
her life and conversation have been such among her neigh
bors as gives a better and more real testimony of her than
can be expressed by words.
" Owned by me, Thomas Bradbury."
The Rev. James Allen made oath before Robert Pike, an
Assistant and Magistrate, as follows : " I, having lived nine
years in Salisbury in the work of the ministry, and now
four years in the office of a pastor, to my best notice and
observation of Mrs. Bradbury she hath lived according to
the rules of the Gospel among us ; was a constant attender
upon the ministry of the Word and all the ordinances of
the Gospel ; full of works of charity and mercy to the sick
and poor : neither have I seen or heard anything of her
unbecoming the profession of the Gospel."
Robert Pike also affirraed to the truth of Mr. Allen's
statement, from " upward of fifty years' experience," as did

APPENDIX II. 191
John Pike also ; they both declared themselves ready and
desirous to give their testimony before the court.
One hundred and seventeen of her neighbors — the larger
part of them heads of families, and embracing the most
respectable people of that vicinity — signed their names to
a paper, of which the following is a copy :
" Concerning Mrs. Bradbury's life and conversation, we,
the subscribers, do testify, that it was such as became the
Gospel ; she was a lover of the ministry in all appearance,
and a dfiigent attender upon God's holy ordinances, being
of a courteous and peaceable disposition and carriage.
Neither did any of us (some of whora have lived in the
town with her above fifty years) ever hear or ever know
that she ever had any difference or falling out with any
of her neighbors — man, woman, or child — but was always
ready and willing to do for thera what lay in her power,
night and day, though with hazard of her health or other
danger. More might be spoken in her commendation, but
this for the present."
Although this aged matron and excellent Christian lady
was convicted and sentenced to death, it is most satisfac
tory to find that she escaped from prison, and her life was
saved. The following facts show the weight which ought to
have been attached to these statements. The position, as
well as character and age, of Mary (Perkins) Bradbury en
titled her to the highest consideration in the structure of
society at that time. This is recognized in the title " Mrs."
uniformly given her. She had been noted through life
for business capacity, energy, and influence; and, in 1692,
was probably seventy-five years of age, and somewhat in
firm in health. Her husband, Thomas Bradbury, had been
a prominent character in the colony for more than fifty

192 APPENDIX H.
years. In 1641 he was appointed, hy the General Court,
Clerk of the AAh'its for Salisbury, with the functions of a
Magistrate, to execute all sorts of legal processes in that
place. He was a Deputy in 1651 and many subsequent
years ; a Comraissioner for Salisbury in 1657, empowered to
act in all criminal cases, and to bind over offenders, where
it was proper, to higher courts ; to take testimonies upon
oath, and to join persons in marriage. He was required to
keep a record of all his doings. If the parties agreed to
that effect, he was authorized to hear and determine cases
of every kind and degree, without the intervention of a
jury. The towns north of the Merrimack, and all beyond,
now within the limits of New Hampshire, constituted the
county of Norfolk, and Thomas Bradbury, for a long se
ries of years, was one of its commissioners and associate
judges 
Robert Piko, born in 1616, was a Magistrate in 1644.
He was Deputy from Salisbury in 1648, and many times
after; Associate-justice for Norfolk in 1650, and Assistant
in 1682, holding that high station, 'by annual elections, to
the close of the first charter, and during the whole period
of the intervening and insurgent government. He was
named as one of the Council that succeeded to the House
of Assistants, when, under the new charter, Massachusetts
became a royal province. He was always at the head of
mfiitary affairs, having been commissioned, by the General
Court, lieutenant of the Salisbury train-band in 1648; and
in the later years of his life he held the rank and title of
major. John Pike, probably his son, resided in Hampton
in 1691, and was minister of Dover at his death, in I7l0.
Surely the attestations of such men as the Pikes, father
and son, and the Rev. James Allen, to the Christian excel
lence of Mary Bradbury, must be allowed to corroborate

APPENDIX II. 193
fully the declarations of her neighbors, her husband, and
herself 
The habit of maligning Mrs. Bradbury as a witch dated
back in the Carr family more than thirteen years 
But the whole of George Carr's family did not sympa
thize in this morbid state of prejudice, or cherish such fool
ish and malignant fancies against Mrs. Bradbury. One of
the sons (AAllham) had married, August 20th, 1672, Eliza
beth, daughter of Robert Pike. It appears by the follow
ing deposition, which is in the handwriting of Major Pike,
that there had been another love affair between the fami
lies, leading to a melancholy result — inflaming stfil more'
the morbid and malign prejudice against Mrs. Bradbury.
But AVfiliara repudiated it utterly.
"The testimony of William Carr, aged forty-one, or
thereabout, is : That my brother, John Carr, when he was
young, was a man of as good capacity as most men of his
age ; but faUing in love with Jane True (now wife of Cap
tain John March), and my father being persuaded by [  ]
of the famfiy (which I shall not name) not to let hira raar-
ry so young, my father would not give him a portion,
whereupon the match broke off ; which my brother laid so
much to heart that he grew melancholy, and by degrees
much crazed, not being the man that he was before to his
dying day.
"/ do further testify. That my said brother was sick
about a fortnight or three weeks, and then died, and I was
present with him when he died. And I do affirm that he
died peaceably and quietly, never manifesting the least
trouble in the world about anybody, or did not say any-
thino- of Mrs. Bradbury or anybody else doing him hurt;
and yet I was with him tfil the breath and life were out of
his body." 3

194 APPENDIX II.
The usual form, jurat in curia, is written at the foot of
this deposition, but evidently by a much later hand ; and
this leads me to mentioji the improbability that any testi
mony in favor of the accused ever reached the court at the
trials. They had no counsel. The attorney-general had
prejudged all the cases, and his mind and those of the
judges repudiated utterly anything like an investigation.
Every friendly voice was silenced. The doors were closed
against the defence. Robert Pike, an Assistant under the
old and a Councifior under the new government, endeav
ored in vain to enter them.

APPENDIX III.

SOME TRANSACTIONS OF ROBERT PIKE IN REAL ESTATE,
FROM 1651 TO 1705.
PUBCHASES OF LAND.
Lieutenant Robert Pike of Salisbury, for the sura of
forty-five pounds, bought of Chris. Batt of Boston, with
consent of Ann Batt his wife, " a certain planting-lot, con
taining by estimation twenty acres, more or less, now ly
ing and being within the bounds of the town of Salisbury
aforesaid : bounded with the south-west on the planting-lot
of Air. AVilliam Worcester, and with the north-east upon
the Little River, and with the north-west upon the town's
common, to have," etc. — 11th d., 9th m., 1651.
Lieutenant Robert Pike of Salisbury bought of John
Sanders, of said Salisbury, for seven pounds, " a certain
parcel of meadow (part of my ten-acre meadowdot in the
great meadows), containing by estimation one acre and a
half, more or less, as it is laid out and bounded, unto the
said Robert Pike ; and also a plantingdot lying upon the
Hoghouse Neck, forraerly the lot of Mr. Thomas Dummer,
containing by estimation twelve acres, more or less, lying
between the lot of Robert Ring and Mr. Hook's farm, but
ting upon the meadows with the north-west, and upon the
land that was formerly Rolfe Blesdale's with the south-east,
all the said land now lying and being within the bounds of

196 APPENDIX III.
the town of Salisbury aforesaid. Provided also, that the
said Lieutenant Pike, his heirs and assigns, are to enjoy a
highway through Mr. Dow's neck of upland (adjoining to
the said meadows) unto the said meadow forever." — Au
gust 4th, 1651.
Lieutenant Robert Pike of Salisbury bought, " for a vah
nable sum," of Anthony Stanian and wife Anne, " a plant
ingdot containing by estimation six acres, more or less,
with an addition thereunto, the said land lying and being
within the bounds of the town of Salisbury, and bound
ed with the heads of Mr. Monday's, John Sanders's, Mrs.
Bfies's, Robert Ring's, and part of Mr. Dow's plantingdots
on the one side, and with the lands of Mr. AVinsley, John
Rolfe, Widow Browne, Joseph Moyce, John Eaton, Sr., and
Richard AVells on the other part (always provided there be
a highway left through the addition where the town of
Salisbury shafi appoint)." — 6th d., 11th m., 1657.
Lieutenant Robert Pike, for forty shfilings, bought of
Edward French of said Salisbury about one half-acre of
fresh marsh, " upon the north side of the Little River, ly
ing encompassed with the ditch of the said Edward French,
and a point of upland and the Little River, and part of the
said Lieutenant Robert Pike's meadow, the said meadow
lying within the bounds of the town of Salisbury." — March
31st, 1658.
Lieutenant Robert Pike of Salisbury bought of Thomas
Rowell and wife Marjory of Andover, " all my farm in
the said town of Salisbury, containing by estimation six-
score acres, be it more or less, viz. : twenty acres of it was
granted by the town of Salisbury, twenty acres more bought
of John Bayley of the town of Salisbury, forty acres bought
of Mr. Samuel Hale, and forty acres bought of Mr. Thomas
Bradbury, which was some time John Hoges's ; all which

APPENDIX III. 197
several parcels of land aro situate, lying, and being within
the bounds of Salisbury, up at the new town, butting at
the one end upon tho farms belonging to the said old
town, which buts upon the great pond toward tho north
east, and butting at the other end upon Merrimack River
toward the south-west, having the land of goodman AA^ells
toward the south-east, and the land comraon toward the
north-west."— April 5th, 1659.
Major Robert Pike of Salisbury bought of AAalliam Hunt
ington, Alay 20th, 1660, "about twenty acres in the River
division, Amesburj', and confirmed by deed by said Hunt
ington's only son and heir, John Huntington, situated be
tween the lands of said Pike and Samuel Foot and on Hav
erhill highway, granted originally to AValter Taylor," etc.
—August 23d, 1704.
Captain Robert Pike of Salisbury bought of Richard
Ormsby, of Rehobeth, in Plymouth Colony, " all his right,
etc., in lands, meadows, and commonages, with all the priv
ileges, appurtenances, and immunities thereunto belonging
or appertaining, to any part or parcel of the aforesaid
lands." — Alay 12th, 1663. Not acknowledged, but John
Ormsby, eldest son of said Richard Ormsby, then deceased,
" saith that he was present when his father did seal and
deliver this deed, and did see him do it as his act and deed
taken upon oath, November 18th, 1664, before Samuel Sy
monds; and said John Ormsby quit-claimed it September
10th, 1705, and acknowledged it September I7th, 1705."
Captain Robert Pike of Salisbury bought of William
Barnes and wife Rachel of Salisbury, " about two acres in
Salisbury new town, on Merrimack River, it being the
grantor's portion of the land purchased of the Indians,
bounded by the highway westerly, and by Robert Pike
northerly."— AVltnessed by Dorothy Pike, July 10th, 1662.

