A narrative of the causes which led to Philip’s indian war, of 1675 and 1676
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TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE
This book was published in 1858 and is a careful reproduction of
documents written between 1669 and 1676. The spelling and punctuation
in those documents has been faithfully kept in this etext.
The dates in the documents were all according to the Julian calendar,
where new years begin on March 25th. Dates between January 1st and
March 25th in the year 1675 in a document reflect the year 1676 in
our modern Gregorian calendar. Many books including this one
indicate this duality by printing both years, either in the copied
document or a footnote to it, in an abbreviated format. In this
etext the format is 1675/6.
Footnote anchors are denoted by [number],
and the footnotes have been placed at the end of each chapter or letter. The numbering
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Munsell’s
Historical Series.
No. 1.
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MAP
of ye
SEAT OF PHILIP’S INDYAN WARRE
A NARRATIVE Of the Causes which led to PHILIP’S INDIAN WAR, of 1675 and 1676,
ByJOHN EASTON, of Rhode Island.
With other Documents concerning this
Event in the Office of the Secretary of
State of New York.
Prepared from the Originals, with an
Introduction and Notes.
The Statement inadvertently made in
Note [14], Page 9,
concerning the Absence of the Governor, is erroneous.
He did not sail for England until November, 1677.
INTRODUCTION.
The Years 1675 and 1676, will ever fill a gloomy Page in New England
History, and be equally memorable for the desperate but ineffectual
Efforts of its primitive People, to rid their Country of its European
Inhabitants, and the efficient Measures adopted by the latter, against
the Chances of future Hostilities.
The Details of these Events, have come down to
us in the Narratives of several prominent Actors in
them, and from them, we have been made familiar
with the Scenes of Atrocity which distinguished
the several Combatants in this War of mutual
Extermination; but in none of these Accounts do
we find Evidence of that earnest Desire to render a
strictly impartial Statement of Events, which alone
constitutes the highest Aim of History, and claims
our strongest Regard. The Writers of these Narratives,
in their active Sympathies for the one Party,
have scarcely been willing to concede either Justice
or Honor to the other. The Indian Leader who
acted so prominent a Part in this War, is represented
as a Monster in Iniquity, incapable alike of Generosity
or Sympathy, waging an unprovoked and
aggressive War upon inoffensive Settlers, violating
the most solemn Engagement of Treaties, and wantonly
butchering those who had extended to him
the kindest Offices of Friendship.
The Account of the Origin of this War, given
in the following Pages, is believed to be the only
one that has been printed, in which a cotemporary
Writer has appeared anxious to represent in a favorable
Light, the Injuries that provoked the Natives
to Acts of Hostility, or to concede to them Motives
of Honor and Equity in previous Attempts to adjust
the Grounds of Dispute without a final Resort
to Arms.
The Government of Rhode Island, of which
Mr. Easton was a Member, had been excluded from
the Union of the New England Colonies, on account
of her heretical Toleration of religious Freedom,
and her open Advocacy of that Liberty of Conscience
which has since become a distinguishing Feature
of our Government. Her Territory was invaded
by armed Forces without previous Notification or
Consent, and her Magistrates seized and carried to
Prisons beyond her Borders, for presuming to question
the Right of these informal Inroads upon her
Soil.
The Boundary between Connecticut and Rhode
Island, was at this Time a Subject of Dispute, and
upon it depended the Question of separate Existence,
to the greater Part of the latter. This Controversy
had excited a Feeling of Alienation between the two
Colonies, as had a similar Question between the
former and New York, and in some Degree prevented
a cordial Coöperation, in Measures tending
to the common Welfare of the English Colonies.
This may perhaps have influenced the Writer of the
following Narrative, in his Desire to prove that the
Complaints of the Indians might have been peaceably
settled, and that the immediate Cause of the
War arose from the Indiscretion of their Neighbors.
Whatever Weight this Motive may have had, there
is found nothing either in the Narrative itself, or
the Evidence of other Writers, to lead us to question
the Accuracy of the Facts therein stated, or to doubt
that the Grievances complained of, were fully as
real as by them represented.
Slighter Grounds of Difference between civilized
Nations have often sooner led to open War, and we
may perhaps find in this Case, no other Reason for
patient Forbearance under continued Wrongs, than
the Fact that the Indians were dependent upon the
Whites for the Means of commencing and prosecuting
Hostilities, and were without those Facilities
for Consultation and Coöperation which Education
alone confers.
Prompted by that inherent Sense of Equality
which has often led them to share equally with
their Prisoners, the last Morsel of Food, the Indians
had cheerfully given to the first Colonists a liberal
Share of their Lands, and had not only supplied
them with Provisions when they would otherwise
have starved, but had taught them the Method of
cultivating Corn, and the Time and Mode of catching
Fish, which preserved them from Extremities
to which there would have been no other Relief.[1]
Thus favored and assisted, the Colonists at Peace
with the native Tribes rapidly multiplied, and their
Fields everywhere extended along the Valleys and
over the Plains that had been the Haunts and the
Homes of the primitive Owners. During more
than fifty Years, they had been gaining steadily upon
the Wilderness, and the Indians had proportionably
wasted away, deriving few and doubtful Benefits
from Civilization, but becoming daily more degraded
by its Vices, and more dependent upon its
Arts for the Means of Existence.
Massasoit, the chief Sachem of the Wampanoags,
had been the early and constant Friend of the
Whites, and towards the Close of his Life had taken
his two Sons, upon whom his Authority was to
descend, to a principal Settler to make them pledge
their continued Friendship to the English. Alexander,
the elder of these Brothers, was a few Years
after summoned to appear and answer to Charges
made against him upon Suspicion that he was plotting
the Destruction of the Settlers; but not obeying
promptly, he was surprised at an unguarded
Moment, and taken towards Plymouth. Exasperated
at this Treatment, he fell sick, was released
under the Pledge of Hostages, but died on his Way
Home.
The chief Authority devolved upon Metacom,[2]
better known as Philip, on the Death of his Brother,
and whatever may have been his early Feeling
towards the English, there can be no Doubt that
from this Period he harbored a secret Resolution of
Vengeance, although Policy led him for a Season to
conceal his Purpose under a Cloak of Friendship,
and even to consent to repeated Renewals of the
Treaties of Amity, which his Father had made.
With this Design he visited many Indian Tribes,
portrayed in eloquent Language the steady Encroachments
of the Settlers, reminded them of their
ancient Power now rapidly wasting away, and invoked
them by the Love of Country and Kindred,
the Memory of their Forefathers, and their Duty
to Posterity, to unite in driving from the Land these
dangerous Rivals, whose past Encroachments foreshadowed
the rapid and complete Destruction of
their Race.
The Magnitude of this Enterprise, and the evident
Success with which he privately advanced in
its Arrangement, bespeaks a Mind capable of the
most comprehensive Generalization, while his future
Course proved him the Owner of Talents equal to
the most pressing Emergencies that might arise in
the Execution of its Details.
His Tact in enlisting the Narragansetts, the
hereditary Enemies of his Tribe, in the general
Scheme which he had formed, indicates the Possession
of a fair Degree of diplomatic Skill, and a
thorough Knowledge of the human Character.
The Circumstances attending the Conference
related in the following Narrative, are particularly
interesting, as showing the Wrongs which had for
Years been practiced upon the unsuspecting Natives,
and the lively Sense of Injustice which these Injuries
had awakened. The simple confiding Ignorance
of these untutored Sons of Nature, had led
them on from one Concession to another, until they
were brought to a forcible Realization of the Value
of Land, by a pressing Sense of its Want, and found
themselves in almost as feeble and dependent a
Condition, as were the English upon their first
Arrival.
There is something peculiarly refined and elevated
in the Sentiment expressed by Philip, in answer to
their Remark, that the Whites were now too strong
for the Indians, when he replied, that then the
English should do to them, as they did, when they were
too strong for the English. In this was expressed the
Spirit of that most sacred Injunction of Scripture,
that “all Things whatsoever ye would that Men
should do to you, do ye even so to them,” with all
the additional Obligation that a previous Performance
of this Duty could impose.
His Plans, it is said, had been laid with Reference
to their Development in the Spring of 1676, but
were prematurely hastened by the Death of Sassamon,
and the Executions which followed.
Perhaps fearing that he might be selected as the
next Victim, Philip kept himself surrounded by his
armed Followers, and finally yielding to their Impatience
for Plunder, allowed them to commit Depredations.
These by provoking an Attack from
the Whites, relieved him from the Superstitious
dread which he is said to have entertained of beginning
the War, and active Hostilities quickly followed.
The first Attack was made at Swansea upon
People returning from public Worship. A Body
of Troops arriving soon after, were fired upon, and
one of the Party killed. The Indians fled, marking
their Course by burning Houses, and fixing on
Poles the Heads of those they had slain; but being
pressed by the Troops, Philip left Mount Hope and
retired to a Swamp at Pocasset, where he succeeded
in repelling the English and killing sixteen of their
Number.
Learning that his Enemy was preparing to guard
every Exit from the Swamp and thus reduce him
to Starvation, he escaped towards the Nipmucks in
Worcester County, pursued by People of Rehoboth
and Providence. The Indians continued to hang
upon the Outskirts of the Settlements in small
Parties, committing frequent Murders, and generally
evading Pursuit. Being intimately acquainted
with every Locality, they could easily fall upon an
unguarded Hamlet, murder its Inmates, and escape
before an Alarm could be raised, or a Force collected.
Mendon, Brookfield, Deerfield, Hadley, Northfield,
Hatfield, Northampton and Springfield, became in
Turn the Scene of desperate Encounters, in which
Fortune favored sometimes one and at other Times
the other Party. Philip, who was generally present
in these Engagements to direct his Men, evinced a
Boldness mingled with Caution, that defied the
utmost Efforts of the English to gain any signal
Advantage.
It being no longer doubted that the Narragansetts
were in secret Alliance with Philip, War was
declared against them by the Commissioners of the
United Colonies in November, and in December
an Army of from fifteen hundred to two thousand
Men, including Volunteers, Indians and a Troop of
Horse, the whole under the Command of General
Winslow, assembled in the Neighborhood of the
Enemy. The Indians, under Philip, were located
on an Island in a Swamp in South Kingston, Rhode
Island, and had surrounded their Camp with Pallisades
and an almost impenetrable Hedge of fallen
Trees, with their Tops pointing outwards. Within
this Inclosure, the Indians had gathered with their
Families to the Number of three thousand, comfortably
supplied with Provisions and armed with Bows
and Arrows, Muskets and Tomahawks.
Here, on the 18th of December, was fought the
most bloody Battle recorded in the early Annals of
New England, in which seven hundred Indian Warriors
were slain and three hundred wounded; three
hundred more and as many Women and Children
taken Prisoners. The Number of Women and
Children that perished in the Flames was never
known. The English lost six Captains and eighty
Men in killed and one hundred and fifty in
wounded.
The Weather was intensely cold, and the English
suffered extremely from Cold and Fatigue while
traveling in deep Snows. Philip fled, and is supposed
to have passed the Winter upon the western
Borders of Massachusetts. The Winter was remarkably
mild, and upon the Hudson River opening
unexpectedly in February, the Governor of
New York sent up several Sloops laden with Soldiers
and military Stores, to resist any Attack which
Philip might make in that Quarter. Sudbury,
Lancaster and Medfield were attacked in February.
The Spring opened with renewed Hostilities,
and Parts of Groton, Marlborough, Warwick,
Rehoboth and Providence were burned. A memorable
Engagement occurred in Rehoboth, on the
26th of March, known as the “Pierce Fight,” in
which Capt. Michael Pierce, of Scituate, at the
Head of a Band of 63 English and a few friendly
Indians, was led into an Ambuscade, in which 55
English and 10 of their Indian Allies were slain on
the Spot, but not without destroying several Times
this Number of their Enemies.
The Indians scattering in small Parties, were
enabled to distract the Attention of the English
Forces by simultaneous Attacks in different Quarters.
In March, a Body of Volunteers from Connecticut,
succeeded in capturing Conanchet, Sachem of the
Narragansetts, who was scarcely less formidable than
Philip, and Expeditions upon the Strongholds of
the Indians were constantly reducing their Numbers
and rendering their Prospects more gloomy.
On the 18th of May, Capt. Turner, with 180
Men, surprised a large Party of Indians at the great
Falls in the Connecticut River, above Deerfield.
They found the Camp entirely unguarded, and slew
great Numbers, while others rushed into the River,
only to meet a watery Grave. The English lost
but one, while the Indians afterwards admitted the
Loss of 300 Men in killed and drowned, some of
them being principal Sachems. In returning, the
English in their turn experienced heavy Reverses at
the Hands of another Lodge of Indians, in which
Capt. Turner was killed, and before reaching Hatfield,
their Numbers were reduced to thirty-eight
Men.
The Slaughter at the Falls proved a death Blow
to the Hopes of Philip, and from this Time Misfortunes
closed thickly upon him. There still, however,
remained sufficient Force to seriously annoy
the Settlements. On the 30th of May, six or seven
hundred Indians invaded Hatfield, burned several
Houses without the Fortification, and killed five
Men, but were repulsed with the Loss of five Times
this Number.
On the Morning of the 12th of June, about seven
hundred Indians made a furious Assault upon Hadley,
and the Inhabitants were thrown into great
Confusion and Alarm. The Indians succeeded in
forcing the Palisades and gaining Possession of one
House, but were beaten back with Loss. Suddenly,
a Man of noble Mien, peculiar in Dress, venerable
in Appearance and manifestly familiar with military
Affairs, assumed the Command, ordered the English
to rally in the Manner best adapted to meet the
pressing Emergency, and by his Voice and Example
inspired them to new Activity and Courage. Under
his Direction the Indians were at length repulsed
with Loss, and driven into the Woods. The mysterious
Stranger as suddenly disappeared, and it was
long reported and believed that an Angel from
Heaven had led them to Victory. It was afterwards
found, that this Person was Col. Goffe, the
Regicide, who had for fifteen Years, with Whalley
his Father-in-law, been concealed in the Colony,
and who was then living in strict Seclusion in the
Family of Mr. Russell the Minister.
The Indians began to lose their Courage with
these Failures, and their Attacks were thenceforth
made with less Bravery. They also found new
Enemies in the Mohawks of New York, who willingly
listened to Propositions from the English to
engage in a War against the eastern Indians. They
did this the more readily, from having discovered
an Act of Treachery on the Part of Philip.
A Party of 200 Indians, on their Way westward
from the Connecticut, was surprised in the present
Town of Stockbridge, of whom about sixty were
killed and taken, with the Loss of but one Man.
Thus repulsed from the Connecticut, Philip returned
to the Plymouth Colony, still following out
his Purpose of Extermination, but daily losing his
Counselors and Friends, his Captains and Warriors.
He continued to struggle against Fate, and to gather
new Energies from the Desperation into which his
Affairs were plunged. His Wife and Children were
seized or killed, and many of his Followers gave up
in Despair and threw themselves upon the Mercy
of the English. Retiring to Mount Hope, his
former Residence, he took Refuge in a Swamp with
about two hundred of his Men. Some Time before
he had slain one of his Followers, who presumed
to propose Submission to the English, and
the Brother of this Indian, in Revenge betrayed the
Secret of his Retreat. Captain Benjamin Church,
who had been distinguished throughout the War
for his Courage and Success, surrounded the Swamp
on the 12th of August, 1676, and but sixty of the
Indians escaped. Philip was shot by an Indian and
fell with his Face in the Mud. His Head was cut
off and exhibited as a Trophy.
Annawan, his principal Captain, was taken August
28th, in Rehoboth, which ended the War in this
Section of New England, although Hostilities continued
one or two Years later, in the northeastern
Part of the Colonies.
The Indians, everywhere broken and scattered,
either submitted to such Terms as the English might
dictate or removed North and joined the French in
Canada; and the exhausted Colonies were left to a
realization of the Ravages which this vindictive
War had occasioned. Famine would have followed
close upon the Miseries of the Torch and Tomahawk,
but for timely Charities from Dublin and
London, obtained through the Letters of Dr. Increase
Mather. One eleventh of the able bodied
Men of New England are said to have been slain
during these two Years, and according to another
Writer, almost every Person in the two Colonies,
had lost a Relation or near Friend, so that every
Family was in deep Mourning.
We have already alluded to the Jealousies then
existing between New York and Connecticut, on
account of disputed Boundaries. The first News
of Indian Hostilities, naturally filled the Country
with an Alarm which was frequently renewed during
the Progress of the War, as Rumors of projected
Massacres, magnified by the Fears of the Timid or
the Exposed, were circulated among the Settlers or
reported to the Governor. Although the Province
of New York escaped the Calamities which fell
upon the New England Colonies, the occasional
Intercourse of its Indians with those to the Eastward,
especially the tributary Dependence in which
the Tribes upon the east End of Long Island were
held by the Narragansetts, gave just Reason to suspect
that these Indians might be in secret Alliance
with their powerful Masters, and justified the Measures
that were adopted for their Security.
A prominent Source of Irritation between New
England and New York, arose from the Charges
publicly made by the former, that the hostile Indians
were supplied with Powder and Arms by the latter.
The Documents which follow, exhibit the Grounds
upon which this Allegation was made, and the
Spirit with which it was repelled. They also prove
that the Indians were in some Degree at least assisted
by the French in Canada, with whom the English
were then nominally at Peace.
The Government of New York pursued an undeviating
Line of Policy with regard to the Indians
within her Borders, and claimed at all Times the
exclusive Management of their Affairs; asserting
sometimes rudely, at other Times respectfully, but
always firmly, her sole Right of negotiating with
them. Every Attempt of the neighboring Colonies
to treat with the New York Indians, for Aid
against the eastern and northern Tribes, was met
with a prompt Refusal, unless conducted in the
Presence of the Governor or his authorized Agents.
This Policy, and the Grounds upon which it was
based, were not understood by those who had Occasion
to deal with these Indians, and the unpleasant
Feeling which followed the Failure of informal
Attempts at Negotiation, has in some Degree influenced
the public Mind, and imparted to the historic
Page a Tinge of Prejudice against the Conduct of
New York, which is by no means deserved. A
careful Study of these Documents will convince the
Reader, that whenever proper Courtesy was shown
to New York in these Transactions, the Subject of
Request received proper Attention.
The warlike Mohawks needed but slight Entreaty
to engage in a Pursuit so congenial to their Tastes,
and had Hostilities continued, would doubtless have
aided in an effectual Manner, in the War against
Philip. Indeed upon several Occasions after the
Peace, they made Inroads upon
the Christian Indians
of Natick and other Villages, mistaking them for
the late Enemies to the English; and it became
necessary to explain to them that their Services were
not further needed, and to dissuade them from
Hunting in that Quarter, least they might injure
the friendly Natives.
The rude and unadorned Style and Language of
these Documents afford an interesting View of the
Period and the Events to which they relate, and we
are enabled to catch a Glimpse of the Manners of
the Age, the Relations existing between the Whites
and the Indians, the Hopes and Fears of the Colonists,
and the Light in which these Events were
regarded by the Government of New York, more
satisfactorily perhaps than could have been done by
any other Means. Should they in any Degree
answer this Purpose, the Object of their Publication
will be accomplished.
F. B. H.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] See Bradford’s History of Plymouth Plantations, p. 100.
[2] Sometimes written Metacomet, and said to be a Contraction from
Pometacom.
A true Relation of what I kno &
of Reports & my Understanding
concerning the Begining & Progress
of the War now between the
English and the Indians.
In the Winter in the Year 1674, an Indian was
found dead, and by a Coroner’s Inquest of Plimouth
Colony iudged murdered.[2] He was found dead in
a Hole thro Ice broken in a Pond[3] with his Gun
and sum Foulls by him. Sum English suposed
him thrown in, sum Indians yt I iudged intelegabell
and impartiall in ye Case did think he fell in and
was so drouned, and that the Ies did hurt his
Throat, as the English said it was cut;[4] but acnoledge
yt sumetimes naty Indians wold kill others
but not as euer they herd to obscuer as if the dead Indian
was not murdered. The dead Indian was caled
Sansimun[5] and a Christian yt could read and write.
Report was he was a bad Man, yt King Philip got
him to write his Will, and he made the Writing
for a great Part of the Land to be his, but read as
if it had bin as Philip wrote; But it came to be
known, and then he run away from him.
Now one Indian informed that three Indians had
murdered him, and sheued a Coat yt he said thay
gave him to conseall them. The Indians report
yt the Informer had playd away his Coate, and
these Men sent him ye Coate, and after demanded
Pay, and he not to pay, so acused them, and knoing
that it wold pleas the English so to think him
a beter Christian, and the Reporte came yt the
three Indians had confesed and acused Philip so to
imploy them, and yt ye English wold hang Philip;
so the Indians wear afraid, and reported yt the
English had flatred them (or by threats) to bely
Philip yt thay might kill him to have his Land,
and yt if Philip had dun it, it was ther Law so to
execute home ther Kings iudged deserved it, yt he
had no Case to hide it.[6]
So Philip kept his Men in Armes. Plimoth
Gouerner required him to disband his Men, and
informed him his Jealousy was falce. Philip answered
he would do no Harm, and thanked the
Governer for his Information.[7]
The three Indians wer hunge, to the last denied
the Fact; but one broke the Halter as it is reported,
then desired to be sayed, and so was a littell while,
then confessed they three had dun the Fact;
and then he was hanged.[8] And it was
reported Sansimun before his death had informed of the
Indian Plot, and yt if the Indians knew it they
wold kill him, and that the Hethen might destroy
the English for their Wickedness, as God had permitted
the Heathen to destroy the Israellites of olde.
So the English wear afraid and Philip was afraid,
and both incresed in Arems. But for four Yeares
Time, Reports and Iealosys of War had bin veri
frequent, yt we did not think yt now a War was
breaking forth;[9]
but about a Week before it did,[10]
we had Case to think it wold. Then to indever
to prevent it, we sent a Man to Philip, yt if he
wold cum to the Fery we wold cum over to speke
with him. About four Miles we had to cum;
thither our Messenger cum to them; they not
aware of it behaved themselves as furious, but sudingly
apeased when they understood who he was
and what he came for, he called his Counsell and
agreed to cum to us; came himself unarmed, and
about 40 of his Men armed. Then 5 of us went
over, 3 wear Magistrates. We sate veri friendly
together.[11] We told him our bisnes was to indever
that they might not reseue or do Rong. They
said that was well; they had dun no Rong, the
English ronged them. We said we knew the
English said the Indians ronged them, and the Indians
said the English ronged them, but our Desier
was the Quarrell might rightly be desided, in the
best Way, and not as Dogs desided their Quarrells.
The Indians owned yt fighting was the worst Way;
then they propounded how Right might take
Place. We said, by Arbitration. They said that
all English agreed against them, and so by Arbitration
they had had much Rong; mani Miles square
of Land so taken from them, for English wold
have English Arbitrators; and once they were
persuaded to give in their Armes, yt thereby Jealousy
might be removed,[12] and the English having
their Arms wold not deliver them as they had promised,
untill they consented to pay a 100L, and
now they had not so much Sum or Muny; yt thay
wear as good be kiled as leave all ther Liueslyhode.[13]
We said they might chuse a Indian King and
the English might chuse the Governor of New
Yorke,[14] yt nether had Case to say either wear Parties
in the Diferance. They said they had not heard
of yt Way, and said we onestly spoke, so we wear
perswaided if yt Way had bine tendered they would
have acsepted. We did endeaver not to hear their
Complaints, said it was not convenient for us now
to consider of, but to indever to prevent War; said
to them when in War against English, Blood was
spilt, yt ingaged all Englishmen, for we wear to be
all under one King; we knew what their Complaints
wold be, and in our Colony had removed
some of them in sending for Indian Rulers in what
the Crime concerned Indians Lives, which thay
veri lovingly acsepted, and agreed with us to their
Execution, and said so they were abell to satisfie
their Subjects when they knew an Indian sufered
duly, but said in what was only between their Indians
and not in Towneshipes, yt we had purchased,
they wold not have us prosecute, and yt that thay
had a great Fear to have ani of ther Indians should
be caled or forced to be Christian Indians.[15] Thay
said yt such wer in everi thing more mischievous,
only Disemblers, and then the English made them
not subject to ther Kings, and by their lying to
rong ther Kings. We knew it to be true, and
we promising them yt however in Government
to Indians all should be alike, and yt we knew it
was our King’s will it should be so, yt altho we
wear weaker than other Colonies, they having submitted
to our King to protect them, others dared
not otherwise to molest them; expressed thay took
that to be well, that we had littell Case to doute,
but that to us under the King thay would have
yielded to our Determinations in what ani should
have complained to us against them.
But Philip charged it to be disonestly in us to
put of the Hering to iust Complaints, therefore we
consented to hear them. Thay said thay had bine
the first in doing Good to the English, and the
English the first in doing Rong; said when the
English first came, their King’s Father was as a great
Man, and the English as a littell Child;[16] he constrained
other Indians from ronging the English,
and gave them Corn and shewed them how to
plant, and was free to do them ani Good, and had
let them have a 100 Times more Land than now
the King had for his own Peopell. But ther
King’s Brother, when he was King, came miserably
to dy by being forced to Court, as they iudge
poysoned.[17] And another Greavance was, if 20 of
there onest Indiand testified that a Englishman had
dun them Rong, it was as nothing; and if but one
of their worst Indians testified against any Indian
or ther King, when it pleased the English it was
sufitiant. Another Grievance was, when their King
sold Land, the English wold say, it was more than
they agreed to, and a Writing must be prove against
all them, and sum of their Kings had dun Rong to
sell so much. He left his Peopell none, and sum
being given to Drunknes the English made them
drunk and then cheated them in Bargains, but now
ther Kings wear forwarned not for to part with
Land, for nothing in Cumparison to the Value
thereof. Now home the English had owned for
King or Queen, they wold disinheret, and make
another King that wold give or sell them these
Lands; that now, they had no Hopes left to
kepe ani Land. Another Grievance, the English
Catell and Horses still incresed; that when thay
removed 30 Mill from where English had ani thing
to do, thay could not kepe ther Corn from being
spoyled, thay never being iused to fence, and thoft
when the English boft Land of them thay wold
have kept their Catell upon ther owne Land.
Another Grievance, the English were so eager to
sell the Indians Lickers, yt most of the Indians spent
all in Drynknes, and then raueved upon the sober
Indians, and thay did believe often did hurt the
English Catell, and ther King could not prevent it.
We knew before, these were their grand Complaints,
but then we only indevered to persuaid
yt all Cumplaints might be righted without War,
but could have no other Answer but that thay had
not heard of that Way for the Governor of Yorke
and an Indian King to have the Hearing of it. We
had Case to think in yt had bine tendered it wold
have bine acsepted. We indevered yt however thay
should lay doune the War, for the English wear to
strong for them; thay said, then the English should
do to them as they did when thay wear to strong
for the English.
So we departed without ani Discurtiousness, and
sudingly had Letter from Plimoth Governor thay
intended in Arms to conforem Philip, but no Information
what yt was thay required or wt Termes
he refused to have their Quarrell desided; and in a
Weke’s Time after we had bine with the Indians
the War thus begun.[18] Plimouth Soldiers were
cum to have their Head Quarters within 10 Miles
of Philip; then most of the English thereabout
left there Houses, and we had Leter from Plimouth
Governor to desier our Help with sum Boats if
thay had such Ocation, and for us to looke to our
selfs; and from the Generall at the Quarters we had
Leter of the Day thay intended to cum upon the
Indians, and desier for sum of our Boats to attend.
So we took it to be of Nesesity for our Ieslanders
one half one Day and Night to atend and the other
half the next, so by Turnes for our owne Safety. In
this Time sum Indians fell a pilfering sum Houses
yt the English had left, and a old Man and a Lad
going to one of these Houses did see three Indians
run out thereof. The old Man bid the young
Man shoot; so he did, and a Indian fell doune, but
got away againe. It is reported yt sum Indians
came to the Gareson, asked why they shot the Indian.
Thay asked whether he was dead. The
Indians said yea. A English Lad saied it was no
Mater. The Men indevered to inform them it was
but an idell Lad’s Words, but the Indians in haste
went away and did not hearken to them. The
next Day, the Lad that shot the Indian, and his
Father, and fief English Men wear killed so the War
begun with Philip.[19] But ther was a Queen yt I knew
was not a Party with Philip, and Plimoth Governor
recumended her yt if she wold cum to our Iesland
it wold be well shee desired shee might if it wear
but with but six of her Men.[20] I can sufitiantly
prove, but it is to large here to relate, that shee had
practised much the Quarell might be decided without
War; but sum of our English allso, in Fury
against all Indians, wold not consent shee should
be reseved to our Iesland although I profered to be
at all the Charge to secuer her and those shee
desired to cum with her; so at length prevailed we
might send for her; but one Day acsedentaly we
wear prevented, and then our Men had seased sum
Cannos on her Side, suposing they wear Philip’s,
and the next Day a English House was there burned
and Mischief of either Side indevered to the other,
and much dun, her House burned; and so we wear
prevented of ani Menes to atain hir. The English
Army cam not downe as informed thay wold, so
Philip got over, and they could not find him.
Three Days after, thay came doune, had a veri
stormy Night, yt in the Morning the Foote wear
disabled to return. Before they had Refreshment,
thay wear free to acsept, as we wear willing to relieve
them,[21] but ... Trupers sayed of their Captaine
they despised it, and so left the Foote. After
the Foote had refreshed themselfs they also returned
to their head Quarters, and after hunt[ing]
Philip from all sea Shores, yt thay could not tell
what was becum of him, the Naroganset Kings
informed us yt the Queen aforesaid must be in a
Thicket, a starving or conformed to Philip; but
thay knew shee wold be glad to be from them, so
from us had Incuragement to get her and as mani
as they could from Philip.[22]
After the English Army, without our Consent
or informing us, came into our Colony, brought
the Naroganset Indians to Articles of Agreement
to them.[23] Philip being flead, about a 150 Indians
came in to a Plimouth Garrison volentarley. Plimouth
Authority sould all for Slafes (but about six
of them) to be carried out of the Country.[24] It is
true the Indians genaraly are very barbarous Peopell
but in this War I have not heard of their tormenting
ani, but yt the English Army cote an old Indian
and tormented him. He was well knone to have
bine a long Time a veri decrepid and harmless Indian
of the Queen’s.[25] As Philip fled the foresaid
Queen got to the Narogansets, and as manni of her
Men as she could get, but one Part of the Narogansets
Agreement to Boston was to kill or deliver
as mani as they could of Philip’s Peopell, therefore
Boston Men demanded the fore said Queene and
others yt thay had so reseved; for which the Indians
wear unfree, and made mani Excuses, as that
the Queen was none of them, and sum others
wear but Sudierners with Philip becase removed by
the English having got their Land, and wear of
their Kindred, which we kno is true, not but we
think they did shelter mani thay should not, and
yt they did kno sum of their Men did assist Philip,
but according to their barbarous Ruells thay accounted
so was no Rong, or they could not help it.