198 APPENDLS IH.
Captain Robert Pike of Salisbury bought of William
Huntington and wife Joanne twenty acres upland, " being
in Salisbury new town, abutting upon a lot of John Weed
southerly, and the common land northerly ; bounded west
erly with a lot of Edmund Elliott, and easterly with the
lot of Walter Taylor."— July 20th, 1663.
Captain Robert Pike of Salisbury, planter, bought of
Mrs. Rebecca Worcester of Salisbury, " about three acres of
fresh marsh, which had been given to her former husband,
Mr. Henry Bylie, by the town of Salisbury, bounded with
a creek running between the marsh of Mr. Edward Wood
man in part, and the marsh of John Rolfe in part, and tho
said purchased premises running to the upland, and with
the lot of John Clough south-easterly, and the rest of the
said marsh encompassed with the little neck of upland." —
April 1st, 1663.
Captain Robert Pike of Salisbury bought of Robert Ring
of said Salisbury " about sixty acres, on the east side of
way over the old bridge, bounded southerly frora said
bridge by the land of the said Captain Robert Pike in part,
and by the lot of Mr. Worcester in part, and by the land of
George Goldwire in part, and by the meadowdand of Ed
ward French, and by the meadow-lot of the said Pike,
which he bought of Mr. Chris. Batt, sometime of Salisbury
aforesaid, deceased, and from thence northerly to the ac
complishment of the said sixty acres, abutting easterly upon
Mr. Wheelwright's ditch, so called, from that end of it join
ing to the said Robert Pike's meadow, bounded northerly
by the cow common of the land." — SOth d., 9th m., 1665.
Captain Robert Pike of Salisbury bought of John Weed
and wife Deborah " ten acres of upland, lying and being in
the limits of the town of Amesbury aforesaid, butting
northerly upon the lots of Samuel Foot, Walter Taylor,

APPENDIX in. 199
and AVifiiam Huntington, westerly upon a lot of Edward
Elliott, southerly on Merrimack River, easterly in p^t upon
the laud called Jones's Hfil and partly upon the lot of AVil
liam Barnes ; also, a lot of upland containing by estimation
twenty acres, more or less, as it is laid out by the iotdayors,
unto Ed. Elliott, bounded easterly in part by my aforemen
tioned ten acres of upland and partly by a lot of Samuel
Foot, northerly by the farms, westerly by a lot of John
Colby, now in possession of Tho. Niools, and southerly by
Merrimack River ; as also five small lots in that which is
called the Indian field, ono of them being my own, another
that was Jarett Hadon's, another that was John Colby's,
another that was George Martin's, another that was AA'il-
liam Huntington's, as they were laid out and bounded, all
abutting southerly upon Merrimack River." — March 18th,
1670. Major Robert Pike of Salisbury bought of Thoo. Atkin
son, Sr., of Boston, " a certain parcel or tract of upland ly
ing and being within the precincts of the town of Boston
aforenamed, containing twenty rods, and bounded as here
after is expressed, viz. : Four rods in breadth upon the
front, facing the highway leading up to the Fort Hill, and
so five rods back in length, bounded with the land of mo,
the said Theo. Atkinson, upon tho east, north, and west." —
November 9th, 1672.
" Major Pike : Richard Dole of Neiobury, merchant,
sendeth greeting. Know ye, that whereas my dear uncle,
John Rolfe, formerly of Salisbury, in the county of Nor
folk, in New England aforesaid, yoeman, did in his lifetime
sell unto Major Robert Pike, of Salisbury aforesaid, all a
certain parcel of land, being by estimation fourteen acres,
be it more or be it less, as it is granted, entered in the rec
ords of Salisbury and bounded easterly and part north-

200 APPENDIX m.
erly by land called Mr. Monday's pasture, part northerly
and westerly by land formerly William Partridge's, and
now in the possession of the said Pike, and on all other
sides also encompassed with the lands of the said Pike's pas
ture ; all situate and being upon a neck of land called the
Hoghouse Neck, or leading toward it, and on the north
side thereof, in Salisbury." Rolfe deceased without giv
ing a deed, and Dole deeded it to Major Pike, July Sth,
1678. Major Robert Pike of Salisbury bought of William Sar-
geant of Amesbury, merchant, " two parcels of land in Ames
bury, bounded by Merrimack River southerly, and by other
land of said Pike northerly, commonly called Jane's Hill
or field, which was by her reserved when the rest was by
the other Indians sold to the town of Amesbury, and af
terward by her or hers sold unto me ;" about six acres,
" bounded also westerly by a ten-acre lot now in the hands
or possession of said Pike, which was formerly John Weed's.
The other piece contains two acres, raore or less; is the most
easterly lot of all the sraall lots that were divided among
the then inhabitants of that land, which the said town
bought of the Indians within the township of Amesbury,
at the place called the Indian Ground, by Merrimack River,
it being the lot that was laid out to my dear father, Wil
liam Sargeant, and the last lot in number," etc, — ^AA'itness-
ed by Robert Pike, Jr., June 5th, 1685, and recorded March
27th, 1711.
Major Robert Piko of Salisbury, in the late county of
Norfolk, bought of Peter Coffin of Dover, in the county
of Dover and Portsmouth, New Hampshire, " a parcel of
land he had of George Goldwire of Salisbury, May 14th,
1678, which consisted of half of the planting-lot of about
twenty acres, lying and being upon the east of the said

APPENDIX III. 201
Goldwire's housedot, and upon the west of Mr. AVorcos-
ter's planting-lot, and upon the north of the said Gold-
wire's meadowdot ; as also the one full and complete half
part of the great meadowdot lying at the south end of the
said planting-lot, butting upon the west side of the Little
Puvcr and upon the north side of the Great Neck, the
whole being sixteen acres, as by the records doth appear.
The said lands now lying and being within the bounds of
the town of Salisbury aforesaid, originally belonging to ,
Mr. Samuel Dudley, as by the grant of the said town doth
appear." — October 16th, 1686.
Major Robert Pike of Salisbury bought of John French,
Sr., of said Salisbury, " all that lot or proportion of land
granted and laid out to me, the said John French, in that
division of land lying and being in the east division of land
laid out to the commoners of Salisbury aforesaid, being the
first lot in number, as by said Salisbury town book of rec
ord doth appear ; the said lot or division of land contain
ing twenty-five acres, be the same more or less, and bound
ed as followeth : with the lot or division of land laid out
to the original right of John Ellsly on the northerly side,
and on the southerly side the great plain lots, and with
the westerly end butting upon a highway, and the easterly
end butting upon the country road; the aforementioned
premises lying and being within the bounds and township
of Salisbury."— June I7th, 1691.
exchanges of land with THOMAS BEADBUEY.
Major Robert Pike of Salisbury, planter, " for a valuable
consideration in land, made sure unto me by a deed of sale
under the hand and seal of Mr. Thomas Bradbury of the
same town, bearing even date with these presents, confirms
unto the said Thomas Bradbury all my ten -acre lot of
9*

202 APPENDIX IH.
upland, be the same more or less, now lying and being
within the bounds of the town of Salisbury aforesaid, lying
between the land of Thomas Carter and the land now in
the hands of John Bayley in part, and land in the hands of
John Stevens in part, butting with one end upon Richard
Goodale's rye lot, and with the other end upon the Pow-
ow River."— May 4th, 1668. Witnessed by John Pike,
Robert Pike, Jr., and Dorothy Pike. Acknowledged by
Major Robert Pike, 25th d., 10th m., 1671.
Major Robert Pike of Salisbury, in consideration of a
three-acre meadow-lot received of Thomas Bradbury, " but
ting upon the east end of Robert Pike's plantingdot, lying
in a cove, unto a tree upon the utmost point of upland, and
so to a mark stake upon the west side of a creek which
compasses all the easternmost side of the said meadowdot,
sold a four-acre meadow-lot in the great meadow, toward
the beach point between the meadow-lots of Mr. Henry
Monday and Robert Ring, butting with one end upon tho
Great Neck, and with the other end upon the marsh, grant
ed to Mr. Samuel Winsley ;" said meadows in Salisbury. —
Aprfi 24th, 1657. Acknowledged 25th d., 10th m., 1671.
SALES OP LAND.
Lieutenant Robert Pike of Salisbury, and wife Sarah,
" for seven pounds fourteen shillings, sold Richard Bartlett
of Newbury five acres of upland, be it more or less, as it lieth
in Newbury, near Merrimack, being bounded with the four-
acre housedot that the town laid out to John Encry on the
east, and the land of said Richard Bartlett on the west,
and Merrimack River on the north, and the high street on
the south."— Aprfi 22d, 1652.
Major Robert Pike of Salisbury, " for seven pounds, sold
Isaac Green of said Salisbury two pieces of Hall's farm in