But sum enemies Heds thay did send in, and told
us thay wear informed yt however when Winter
came thay might be suer the English wold be their
Enemies. And so thay stood doubtful for about 5
Months. The English wear iealous that there was
a generall Plot of all Indians against English; and
the Indians wear in like Manner iealous of the
English. I think it was generall, yt thay wear
unwilling to be ronged, and yt the Indians did iudg
the English partiall against them, and among all a
philthy Crue yt did desire and indever for War;
and those of any Solidety wear against it, and indevered
to prevent the War.[26] For conserning Philip
we have good Intelligence yt he advised sum English
to be gone from ther out Plases where they
lived or they wear in Danger to be killed; but
whether it wear to prevent a War, or by their Prests
informed if thay begun thay should be beaten, and
otherwise not, so we have good Intelligence; for I
do think most of them had a Desire the English
would begin; and if the English be not carefull to
manifest the Indians mai expect Equity from them,
thay mai have more Enemies than thay wold, and
more Case of Jelosy.[27]
The Report is, yt to ye Estward the War thus
begun, by supposing yt sum of those Indians were
at a Fight in these Parts, and yt thear thay saw a
Man wounded, so Authority sent sum forth to discufer,
having before disarmed those Indians and
confined them to a Place which the Indians wear
not ofended at; but these Men coming upon them
in a warlike Postuer, they fled; yt the Men cote
but 3 of them. Those in Authority sent out againe
to excuse themselfs, but thay could only cum to the
Spech with one Man; as he kept out of their Rech,
thay excused themselfs and said his Father was not
hurt; one of them thay had taken. He said he
could not believe them, for if it was so, thay wold
have broft him; thay had bin desaitfull to disarm
them, and so wold have killed them all; and so he
run away, and then English wear killed, and the
Report is, yt up in the Country here away thay had
demanded the Indians’ Armes, and went againe to
parrell with them, and the Indians by Ambushcade
tretcherously killed 8 yt wear going to treat with
them.[28]
When Winter was cum we had Leter from
Boston of the iunited Comitioners that thay wear
resolved to reduce the Narogansets to Conformity,
not to be trubled with them ani more, and desered
sum Help of Botes and otherwise, if we saw Case,
and yt we should kepe Secret conserning it.[29] Our
Governor sent them Word we wear satesfied Narragansets
wear tretcherous, and had ayded Philip,
and as we had asisted to relive ther Army before,
so we should be ready to asist them still, and advised
yt Termes might be tendred yt such might expect
Compation yt would acsept not to ingag in War,
and yt ther might be a Separation betwene the
Gilty and the Inosent which in War could not be
expected, we not in the lest expecting thay wold
have begun the War and not before proclaimed it,
or not give them Defianc.
I having often informed the Indians yt English
Men wold not begin a War, otherwise it was brutish
so to do. I am sorry so the Indians have Case
to think me desaitfull, for the English thus began
the War with the Narogansets, we having sent ofe
our Iesland mani Indians and informed them if
thay kept by the water Side and did not medell;
yt however the English wold do them no Harem,
altho it was not save for us to let them live here.
The Army first take all those Prisoners then fell
upon Indian Houses, burned them and killed sum
Men. The War [began] without Proclamation,
and sum of our Peopell did not kno the English
had begun Mischief to Indians, and being confedent
and had Case therefore; yt the Indians wold
not hurt them before the English begun, so did not
kepe ther Gareson exactly; but the Indians having
reseued yt Mischief came unexpected upone them,
destroyed 145 of them beside other great Loss, but
the English Army say thay suposed Conetecot
Forces had bine there. Thay solde the Indians
yt thay had taken as afoersaid, for Slafes, but one
old Man yt was caried of our Iesland upone his
Sun’s Back he was so decreped could not go, and
when the Army tooke them upon his Back caried
him to the Garison, sum wold have had him devoured
by Doges, but the Tendernes of sum of
them prevailed to cut ofe his Head; and after came
sudingly upon the Indians whear the Indians had
prepared to defend themselfs, and so reseved and
did much Mischief, and for aboute six Weeks sinc
hath bine spent as for both Parties to recruet. And
now the English Army is out to seeke after the Indians,
but it is most lickly yt such most abell to do
Mischief will escape, yt Women and Children and
Impotent mai be destroyed, and so the most abell
will have the less Incumbranc to do Mischief.[30]
But I am confident it wold be best for the
English and Indians yt a Peas wear made upone
onest Terems, for each to have a dew Propriety and
to enioy it without Opretion or Iusurpation by one
to the other, but the English dear not trust the
Indian’s Promises, nether the Indians to the Englishes
Promises; and each have gret Case therefor.
I see no Way likely, but if a Sessation from Arems
might be procured untill it might be known what
Terems King Charles wold propound; for we have
gret Case to think the Naroganset Kings wold trust
our King, and yt thay wold have acsepted him to
be Umpier if it had bine tendered, about ani Diferanc;
for we do kno the English have had much
Contention against these Indians to invaled the king’s
Determination for Naroganset to be in our Colony;
and we have Case to think yt was the great Case
of the war against them.
I see no Menes likely to prevent a Sesation from
Arems, except the Gouevner of New York can find
a Way so to interfere, and so it will be likely a
Pease mai be made without trubbling our King;
not but it allwais hath bine a Prinsipell in our Colonly,
yt ther should be but one supreme to English
Men, and in our natief Country wher ever English
have Iurisdiction; and so we know no English
should begin a War and not first tender for the
King to be Umpier, and not persecute such yt can
not conforem to ther Worship; and ther Worship
be what is not owned by the King, the King not
to mind to have such Things redresed, sum mai
take it that he hath not Pouer, and that ther mai
be a Wai for them to take Pouer in Oposition to
him.[31] I am so perswaided of New England Prists,
thay are so blinded by the Spirit of Persecution and
to maintaine to have Hyer, and to have Name to
be mere Hyrelings yt thay have bine the Case
yt the Law of Nations and the Law of Arems have
bine violated in this War; and yt the War had not
bine if ther had not bine a Hyerling, that for his
Moni, giving what he caleth the Gospel by Voiolanc
to have it chargabell for his Gaine from his
Quarter; and if ani in Magistracy be not so as ther
pack Horses, thay will be trumpating for Inovation
or War.[32]
5 : 12m : 1675. Poadiestan.
John Easton (copy of his signature)
FOOTNOTES:
[1]John Easton, the Author of
this Account, was the Son of Nicholas
Easton, who emigrated to New
England with his Sons Peter and
John, in the Spring of 1634, and
settled at Ipswich. He subsequently
removed to Newburgh, and then to
Hampton, where he built the first
English House. In 1638 he removed
to Rhode Island, on account of the
religious Intolerance he experienced,
as a Quaker, and the second Year after
settled at Newport, where he also
built the first House. In 1641 this
was burned by the Indians setting
Fire on his Lands. In 1640 and
1653 he was chosen an Assistant,
and from 1650 to 1652, and in
1654, he was President under the
first colonial Charter. From 1672
to 1674 he held the Office of Governor,
and died at Newport in 1675.
His Son John Easton, held the
Office of Attorney General of Rhode
Island fifteen Years between 1652
and 1675, was Deputy Governor in
1674-1675; was several Times an
Assistant, and from 1690 to 1695
he was elected Governor. He died
at Newport, Dec. 12, 1705, aged
88 Years, and was buried in the
Coddington burial Place. Callender’s
Discourse, p. 125, 148: Peterson’s
Hist. R. I.—Ed.
[2] He was first buried by his
Friends, without an Investigation,
but David, a Tetticut Indian, having
noticed some Bruises about the
Head, reported to some English and
the Governor of Plymouth ordered
an Inquest. This proved that sufficient
Injuries had been received to cause
Death without drowning. An Indian
also acknowledged, that while standing
on a Hill near the Pond, he saw
the Murder committed, but being
fearful for his own Life, at first was
unwilling to disclose it. Bayley’s
Plymouth, ii, 27.—Ed.
[3] Assawomsett Pond, in Middleborough,
in the Present County of
Plymouth, Mass.—Ed.
[4] Other Accounts state that his
Neck was broken. C. Mather.—Ed.
[5] This Indian was John Sassamon,
alias Wassasamon, of the Massachusetts
Tribe, who had been converted
to Christianity and received
a partial Course of Instruction at
Harvard College. Being well acquainted
with the English Language,
and able to read and write, he was
employed as a Teacher at Natick.
Renouncing his Faith, he went to
reside with Alexander, Philip’s
Brother, and afterwards with Philip,
where his Learning made him useful
as a Secretary. He thus had the
Means of becoming thoroughly acquainted
with the Sachem and his
Plans.
Incurring the Displeasure of his
Employer, or yielding to the Solicitations
of his Friend and Instructor
the venerable Eliot, he returned to
Natick, where, upon Professions of
Repentance, he was again baptized,
received into the Church, and employed
as an Instructor. Being frequently
with his Countrymen, he
gained a full Knowledge of the hostile
Feeling that was rapidly spreading
among them, and going to Plymouth
he imparted this Information
to the Governor.
This Advice was at first disregarded,
but Circumstances soon occurred
to strengthen his Statement,
and Philip with several of his Indians
were examined, but without
gaining any new Proof of the Allegation.
They were accordingly dismissed,
under strong Suspicions, and
Sassamon disappeared soon after.
His Death occurred early in the
Spring of 1674-5. Bayley’s Plymouth,
ii, 27; Drake’s Book of Indians, 194
et seq.—Ed.
[6]Tobias, alias Poggapanossoo, one
of Philip’s Counsellors, his Son, and
Mattashinnamy, were apprehended
and tried by a Jury consisting of
four Indians and twelve Whites.
On the 8th of June, 1675, two of
them were hung, and a few Days
after the third was shot, at Plymouth,
one of them, before his Execution,
confessing the Murder, but the others
denying it to the last. One of the
absurd Grounds of Evidence that
influenced the Jury is thus related
by Dr. Increase Mather: “When
Tobias (the suspected Murderer)
came near the dead Body, it fell a
bleeding on fresh, as if it had been
newly slain; albeit, it was buried a
considerable Time before that.”
Mather’s Relation, 75; Drake’s
Book of Indians, 195.—Ed.
[7] Other Accounts state that Philip
paid no attention to the Court, and
made no Effort to free himself from
the Suspicions that were aroused
against him, marching from Place
to Place with his Men in Arms,
and receiving all strange Indians
who came to him. Bailey’s Plymouth,
ii, 28.—Ed.
[8] This Circumstance is not mentioned
by other Contemporaries.—Ed.
[9] Strong Suspicions of Indian Hostilities
had arisen in the Spring of
1671, occasioned by warlike Preparations
on the Part of Philip and
Men on Account of some Injury
alleged to have been done to his
planting Ground. The Massachusetts
Government, anxious to preserve
Peace, sent Agents to mediate
between the Parties, and on the 12th
of April a Conference was obtained
at the Meeting House in Taunton.
Philip represented that his Preparations
were designed to protect himself
from the Narragansetts, but on
its being shown that his Relations
with that Tribe were never more
friendly, he acknowledged the Charges
and signed a Covenant in which
he agreed to remain friendly to the
Colonists, and to deliver up to the
Government of New Plymouth all
his English Arms, to be kept by them
for their Security so long as they
might see Reason. Hubbard, Mather,
Hutchinson, Bayley, &c. Another
Conference was held in September
of the same Year. A Letter
from the Governor of New York,
on the Subject of these Rumors of
Hostility, will be found in a subsequent
Page of this Volume.—Ed.
[10] This Indian War began June
24th, 1675, at Swansea, and ended
with the Death of Philip, Aug. 12,
1676, at Pokanoket.—Ed.
[11] No other Historian of this War
has given an Account of this Negotiation.
The Relations existing between
the Indians and the Government
of Rhode Island, had been
friendly from the Beginning, and
all the Engagements on the Part of
the English had been fulfilled with
scrupulous Exactness. Mr. Roger
Williams relates that he had obtained
by Love and Favor the Title of
Rhode Island, which could not have
been purchased by Price or Money,
and that the Indians, always shy and
jealous of selling their Lands, chose
rather to make a Grant of them to
such as they esteemed. The Gratuities
however expected in return,
often made these Gifts a very dear
Bargain. Callender’s Discourse, 85.
It is said that shortly before the
War of 1675 began, the Governor
of Massachusetts sent to inquire of
Philip why he would war upon the
English, and to request him to enter
into a Treaty. The Sachem replied:
“Your Governor is but a
Subject of King Charles of England;
I shall not treat with a Subject, I
shall treat of Peace only with the
King my Brother. When he comes
I am ready.” Old Indian Chronicle,
68. The Respect and Confidence
which the People of Rhode
Island had acquired with the Indians,
secured a Hearing for their
pacific Overtures on the above Occasion,
at a Time when probably
no other English could have safely
solicited an Interview.—Ed.
[12] The Conference at Taunton,
April 12, 1671, is here referred to.
All the Arms which Philip’s Men
had with them on that Occasion
were given up, and they agreed to
bring in the Remainder at Plymouth
by a certain Time. But this for
some Reason was not done. The
Government at Boston being looked
to as an Umpire, a Complaint was
made to them by the Colony of
New Plymouth. Philip appeared
in Person, and by his plausible Address
quieted all Apprehensions, and
proposed that Commissioners from
the several United Colonies should
meet at Plymouth for a Discussion
and Settlement of the existing Differences.
This Meeting occurred
Sept. 29th, 1671, and “Philip
again acknowledged his Offence,
and was appointed to give a Sum of
Money to defray the Charges which
his insolent Clamors had put the
Colony unto.” Mather’s Relation,
73. The Sum agreed upon, as
stated in the Text, was £100, payable
in three Years. He also agreed
“to send unto the Governor, or
whom he shall appoint, five Wolves’
Heads, if he can get them, or as
many as he can procure, until they
come to five Wolves’ Heads yearly.”
The Disarming of the Indians was
continued through the Spring and
Summer of 1671. Drake’s Book of
the Indians, 204.—Ed.
[13] The Indians of New England
were first taught the Use of Firearms
by Thomas Morton, an unprincipled
and dangerous Adventurer,
who came over with Captain
Wolaston in 1622, in the Capacity
of a Servant, and settled in the present
Town of Quincy. In the
Absence of Wolaston he succeeded
in persuading his Associates to throw
off all Obligation to their Master,
and they fell into the most riotous
Excesses. The neighboring Settlements
becoming alarmed, united in
suppressing this Nuisance, and Morton
was sent a Prisoner to England
in 1628. Bradford’s Hist. of Plymouth
Plantation, 238. At the Time
of Philip’s War, the Use of Firearms
had become general among the
Indians throughout New England,
mostly superceding the primitive
Weapons of the Natives, and forming
an indispensable Means of Success
in Hunting.—Ed.
[14] Sir Edmund Andros, was at this
Time Governor of New York, but
at the breaking out of the War, he
was absent in England, and the
Government was administered by
Capt. Anthony Brockholls the Lieutenant
Governor.—Ed.
[15] The Narragansets in particular,
made it a Matter of public Policy to
oppose the Propagation of the
Christian Religion among them.
The Priests and Sachems imagined
that the Prevalence of the Gospel
would put an End to their Authority,
and although Mr. Roger Williams
at first attempted to Instruct the
Natives in religious Matters, upon
longer Acquaintance he appears to
have changed his Opinion on this
Subject. Callender’s Discourse, 136;
Coll. R. I. Hist. Soc., iii, 9; Bayley’s
Plymouth, ii, 16. Better Results
followed the Labors of Eliot, the
Mayhews, and others in Massachusetts,
Plymouth, Martha’s Vineyard
and Nantucket, but even among the
praying Towns in which Gookin
enumerates about 1150 Indians in
1674, in six Years after, Eliot claimed
but four out of fourteen Towns with
some 300 Souls. Some had joined
Philip and the others had been much
scattered.—Ed.
[16] Massasoit, the Father of Philip,
and Chief of the Wampanogas, at
the Time of the Arrival of the English
at Plymouth, dwelt at Sowams, in
the present Town of Warren, R. I.,
and his People occupied the Region
now constituting Bristol, Barrington,
and Warren, in Rhode Island, with
Parts of Seekonk and Swanzea in
Massachusetts. This Tribe, with
others of New England, had a few
Years before been greatly reduced
by an Epidemic. The Dominion
of Massasoit extended over nearly
all the southern Part of Massachusetts,
from Cape Cod to Narragansett
Bay. Note to Bradford’s Hist.
of Plymouth Plantation, p. 94. So
greatly were the Settlers of Plymouth
reduced by Sickness and Famine, in
the early Years of their Residence,
that they must have fallen an easy
Prey to any concealed Plan of Hostilities.
The Kindness and Assistance
which they received from the Natives
is gratefully acknowledged by
several of their early Annalists.—Ed.
[17] Alexander, alias Wamsutta the
elder Son of Massasoit, succeeded
to his Authority upon the Death of
the latter in the Winter of 1661-2.
He had married Weetamoo, Squaw-Sachem
of Pocasset, and thus extended
his Influence with the Natives.
From his Conduct in 1662, towards
the Narragansetts his ancient Enemies,
Suspicions were raised that he might
be plotting Mischief against the
English, and the Governor of Plymouth
appointed Captain Willet,
who lived near the Residence of
Alexander, to desire him to attend
the next Court at Plymouth, which
he agreed to do. He failed to attend,
and Circumstances appearing to confirm
the Reports, Major Winslow
was ordered to bring him before
them by Force. This Party surprised
the Sachem and about eighty of his
Men, and having secured their Arms
made known their Instructions. He
at first “fell into a raging Passion
at this Surprise, saying that the
Governor had no Reason to credit
Rumors, or to send for him in such
a Way, nor would he go to Plymouth
but when he saw Cause.” (J. Matther).
Yielding to the Advice of
his Interpreter (a Brother of John
Sassamon) he went with them. On
his Way being taken sick, he was
received and nursed at the House of
Mr. Winslow, but his Malady increasing,
his Followers entreated
those that held him Prisoner that he
might have leave to return. He
was accordingly dismissed with the
Promise of sending his Son as a
Hostage till he could appear, and
died on his Way Home. (Mather;
Hubbard.) Philip and Weetamoo
always believed he was poisoned,
and from this Time, without Doubt,
a deep and settled Purpose of Vengeance
was harbored by Philip.
Fear or Policy, had induced him
to yield an outward Compliance,
and subscribe to the written Conditions
which they imposed, but the
Interval was busily occupied in maturing
his Schemes, and engaging the
Alliance of the neighboring Tribes.
The Spring of 1676 is said to
have been agreed upon as the Time
for commencing Hostilities, but the
Death of Sassamon, and the Trial
and Executions which followed, are
believed to have led to a Rupture
before his Plans were matured.—Ed.
[18] The Execution of the alleged
Murderers of Sassamon, greatly irritated
the Indians, insomuch that
Philip, sending the Wives and
Children of his Tribe for Protection
to the Narragansetts, allowed his
young Men to commence Aggressions
by killing the Cattle and
plundering the Houses of the English,
on the 24th of June, 1675.
Irritated at this, the Indians were
fired upon, and one was wounded.
Accounts differ somewhat in relation
to the Manner in which Hostilities
commenced.—Ed.
[19] An Account printed soon after
this War in London, and republished
in Boston in 1836, with others
under the Title of the Old Indian
Chronicle, gives the following Version
of this Event. “By this Time
the Indians have killed several of
our Men, but the first that was killed
was June 23, a Man at Swansey;
that he and his Family had left his
House amongst the Rest of the Inhabitants,
and adventuring with his
Wife and Son (about twenty Years
old) to go to his House to fetch them
Corn, and such like Things (he
having just before sent his Wife and
Son away), as he was going out of
the House was set on and shot by
Indians. His Wife being not far
off, heard the Guns go off, went
back,” and fell into their Hands.
Dishonored and afterwards scalped
by them, she immediately died,
and her Son was at the same Time
scalped. “They also the next Day
killed six or seven Men at Swansey,
and two more at one of the Garrisons;
and as two Men went out of
one of the Garrisons to draw a
Bucket of Water, they were shot
and carried away.” Drake’s Book
of the Indians, 209.—Ed.
[20] This Indian Queen was undoubtedly
Awashonks, Squaw Sachem
of Sogkonate (Seconet), the
Wife of an Indian, called Tolony.
Her Residence was on a Peninsula
on the northeast Side of Narraganset
Bay, opposite the Island of Rhode
Island, and now chiefly included in
the Town of Compton, R. I. A
few Days before the War commenced,
Philip sent six of his Warriors
to invite her to join him in it.
Mr. Benjamin Church, who afterwards
acted a conspicuous Part in
the War, and who had lived with
his Family a Year in the midst of
her People, induced her to decline
the Invitation and to consent to
place herself under the Protection
of the English. He advised her to
pass over to Rhode Island for Security,
and proceeded to Plymouth
to make Arrangements according to
this Agreement. He arrived June
7, but was prevented from returning
by the Outbreak of Hostilities,
and the good-hearted Awashonks
was constrained, though reluctantly,
to join Philip. Drake’s Book of the
Indians, 249; Bayley’s Plymouth,
ii, 28, 32. Church.—Ed.
[21] The Government of Massachusetts
at first imagined that Hostilities
might be averted by Mediation, but
were quickly undeceived, and on
the 26th of June, they dispatched a
Company of Infantry and of Horse
to Mount Hope, to aid the Plymouth
Forces already in the Field.
They reached Swansey in two Days,
depressed with gloomy Forebodings
from a lunar Eclipse, in which the
Superstitious read a melancholy
Omen of the divine Displeasure.
After several sharp Encounters with
the Indians, it was decided to march
to Mount Hope where Philip was
posted. The Inclemency of the
Weather prevented an immediate
Execution of this Purpose for several
Days, which Delay was improved
by the Indians in effecting their
Escape by Water, and when the
Troops finally proceeded, they met
only with revolting Trophies of
Massacre and Desolation. The
Quarters lately occupied by the
Enemy were found deserted, with
Evidences of their precipitate Flight.
Finding no enemy, General Cuddeback
with some of the Plymouth
Forces passed over to Rhode Island
to obtain better Shelter than could
be found at Mount Hope, while
Major Savage with the Massachusetts
Troops, remained in the open
Fields through an inclement Night,
and the next Morning returned to
Swansey. Bayley’s Plymouth, ii, 38.—Ed.
[22] The Assistance which Awashonks
rendered to Philip was more
from Fear or Policy than from Inclination.
She and her People appear
to have spent the Winter with
the Enemy on the Frontiers of Massachusetts,
and in June, 1676,
through the Influence of Mr. Benjamin
Church, friendly Relations
were restored between her and the
English. She offered to join her
Forces with those of the Colonists
against the Enemies of the latter, on
Condition that she and all of her
Warriors with their Wives should
have their Lives spared, and that
none of them should be transported
out of the Country. This Treaty
was never afterwards broken. About
the Year 1700 there were one hundred
Men of this Tribe, and about
1760, a mortal Fever swept off
many. A Remnant was living in
Compton in 1803. Drake’s Book
of the Indians, 252.—Ed.
[23] The Massachusetts Government
had given Orders for their Troops to
proceed to the Narragansett Country
and prevent any Aid being rendered
by them to Philip. Part of the
Country occupied by these Indians
was found abandoned, and several
Days elapsed before they met with any
Indians with whom to treat. At
length four Men were found, whom
the English styled Sachems, and a
Treaty in the Name of the whole
Tribe, secured by Hostages, and
most humiliating in its Conditions,
was drawn up, and signed on the
15th of July, 1675. This Treaty
was held at Pettyquamsott, now
Narrow River. By this Agreement,
the Narragansetts were bound to the
impossible Task of seizing all and every
of Philip’s Subjects, and bringing
them dead or alive to the English;
they were to kill them wherever
found, and to restore all stolen
Goods. A large Reward was promised
for Philip delivered alive, or
for his Head if slain. Bayley’s Plymouth,
ii, 48; Drake’s Book of Indians,
211.—Ed.
[24] Soon after the Destruction of
Dartmouth, a Party of Indians who
had not been concerned in the Outrage,
were induced to surrender
through Persuasion and Promises
and were taken to Plymouth where
the Government ordered the whole,
to the Number of about one hundred
and sixty, to be sold as Slaves.
Bayley’s Plymouth, ii, 47. “In the
beginning of the War, Capt. Moseley
captured eighty who were confined
at Plymouth. In September
following, one hundred and eighty
Captives were put on board a Vessel
commanded by Captain Sprague,
who sailed with them from Plymouth
for Spain.” Drake’s Book of Indians,
224. In Rhode Island, Numbers
of Indian Captives were sold into
Servitude for a limited Time.—Ed.
[25] While this Reputation of Forbearance
from Cruelties on the Part
of the Indians is scarcely sustained
by the Evidence of cotemporary
Records, that of Barbarity to the
Indian Prisoners by the English is
abundantly proven. The War was
upon both Sides one of Extermination,
and in their Eagerness to accomplish
this Purpose, friendly Indians
and those who had surrendered
themselves under Pledges of Protection
were in several Cases massacred.
In September, 1675, an
Indian Prisoner was executed in
Boston, to appease the Fury of the
Mob, “in a Manner so revolting,
that were the Truth alone related,
the Reader’s Belief might be confounded.”
Drake’s Boston, 410.—Ed.
[26] Although there were well grounded
Suspicions that the Narragansetts
were in secret Alliance with Philip,
War was not openly declared against
them until November following.
The Commissioners of the United
Colonies appointed Governor Winslow,
Commander in Chief of all
their Forces, and made Arrangements
for an active Winter Campaign.
Moore’s Lives of Governors
of N. Plymouth.—Ed.
[27] “Tradition says: ‘He was
forced on by the Fury of his young
Men sore against his own Judgment
and Inclination; and that though
he foresaw and foretold the English
would in Time by their Industry
root out all the Indians, yet he was
against making War with them, as
what he thought would only hurry
on and increase the Destruction of
his People,’ and the Event proved
he judged right.” The Powaws had
given out an ambiguous Oracle, in
which they promised the Indians
would be successful, if the English
fired the first Gun, and that no
Englishman should ever kill Philip.
Callender’s Discourse, 126.—Ed.
[28] This account appears to be an
incorrect Report of the Proceedings
against the Indians under Wonolancet,
in the Country of the Merrimack
in September, 1675. As this
Transaction is elsewhere reported,
the Indians exhibited an unparalleled
Forbearance under the Injuries they
received from the English, and the
latter having the next Year enticed
about 400 Indians within their
Power, sold into foreign Slavery or
executed more than half of this
Number. Drake’s Book of Indians,
279.—Ed.
[29] The Commissioners of the
United Colonies met at Boston,
September 9, 1675, at which those
of Plymouth laid before their Body
a Narrative of the Origin and Progress
of the War. Upon receiving
this they at once declared War
against the Indians, and agreed to
raise a thousand Soldiers of whom
half were to be Dragoons. These
Troops were levied upon the several
Colonies in the following Proportion:
Massachusetts 527, Plymouth
158, Connecticut 315. To
encourage volunteer Parties, the
Plunder which they might obtain,
whether Goods or Persons, was
promised to the Captors, and Bounties
were offered to friendly Indians
for such Captives of the Enemy as
they might bring in. Although the
Narragansetts had been suspected to
be concerned in Philip’s
Plans and Individuals of that Tribe had been
found openly engaged in Arms
against the English, it does not appear
that they had fully and openly
commenced Hostilities at this Time.
In October, 1675, a written Engagement
had been renewed by several
Sachems of the Tribe in which
they engaged to deliver up every
Indian belonging to Philip, the Pocasset
Squaw (Weetamoo, former
Wife of Alexander, Philip’s brother),
Saconet, Quabaug, Hasley, or other
hostile Indians. This Agreement
had been evaded, and the united
Colonies were in Consequence induced
to undertake their Extermination.
At another Meeting the Force
formerly ordered was increased, and
their united Forces were placed
under the Command of Josias
Winslow of Plymouth Colony.
[30] The memorable swamp Fight
of Dec. 18, 19, had not occurred
at the Time the above Narrative
was written. In this sanguinary
Engagement the Indians lost over
700, and of the English 80 were
killed and 150 wounded. (See
Coll. R. I. Hist. Soc., iii, 84; iv,
132; v, 161. Bayley’s Plymouth,
ii, 93. Drake’s Book of Indians,
218. Also Hubbard, Mather and
other Historians). The Share taken
by Rhode Island in this War is thus
stated by Callender: “As to the
Part this Colony had in that War,
it must be observed that though the
Colony was not, as they ought to
have been, consulted, yet they not
only afforded Shelter and Protection
to the flying English, who deserted
from many of the neighboring
Plantations in Plymouth Colony,
and were kindly received by the
Inhabitants, and relieved and allowed
to plant the next Year on their
Commons for their Support; but
they likewise furnished some of the
Forces with Provisions and Transports.”
Hist. Discourse, 133.—Ed.
[31] It will be remembered that the
Writer of this Account was a Quaker,
who many Years before, with
others, had sought in Rhode Island
an Asylum from the religious Intolerance
of Massachusetts. The
Sect to which he belonged was especially
noted for its Disapproval
of the System of a professional and
paid Clergy, common among other
religious Denominations.—Ed.
[32] The Sequel of the War of
1675-6, is briefly stated in the introductory
Chapter.—Ed.
PAPERS RELATING TO PHILIP’S INDIAN WAR.
Letter from GovernorFrancis Lovelaceof New York, to GovernorBenedict
Arnoldof Newport.
[Orders, Warrants, Letters, ii, 461.]
Sr This Opportunity presenting, I was willing
to give you Notice of ye Apprehension some
Persons at ye east End of Long Island have of Comocons
like to arise by their Indians and yors of the
Narragansett, sett on by their Sachem Ninsecrast
against the English.[1] A Copy of some Passages in a
Letter sent expresse from thence to mee, I here
inclosed send you. For my Part I can not thinke
them in a Condicon strong enough to make any
such bould Attempt. Whatsoever their Will may
bee, however, its Good to be cercumspect and to
provide against the Worst. I shall desire you
would make Enquiry into ye Matter, and send mee
yor Opinion of it by ye First.
It seemes Nonecrast hath become an old Enemy
to ye English so to be suspected. Mr. Thomas
Terry,[2] of Block Island, informes mee that he hath
had 6 Indyans Servants run away from him, which
Nonecrast protects and keepes, though none of his
Indians. I thinke you may do well to admonish
him of it, and that hee ought not to doe the least
Injury to the English under whose Protection hee
liues, without giving Satisfaction for it. It may bee
by his Answer you may iudge of his Intent. I have
not further but to desire a neighbourly and friendley
Correspondence between us, which shall bee
cherished upon all Occasions.
Yor affectionate Friend and Servt Francis Lovelace.
New York this 5th July, 1669.
To Mr. Benedict Arnold,
Governor of Rhode Island.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Apprehensions of Indian Hostilities,
appear to have been entertained
in Rhode Island at this Period.
Ninicraft was charged with detaining
some Indian Servants of Thomas
Torrey of Block Island, and on the
20th of July, 1669, a Warrant was
issued for his Arrest on Suspicion of
a Plot, seven of Philip’s ancient Men
having been with him nine or ten
Days without sufficient Reason. He
appeared eight Days after and stated
that the Indians had had a great
Dance lately, which was an Invocation
for a plentiful Harvest. He
ascribed the Report of hostile Intentions
to a Long Island Indian, and
stated that he had formerly taken
Captive their Sachem’s Daughter,
and obliged them to pay him Tribute.
The Sachem and his Daughter
were both dead, and the Tribute
after some Difficulty, had been lately
paid. He was again summoned
before the Governor and Council
in August, but was dismissed. Coll.
R. I. Hist. Soc., iii, 71.—Ed.
Letter from GovernorLovelaceof New
York, to GovernorArnoldof Rhode
Island.
[Orders, Warrants, Letters, ii, 519.]
For ye Honble MrBenedict Arnold, Governor &c.
of Rhode Island, These:
Sr I recd yr Lre of ye 29th of July —69, in Answer
to myne for which I must render you my pticuler
Thanks for those Civilityes you were pleased to
afford me in yor friendly Expressions. Next, I
cannot but kindly reseve yt Care you have showne
in setling ye Myndes of some over credulous Prsons
amongst us, who (being possest wth a pannick Feare)
were apt to entertaine very melancholly Thoughts
according as they were instilled by ye Intelligence
and Informations of some fond Indians, to ye great
Disturbance of ye publique Peace, and by it animating
ye Heathens who taking Courage from our
Feare might be apt to breake forth into Extravagances
not to be redrest wthout a Warre, and all
ye Miseryes attending it, but those Apprehensions
are now vanisht and men’s Myndes by ye Reason of
yor excellent Lre well pacified and settled, neither
do I believe they will too hastily againe give Credence
to ye Information of a faithlesse and false
Generation. All that I shall further add and heartily
desire for ye Future, is that this friendly and neighbourly
Correspondence wch by this Occasion hath
had its first Rise, may by ye same Zeale and Kindnesse
be continued; to wch we are not onely oblieged
by ye comon Tyes of Xtianit ybut comon Safety,
and ye Happinesse promised to all Brethren living
in Love and Unity togethr wch as none shall be
ready to cherish it more than myselfe, as to ye Genral
so I shall not be wanting to embrace all Occasions
to demonstrate ye sincere Service I have to you
pticuler in ye Compellation of
Yor affectionate Freind and Servt Fran. Lovelace.