APPENDIX III 203
Salisbury ; one piece of about one acre, bounded southerly
by Blackwater River, easterly by land that was formerly
Samuel Getchel's, now in the possession of said Green, and
the rest of it encompassed with a crock. As also a piece
of about two acres, bounded westerly and northerly with
the meadow of John Clough, easterly by land formerly John
Rolfe's, southerly by land now in possession of Benjamin
AUen."— September Sth, 1680.
Major Robert Pike of Salisbury County, late of Norfolk,
now Essex, gentleman, who, in the year 1687, gave unto
his seven chfidren meadow and marsh in Salisbury, now
deeds to his daughter Mary, wife of John Allen, "the sec
ond lot in number from said Monday's Creek, bounded
easterly by the land of her sister, Sarah Stockman, and
westerly by land of Aloses Pike, abutting southerly upon
the said Alerrimack River, and northerly by meadow of my
own as aforesaid ; all the above-said land containing three
acres, being part of a town grant to him in 1641." — Febru
ary 15th, 1691.
Robert Pike, Esq., of Salisburj'', for twenty-five pounds
in money, sold Benjamin Allen of same town a house and
about four acres of land in Salisbury, which he had of
Mott and AVinsley, " bounded with the street on the south
erly side, and on the northerly side the land of Samuel
French, and on the westerly the land forraerly of William
Allen, Sr., late deceased, and on the easterly with a high
way or a lane that leads to Samuel French's house, with all
rights," etc. — Signed by Major Pike and his wife, Martha
Pike, Alay 19th, 1692.
Major Robert Pike of Salisburj^, gentleman, for forty-
five pounds sterling of lawful silver money of New Eng
land, sold to Lieutenant John Barnard and Richard Cur
rier, of the town of Amesbury, " all that lot of upland

204 APPENDIX III.
lying and being in the township of Amesbury, and being
by grant fifty acres, lying between the upper end of the
upper range of lots and the great pond in the division of
land on the west side of the Powow River, as by Salisbui'y
town book of records." — March 11th, 1698-9, in the elev
enth year of the reign of AVilliam the Third.
Major Robert Pike of Salisbury sold to his daughter,
Dorothy Light, formerly of Portsmouth, then of Newbury,
meadow and fiat lying between Hoghouse Creek and Mon
day's Creek in Salisbury, viz. : " ono seventh part of said
meadow and fiat, as it was laid out and divided among
my seven children, being the fourth lot in number, bound
ed on the west or north-west side by the lot of my son
John, on the east or north-east side by the lot of my son
Moses Pike, butting at the upper end upon other meadow
of my own, and at the lower end upon Merrimack River." —
Witnessed by John and Robert Pike, July 10th, 1698, and
acknowledged by Major Pike, May 11th, 1704.
Robert and son. Rev. John Pike, deeded to Samuel and
Thomas Weed of Amesbury, " one messuage or tract of
land, situate, lying and being in Amesbury abovesaid, con
taining by estimation seventy acres, be the same more or
less, abutted and bounded as followeth, viz. : a lot origi
nally appertaining to Edmund Elliott, deceased, formerly
sold to Major Robert Pike by John Weed, late of Ames
bury, deceased, bounded with the lot originally of John
Colby, deceased, on the west, a highway on the north, a
lot originally of AA^illiam Huntington, deceased, on the
east, and Merrimack River on the south, and so rauch of
said lot of AA'illiam Huntington abovo-said, bounded with
said lot of Edraund Elliott on the west, a highway on the
north, and with the lot originally of Walter Taylor, de
ceased, on the east, and with part of a ten-acre lot origi-

APPENDIX HL 205
nally of said John AA''eed on the south, and part of said
ten-acre lot bounded with said Elliott's lot on the west, said
Huntington's on the north, and the remaining part of said
ten-acre lot on the east, and Merrimack River on the south.
AA"e mean and intend the whole of said Elliott's lot, and so
much of said Huntington's lot and such part of said ten-
acre lot as is interjacent and included within the line, as
the range shall carry it, from a white oak-tree to a red
oak-tree, as they now stand marked on the east side of
the demised premises, extended throughout the said tract
or parcel of land in or by this instrument mentioned or
demised, unto Merrimack River. To have," etc. — October
13th, 1704.
Robert Pike, Esq., of Salisbury, for fifteen pounds sold
to Deacon and Doctor Humphrey Bradstreet of Newbury,
" about fifteen acres, at a place in Amesbury, the Indian
grounds, bounded easterly by a lot of land formerly Enoch
Greenleaf s, since Mr. Clark's, and now in the possession
of the aforesaid Doctor Bradstreet, southerly by Merri
mack River, westerly by land known by tho name of Three
score Acres, and northerly by the rest of the Indian land."
—March 18th, 1703.
Robert Pike, Esq., of Salisbury, "in consideration of
fifty pounds in hand paid, and by bill secured to be paid
unto me, the said Pike, or my beloved daughter, Elizabeth
Carr, our heirs or assigns, by George Wathen of Amesbury,
in the county of Essex, sold to said Wathen a parcel of
land in Amesbury, which said Pike bought of Thomas
Rowell, about fifty acres, lying in between the land now
called by the name of Clark's lot on the west, and land
now in the possession of Samuel Clough on the east, abut
ting southwardly upon Merrimack River, northerly as the
lots do range from the stump of the pine-tree by the high-

206 APPENDIX III
way ; bounded eastwardly by the lot of my son, Moses
Pike, and westwardly by the lot of my daughter, Sarah
Stockman, now in the possession of Mr. Humphrey Brad
street." — August 19th, 1703.
Major Robert Pike, previous to his decease, sold to
Thomas Flanders of Salisbury a lot of about thirty acres
in Salisbury, "bounded northerly upon a river commonly
called Back River, southerly upon the highway ; bounded
easterly by a lot laid out to the right of Mr. Samuel AVins-
low, now in possession of Philip Flanders, Sr. ; bounded
westerly by a lot originally laid out to Robert Downer,
and gave him, the said Flanders, a sufficient bill of sale,
legally acknowledged, which was casually burned in the
burning of his mother's house;" and Major Pike's son,
Rev. John, gave said Thomas Flanders a now deed of the
same, November 16th, 1708.
DISPOSITION op HIS ESTATE DUEING HIS LIFE.
Gifts to his son John. — Major Robert Pike of Salis-
isbury, gentlemctn, sendeth greeting : " Know ye, that
whereas I have been for many years past possessed of a
certain tract of upland and swamp, situate, lying, and being
within the township of Amesbury, lying upon the river
Merrimack, southerly or south-easterly or south-westerly (as
we account), and a highway or common lands, in part, and
in part upon the pond farms northerly ; being bounded
easterly by Richard Wells's land, now in the possession of
Samuel Clough, and westerly hy a lot of John Colby's,
now in the possession of Thomas Nichols, within the com
pass of which is contained a twenty-acre lot of Enoch
Greenleaf, now Mrs. Clark's of Newbur}', or her heirs (to
which I claim no right) ; all which prementioncd lands,
etc., being all purchased of several men, except sixty acres

APPENDIX III. 207
by grant from the said town, as by the said grant and bill
of sale may appear, have been by mc given to my seven
chfidren, to be divided and proportioned araong thora ac
cording to the circumstances thereof, namely, to my sons,
John, Robert, and Moses, and to my daughters, Sarah, Do
rothy, Mary, and Elizabeth ; which division being now
made, and their several parts appointed and numbered, bo-
ginning at Samuel Clough's, which is cafied the first in
number, and ending at Thomas Nichols's, being the sev
enth lot in nuraber, in the bounding of which lots they
did leave out a piece upon the north end of their division
westward, because it was longer than the other lands east
ward ; and whereas my son John Pike's part is the sev
enth lot in number : Now know ye, that I, the said Robert
Pike, for divers good causes and considerations me there
unto moving, but more especially my natural love and af
fection unto my said son John Pike, and promise on his
marriage, have given, granted, aliened, enfeoffed  unto
him, my said son, all that part and parcel of the said tract
of land contained in the said seventh lot, as it is now laid
out and bounded, abutting southerly (in account) upon
Merrimack River, northerly upon the land unlaid out or
di\ided, as aforesaid, westerly by the land of Thomas Nich
ols, and easterly by the land of his, containing fifty acres,
be it more or be it less, together with all and singular the
privileges," etc. — January 20th, 1693.
Major Robert Pike, Esq., of Salisbury, upon a contract
of marriage of his son, John Pike of Dover, gave said son
" all my tract of land lying at and about the Little River,
commonly so called, in the town of Salisbury, both upland
and meadow, within fence and without, with all and singu
lar the privileges and appurtenances thereto belonging 
to come to the actual possession of it immediately after