Fort James in N. Yorke, Aug. 24th, 1669.
Extract from a Letter ofFrancis LovelaceGovernour of New York, toThomas
Prence, Governour of New Plymouth,
dated May 5, 1671.
[Court of Assize ii, 678.]
* * * As to yor Indyan Affaires,[1] I am
heartily glad that yor Courage and Wisdome has
met wth that Success as to compell him to a Complacency
to yor Desires; and I verily believe (by
what Relacons I have met with) even of our own
Indyans, the Defection seemed almost universal.
At present, there can be no better Prevention practisd
then Vigilancy, and such a Composure towards
them as may testify wee rather despise than feare
them. The Confession of the Sagamore seems
cleere enough, wch if his Compunction be soe toe,
it then may proove in ye politique Body as sometimes
it happens in ye naturall; that a Bone once
broken and well sett, strengthens ye Limbe; which
good Effect I heartily wish it may have, and if my
Endeavors can any Wayes be subservient to you, you
shall as freely command mee as I subscribe myselfe
Yor affete ffriend and Humble Servant,
Fran Lovelace (copy of his signature)
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Alluding to the Difference that
arose between Philip and the Plymouth
Colony in 1671, mentioned
in a
Note on Page 6.—Ed.
Fragment of a Letter from GovernorJohn
Winthropof Connecticut, to the Governor
of New York.[1]
[N. Y. Colonial MSS., xxiv.]
New London, June 29, 1675.
Sr
P ... att Mr Richards Smith
... tt I met Capt Hutch-
... n Boston with a Lre
... vernor and Councill dir ...
... Le ... craft, and the
... ca, the Contents whe ...
... ernore p’ticularly
... ams, which being brought
to ... morning with the said Robert
of the farther Confirmation of the Truth of the
Murther committed upon several English by Philip;
there is Pr paration for Conveyance to yourselfe,
and being something ill myselfe since my
Returne, have desired Mr Witherly what Intelligence
is passing, to convey it.
A Coppy is subscribed pr J. Winthrop.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] The Parts of this Letter indicated
by Dots have been lost, but enough
remains to show its general Tenor. It
was probably the earliest Intelligence
of the Outbreak of Indian Hostilities
that reached New York.—Ed.
Fragment of a Letter from New London
about the Indian News.
[New York Colonial MSS., xxiv.]
New London, June 29, 1675.
Yestarday Left Avery, myselfe and some others
went vp to Vncas,[1] to vnderstand, iff possible we
could, how he stood affected to Phillip’s Designe. He
informed us that he heard of much Damage done
by Philip, by killing many English, and burning
theire Houses. But would not be known that he
held any Correspondence with him, but vpon carefull
Vew, we have Reason to beleive that most of
his Men are gone that Wa ... ath ... very
... th ... three
few Men Gunns it m ...
hath had great ...
and many presen ...
that particular Course ...
Part, into a Posture of ...
It is reported that ...
expects farther ...
(Copy) Subscribed by ...
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Uncas, Sachem of the Mohegans.
He was originally a Pequot,
but revolted from the Sachem of
that Tribe, and upon the Settlement
of the English in Connecticut, he
became their Ally and aided in the
Wars that proved so disastrous to his
native Tribe. Although his Villainies
occasioned frequent Annoyance and
Anxiety, he remained attached to
the English till his Death, and in
the Wars with Philip, he sent a Number
of his Warriors to their Assistance.
His Friendship to the English
appears to have been dictated by
Policy rather than Affection, and
he strenuously opposed the Introduction
of Christianity and Civilization
among his People.—Ed.
Council Minutes concerning Indian
Hostilities.
[Council Minutes, iii, 44.]
At a Councell July 4th, 1675.
Present,
The Governor,
The Secretary,
Capt. Brockholes,
Mr. J. Laurence,
Capt. Dyre.
It is the Opinion of the Councell that Conecticott
doth not expect nor desire Assistance from us in
Relacon to the Indyan Disturbance at this Time.[1]
Upon due Consideracon of ye Intelligence now
sent from thence concerning ye Indyans,
Resolved, That ye Governor doe proceed on his
intended Voyage to Conecticott forthwith, and do
take a Force with him, to be in a Capacity to protect
that Part of his Royall Highnesse Government,
as there may be Occasions.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] At the Time that Indian Hostilities
commenced, in June, 1675,
the Governor and Council of New
York were actively discussing the
Question of Boundary, and an Expedition
was in Preparation with
the View of enforcing the Claims
of New York if found expedient.
The Patent of the Duke of York
was claimed by Andros as extending
to the Connecticut, and this
Construction was subsequently approved
by the Duke of York, but
from prudential Reasons its Adjustment
was deferred. Coll. Hist. N. Y.
iii, 235. The Council coinciding
with the Governor had passed a
Resolution declaring that Disobedience
to his Majesty’s Pleasure, as
signified by Letters Patent, was Rebellion.
Council Minutes, iii, 42.—Ed.
A Letter from the Governour to GovernourWinthrop, upon the Indyan News.
[Warrants, Orders, Passes, iii, 117.]
Sr
About 3 a Clock this Morning, [July 4] I
recd yors of the 1st Inst, together with severall Copyes
of Lres, of the Indyans being in Armes in Plymouth
Colony, and their having destroyed severall Christians
to the Eastward of you, as neare as Narrowgansett,
and Apprehencon of their trending further
to you wards. I am very much troubled at the
Christians’ Misfortunes, and hard Disasters in these
Parts, being so overpowered by such Heathen.
Here upon I have hastened my coming to your
Parts, and added a fforce to bee ready to take such
Resolucons as may be fitt for mee, upon this extraordinary
Occasion, with which I intend (God willing)
to sett out this Evening, and to make the best
of my Way to Connecticutt River, his Royall
Highnesses Bounds there; where at my Arrivall
you shall heare further from
Sr Yor most humble Servt
E. Andross (copy of his signature)
This was sent in Post hast,
from Const to Constable.[1]
FOOTNOTES:
[1] The earliest Proposition for the
Establishment of a regular Post is
believed to have been made in 1672.
Previously Intelligence was conveyed
by special Express, or occasional
Opportunities.—Ed.
A Letter to GovernorCarterett, upon the
Indyan News; sent July 4th, 1675.
The severall inclosed Copyes, came to my
Hands at 3 o’clock this Morning, which I thought
fitt (as soone as I could), to dispatch to you, that
you may see the Power of, and Outrages committed
by the Indyans in Plymouth Colony, as farre
as Narrowgansett, on the Christians; and Apprehencons
of their further Proceedings, upon which,
I have quickened my Voyage that Way, and resolve
to take a Force with mee, which I intend (God
willing) to imbarke this Night for Connecticutt
River.
A Lre at Seabrooke, from the Go. to the
Go. or Depty Go. and Assistants, or
chiefe Magistrates of the Colony of Conecticutt,
to be delivered to the Chiefe of
them at Hartford,[1] July 8th, 1675.
[Warrants, Orders, Passes, iii, 118.]
Honoble Gent.
I writt to you at large, the 28th past, by Mr.
John Collyer, and also by another the 4th Instant
in the Morning, by Returne of yor Expresse, upon
yor Notice of the Indyans’ Rebellion and Barbarisme
did give you Accot of my Intent this Way, and to
this Place, where I am now arrived. But finding
no Occasion heer upon the Indyan Accot I am
sending a small Vessel further eastward for Intelligence,
and do send this by Express to you, in his
Maties and Royall Hignesse Behalfe to desire your
direct and effectuall Answer to my former Lre,
which I here attend in Discharge of my Duty, accordingly.
In the Meantime I remaine Honoble Gent. Yor affecate Friend and Humble Servt E. Andross.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Governor Andros, upon his
Arrival at Saybrook, made a formal
Demand of Surrender, but being
met by a spirited Refusal on the
Part of Capt. Bull in Command of
the Fort, supported by a respectable
Force hastily assembled from the
neighboring Militia, he prudently
forebore further Measures of Hostility,
and shortly after crossed to
Long Island. Dunlap’s Hist. N. Y.
i, 132.—Ed.
A Letter of the same Date from GovernourAndrosto the Governour of Boston.
[Orders, Warrants, Passes, iii, 118.]
Honoble Sr
I cannot omitt this Opportunity by Mr Andrew
Belcher, with my Respects, to give you an
Accot of my Arrivall to this Place, being intended
to these Parts upon Accot of the Limitts, expressed
in his Maties Lres Patents, between his Royall Hss.
and Connecticutt: But suddenly hastened by the
Newes from Go: Winthrop, by Expresse, of the
Indyans Irruption and Barbarousnesse; of which
Proceedings hearing no further, I hope there already
is (or will be speedily) a good Event. And as to
the Limits, having proceeded in ye fairest Manner,
(according to his Maties Pleasure and Commands)
I will not doubt a suitable Issue therein, accordingly,
for wch, and the Indyan Concernes, I do attend
here; where I shall bee glad, or at my Returne,
of any Opportunity to serve you, remaining,
Honoble Sr Yor very humble Servt E. Andross.
Letter from GovernourAndrosto MajorWinthrop, at New London.
[Orders, Warrants, Passes, iii, 119.]
Sr According to the Accts I gave Go: Winthrop,
I arrived yesterday to this Port, where I am very
sorry to hear of your continued Indisposition, which
I hearing no further Certainty of the Indyans Proceedings,
occasions my sending this small Vessell
herewith, desiring to heare more particularly of
yor Health, and if you please, what Newes you
heare of the said Indyans. I have also ordered the
Master, William Welch, (if you shall thinke fitt)
to proceed further eastward, for Intelligence, not
beyond Rhoad Island, and hope in the meane Time
to have a good Issue concerning the Limitts; having
proceeded therein according to his Maties Pleasure
and Commands, with all Fairnesse; and shall still
with all Respect in my Power, to the worthy
Governor, and bee glad, I may bee any Wayes
capable of serving you, being really,
Sr Yor most affecate humble Servt E. Andross.
Seabrooke, July the 9th, 1675.
Instructions forWilliam Welch.
[Warrants, Orders, Passes, iii, 119.]
Having herewith recd a Lre to Major Winthrop,
you are forthwith to repaire with it to New London,
and having delivered the same, (if he shall think
fitt) to proceed further eastward, as he shall direct,
for Intelligence about the Indyans, but not further
than Road Island: And having his Despatch, that
you make the best of yor Way back to this Post.
I wish you a good Voyage, and am,
Yor loving ffriend,
E. Andross (copy of his signature)
Seabrooke, July the 9th, 1675.
A Lre sent from the Governor to Capt.John Young, at Southold.
[Warrants, Orders, Passes, iii, 119.]
Capt. Young:
Being afore designed for these Parts, I was
hastened the sooner, by the Receipt of the Lre from
Go: Winthrop, with the Intelligence of the Indyan
Disturbence, and Insurrection in Plymouth Colony,
so that I immediately made ready to come out with
two Sloopes, and arrived to this Place, where I may
stay yet some few Days longer. I have this Evening
received a Lre from Major Winthrop, relating
to the Indians being disperst, but continue in their
mischievous Practices. Having now this Opportunity
by a Boat going over to Southhold,[1] I was willing to
advertize you hereof. And the rather it being by
them eastward suspected that there is a genall Intelligence
and Confederacy between the Indyans
even to Delaware Bay, which wee cannot perceive
to the Westward. But if you do finde any Thing
from yor Parts, amongst those Indyans, I desire
you’l give mee present Notice to this Place, and in
the meane Time, will not doubt yor Care upon all
Occasions; And do intend (God willing) to see you
in my Returne. I hope Mr. Arnolde and Mr.
Silvester gott well to Boston, having heard Nothing
to the Contrary, though many others found Dead
upon the Wayes. I am
Yor very loveing ffriend. E. Andros.
Seabrooke, July 10th, 1675.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] On the north Side of Long Island and near its east End.
A Letter to Mr.Thomas Backer, Justice
of the Peace at East Hampton, of the same
Date.
[Warrants, Orders, Passes, iii, 120.]
[The Beginning as the former; the Conclusion
viz:] At my going from hence I do intend (God
willing) either to see you, or to send a Sloope, for
the Endeavouring the getting up, or taking in of
those Guns of the Wreck, which I writt to you of
before. Therefore if the Indyans have not done it
already I pray they may be in Readynesse for it,
which I thinke may bee in a few Dayes.
I am Yors E. Andros.
A Letter to Mr.Thomas Mayhew, or Chiefe
Magistrate at Martin’s Vineyard.[1]
[Warrants, Orders, Passes, iii, 120.]
Southhold, July the 14th, 1675.
Mr. Mayhew:
Having Notice of the Irruption of the Indyans,
and their barbarous Proceedings against the English,
in and on this Side of Plymouth Colony, hath occasioned
my hastening to visite these Parts and to take
Order in any Thing that may bee wanting for their
Security: To which End I am proceeding as farre
as South and East Hampton. But lest you and
yor Neighbors of Nantuckett bee not furnisht with
Ammunicon, and thereby suffer by the said Indyans
Irruptions, I have without Delay, despatcht this
Sloope wth Ammunicon, and to inquire of yor State,
to wit, for you one Barrell of Powder, ffifteen
Musketts, and foure Skeynes of Match. The which,
to bee returned in kinde, to the Stores at New
Yorke, when you can with Convenience bee supplyde.
I desire you will furnish the Master of the
Sloope with a Pilot, or Direcons to Nantuckett,
as hee shall have Occasion; And that you will send
mee by him, an Accot of the State of all Things
with you, in this present Juncture, as to ye Strength
or Posture of Defence, if any of the said Indyans
should attempt to come upon yor Island, that I may
take such further Order as may be fitt. In wch I
shall not faile (God willing.) All our Indyans
westward, are hitherto very quiett, and promise
faire, and I hope, will not intermeddle.
I am, Yors
E. Andross (copy of his signature)
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard,
and the adjacent Islands, as well as
the Country on the Coast of Maine,
eastward of the Kennebec, had
been purchased by the Duke of
York from the Earl of Stirling, and
were at this Time Dependencies of
the Government of New York. The
Country in Maine known as Pemaquid
and its Dependencies, was transferred
to Massachusetts in 1686, on
the Accession of the Duke of York to
the Throne as James II, and the
former Islands were included in
the New England Charter in 1692.
A local Government had been organized
at Nantucket and Martha’s
Vineyard, under the Direction of a
Chief Magistrate in each Island,
and a General Court held alternately
in one and the other. The Decisions
of this Court were subject to
Appeal to the Governour and Council
and to the Court of Assize at
New York. Mr. Thomas Mayhew
had been appointed Governour
of Martha’s Vineyard for Life.
With such Assiduity and Success had
he labored for the Conversion of
the Indians upon these Islands, that
although much more numerous than
the Whites, the latter retained their
Friendship without Interruption, and
these Islands became an Asylum for
many English Families driven from
the Main-Land by Philip’s War.
There is no Evidence that the slightest
Disaffection prevailed among the
Natives on these Islands during the
War. Nantucket Papers, Albany,
1856.—Ed.
A Lre of the same Tenor and Date was sent
to Nantuckett by the Sloope at that Time
likewise.
The Ammunicon sent thither was one Barrell
of Powder, ten Musketts, and three Skeynes of
Match.
The Lre was directed, To Mr Richard Gardner,
and Capt. John Gardner, or Chiefe Magistrate and
Officrs at Nantuckett.
Instructions forFranck Lee, being sent with
his Sloope to Martin’s Vineyard and
Nantuckett.
[Warrants, Orders, Passes, iii, 121.]
Franck Lee:
Having received on Board yor Sloope two
Barrells of Powder, twenty-five Musketts, and
seven Skeynes of Match, with a Lre to Martin’s
Vineyard, and another to Nantuckett, and a Pilott
to the said Places, you are, (Wind and Weather
permitting) to make Sayle the next Tyde, and the
best of yor Way thither, where being arrived, you
are to deliver my Lre to Mr. Mayhew, or Chiefe
Officer at Martin’s Vineyard, together with one
Barrell of Powder, ffifteen Musketts, and foure
Skeynes of Match, and at Nantuckett my other Lre
with one Barrell of Powder, ten Musketts, and three
Skeynes of Match, taking a Receipt of the Chiefe
Magistrate or Officer, at each Place, to whom you
shall deliver it. Having so done, you are not to
stay in either Place above one Tyde, unlesse it may
happen that the Indyans should flock over from the
Maine, and the Chiefe Magistrate or Officer desire
yor Assistance for obstructing the same by Water;
in wch Case you are to stay, as there may bee Occasion,
for their Preservation; which having p’formed,
and received the Lres to mee, from the Chief Magistrate
or Officers in each Place, you are (Winde
and Weather prmitting) to make the best of your
Way back to mee, to New Yorke.
In yor going there and returne, you are to take
Care, that yorselfe, Souldyers and Seamen, be vigilant
and carefull in the Businesse, and do give no
just Cause of Complaint or Offence; If they should
not have Occasion, or desire ye Armes, you are to
bring them back with you. I wish you a good
Voyage, and am
Yor loving ffriend, E. Andros.
Southold, July 14th, 1675.
Abstract of a Letter from the Governour
of Rhode Island to the Governour of New
York, dated July 21st, 1675.
[New York Colonial MSS., xxiv, 128.]
A great Part is a Relation of severall Passages of
the Warre betweene Plymouth Colony and the
Indyans, and their own being in a warlike Posture
of Defence.
Then relates the coming of an Army from Boston
and Connecticut Colonyes into their Colony (without
informing them thereof) to bring the Indians
there to their own Terms, and to call that Part of
Roade Isl Colony theirs (vizt Kingstoune in the
Narrogansett Country)[1] and having made Terms
with the Indians, tooke one Tho. Gould appointed
a Conservator of the Peace in Kingstown Prisoner,
for questioning whether they should not firstly have
informed them of their coming with an Army
within that Province, and pinioned him and guarded
him, and the next Morne sentenced him to bee sent
from Constable to Constable to Connecticutt Prison
with 8 Horsemen at his own Charge, but afterwards
tooke Bayle from him.
And further, those of Connecticutt have formerly
threatned Force, that we should not use the
K’s Authority there, and not to maintaine it for the
K’s Province, as confirmed to us. It intimates their
Force was as much therefor as their Pretence agst
ye Indyans, and we doubt not but we could have
prevailed to have brought ye Indyans to greater
Conformity than they have done by their Armes;
and so with Relacon of some Skirmishes with the
Indyans take leave.
Signed, R. Codrington.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] The Boundary between Rhode
Island and Connecticut was during
many Years a Subject of Disagreement
and often of angry Dispute,
from the conflicting Terms of their
respective Charters. In April 1663,
Mr. John Winthrop, Agent for the
Colony of Connecticut, and Mr.
John Clarke, Agent for the Colony
of Providence, agreed to refer the
Question to Arbitrators, who recommended
a Line much like the
present, as the Boundary. A farther
Attempt was made by Commissioners
from the two Colonies in
November, 1699; but not until
May 12, 1703, were these Negotiations
finally settled by Articles of
Agreement that received the royal
Sanction Feb. 8, 1726. Coll. R. I.
Hist. Soc. iii, 200, 213.—Ed.
Council Minutes.
[Council Minutes, iii, Part 2, 44.]
At a Councell, July 24, 1675.
Present,
The Governour,
The Secretary,
Capt. Brockholes,
Mr. Jas. Lawrence,
Capt. Dyre.
The Governor relates ye severall Passages of his
Voyage.[1]
Resolved, That an Order be sent to ye severall
Tounes upon Long Island to continue a good Constable’s
Watch until further Order, and to take
Care that ye Indyans now disarmed bee not any
Wise injured, but assisted upon any Occasion requireing
it.
That Mr. Pell[2] be written to to take a daily
Accot of his Indyans, unlesse they send Hostages to
this Place, which would be best.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Referring to the Voyage to Saybrook.
See p. 49.
[2]John Pell, a Justice of the
Peace, had several Indians living on
his Land at Anne Hookes Neck,
in Pelham, on the East River, near
the Line of Connecticut. He was
the first Lord of the Manor of Pelham;
born Feb. 3, 1643; died
about 1700. Bolton’s Westchester.—Ed.
I have this Afternoone recd yors of the 4th,
which I suppose was writ yesterday. You have
done well in prosecuting my Orders to yor out
Indyans of Unquechauge,[2] for their Armes, and particularly
sending a Party to compell them, when
they did not punctually bring them in, as you desired,
which cannot bee amisse, though ’tis possible
the Sachem being at South’ton, (as you alleadge)
to that Day, and others disperst might have no
Notice, so not faulty. But I would not have you
faile to seize the Indyan Messengers you sent, as
soone as you can light on them, and unlesse they
can give you a satisfactory Account of their Endeavors
that you send them up hither, by the first
Convenience, and for others, that you continue the
same Care for their Proteccon (being disarmed)
and do them Justice upon all Occasions requiring
it, of which you may acquaint them againe.
I dispatch this the sooner to you, upon receiving
this Night a Paper and Letter from the Eastward,
of which I send you Copyes, desiring you’l send
forthwith towards Nesaquacke,[3] to informe yourselfe
if there hath been any Meeting of the Indyans that
Way, as intimated, and that you give Order to Mr.
Smith to be careful, and give you Notice if any
Thing happen there for the Future; and that you
take such Order therein as you shall judge necessary,
and give mee Account thereof, if any Thing requiring
it.
As to the Charge of the Party, or any Thing
else concerning the Publick, I think it ought to be
borne by the Publicke, and shall bee allowed out
of the country Rates: But if any seeme to exact at
any Time, you may send up their Demands hither,
where it shall bee determined, but none are to bee
suffered to refuse a publicke Service. I hope all
our Indyans will bee quiet. But you are not
(however) to omit yor watching till further Order.
I am, Yor very loving ffriend,
E. Andross (copy of his signature)
FOOTNOTES:
[1]Richard Woodhull was born
at Thenford, Eng., Sept. 13, 1620,
and removed to Long Island, about
1648, settling first at Jamaica, and
afterwards at Setauket, in the present
Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk
County. He died October, 1690.
He had a Son Richard, born Oct.
9, 1649, who was early chosen a
Magistrate, and retained the Office
until his Death, which occurred
Oct. 18, 1699. It is probably the
Son that was addressed in the above
Letter. Thompson’s Long Island,
ii, 398.—Ed.
[2] These Indians inhabited the
Point north of Peconic Bay, near
the eastern Extremity of Long Island.—Ed.
[3] The Nesaquake Indians possessed
the Country between the River
of that Name and Stony Brook,
and from the Sound to the Middle
of the Island in the northwestern
Part of Suffolk County. Thompson’s
Long Island; Prime’s L. Island.—Ed.
A Letter sent to Seatalcott by the Deputy
Governour in the Governour’s Absence.
[Warrants, Orders, Passes, iii, 126.]
Gent:
In the Absence of the Governor[1] I recd your
Lre by Serjeant Briggs. The Contents thereof
relating some Apprehencons you have, of yor Indyans
ill Designe, for that they stragle abroad, and
are not conformable as they ought, to the Orders
left by the Governour. I have made some Enquiry
about the Matter, and advised thereupon, and in
Answer thereunto (at psent) can make you no other
Returne, then that you give yor Indyans Notice
duly to observe the Governors Orders and Direccons;
and if any one of them shall do any violent Act, or
harbor strange Indyans, without giving Notice
thereof, that you send them up hither, where they
shall be secured to answer their Misdemeanor or
Contempt; of the which, the Governor will shortly
bee back to bee Judge.
In the meane Time, it will not bee proper for
you to shew any Doubts or Feares you may have
of them; onlly to have a vigilant Eye over their
Accons, otherwise to live with them as formerly.
Tom the Indyan hath been heere, who saith hee
came from the Sachem, only to see if the Governor
were returned, for that hee intends then to come
to the Governor as hee was appointed. At his
Honors Returne (which may be expected the latter
End of this or Beginning of the next Weeke) such
further Order will bee taken about yor Affaires as
will bee thought convenient. This is all at psent
from,
Gent, Yor very Loving ffriend, Antho. Brockholes.
New York, Augst 30th, 1675.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Gov. Andros was at this Time
on a Journey to Albany for the
Purpose of holding a Treaty with
the Mohawks.—Ed.
Rumour of Indian Hostilities.
[New York Colonial MSS., xxiv, 137.]
September 10, ’75.
To Mr.Townsend,[1]or to the Constable and Overseers
and Inhabitants of Oyster Bay:
Gentlemen and Naibours,
I being at the South, and our Naibours being
informed by an Indian that the Indians would be
speedily in Action, soe that it is my Advice to get
yourselves in the best Poster of Defenc you can,
which is the Advice of
Your Friend, Joseph Bayly.
FOOTNOTES:
[1]Henry and Richard Townsend,
Quakers, and their Families,
were then living at Oyster Bay.
Thompson’s L. I.—Ed.
Council Minutes.
[Council Minutes, iii, Part 2, 50.]
At a Councell, Septber 10th, 1675.
Present,
The Governour,
The Secretary,
Capt. Brockholes,
Mr. Jas. Lawrence,
Capt. Dyre,
Mr. Frederick Philips.
The Matter under Consideracon was about ye Indyans
at this present Juncture.
Resolved, That we ought not to breake wth our
Indyans, upon Acct of ye Warre betweene our
Neighbours and their Indyans, they receiving more
Benefitt by or Peace wth them, whereby they are
hindred from joyning wth their Enemys.
Neither to prohibitt ye selling of Powder to our
Indyans, but to be regulated as formerly, and according
to Law.
Resolved, To send for all the Sachems, and acquaint
them with ye Peace made above at Albany,
and to assure them that comporting themselves as
they ought, and have done, they shall be protected,
and may live quiet, and thereupon, that an Order
be made for the Redelivery of their Arms to them.
[Ibid. p. 51.]
[Sept. 14, the same Members present.]
A flying Rumour of ye Indyans taken into Consideracon.
Ordered to be respited for any Resolucon untill
ye Indyans come in or are heard of, they being sent
for.
[Ibid. p. 52.]
[Sept. 15, the same Members present.]
Resolved, That ye Indyans of Long Island shall
by Reason of their good Comport, and ye Season of
ye Year, have their Guns restored to them againe
by ye Officers of ye Townes where they have been
delivered, unlesse to such Indyans as shall not be
thought fitt to be trusted therewith. Excepting
East Hampton and Shelter Island, who having paid
Contribution to those of Narrogansett, are not to
have their Armes for ye Present, but to have equall
Justice, and (if quiet) Protection, as others of ye
Government.
Copies of this Order were sent out.
Resolved, That there be a Proclamation issued
forth to quiett people’s Mindes, and satisfy them of
the Falsity of the late Reports about ye Indyans ill
Intents.
That each Toune upon Long Island and its Dependencies
be enjoyned to fortify some particuler
Place in their respective Touns for their Defence
upon all Occasions, and to secure their Wives and
Children in Case of any Enemy.
A Proclamation about the Indyans and
making of Block Houses.
[Warrants, Orders, Passes, iii, 132.]
Whereas there hath lately been severall Reports
or Rumours spread, of the Indyans evill and mischievous
Intents and Readynesse to execute it against
the Inhabitants of this Government, particularly
Long Island, which hath very much disturbed the
Mindes and the lawfull Occupacons of his Maties
Subjects in the same; And whereas upon a strict
Examinacon, there appeares no Evidence or Cause
for such Reports, but the Contrary, these are therefore
by the Advice of my Councell, in his Maties
Name, to require and charge all his Maties Subjects
of this Government, Christians and Indyans, that
shall know or heare any Thing of such a publick
Nature, forthwith to repaire and give a full Relacon
thereof, to the next Magistrate or Chiefe Officer,
and the said Magistrate or Officer to take the Examinacon
and give necessary Orders or Notice, and
send mee a present Account thereof, as the Thing
may require.
And whereas it is necessary to keep Watch and
Ward, all Magistrates and Officers of the severall
Tounes and Places within this Government, are
hereby required to see ye same continued and punctually
performed; And where there is not a Block
House or some stockadoed or palisadoed House or
Place, that there bee one forthwith fitted, in the
most convenient Place in each respective Toune,
for a Retreat to the Women and Children, into
which our Indyan Women and Children, to bee
also received and protected if they desire it: And
that all our Indyans bee friendly treated, and have
equall Justice according to Law, of which all Persons
are to take Notice and conforme themselves
thereunto accordingly as they and every of them
will answer the Contrary at their utmost Perills.
Given under my Hand in New Yorke this 16th
Day of Septr in the 27th Yeare of his Maties
Reigne, Annoq Domini, 1675.
E. Andross.
To the Mayor and Aldermen
of this City, &c.
[New York Colonial MSS., xxv, 138.]
Sept. 18th, 1675.
This Morning there came to the Governor in
the Fort one of the Long Island Sachems that mist
yesterday ... he is of Rockaway[1] or....
The other ... Day upon the Newes
of ... sse. Here was ... with Tom ...
and others, and were very well ... what was
done. Yesterday ... the behalfe of the Rest.
There were also two Sachems from the other
Side, one from Hackingsack,[2] the other from Tapan,
who hearing of the Gos Returne from Alb. came to
bid him welcome Home and promise all Friendship.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] The Rockaway Tribe occupied
the southern Part of Hempstead, a
Part of Jamaica, and the Whole of
Newtown, in Queens Co. Thompson’s
Long Island, i, 94; Prime’s
L. I., 90.—Ed.
[2] A Number of Hackensack Indians
waited upon the Governour
July 23d, assuring him that their
Hearts were good, and presenting
him some Deer Skins. The Governour
informed them that he had
for the Present taken away the Canoes
of the Indians of Long Island,
because they had paid Tribute to
the Narragansetts. He required of
his Visitors some Assurance of their
Sincerity: “Thereupon they consent
to leave two of their young
ones for Hostages, and are very well
satisfied. The Go. prests 3 Sachems
each with a Coat of Duffels, and
gives them each a Dram. Their
Compa. was about 50.” Presenting
them with Bottles of Liquor, they
were dismissed. N. Y. Coll. MSS.,
xxv, 130.—Ed.
A Letter to South’ton and Seatalcott.
[Warrants, Orders, Passes, iii, 133.]
Gent.
I yestarday recd yors of the 13th Instant, so long
a coming, (as the Indyan saith) by Reason of the wet
Weather. I arrived here on the 9th Instant, late,
and am sorry to heare that you (as well as the most
Part of the Island) have been so alarm’d upon a
false Report of our Indyans ill Intent against us,
which I endeavour’d and hope is now rectified, and
all Partyes well satisfied and quiet. Some Officers
from all the Tounes on this side Seatalcott, and all
the Sachems of Long Island and Neighbourhood
on the Maine, having been here with mee since;
And although I did hope you would not have been
alarm’d, yet I writ to you on the 11th, which I hope
came well to yor Hands, and satisfide you. The
same Night I ordered and sett out a Sloope armed,
to cruise in the Sound, and the next Morning went
myselfe in my Pinnace as farre as Mr. Pells, to the
Indyans there, and from thence to Fflushing, and
Home by Land, the better to settle people’s Mindes.