208 APPENDIX 111.
the decease of said Alajor Pike ; and Major Pike further
more engaged that the flats and broken meadow lying on
Merrimack River, between Hoghouse Creek and Monday's
Creek, as also all my upland lying upon or near Merrimack
River at Amesbury, as also all my tract of land lying at or
near Quinebaug, shall be divided equally among all my
children, and my son John shall have his share thereof,
namely, one seventh part of that at Amesbury, and an
equal proportion of that at Quinebaug. I do also engage
that in the division and disposal of the rest of my estate I
will consider the said John," etc. — August 10th, 1694.
Major Robert Pike confirmed to his son John his, the
third in number, commencing at Hoghouse Creek and num
bering seven, given to his said Robert's seven children, etc.
—May 10th, 1700.
Gift from his wife Martha to his son John. — Martha,
with consent of her then husband. Major Robert Pike of
Salisbury, made over to his son. Rev. John Pike of Dover,
a meadow, etc., that was given to her by her former hus
band, George Goldwire, late of Salisbury, deceased, March
15th, 1676 (the other half of said meadow having been pur
chased of said George Goldwire by said Major Robert Pike,
etc.), to come into possession after her decease, he paying
her sister Greeley and her cousin, Ephraim Winsley, Sr.,
etc., certain legacies. — November 20th, 1700. Acknowl
edged December 2d, 1700.
Gifts to his son Moses. — Robert Pike, Esq., of Salis
bury, had given his son, Moses Pike, a piece of land in
Amesbury (a part of the same he purchased of Thomas
Rowell, estimated at fifty acres, bounded southerly by the
River Merrimack, westerly by the land of Elizabeth Carr,
northerly by the town highway, and easterly by the lot of
Richard Wells, now. in the possession of Samuel Clough),

APPENDIX III. 209
about the 10th of December, 1693, delivered in the pres
ence of AMlliam and Sanders Carr, and the deed, said to be
lost, was confirmed by said Robert ; and a piece of marsh,
also, called Hoghouse meadow, bounded south by the River
Merrimack, cast by the lot of John Allen, west by the lot
of John Light, and north by other marsh of the grantor's
own, the fifth lot in number. — June 29th, 1700. Acknowl
edged November 7th, 1701.
Major Robert Pike of Salisbury, county of Essex, for
merly Norfolk, for good causes, " but more especially for
that natural love and affection which I bear unto my son,
Moses Pike, of the town and county aforesaid, have given,
granted, bargained, sold, aliened, ratified, and confirmed, and
do by these presents fully and absolutely give, grant, bargain,
sell, alien, enfeoff, ratify, and by way of gift confirm unto
hira, my said son Moses, a certain tract or parcel of upland,
situate in the township of Salisbury, in that part of my past
ure lying between Mr. AVilliam Hook's farm and a ridge
commonly called Eagle's-nest HiU, which tract of upland is
bounded easterly, southerly, and westerly, by Mr. William
Hook's farm, till it comes to a place called AVilliam Brown's
Cove ; westerly and north-westerly by the tide-meadows,
northerly and easterly by that ridge of land called the
Eagle's-nest Hill, running over upon the south side of said
ridge in a straight line from the Hoghouse meadows to
tide-meadow, mentioned before, within which compass is
contained a certain lot of upland formerly belonging to
Abraham Alorrell of Salisbury, but now in the possession
of Dr. Humphrey Bradstreet of Newbur}', and is therefore
exempted out of this deed ; also, the one-half of my Hog
house meadow not yet divided and already disposed of,
with a right of commonage which formerly belonged to
my uncle, John Coles, of Salisbury, deceased, all the afore-

210 appendix; hl
said tract or parcel of upland, meadow, and commonage
withal. The use of which land and meadow, so far as he
stands in need of it, I allow him at present, unless I shall
have need to use some part of it myself, and the full enjoy
ment and possession of the whole premises immediately
after. my decease." — Septeraber 28th, 1703, and in the sec
ond year of, her Majesty's reign, our sovereign lady. Queen
Anne. Acknowledged May 11th, 1704.
Gift to his daughter Elizabeth. — Major Robert Pike,
Esq., gave to his seven children, namely, three sons and four
daughters, in 1687, in part of portion or right, a certain
piece of meadow or marsh in Salisbury, bounded by Merri
mack River southerly, a great creek (called Monday's Creek)
easterly, the Hoghouse Creek westerly, and the other mead
ow or marsh of his own northerly ; and on June 30th, 1693,
he made' the division and set-off to his daughter Elizabeth,
then wife of AVilliam Carr, and made his son Johu Pike of
Dover, New Hampshire, her trustee : " all that part of mead
ow or marsh belonging to her in the prementioned di
vision, being the sixth lot in nuraber frora Monday's Creek,
bounded easterly by the lot of her brother John Pike, and
westerly by the lot that was formerly her brother Robert
Pike's, abutting southerly upon the said Merrimack River,
and northerly upon mine own meadow, as aforesaid ; all the
above-said seventh part or division of meadow containing
three acres, more or less, being part of a town grant to me
in the year 1641, with all and singular the privileges and
appurtenances thereunto belonging; and also a certain lot
of meadow lying in that which is commonly called the
tide-meadow, formerly bought of Mrs. AA'orcester, bounded
westerly or south-westerly upon a creek that divides it from
a lot of meadow which was formerly Mr. Edward AVood-
man's, and southerly or south-easterly upon a lot formerly

appendix m. 211
in possession of John Clough ; the rest of said marsh en
compassed with a little neck of upland containing throe
acres, more or loss, with a certain tract of upland adjoining
to it, beginning at a marshy or miry creek to the south
ward, and running eastward upon a straight line over the
whole pasture till it comes to a stake or marked tree, that
shall be the bounds of it, at Daniel Aloody's pasture ; the
rest of it northerly being bounded in part by a lotof the
same pasture lately given to my daughter Sarah Stockman,
and in part hy the plantingdots of Philip Greeley, being in
estimation twenty-five acres, more or less," to be her chil
dren's after her, etc. — Sworn to in court September '30th,
1712, after the decease of said Major Robert Pike, by the
witnesses, AA'ymond Bradbury and Sarah Stockman.
Gives large tracts of Indian lands to his daughters Eliza
beth and Sarah. — Major Robert Pike and wife Sarah- of
Salisbury gave to their " dear and well-beloved children,
John Stockraan of the town of Salisbury, in New England
aforesaid, merchant, and Sarah his wife, one sixty-fourth
part of the land bought by Governor Endicott and others
of the Indians, May I4th, 1678. AVitnessed by Robert
and Moses Pike. This land (about thirty miles from north
to south and fifteen miles frora east to west) extended
" from Uncas's land lying westward, Pequot and the Nar-
ragansetts' country lying southward, to the outmost bounds,
northward and eastward, that any of the said Haguntus
and Alumpus lands do reach."
Major Robert Pike and wife Sarah gave to their beloved
children, AAdUiam Carr of Salisbury, ship-n'right, and Eliza
beth his then wife, one-eighth part of a tract of land given
by Haguntus and Alurapus Indians to Gov. John Endicott,
Esq., John Winthrop, Esq., Josiah Huse, and Amos Rich
ardson, which eighth Major Pike bought of said John En-

212 APPENDIX III.
dicott, Esq. (as per " Records of the Public Notary for the
Massachusetts Colony," book 3, pp. 80, 81).
A gift to his daughter Sarah confirmed. — Major Pike
confirmed to his daughter Sarah, widow of John Stock
man, the third lot, about fifty acres, a part of the land in
Amesbury, between lands of Samuel Clough and Thomas
Nichols, Sr. ; also, one-seventh of a lot of marshdand by
Merrimack River, between Hoghouse Creek and Alonday's
Creek, etc.— April 15tb, 1700.
A gift to the husband of his daughter Alary. — To all
Christian people to ivliom this present writing shall come,
Robert Pike, Esq., of the town of Salisbury, in the coun
ty of Norfolk, now called Essex, in the Province of the
Massachusetts Bay, in New England, sendeth greeting :
" Whereas I, tho said Robert Pike, did, in or about the
year 1680, give in portion with my daughter, Mary Pike,
a certain parcel of upland, containing by estimation forty
acres, be it more or less, now lying and being in the town
ship of Salisbury, bounded southerly by the highway lead
ing frora Salisbury to Amesbury, westerly by a way going
toward Batt's Plain, northerly by town's common, and east
erly b}'' a lot of John Severance, now in possession of Ben
jamin Eastman, and did at the sarae time give unto my
said daughter and her husband, John Allen, to confirm the
said land unto them and their children begotten between
thora, of which land ray said daughter was possessed before
in the tirae of her f orraer husband, though no writing then
given ; and whereas, in the f orementioned deed of gift to
the said John Allen and his wife and their children there
were certain encumbrances upon it, by way of entafi, to
others of my famfiy, in case of a failure of issue in the said
Alien, his wife or children, which entail might hinder the
sale of it to any other ; and whereas now, by the provi-