I now send you a copy of a Proclamacon, relating
to the said Matters, that it may be forthwith put in
Execucon, both by you, and the neighbouring
Tounes of Southold and Easthampton, to whom
you are to send Copyes attested, and also to communicate
this, not having Time to write to them,
and unwilling to stay yor expresse Indian. Though
I do not apprehend any Danger by the Indyans, yet
there shall continue an armed Sloope to ply in the
Sound that so, no ill Indyans may have Opportunityes
to cross it at their Pleasure; which Sloope is
intended to call at Southold and Easthampton,
some Time the next Weeke. And if there should
happen any Occasion, more Sloopes shall bee forthwith
sent out, as the Matter may require, so that I
hope none will have Cause to neglect their lawfull
Occasions. Recommending you to bee vigilant,
and that I may heare from you, upon all Occasions
requiring it, I remaine,
Yor very loving friend, E. Andross.
New Yorke, Sept. the 18th, 1675.
Postscript.
It being Resolved, That the Indyans of the north
and west Ridings of Long Island, shall (by Reason
of their good Comport and the Season of the Yeare)
have their Guns restored to them; you have likewise
Liberty to do the same in yor Parts, unlesse
you know any of yor Indians not fitt to bee trusted
therewith, excepting Easthampton, and Shelter
Island, who, having yor Contribucon to the Narrowgansett
Indyans, are not to have them for the
P’sent.
To Mr.John Topping, Justice of the Peace, and Capt.John Howell.
These at East Hampton.
The Governour’s Letter to Mr.Woodhullsent by the Indyan, Sept. 18, 1675.
[Warrants, Orders, Passes, iii, 134.]
Sr
I recd yors of the 16th the last Night, and am
very well satisfyed of yor Care and Justice in Relation
to ye Indyans, who I finde have not misbehaved
themselves, notwithstanding the great Noise, Jealousies
and Apprehencons of them, so that the
Cause and Instruments thereof ought to bee severely
Punisht: However the Indyans to the Eastward,
being still strong and active, I have issued forth the
Proclamacon herewith sent, the better to satisfy all
people’s Minds, particularly the Christians, and to
keepe a Sloope armed in the Sound, that no ill
Indyans may easily crosse it, and shall bee ready to
send more upon any Occasion requiring it. I would
advise you to be vigilant, though as yet no Cause
of Feare, but to continue in being just and protecting
yor Indians upon all Occasions.
Had you named those of yor Towne who you
seeme to imply to bee troublesome, or exceed their
Bounds towards the Indyans, I would have taken
such present Order in it as had been fitting: But
you having sufficient Power as a Justice, I do not
doubt but you will make Use of it as there is Occasion,
and you see Cause.
I sent for Capt. Bayley, and the Officrs of more
of the other Townes, (as well as Sachems of Long
Island and Neighbourhood upon the Maine) have
been wth mee since my Returne, and all satisfyed
and well.
I am, Yor very loving ffriend,
E. Andross (copy of his signature)
[The same Postscript as in the previous Letter.]
Council Minutes.
[Council Minutes, iii, Part 2, p. 57.]
At a Councell, Septber 28th, 1675.
Present,
The Governour,
The Secretary,
Capt. Brockholes,
Mr. J. Lawrence,
Capt. Dyre.
Mr. ffred. Philips.
The Matter in Consultation was about a Letter
brought by an Expresse from ye Island Nantuckett,
intimateing their Weaknesse, and great Strength of
the Indyans, both on their Island, and Martin’s
1500 Indyans
Men, Women
and Children.
Vineyard, not above 40 Men at ye last, and 30 on
ye former, capable of bearing Armes. On
Nantuckett ye Indyan Men 5 or 600;
not so many on Martin’s Vineyard.
They desire in their Letter a Couple of great
Guns, and halfe a douzen Souldrs. They pretend
an ill Consequence may arrive upon the Indyans
trayning in Armes upon Martin’s Vineyard.
Resolved, To send them each a great Gun at ye
two Islands of Nantucket and Martin’s Vineyard,
and to each ye Proclamation concerning ye Indyans
of keeping Watches, erecting Block Houses, &c.
Memorial of the Sachem of Montauk to the
Governour.
[N. Y. Colonial MSS., xxiv, 157.]
Right Honrble.
I and my Men understanding that yr Honr was
pleased to graunt Liberty to the other Indians to
have their Guns restored to them, but a Restraint
was imposed vpon vs the Montaakut Indians by
Reason of some Complyance we have had wth
Nenccraft the Narbiggen Sachem, have sent this
our Messenger wth these few Lines, to intreat your
Honrs Fauour towards yor poor Supplicants. Your
Honr may vnderstand my Father and Grandfather
haue stood always loyall to ye English in ye Pequot
Warrs, now towards 40 Years since.... Forefather
was a great Help to ye English, haueing then this
whole Island att his Command, and since then
upon all Occasions manifested his Faithfulnes to the
English; and if any Plots were att any Tyme
against them, tymely discouered them; and this is
known to many of the English yet alive. And
concerning this Plot now on Foot against the English,
and yor Honr may be assured (for we speak it
before God the Knower of all Hearts) that had we
been in the least acquainted wth any such Matter,
we should haue discouered the same; and though
of late Years we have held some Correspondency
wth Ninecraft, yor Honr may be assured it was onely
wth respect to our own Security, we being very
weak and few in Numbers, and he being great, and
having had wofull Experience of the great Desolation
he made amongst us while we stood in Termes
of Hostility against him. But this we vnderstanding
is offensive to yor Honr we shall forbear for the
Future, onely entreate yor Honr to take some
speedy Course for our Security, that we may not be
more hectr’d by the Narhegansits, for our Dependance
is wholly upon yor Honr for Protection, as we
hope yor Honr shall find us ever loyall Subjects to
the King and Duke of Yorke, and to yor Honr and
to all Authority under you.
Yor Honr may be pleased to take Notice, that 4
of our stoutest Men have been this Tyme of Warre
wth the English Captaines, and fought vnder them,
and helped to doe some Execution vpon their Enemies,
and had their free Liberty to returne Home,
being dismissed upon their Desire to retire to their
Friends and Relatives, by the Governr at Boston.
We leave our selues wth yor Honr hopeing yor Honrs
favourable Acceptation of vs. Now is the vsual
Tyme of our Hunting, and to gett a litle Provision
and some Skins for Cloathing, and if our humble
Request herein may find a gracious Answer, we
shall take it as a further Engagemt to yor Honr and
shall rest
Yor Honrs humble Servants,
Easthampton, Oct 5th, 1675.
Mossup Sachem
Marks.
Ghekonna, Couns.
his Mark.
Will, alias Wuttauntaquim
his Mark.
Monugabongun, alias Gentleman, Counsellor.
his Mark.
In ye Name and wth the Consent of ye Reste of
ye Indians at Montaukut.
Right Honable.
The Lines upon the other Side I wrote vpon the
Desire of the Sachem and his Men. They are their
own Words, and the Substance thereof they also
had expressed before Mr. Backer, but since my
writeing or them, wch was almost a Week since, I
perceiue that deliuering up their Armes to the Indians
doth not relish well wth the English, especially
since of late we h ... of the great Slaughter they
haue made vp ... English in other Parts of the
Country. I perceiue at Southampton ye English
are much troubled, the Indians haue their Armes,
and I thinke it doth much disturbe ye Spirits of
those have them not. As for these Indians, for my
owne Part I doe thinke they are as cordiall Friends
to the English as any in ye Country, and what is
written by ym and known by many to be ye Truth,
though God knows their Hearts as their Counsellor
sd. Yor Honrs Predecessor wrote severall Letters to
me to stirre me vp about instructing the Indians in
the Knowledge of God and his Religion, and that
he would further and encourage the Busines, so
farr as lay in his Power. I doe thinke if yor Honr
be pleased to sett in att this Tyme it may be a good
Promotion of that Work wch as I have seen in severall
Writeings of his most excellent Majesty ye King
his pious Desires expressed for ye putting forward
yt Worke. But Sr I cease further to trouble your
Honr att present, and for wt ye Indians have written
I leave to yor Honrs Prudence to act for ye Best,
and rest wth my humble Service to yor Honr and
Honrs Counsell,
Yor Honrs humble Supplicant att ye Throne of Grace. Tho. James.[1]
Easthampton, Oct. 5th, 1675.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] The Rev. Thomas James settled
in East Hampton as its first Minister
in 1650. He learned the Indian
Language and translated the
Catechism and Parts of the Bible
into the Indian Tongue, and succeeded
in gaining to a great Degree
the Confidence of these People. He
died 16th June, 1696. Thompson’s
Long Island; Prime’s do.—Ed.
An Order to reinforce the Building of
Block Houses.
[Warrants, Orders, Passes, iii, 139.]
Whereas there issued forth a Proclamacon bearing
Date the 16th 7ber last, for the keeping of Watches,
and immediate making of Block Houses in the
severall Townes upon Long Island and Dependences,
for their genall Safety, and to bee a Retreat
(upon all Occasions) for the Women and Children,
and observe the said Proclamacon; and many from
all Parts resorting to this Genall Court of Assizes,
These are therefore, (by the Advice of my Councell)
in his Maties Name to require you, that forthwth
and wthout Delay, you cause the said Proclamacon
to bee fully put in Execucon, And that you give
mee a psent Accot thereof, and how strong you keep
ye Watches in yor respective Townes. Hereof you
are not to faile in any Particular, as you or any of
you, will answer the Contrary at yor utmost Perills.
Given under my Hand in New Yorke, this 6th
Day of October, in the 29th Yeare of his
Maties Reigne, Annoq. Domini 1675.
E. Andros.
Letter from Gov.Androsto the Deputy
Governour of Connecticut.
[Warrants, Orders, Passes, iii, 141.]
Sr
An Indyan under a Prtence of ffriendship,
telling and affirming very confidently, to one of this
Place, That there is an extraordinary Confederacy
between all the neighboring Indyans, and eastwards,
(in wch yor pretended ffriends to bee included) and
designed this light Moone, to attack Hartford itselfe,
and some other Places about Greenwch, of which
being informed this Morning, I have immediately
despatched this, to give you Accot thereof, least
there should bee some Thing in it, though not so
much as they report, 5 or 6000 Indyans enjoyned
together.
I am, Yor humble Servt E. Andross.
New Yorke, Octobr. 10th, 1675.
Extract from the Minutes of a Court of
Assizes.
[New York Colonial MSS., xxiv, 172.]
At a Genall Court of Assizes held in the City of
New York [&c.] the 6th Day of Oct. 1675.
Upon the Governors Receipt of a Lre from Governour
Carteret[1] in Court, all but the Bench were
ordered to withdraw.
The Contents were a late Violence acted by some
Indyans at the Nevesans,[2] who plundered a Boat
sent by him to trade, whereupon he hath issued forth
a Proclamation to prohibit every one to carry Goods
or trade wth them, and desireth the like may bee
done here.
It is ordered in like Manner that there bee no
Trading with the Indyans at their Plantacons.
That the Law bee observed wch prohibits selling
strong Liquors to Indyans, Albany excepted.
The selling of Powder and Shott to the Indyans
debated and put to the Vote.
Capt. Chambers,[3] to be forbid to all but the
Maques and Sinnekes.
All the Rest[8] to continue as it is, wch is by farre
the major Vote.
That pursuant to the Law the Constables of the
severall Tounes take Care no Powder or Lead bee
sold to the Indyans, but by them as directed or their
Consents.
The Proclamacon about the Block Houses, &c.
approved of.
At a Court of Assizes Octobr 11th, 1675.
Vpon a Proposall whether it will not bee convenient
at this Juncture of Time, of the Indyan
Disturbance to the Eastward, to bring all Canoes
on the north Side of Long Island to this Place, or to
have them all destroyed, to prevent any Intercourse
wth the Indians on the Maine.
Or that the Canooes bee brought to the next
Towne and secured by the Officers.
Resolved, That all Canooes whatsoever belonging
to Christians or Indyans on the north Side of Long
Island, to the East of Hell-Gate, shall within three
Dayes after Publicacon hereof, bee brought to the
next Townes and delivered into the Constables
Custody, to bee laid up and secured by them, neare
the Block House.
And that whatsoever Canooe shall be found upon
the Sound after that Time bee destroyed.
And that the Indyans at Mr. Pells bee ordered
to remove within a ffortnight to their usuall Winter
Quarters within Hell Gate upon this Island, during
wch Time loaden Canooes which shall have Certificates
from the Magistrates of the Place from whence
they come, expressing whether they are going,
shall bee permitted quietly to passe along the Shoare,
except out of the Government, which in no Case
is to be allowed.
[8] The Court present consisted of
the Governour, Secretary, 3 Councilors,
two Aldermen, and 18 Justices
of the Peace.
A Proclamation about Canooes being laid up
and secured by the Constables,[1] &c.
[Warrants, Orders, Passes, iii, 141.]
Whereas it hath been thought convenient, and
it is ordered by the Gena11 Court of Assizes, at this
present Juncture, That all Canooes whatsoever,
belonging to Christians or Indyans, on the north
Side of Long Island, to the East of Hell Gate, shall
within three Days after the Publication hereof, bee
brought to the next Tounes and delivered into the
Constable’s Custody, to bee laid up and secured by
them, near their Block Houses. And that what
Canooes soever shall bee found upon the Sound after
that Time, shall be destroyed: As also that the
Indyans at Mr. Pell’s[2] bee ordered to remove within
a ffortnight, to their usuall Winter Quarters, wthin
Hell-Gate, upon this Island; During which Time
all loaden Canoes which shall have Certificates from
the Magistrates of the Place from whence they
came, expressing whether they are going, shall
bee permitted quietly to passe along the Shoare,
except into or out of the Government, which in no
Case is to be alloued; These are in his Maties Name
to require a strict and due Observance of this Order
from all Persons, as they and every of them will
answer the Contrary at their utmost Perills.
Given under my Hand in N. Yorke, this 12th
Day of October, 1675.
E. Andross.
To all Magistrates, Constables, and
Overseers, or other his Maties Officers,
and others whom it may concerne.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Issued in Accordance with the
preceding Order of the Court of
Assizes.
Whereas there lately past an Ordr of Councell,
That by Reason of the good Comport of the Indyans,
their Armes should be restored unto them,
except those of Easthampton and Shelter Island,
for the Reasons therein given, or such others as were
not fitt to be trusted therewth: The which hath in
most Places beene attended: These are (notwithstanding
the former Order) to empower and authorize
Mr. John Topping, Justice of the Peace,
and Capt. John Howell of Southampton, That as
the Matter may require, and they shall see Occasion,
They send for their Indyans and disarme them
againe, yet wthall, to afford them due Proteccon as
formerly; ffor the doing whereof this shall bee your
Warrant.
Given under my Hand in New Yorke this
14th Day of October, 1675.
In Answer to some of your Lines,
wherein you seem dissatisfyed at the delivering the Indyans
Armes. Yourselfe nor Capt. Howell, nor yet the
Constable and Overseers, not finding just Cause to
detaine them longer, you have done well. And as
for the other, you are of yourselves sufficiently authorized
(upon any Occasion requiring it) either for
the publicke Peace, or Safety, to call for or take
from the said Indyans, or any other that shall happen
to bee in yor Parts, All or Part of their Armes, or
secure the Persons of any that shall, or indeavor to
do Harme, or cause Disturbance; But are alwayes
to do Justice, and protect the Good and Unconcerned,
from
An Order sent to all the Townes within the
Governmt about reinforcing the Watch &c.
[Warrants, Orders, Passes, iii, 143.]
Whereas notwthstanding two severall Proclamacons
or Ordrs, the last of the 6th Inst. strictly requiring
and commanding all Townes and Villages within this
Government (that have not before) forthwth without
Delay, to ffortify and make compleat, in some convenient
Place, a block or palizadoed House, or
Place for a Retreat to Women and Children, &c.
and keeping good Watch and Ward, in their said
Townes, and to make a present Returne thereof,
unto mee: of which, having had no Account, and
being credibly informed that most do neglect the
due Execucon of Part of the said Proclamacon:
These are in his Maties Name to require you forthwth
to cause double and strict Watches to bee kept
in your respective Townes; And yor Constable, or
one of the Overseers, on Sight hereof, to repaire to
mee, to give mee an Accot of yor Proceedings, and
answering yor and yor Tounes Contempt, if you
have not obeyed every Part of the Proclamacon;
Of which you are not to faile, as you will answer
the Contrary at yor utmost Perills.