APPENDIX IH. 213
denco of God, my said daughter is dead, and her son, Jo
seph Andrews, whom she had by her first husband, has
been long unheard of, whereby it is doubtful that he is liv
ing ; and whereas, there are but three chfidren living here,
namely, Sarah, Alary, and Hannah Allen, and by reason of
some more than ordinary calamity befalling the said fara
ily that does necessarily call for the sale of some land for
the support or recruit of the family : Now know ye, that I,
the said Robert Pike, at the earnest request of the said
John Allen and his aforesaid children, have taken off the
said  by the entail, and do by these presents, for my
self, my heirs and assigns, executors and administrators,
fully, freely, and absolutely give, grant, and confirm the
land aforesaid unto the said John Allen and assigns and
successors. To have and to hold, with all and singular the
privileges and appurtenances, this fourteenth day of April,
one thousand six hundred and ninety-six, in the eighth year
of his Majesty's reign." — Acknowledged by Robert Pike,
Esq., before D. Pierce, Justice of the Peace, Aprfi 15th,
1700. The within Lieutenant John Allen sold the above land
to Thomas Evans, Aprfi 25th, 1696, and the same day ac
knowledged it before Robert Pike, Justice of the Peace.
—Recorded July Sth, 1701.
Gives poioer of attorney to his son John. — Robert Pike,
Esq., " being now aged, and not so well able to manage my
affairs as formerly, do . ... appoint my trusty and well-
beloved son, John Pike of Dover,  my true and law
ful attorney."— Alay 11th, 1704.
Gifts to his grandson Robert. — Alajor Robert Pike of
Salisbury, gentleman, and Rev. John Pike of Dover, " for
the natural affection which we bear unto Robert Pike, son
of Robert Pike of Salisbury (late deceased), our grandson

214 APPENDIX III.
and kinsman, sell unto the said Robert  a certain
tract of upland, situate in the township of Amesbury, lying
in that which is called the River division, being in estima
tion sixty acres, bounded as followeth, namely, by the land
of Doctor Bradstreet southerly, westerly by the land of
Samuel and Thomas AA^ood, easterly by a highway, north
erly by Haverhill high waj-."— July 19th, 1702.
Major Robert Pike, gentleman, and John Pike, clerk,
" deed to their grandchfid and kinsman, Robert, the son of
Robert Pike of Salisbury, deceased, a certain tract of up
land in Salisbury, lying in that which is commonly called
Major Pike's pasture, between the Hoghouse meadow and
tide-meadow in Salisbury, being by estimation fifty acres,
more or less ; bounded westerly by the Hoghouse, south
erly by the upland in same pasture, granted to his uncle,
Moses Pike, as it runs in a straight line from Hoghouse
meadow on the south side of the Eagle's-nest Hill to the
tide-meadow ; bounded westerly or north-westerly by the
tide-meadow ; bounded northerly in part by the land given
to Elizabeth Carr, and partly upon the land of Daniel
Moody, commonly called his pasture. Also a certain tract
of meadow adjoining to the east end of the upland, namely,
the residue or other half of the Hoghouse meadow, as it is
distinguished frora that commonly called the flats, and not
formerly disposed of, which meadow is bounded easterly
by a certain creek called Monday's Creek, southerly by the
other part of the Hoghouse meadow formerly given to his
uncle, Moses Pike ; bounded westerly or north-westerly hy
the upland mentioned in this deed, and northerly or north
easterly by the meadow of Daniel Moody of Salisbury, or
a creek running between said Monday's meadow." — Octo
ber 19th, 1704.
Gives him the homestead. — Major Robert Pike of Sails-

APPENDIX III. 215
bury and John Piko of Dover, clerk, "for good reasons
and considerations us thereunto moving, but more espe
cially that natural love and affection which we have toward
our grandson and kinsman, Robert Pike, the son of Robert
Pike, late of Salisbuiy, deceased, have given, granted, de
mised, passed over, and confirmed, and do by these pres
ents fully and absolutely give, grant, demise, pass over,
and by way of gift confirm unto the said Robert Pike a
certain lot of upland, situate in the town of Salisbury, be
ing the homestead or dwelling-place of his gTandfather,
Major Robert Piko ; but the commonage or common right
of said Alajor Pike in Salisbury, formerly supposed to bo
pertaining to it, is not herewith given to the said Robert
Pike, because it was otherwise given and disposed of many
years agone. AA'hich lot of upland, being in estimation
about or between three or four acres, be it more or less, is
bounded northerly by the homedot of Mr. Samuel Dudley,
sold to Mr. George Goldwire, easterly by the home-lot of
John French, southerly and westerly by the town common
adjoining or lying between the land here given and the
country highway. All the aforesaid lot of upland, togeth
er with all buildings, orchards, gardens, fences, remaining
upon it, springs of water, and other conveniences belonging
to it, are hereby given unto the said Robert Pike, his heirs,
executors, administrators, and assigns, forever. To have,
etc. The same to come into his possession at the end of
two years and six months after the decease of his aforesaid
grandfather and grandmother, namely, two years and six
months after the decease of the longest survivor of them.
Moreover, if the said Robert Pike shall die without any nat
ural and legitimate issue, that then the above gTanted land
shall return to the next heir of his grandfather Pike's farai-
]y."_October 26th, 1705. Confirmed October 26th, ,1706.

216 APPENDIX III.

CONFIEMS CEETAIN GIFTS.
Said Major Robert and Rev. John Pike confirmed to
said Robert Pike, October 13th, 1704, a certain tract of
upland in Salisbury, "lying in that which is commonly
called Major Pike's pasture, between the Hoghouse mead
ow and tide-meadow, in Salisbury, being in estimation fifty
acres, more or less ; bounded westerly by the Hoghouse,
southerly by the land in same pasture granted to his uncle,
Moses Pike, as it runs in a straight line frora the Hoghouse
meadow, on the south side of the Eagle's-nest Hill, to the
tide-meadow ; bounded westerly or north-westerly by the
tide-meadow ; bounded northerly iu part by the land given
to Elizabeth Carr, and partly upon the land of Daniel
Moody, commonly called his pasture. Also, a certain tract
of meadow adjoining to the east end of the upland, namely,
the residue or other half of the Hoghouse meadow, as it is
distinguished frora that commonly called the flats, and not
formerly disposed of ; which meadow is bounded easterly
by a certain creek, called Monday's Creek, southerly by the
other part of the Hoghouse meadow formerly given to his
uncle Moses Pike ; bounded westerly or north-westerly by
the upland mentioned in this deed, and northerly or north
easterly by the meadow of Daniel Moody of Salisbury, or
a creek running between said Moody's meadow and this.
All the above-said tracts of upland and meadow, with all
privfieges," etc.
Alajor Robert Pike confirmed to his grandson Robert,
son of Robert Pike, the lot he forraerly gave to his said
son Robert, namely, the first of seven lots lying between
Hoghouse Creek and Monday's Creek, which wore given to
his seven children in May, 1700. — This dated May 13th,
1705.

APPENDIX III. 217
Gifts to his grandson, Sanders Carr. — Major Robert Pike
of Salisbury, and wife Martha, " in consideration of that
natural love and affection which I have and do bear unto
my well-beloved grandson, Sanders Carr, of the same town,
county, and province above-said, give said Sanders Carr all
that my lot of upland on the great plain, on the north
of the Little River, lying and being in the township of
Salisbury, and granted to me by the said town, bounded as
followeth : easterly with land formerly Mr. John Sanders's,
westerly with land laid out to Mr. Francis Dove, one end
abutting southerly upon a brook between the great plain
and the little plain, so called, and the othor end abutting
northerly upon a highway ; all the said lot of upland, be it
twenty acres, more or less, as it was laid out and bounded,
with all the rights, privileges, and appurtenances thereunto
belonging. To have," etc.— May 13th, 1699.
Major Robert Pike gave to his grandson, Sanders Carr, " a
certain lot of meadow, situate in the township of Salisbury,
in that division commonly called the tide-meadows, lying
on the north or north-westerly side of the little neck com
monly called Major Pike's pasture, being in account six
acres, more or less ; bounded southerly by a small trench
running between this meadow and a lot belonging to Rich
ard Dole of Newbury (formerly Captain Stephen Green-
leaf's), westerly by a small creek running between this and
meadow in the possession of Jonathan Woodman of New
bury, and westerly by a ditch against the meadow of Philip
Greeley ; bounded northerly and easterly by a rail fence
standing between this meadow and the upland. All the
above-said lot of meadow, with all aud singular the privi
leges," etc.— June 1st, 1705.
He sold for twenty pounds, etc., to said grandson, " four
parcels of upland, lying and being in the township of Salis-
10

218 APPENDIX m.
bury ; all the said upland lying and being in the last di
vision of land laid out in the town of Salisbury, on the
easterly side of the way leading to Hampton — one of the
said parcels of land being -laid out to my own original
right, being the fifty-second lot in number in that division —
containing by estimation ten acres, be the same more or
less, as it was laid out and bounded. The second piece or
parcel of land was laid out to the original right of Mr.
Samuel Dudley, the third to the original right of Thomas
RoweU, and the fourth to John Coles ; Mr. Samuel Dudley's
lot being the fifty-eighth lot in number in the aforesaid di
vision, Thomas Rowell's the thirty-eighth, and John Coles's
the forty-third, as may appear on Salisbury town book of
records. Each of the said lots contains ten acres, more or
less, as they were laid out and bounded to the several
rights as aforesaid. To have," etc. — December 29th, 1703.
He also sold to his grandson, Sanders Carr, about twen
ty acres in Salisbury, " it belonging formerly to Mr. John
Sanders, and conveyed to me, and was laid out, together
with my twenty acres upon the great plain, so called, in
Salisbury aforesaid, by the lotdayers, as may appear by the
testimony of John Clough, and the affirmation of William
Boswell (who was one of the aforesaid lot-layers) ; and
bounded together with my twenty acres aforesaid, which
twenty acres I have formerly given to my grandson, Sanders
Carr, and his heirs, bounded together with this twenty
acres, which is as followeth : westerly with land forraerly
of Mr. Francis Dove, easterly with land of Andrew Greeley,
northerly upon a highway, and southerly upon the little
plain lots near a brook. To have," etc. — May 28th, 1703.
Gift to his grandson, John Stockman. — Major Robert
Pike gave to his grandson, John Stockman, of Salisbury,
" a certain piece of meadow or cove ground in Goldwire's

APPENDIX IH. 219
cove, which the grantor bought of Captain Coffin of Co-
clicco in 1686, originally belonging to Mr. Samuel Dud
ley, as by the record of the town may appear, about four
or five acres ; bounded westerly and northerly by a certain
ditch, commonly called Pressie's ditch, beginning at the
end of the swamp between John French's lot and a lot
comraonly called the rye-field, on Mr. Goldwire's side of the
swamp, and so as the said Pressie's ditch runs till it comes
to a certain corner or turn, where there is a stake set up,
and from the said corner of the ditch to a great pitch-pine-
tree standing easterly or south-easterly from said corner of
the ditch ; bounded on the east or south-east by upland
commonly called Mr. Batt's rye-lot, and butting southerly
upon a ditch running between Joseph French's land and
the said cove. All the above-said meadow or cove land,
etc. Provided he and his successors shall keep a good
fence upon the said Pressie's ditch, and he shall not make
sale without first offering it to myself or succeeding heirs
at as easy a price as he would sell to any other," etc. —
June 1st, 1705.
Gifts to his granddaughter, Hannah Allen. — Major Rob
ert Pike, gentleraan, gave to his granddaughter, Hannah
Allen, a daughter of John and Alary Afien of Salisbury,
deceased, " a certain tract or parcel of land, situate in the
township of Amesbury, in that division of land comraonly
called the River division, which is given in lieu and con
sideration of that proportion of my land at Amesbury
which was intended for her mother, Mary Allen, deceased,
and was allotted to the said Hannah in the division of her
father Allen's estate, and only as such; and is bounded
westerly or north-westerly by a lot of land now in the oc
cupation of Samuel Weed, southerly by Merrimack River,
easterly by land now in the occupation of Doctor Hum-

220 APPENDIX IIL
phrey Bradstreet of Newbury, and north -westerly by a
tract of land commonly called the threescore acres ; 
containing twenty-five acres, be it more or less — being part
of the Indian ground and the residue of the ten acres for
merly purchased of Lieutenant John Weed, with all and
singular the privileges," etc.^July 4th, 1705. ¦
Gift to Richard Smith. — Major Robert Pike of Salis
bury, " in consideration not only of the love and good-will
that I have and bear, but also the good service that I have
had done by Richard Smith of the same town, made over
to said Smith lot No. 14, in the first division of cow com
mon meadow laid out to him, said Robert Pike, by the
town," etc. — March 26th, 1705.
Appropriates land to pay debts. — Major Robert Pike
gave to his son, John Pike, as feoffee in trust, a " certain
tract of land in Araesbury, near a place called Harrie's Hill,
formerly bought of WiUiam Huntington of Amesbury, de
ceased, being about sixsoore acres, to pay the debts of the
grantor, and the remainder to be divided among such of
my grandchildren as my said feoffor, with the advice of
friends, shall judge most convenient ; yet reserving to my
self liberty and power, during my natural life, to improve,
sell, or dispose of said land," etc. — October 13th, 1704.
Alajor Robert Pike deeded to his son. Rev. John Pike of
Dover, " all his part of Mr. George Goldwire's, living in the
town of Salisbury, which he bought of Captain Peter Cof
fin of Piscataqua, October 16th, 1686, namely, one fufi and
complete half part of his plantingdot, and the like part of
his great meadow, originally belonging to Mr. Samuel Dud
ley, as hy the grant of said town of Salisbury, that said
son might pay all the debts of the grantor at present, and
that might hereafter appear," etc. — June 1st, 1705.

APPENDIX IIL 221
ESTATE OF HIS SON EOBEET.
Among the Essex County Court records is found the foh
lowing, under date of January, 1691, and September, 1694 :
Major Pike's son Robert, having deceased, he petitioned as
follows : " To the honored Coimty Court, now sitting at
Ipswich, 31 : 1st, 1691. The humble motion of your sub
scriber is to give information to your honors that in Sep
tember last his son Robert Pike of Salisbury died, leaving
a wife and two children, who have always dwelt upon and
made use of my estate, of which he had not been particu
larly possessed of any part thereof as his own, so as to
need presenting it upon inventory, or to need to trouble
this court with ; yet in this time there have been many
transactions by him whereby debts may be contracted to
him, and due from him, as also sorae estate that raay bo
properly his own. It is therefore my request to you that
you be pleased to order somebody that may inspect the
same, and give such account thereof as your houors shall
think meet, at request of
"Yours honors' most humble servant,
" Robert Pike."
Again : Major Robert Pike, in a petition dated Septem
ber 25th, 1694, says : "These are to inform you that in
the year 1690 my son, Robert Pike, of Salisbury, died, and
left a widow and two children, a boy and a girl ; and at the
County Court at Ipswich, at the request of the widow, I,
the subscriber, presented the case, and had administration
granted, I giving bonds to administer according to law ;
but no bond was then given, or never since, hy reason of
the change in government. Since which, the widow is
married to Mr. William Hook, Jr., of Salisbury, carrying

222 APPENDIX III.
with her the substance of what was property of her former
husband, without giving any account. There are also some
debts due to him and from him which want order to look
after. I do therefore humbly pray your inspection of the
case, so as to order concerning the same and concerning the
children. I have often moved the mother and her present
husband to look after it, but I do not know that they have
or wfil do anything about it.
" Your humble petitioner, Robert Pike."

APPENDIX IV.

ADMINISTRATION ON THE ESTATE OF MAJOR ROBERT
PIKE, Esq., OF SALISBURY, DECEASED.
Essex, ss. John Appleton, Esq., commissioned judge of
the probate of wills and granting letters of administration,
etc., in said county of Essex, to Mr. John Pike, clerk, of
Dover, in the Province of New Hampshire, eldest son of
Major Robert Pike, Esq., late of Salisbury, deceased intes
tate, sendeth greeting : " Trusting in your care and fidelity,
I do by these presents commit unto you power and author
ity to administer all and singular the goods, chattels, rights,
and credits of the said deceased, well and faithfully to dis
pose of the same, according to law ; also to ask, gather,
levy, demand, sue for, receive, and recover, all and whatso
ever credits of the said deceased which to him, while he
lived, and at the time of his death, did appertain and be
long ; and to pay all debts in which the said deceased
stood bound, so far as his goods, chattels, rights, and cred
its can extend, according to the true value thereof ; and to
make a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the
goods, chattels, rights, and credits of the said deceased ; and
to exhibit the same in the register's office of said county on
or before the first Monday of August next ensuing ; and to
render a plain and true account of your administration,
upon oath, on or before the first Monday of said August,
which will be in the year of our Lord God 1707. And I
do by these presents ordain, constitute, and appoint you

224 APPENDIX IV.
administrator of all and singular the goods, chattels, rights,
and credits of the deceased aforesaid.
" In testimony hereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and
caused the seal of said office to be affixed.
"Dated at Ipswich, 21st May, Anno Domini 1707.
" John Appleton.
" Daniel Rogers, Register.''''
Rev. John Pike of Dover gave his bond for three hun
dred pounds, current money in New England, with James
Ring and Samuel Joy of Salisbury for sureties, dated May
22d, 1707.
An inventory of the estate, both personal and real, of Major Robert
Pike of Salisbury, late deceased, taken the lith of May, 1708.£ s. d.
Im])rimis : His wearing clothes and a broadcloth coat. 2 0 0
To a castor hat, half worn  0 10 0
To a homespun coat, at  0 5 0
To two coverlids, 15s. ; ono bolster, 13s. Gd  1 8 6
To curtains and valance  0 16 0
To pewter dishes or plates, andirons and tongs. ... 110
To an iron kettle and one brass kettle  0 10 0
To throe groat chairs  0 6 0
To bedstead and cord, 5«.; warming-pan, 3s  0 8 0
To a cupboard, 5s.; two chests, 5«. ; a table, 3s... 0 13 0
To books, tho whole, 6s. ; to a box, 2s  0 8 0
To a blanket and pillow  0 3 6
To throe oxen at £12; to two cows at £4 10s  16 10 0
To twelve sheop  3 12 0
To a lot of meadow at tho beach, containing por
estimation ten acres, more or loss  60 0 0
To a lot of meadow at Getchel's Cove, throe acres,
more or less  18 0 0
To two acres of meadow, comraonly called Batt's
lot  9 0 0
Carried forward  115 11 0

APPENDIX IV. 225
£ 8. d.
Brought forward  115 11 0
To a lot of upland in the Cow-coramon division,
laid out to Rowell's right, twenty acres, moro
or loss  18 0 0
To a lot in Batt's Hill division, teu acres, moro or
loss, laid out to the same right  12 0 0
To a lot iu tho nock, laid out to the same right.. 1 10 0
To a lot laid out to the same right in Goodale's
Swamp division  8 0 0
To five pounds' worth of land adjoining to Na
thaniel Eastman's land, on the easterly side of
his farm  5 0 0
To three-quarters of an acre of meadow near
Greeley's mUl, laid out to the same right  1 10 0
To two acres of meadow, laid out to tho same
right in a cortaiu cove by the woodside  2 0 0
Eichard Orrasby's lot in tho Mill division, tho
ono hundred and fifth in nuraber, aud iu quan
tity thirty acres  15 0 0
Eichard Ormsby's lot in Cane-brook division, the
thirty-fourth in number, and in quantity about
twenty-five acres  16 0 0
194 11 0
Appraised by us, whoso names aro hereunder written.
AVYM0NT3 Bradbury.
Joseph True.
Essex, ss. Mr. John Pike, administrator to the estate of Major Rob
ert Pike, his account of administration on the estate of the said
deceased, exhibited before the Honorable John Appleton, Esq.,
Judge, etc., May ISth, 1708.
The said estate, Cr. £ s. d.
Real estate, as per inventory  166 0 0
Personal, as per inventory  28 11 0
194 11 0
10*

226 APPENDIX IV.
The said estate. Dr. £ s. d.
To funeral expenses  16 0 0
ToMr.Dearing  9 15 0
To the said administrator, for sundry smaU debts
paid of the said deceased, and which the deceased
owed to the administrator, as may appear per
book  12 0 0
To Captain Peter Coffin, por demand  20 0 0
To Stephen Huzzey, Nantucket  14 0 0
To Mr. Caleb Cushing  3 0 0
Due to Captain True and his son  2 17 0
Due to Mr. Richard Hubbard  17 0
To tho relict of tho deceased, two cows  4 10 0
To other smaU debts, demanded by sundry  4 0 0
To bond and letter of administration  0 7 6
To travel with bondsmen to obtain expenses  0 10 0
To travel to exhibit inventory and account  0 6 0
To recording the inventory and oath  0 3 0
To stating aud recording the account  0 3 0
To allowing the account, 5s. ; quietus, 4s  0 9 0
Allowed the administrator for time and trouble  2 0 0
To petition and certificate to Superior Court to sell
thelaud  0 2 0
91 9 0
John Pike, Administrator.
The said account exhibited, accepted, and allowed.
Per John Appleton, Probate Judge.
Attest : Daniel Rogers, Register,
Essex, ss. Ipswich, November lith, 1710. An account of what debts
were due from the estate of Eobert Pike, Esq., of Salisbury, and
ivhat more is added by his grandson, now administrator. £ 8. d.
By the former administrator's account of debt and
charges  92 11 0
More added by Dr. Eobert Pike, late administrator.
To sundry creditors, as per particulars ou file  35 4 5
Carried forward  127 15 5

APPENDIX IV. 227
£ 8. d.
Brought forward  127 15 5
To bond and letter of admiuistration  0 7 6
To journeys to obtain power, exhibit account, and
expenses  1 10 0
To stating, allowing, and recordiug account  0 8 0
To petition aud certificate to court to sell land  0 4 0
AHowed administrator for time, trouble, etc., £6 ;
quietus, 4s  6 4 0
More due to Mr. John Piko, being by him omitted in
considor.ation of au agreement mado between him
aud his brother and sisters about sundry parcels
of land. — Essex, November 14th, Auuo Dora. 1710. 136 8 11
Before the Honorable John Appleton, Esq., Judge of the
Probate, etc., Mr. Robert Pike, administrator to the estate of.
Eobert Pike, Esq., made oath that th© above is a just and
true account, as far as he hath proceeded therein.
Sworu. Attest : Daniel Eogers, Register.
Additional account of the estate of Major Robert Pike, Esq., late of
Salisbury, deceased, exhibited December 9th, Anno Domini 1713.
Tho said estate, Cr. £ ». d.
Land unsold  — - -
Tholonglot  _ _ _
Land recovered from Captain March, belonging to
Eowell's right  __ _ -.
To three-quarter acre of meadow by Greeley's mill,
belonging to RowoH's right  __ _ _
By land: Beach lot  60 0 0
GetchoUcove  18 6 0
Ormsby lot, in Cane-brook  16 0 0
RoweU's right, by Eastman  16 10 0
110 10 0
Batt's lot sold  12 0 0
122 10 0
The said estate. Dr. By the movable estate  28 0 0
150 10 0

228 APPENDIX IV.
The said estate, Dr. £ s. d.
By the former administrator's account, to sundries. 91 11 0
By tho after adraiuistrator ,  35 4 5
By all former charges  8 13 11
To Mr. Huzzey the remainder of a bond  7 11 0
To Captaiu Greenleaf  0 11 9
Due to former administrator for time and trouble,
as far as ho proceeded  3 0 0
To charge at tho Superior Court to sell land, with
time and expenses of two journeys and costs  4 11 0
To five bills of sale  0 10 0
To suit at law with Captaiu James March, in recov
ery of land, and charges upon lotting fall the first
suit, aud attorney fees and expenses, in all twelve
journeys; in trying for an agreement by consout
ofparties, no bill of costs filed  7 0 0
Allowed the administrator for further trouble in
many journeys, etc  5 0 0
163 13 1
To court charges, iu all  0 15 0
164 8 1
Ipswich, December 9th, 1713.
Dr. Robert Pike, administrator, exhibited the above-said
account, and a quietus is granted to the said administrator,
according to law. Attest : Daniel Rogers, Register.
DI'VISION op the estate OF MAJOE EOBEET PIKE, Esq.
Know all men by these presents : That we, the subscrib
ers, being children or heirs to the remaining estate of Major
Robert Pike of Salisbury, deceased, to the end and intent
that there may be a full division and final settlement of
the lands belonging to the said deceased which have not
been before disposed of, and satisfaction made for the
debts that are claimed thereupon, do hereby covenant,
grant, and agree, in manner and form following, namely :

APPENDIX IV. 229
F'lrst. AA'e hereby grant, assign, and set over unto Mrs.
Sarah Stockraan and AVymond Bradbury the one-half of
Goodale's swarapdot, which was laid out to Thomas Row
ell's right, and to Mr. Moses Pike the other half of tho
aforesaid lot. To have and to hold, to them, their heirs
and assigns, forever ; which is to be in full of their claims
and demands upon the said estate of the said deceased.
Second. AA"c hereby grant, assign, and set over unto Mrs.
Elizabeth Carr and her son Sanders the two acres of mead
ow laid out to Rowell's right in the cow-common, in a cove
near the Humility, so called, and the great neckdot, laid
out on said RoweU's right. To them, their heirs and as
signs ; which is in full of their claims on the estate of the
said deceased for portion or debts.
Third. AVe do hereby grant, assign, and set over to Jo
seph Stockman, his heirs and assigns, forever, that estate of
land lying near to Nathaniel Eastman's, of about five acres,
which was laid out to  , he paying four shillings to
John True ; which is in full satisfaction for the said Stock
man's clairas on said estate of the deceased. Always pro
vided, that in case any just debts legally appear as due from
the estate of the said deceased to any other persons, the
above-said grantees shall and do bear and pay their pro
portion of the same, according to what they have hereby
received. Witness our hands and seals, this 19th day of April,
I7l4. Robert Pike,
Adm'r to Major Pike and Ex'r to John Pike.
Witness : Joseph True, Isaac Morrell, Caleb Cushing,
Dorothy Light, Elizabeth e Carr, Moses Pike, Robert Pike.
murk
Jacob Bradbury,
Attorney to Sarah Stockman.

230 APPENDIX IV.
Essex, ss. Mr. Caleb Cushing and Mr. Joseph True both
personally appeared before me, the subscriber, and made
oath that they saw Dorothy Light, Elizabeth Carr, Moses
Pike, Robert Pike, and Jacob Bradbury, attorney to Sarah
Stockman, sign, seal, and deliver this above-written instru
ment to be their voluntary act and deed. And they also
saw Isaac Morrell sign as witness, and themselves signed as
witnesses at the same tirae. This 19th day of June, 1714.
Coram, Joseph Woodbridge,
Justice of the Peace.
Dr. Robert Pike, as administrator of estate of Major Rob
ert Pike, discharged by the judge June 22d, 1714.

APPENDIX V.

TIMOTHY PIKE'S WILL.
There is a grandson of Major Robert Pike whose name
nowhere appears in the records of the property left by him.
This is Timothy Pike, son of Moses, the youngest son of
Major Robert, who was stifi a chfid when his grandfather
died. Timothy settled in Newburyport, the home of his
ancestors. The following wiU, dated in 1767, bears testi
mony to his thrift and piety, albeit in those early days he
seems to have owned " a negro man, Harry :"
In the name of God, Amen. T, Timothy Pike, of Newburyport,
in the county of Essex and Province of the Massachusetts Bay,
iu Now England, blacksmith, beiug at present weak iu body,
but of a sound and disposing mind and memory, and being
minded to dispose of tho estate God has graciously given me,
otherwise than the law has provided for the disposition of in
testate estates, do mako and ordain this, my last will and tes
tament, in manner following : My soul I resign into tho hands
of God who gave it, and who has a right to call for it whenever
he pleases. My body to the earth, its original, by a decent
burial, hoping and trusting that it wiU bo raised again by that
Saviour whom God has graciously provided, ou whom I rely.
Of my worldly substance I dispose in manner foUowing :
Imprimis : I give and devise unto my son, Timothy Pike, my
negro man Harry, with his bod, bedstead, and bedding, and all
my blacksmith's tools, my gun and sword, and my clock and
forty pounds lawful money, to be paid him by my executrix,
hereafter named, within twelve months after my decease, or
sooner, if she can procure the same out of what is due to mo.

232 APPENDIX V.
I also givo him four large silver spoons and one-half of the
household goods which I shall not give hereafter to my wife.
I also givo and devise unto my said son Timothy the whole of
tho laud I own in AVindham, and two-thirds of the house and
laud whore I now live iu Newburyport, after my wife has left
the same, which 1 shall hereinafter give her. To have the sev
eral parcels aforesaid to him aud his heirs forever.
Item : I give aud devise unto my daughter, Mary Coffin, my
silver tankard, my jack, one pair of andirons and two large sil
ver spoons, and forty pounds lawful money, to bo paid her by
my executrix, hereafter named, iu twelve months after my de
cease, and sooner, if the same can be procured out of what is
duo to rae. I also give unto my said daughter, Mary Coffin, all
the land I own in the town of Newbury, and one-third of the
houso and land in Newburyport, where I now live, after the
use I shall give ray wife of it. To have tho several parcels
aforesaid to her, the said Mary Coffiu, and her heirs forever.
Item : I give and doviso unto ray beloved wife tho two best
feather beds iu the house, with tho host bedstead, and the bed
steads, uudorbods aud cords, curtains, and other furniture for
beds, except bedclothes, which she brought with her ; and a
pair of curtain-beds and rails, and the two rugs she brought ;
one quilt and one of tho best coverlids, two blankets, four pair
of tho best sheets, two bolsters, four piUows, eight pillow-cases,
half tho tables and chairs in the house, which she shall choose,
aU the iron-ware of the kitchen, except the jack, tho smaUest
brass kettle, the best skimmer and warming-pan, half the pew-
tor in tho house, all tho soap and moat, aU the corn aud meal,
except there be moro than twenty bushels, the soap-tub cooler,
two washing-tubs, the best hog, half tho casks and barrels in tho
houso, the earthon-ware, except burned china, a case of draw
ers, the two best chests and largest looking-glass, tho little
mortar and pestle, all the candlesticks with all the candles,
the best tin tunnel, pepper-box, grater, and salt-cellar, aud
half the glass vessels in the house, except case of bottles ; a
pair of bellows and snuffers, six of the host knives and forks,
tlio dumb botty and stove, half tho table-cloths, napkins, and
towels, and all the wood I shall leave, and my great Bible. I
also hereby give her a right to sit herself in my pew iu the

APPENDIX V. 233
mooting-houso. I also givo her all my books of account, and
all my trading stock, aud all my money, and all ray bonds,
notes, and other debts ; she paying out of the same my debts
and tho moneys aforesaid given to my children. I also givo
hor the use and improvemout of tho house aud land where wo
now dwell, during hor natural life, if she shall so long continue
my widow. But if she shall marry again, then my will is that
she shall have but two-thirds thereof; provided she shall keep,
at all times, so much of the house in repair as she enjoys. I
also givo her the pictures, aud two largo silver spoons, marked
jr ¦^•r and all tho sieves in tho houso.
Item : AA^hatevor othor estate, real or personal, which I shaU
die possessed of, I give aud devise the same unto my two chil
dren, to be equally divided between them — except the houso
and land where I now live, which, after tho decease of my wife,
I give two-thirds thereof to my son Timothy and his heirs for
ever ; tho other third to my daughter aud her heirs forever.
Item : I do hereby constitute aud appoint my wife ray sole
executrix of this my last will and testament.
In witness whereof, I have hereto sot ray hand and seal, this
ninth day of February, in the seventh year of his Majesty's
reign, and in tho year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred
and sixty-seven. Timothy Pike.
Signed, sealed, published, and declared by tho testator as
his last will and testaraent, in the presence of us, who signed
as witnesses to tho same m his presence, and iu tho presence
of each other. Mark Fitz,
James Peti-engell,
John Lowell, Jr.
At a court in Ipswich, March 31st, 1767, this will was proved,
and the executrix accepted the trust.

APPENDIX VI.

SOME COURT RECORDS.
" The Court hath ordered that Mr. Samuel Dudley and
Lieutenant Robert Pike shall have the hearing and deter
mining of the case now depending in court between Sam
uel Greenfield and William Hassard, and that it shall be
concluded on within this six weeks. — 26th d., 7th m.,
1648. " John Sanders and Robert Pike, plaintiffs, against Rich
ard Ayre, £22 debt. Jury find for the plaintiff the bill,
and for forbearance, £2 14.s. 9d., and costs of court, £1.
" Lieutenant Robert Pike doth acknowledge that the
jury, at the commission held at Hampton, October, was four
years, did not issue the bill of charges concerning the Lieu
tenant Hassard, but left it to the commissioners to deter
mine.— 24th d., 2d m., 1649.
" Robert Pike on the petit jury. — 9th d., 2d m., 1650.
" Mr. Samuel Dudley, Robert Pike, and Thomas Brad
bury were sworn commissioners for the year ensuing, to
end small causes for the town of Salisbury. — 9th d., 2d m.,
1650. "
" Lieutenant Robert Pike bondsman for Chris. Batt. —
12th d.., 2dm., 1653.
" Captain Robert Pike appointed guardian of Sarah Par
tridge, 1663, on a commission to divide estate of Joseph
Peasley, 1663.

APPENDIX VI. 235
" Captaiu Pike attorney to Mr. ' Francis Dove of Salis
bury, in Old England.'
" Captain Pike on a committee to divide Peasley land.
—1664. "Captain Robert Pike, Mr. Thomas Bradbury, and Rich
ard AA'eUs took the 'freeman's oath,' Aprfi 12th, 1664.
They took the same oath for tho year, Aprfi, 1665. They
took the same oath, 1669.
" Samuel Winsly, plaintiff, against Captain Robert Pike,
defendant, in an action of an appeal from a judgment of
the Selectmen of Salisbury in a case of replevin, for undue
impounding of his cattle, etc. Plaintiff withdraws, etc.
" Captain Robert Pike, Thomas Bradbury, and Richard
Wells chosen commissioners to end small causes in Salis
bury for the year.— 10th d., 2d m., 1666."
Here follows a curious record ;
" Sarah Osgood to be whipped twenty stripes for forni
cation, within six weeks after she shall be brought to bed,
and Captain Pike and Mr. Bradbury to see the execution
of it after some lecture-day. — 1668.
" Captain Pike, plaintiff, against John Godfrey, for tak
ing a cow, etc., in a house in Amesbury. — 13t,h d., 2d m.,
1669. " Swore allegiance and fidelity before Major Robert Pike,
22d d., 10th m., 1677, among others, Robert Pike, Jr., and
Moses Pike.
" Major Pike associate-justice when the court was held
at Hampton, Sth d., Sth m., 1672 ; Aprfi Sth, 1673 ; 14th
d., Sth m., 1673; 14th d., 2d m.,1674; 13th d., Sth m.,
1674 ; Aprfi 13th, 1675 ; May 30th, 1676.
"Major Robert Pike chosen and erapowered to end
sraall causes in Salisbury.— 1672.
" Major Robert Pike, plaintiff, against Edward Gove, de-

236 APPENDIX VI.
f endant, in an action of trespass, cutting wood on his land,
etc., near Hampton line. — 1673. Same tried again.
" Air. Peter Coffin, plaintiff, against Major Robert Pike
and other officers, in behalf of the troops of Norfolk, de
fendants, for a debt for supplying the troops when they
met at a general training at Boston, about nine years ' sith-
ence.'— 1673.
" Major Pike of Salisbury attorney for Bart. Collier,
London merchant, etc. — 1673.
" Major Pike and Air. Thomas Bradbury appointed to
make county tax. — 1673.
" Captain Pike one of the associate-justices. — November
14th, 1676 ; Aprfi 10th, 1677 (absent one court) ; October
8th, 1678 ; Aprfi Sth, 1679 ; November 11th, 1679.
" Christopher Palmer, plaintiff, against Major Robert
Pike and Major Richard Waldern, for their ordering the
keeper of Norfolk prison to set Captain AValter Barefoot
at liberty, etc. — November 14th, 1676.
" Major Pike confirmed commissioner to end small causes
in Salisbury. — 1677 ; and again, 1678, 1679.
" Sarah Bradbury made choice of her uncle, John Pike,
for her guardian. — 1677.
"Major Robert Pike sued John AA^ells for £10. — Janua
ry 1st, 1677.
" Major Robert Pike, plaintiff, vs. Mr. Wfiliam Hook,
defendant, ' for coming upon the said Pike's meadow,
called Hoghouse meadow, near the hoghouse, sorae time
in September, 1678, by interrupting and disturbing his
mowers in a violent way as they were at work, requiring
them to be gone, and claiming the meadow to be his, and
thereby endeavoring to disparage the said Pike's right and
title to the said meadow,' etc.

APPENDIX VI 237
" Hook also complains of Pike for coming upon what
he called his meadow and plucking up his fence, etc.
"Major Robert Pike sued Samuel Weed of Amesbury,
March 13th, 1690-91, for coming up (on his land) with
two men besides himself and mowing down the gTass one
day, claiming the land to be his, thereby endeavoring to
defame said Pike's title to said land.
" Alajor Robert Pike appointed administrator of estate
of his son Robert. — Aprfi 22d, 1691.
" Ephraim Severance appealed from a judgraent by Rob
ert Pike, Esq.— 1701.
" Philip Greeley vs. Robert Pike, Esq. Jury find for the
defendant.— 1701."

the end.

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