Given under my Hand in New Yorke, this
16th Day of October, 1675,
E. Andross (copy of his signature)
A Letter to ye Depty Governor of Hartford.
[Warrants, Orders, Passes, iii, 145.]
Gent.
Last Night I received yors of ye 6th Instant,
and am as from the Beginning very sensible of,
and much troubled at the Indyans continued Depradations
and Successes, and Misery of our Countrymen
in those Parts, and have endeavoured not to
bee wanting in my Duty, though at the very first
slighted and rejected. When I was at Albany, I
took the Occasion on a Lettr from Major Pinchon[1]
to the Commandr and Comissaryes there to returne
him an Answer myselfe, and of my Endeavors, in
which I have been as carefull since as possible, but
noe Answer.
The 10th Inst. I gave you by Expresse an Accot
of some Indian Newes, of their Designe on Hartford
itselfe,[2] &c. and immediately dispatched Capt.
Brockholes my first Lievtent to Albany with reiterated
Orders to those Parts, for yor Advantage, as
farr as I might, not having heard from you. But
if you desire anything further, and please to send a
fitt Parson, I shall be ready to doe what is fitt for
mee, and serve you to my Power, being
Yor affectionate ffriend and Humble Servant, Edmd Andros.
New Yorke, Octobr. 17th, 1675.
FOOTNOTES:
[1]John Pynchon was perhaps
more prominent in the public Service
of Massachusetts than any other
of the earlier Settlers upon the Connecticut
River. He came to Springfield
when but ten Years old, was a
Magistrate fifty Years, and on almost
every Commission and Committee,
whose Duties he discharged
with remarkable Ability and Success.
He died in 1703, at the
Age of seventy-six.
The Pynchon
House, the first
brick Structure in
the Valley, was
built in 1660, and torn down in
1831. Its Picture is preserved in the
Seal of the City of Springfield.—Holland’s
W. Mass., i, 44, 162.—Ed.
I long much to have an Accot from you. Yesterday
wee had the Newes of Springfield being
burnt,[1] and Indyan Strength in those Parts, which
evinces the Necessity of yor being carefull in keeping
good Guards.
I have nothing more to add to yor Instructions,
but that you order Matters the best you can accordingly,
and see that the Maques may see tis
ffriendship, not Apprehension or Need of them, but
for their Good; Hearing that they and the Sinnekes
are inclinable to a Warre wth the Indyans to the East,
if soe, though they have not yet attackt us, ’tis the
Opinion of my Councell, that ’twere well the said
Maques were rather encouraged than hindred; and
you may lett them have a ffree Markett for Powder
&c. as formerly, continued.
Pray remember mee to all wth you. I hope my
Brother, Knapton,[2] Sharpe,[3]
&c. will bee here per
first.
I am, Yors &c. Edmd Andross.
N. Y. Octbr. 19th 1675.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] On the Night of October 4th,
1675, an Expresse was despatched
from Windsor, Ct., to Springfield,
Mass., with the Intelligence derived
from a friendly Indian, that a Party
of about 300 of Philip’s Warriours
were on their Way to burn the
Town and destroy the Inhabitants.
The Alarm was hastily spread, and
the Citizens fled to the fortified
Houses, three in Number, with such
Valuables and Necessaries as they
could carry. On the Morning previous,
the Springfield Soldiers, to
the Number of 45, had left for
Hadley, to join in a Demonstration,
concerted against the Enemy at that
Place, and a Messenger was sent
thither to inform them of the threatened
Danger. When the Morning
came, no Enemy appearing, two
Persons rode forwards toward the
Indian Fort, and were shot by the
Foe in Ambush. The Town was
soon filled by Savages; about thirty
Dwellings and twenty-five Barns
were burned, besides the Corn and
Saw Mill; four or five Persons were
wounded, and one Person was killed.
The Enemy retired on the Arrival
of the military Force that had been
recalled, leaving the Settlement in
Ruin and the Inhabitants in the
greatest Distress near the Verge of
Winter. Holland’s Western Mass.,
i., 95.—Ed.
I have just now received yors of the 16th Instant,
and think you have done well to putt yourselves in
a fitting Posture for all Events, and securing the
Goods and Corne of yor out ffarmers, which is also
done in these Parts, where all is quiet; but have a
Rumour that Stanford Indyans are in Armes, but
have done noe Harme. However its thought they
have noe good Intent in it. I doe not know that
I have any brasse Gunn of yours, but if you have
Occasion shall notwithstanding bee ready to send
you one or more such iron Gunns as are here, the
least of which is a small Saker, and if I can will
gett and fitt up a Petrara for Capt. Chambers, having
none in the ffort ready, and the Sloope in hast
not to loose their Tide. I am,
Yor affecate ffriend, E. Andross.
N. Yorke, October 19, 1675.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Esopus near Kingston, about
Midway between New York and
Albany, was one of the earliest Settlements
by the Dutch in this Colony.—Ed.
An Order for Oyster Bay to fortify, &c.
[Warrants, Orders, Passes, iii, 148.]
By the Governor:
Whereas I am informed that severall of the Inhabitants
of Oyster Bay, notwithstanding the late
Orders and Proclamacons, are still very backward
in making up their ffortifications, These are by the
Advice of my Councell, in his Maties Name, to
require all the Inhabitants in Genall, that with all
Speed they apply themselves to finish the said
Worke already begunn, only that it bee left to the
Discretion of the Constable and Overseers to excuse
such Persons as they shall think most proper, and
may not bee a Hindrance to the setting forward soe
needfull and publick a Work: Provided they bee
such auncient Persons as have principally contributed
to the House taken in within the said ffortificacon.
Given under my Hand in New Yorke this
19th Day of October, 1675.
E. Andross.
To the Constable and Overseers
of Oyster Bay.
An Order about selling Powder to the Indyans.
[Warrants, Orders, Passes, iii, 151.]
Whereas there was at the City Hall an Order of
the last Genall Court of Assizes, publisht the 12th
Instant, strictly prohibiting the Sale of Powder or
Strong Drink to Indyans in any Part of Yorkshire,
on Long Island, or Dependencyes, as pr said Order;
notwithstanding which some Persons think it doth
not comprehend or is binding to the city Inhabitants;
These are therefore by Advice of my Councell
in his Maties Name to require and command the
strict Observance of said Order in this City in every
Particular, under the Penaltyes therein expressed,
at their utmost Perills.
Given under my Hand in New Yorke, this
12th Day of October, 1675.
E. Andross.
An Order for the Inhabitants of Madd
Nan’s Neck[1] to make a Block House.
[Warrants, Orders, Passes, iii, 153.]
By the Governour:
Whereas I am given to understand that notwithstanding
the severall Orders for making of Block
Houses, or some Place of Defence in each respective
Toune upon Long Island and Dependencyes, the
Inhabitts of yor Place have neither contributed any
Help or Assistance towards the making of the Block
House or Fortification at Hempstead, nor taken
Care to make any for themselves; These are in his
Maties Name to require you, that forthwith and
without Delay you make up some Fortification upon
yor Neck of Land, and give mee an immediate
Accot thereof by one from yor Neck, and Answer
of short Contempt, as you and every of you will
answer the Contrary at yor utmost Perills.
Given under my Hand in New Yorke, ye
21th Day of October, 1675.
E. Andross (copy of his signature)
To the Deputy Constable at
Madd Nan’s Neck.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Now known as Great Neck, in
the Town of North Hempstead,
Queens County. It contains about
4000 Acres of Land, and was patented
in 1666 to Thomas Hicks,
who sold a Part of it the same Year
to Richard Cornell. Thompson’s
Long Island, ii, 61.—Ed.
Letter from the Governour to the Constable
of Harlem.
[Warrants, Orders, Passes, iii, 153.]
Mr. Constable:
I have just now seen yors of this Day, sent Expresse
by Wm Palmer, of yor having stopt 10 or 12
Indyan Canoes with Women, Children, Corne, and
Baggage, coming as they say from Westchester,
and goeing to Wickers Creek,[1] but not any Passe
mentioned. Soe that you have done very well
in stopping the said Indyans, and giving Notice
thereof.
These are now to order all the said Indyans to
stay in yor Toune, and that you send some of the
chiefest of them to mee early to-morrow, and one of
yor Overseers for further Orders; and that it may
bee the better effected you are to order them some
convenient House or Barne to bee in, and draw up
their Canooes until ye Returne of them you shall
send; And that you double yor Watch.
I am, Yor loving Friend, E. Andross.
N. Y. Octbr. ye 21th, 1675.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] The Name applied to a Stream
flowing into the Hudson at the upper
Landing of Dobbs’ Ferry, in
Greenburgh, Westchester County.
It was called by the Indians Weghqueghe,
or Wysquaqua. The Wichquaesqueecks,
or Weckquaskecks, a
Tribe of the Mohegans, anciently
inhabited the adjacent Country, and
from these Names, the one given in
the Text was doubtless derived.
Bolton’s Westchester, i, 2, 164.—Ed.
Council Minutes.
[Council Minutes, iii, Part 2, p. 65.]
At a Councell, Octber 23th, 1675.
Present,
The Governour,
The Secretary,
Capt. Dyre.
Mr. Philips.
A Letter from Mr. Leete, Dep. Governr of Conecticott
about ye Indyan Affaires and in Answer
to ye Governors Letter of Intelligence to them, was
read.
The Governor had another Letter of private Intelligence
about ye Indyans ill Intent upon Long
Island.
Resolved, upon ye said Indyan Intelligence of our
Indyans being in Confederacy wth the Narrogansett
Indyans upon ye Maine, and plotting Mischiefe,
That all our said Indians on Long Island be forthwith
disarmed.
The Armes to be delivered into ye Constables
Hands of ye severall Touns, who may lend some few
of them to such Indyans as they shall think may be
trusted, for their Hunting, wth ye Approbacon of
ye Justice of Peace, and where no Justice at Hand,
of ye chiefest military Officers of ye Place.
That an Order be made hereupon for the putting
of this in Execucon.
Letter to Mr. Wm. Leet, Deputy Governor
of Connecticott, &c.
[Warrants, Orders, Passes, iii, 155.]
Honble Sr.
I have just now received yors of ye 19th Instant,
for wch this is only my Acknowledgment, having
writt fully in my last, to which have nothing more
to add; being ready if any Thing bee yet wanting
to doe my Duty, and serve you to my Power.
I am, Yor affecate humble Servt, E. Andross.
To Mr. Leet, Dpty Governor of Connecticot.
Council Minutes.
[Council Minutes, iii, Part 2, p. 66.]
At a Councell, Octber 24th, 1675.
Present,
The Governour,
The Secretary,
Capt. Dyre.
Mr. Fred. Philips.
Letters being brought from ye Commissaryes of
Albany by Mr. Knapton, who had been Commander
there, concerning a Peace newly made or
renewed by them at the ffort between ye Maques
and Mahycanders[1] Indyans, though without Leave,
it is ordered to be kept. It is likewise resolved,
That there be at this Juncture, a Prohibicon of
selling Powder and Lead to any Indyans whatsoever
at Albany, unlesse it be to ye Maques & Sinnekes,
the same to be under ye Penalty of one hundred
Guildrs Beaver,[2] for each Quartr
of a Pound,[3] and so
proporconably for more or lesse, or corporall Punishment
extending to Life as the Case may require,
except allowed by the Commander himselfe under
his Hand, to some adjacent Mahycandr Indyan well
knowne to himselfe or Magistrates; the Quantity of
one Quarter of a Pound for ye present Hunting, or to
some few such Indyans, who shall be knowne by
them to be designed for ye beaver Hunting who
may by the said Command be allowed one Pound
with Lead proportionable. This Prohibicon to
continue for the Space of six Months after this
Date.
It is also ordered and resolved, That ye like
Ordr be sent up to Esopus, only the Alteration of
the Words (Mutatis Mutandis) instead of ye Comander,
the Justices or chiefe Officers to be inserted.
Upon ye Receite of a Letter from ye Esopus, relating
their great Apprehension of ye Indyans.
It is resolved, That ye Magistrates there be
checkt for their needlesse Feares, and they are all
ordered to keep at their usual Habitations and Places
of Abode, both at ye distant Villages and out Farmes,
untill more apparent Cause to ye Contrary.
Ordered, That ye Magistrates doe give a present
Acct what is meant by the Indyans offering to deliver
up ye Articles made betweene Coll. Nicolls and
them, and who spake of it first, whether private
Persons amongst the Indyans, or Sachems. The
Agreement in ye said Article sett forth having been
renewed with those Indyans, this very Spring, and
themselves having no Authority to alter or make
either Peace or Warre, nor to treate of either in
ye least, but to do their Dutyes in continuing Things
as they are.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Mohegans, inhabiting the eastern
Borders of New York and the
adjacent Parts of New England.
They were at this Time considered
subordinate to the Iroquois and under
their Influence. Those living
near the Hudson were often called
River Indians or the North Indians.
[2] The Currency of the Colony
then in Use, as established by Proclamation,
June 24th, 1675, was as
follows:
Pieces of eight,
six Shillings.
Wampum,
{ three Black,
}
one Stiver.
{ or six White,
}
Three Stivers Wampum,
{ one Penny Silver,
{ New England Money.
Four Stivers, Wampum,
one Penny Sterling.
One Beaver, (in merchantable Condition),
13s. 4d. Sterling.
Council Minutes, iii. Warrants, Orders, Passes, iii,
102.—Ed.
[3] This Penalty was about $38, as
Money is now reckoned, although
this Sum was relatively much greater
then.—Ed.
Letter to Mr. Baker of East Hampton.
[Warrants, Orders, Passes, iii, 156.]
Mr. Baker.
I have just now received yors of ye 24th of yor Indyans
friendly Intelligence and Declaracons of their
good Wills and constant ffriendshipp wch I shall also
acknowledge upon all Occasions, and may assure
them that if any Disturbance shall happen to the
Eastward, or any other against the Governmt soe
long as they continue thus they shall be sure of
Protection, and need not feare.
But I finde no Cause or Likelyhood of their Intelligence
wch I rather believe the ffancyes of some
disaffected Indyans who would gladly have it soe,
for I have not heard of one English Man killed,
much less 12, which could not have been concealed,
nor is there nor hath been for some Years one Indyan
belonging to Staten Island, and those towards
Achter Cull[1] are now as friendly as ever. However
wee, as you know, are upon our Guard, and upon some
Intelligence of the Rockaway and Masha-Peage[2]
Indyans Plotting have againe disordered them,
and see rather lesse Cause of apprehending Troubles
this Way than when you were here, but would
have all Watches continued, and see none neglect
their Occasions abroad as well as at Home.
If any Troubles should happen, you have by yor
Commissions, and Places of Peace and Militia sufficient
Power to call before you, disarm and committ
any that shall goe about, or (you suspect) would
break the King’s Peace, not only Indyans but
Christians, and if any resist to make Use of all the
fforce of yor Towne to reduce them. Pray doth
you and Southampton send daily to see yor Indyans
in their Plantacons, and then unlesse you discover
very good Cause, bee not at all alarm’d to hinder (as
above) any yor Occasions.
I have just now received yors dated yesterday, of
yor Indyans having brought in their Armes, and
ffriendlynesse, which is well, and think may lend
them as many back as you judge proper for their
present Hunting, without any Apprehension from
them however that those of Hempstead omitt not
sending daily to see them according to order.
The Letter from the Eastwards is Mr. Justice
Bakers of East Hampton, occasioned upon Rumors
from these Parts for which I can see noe Ground.
I am, Yor affecate Friend, E. Andross.
N. Yorke, ye 27th, Octbr. 1675.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Thomas Hicks, a Justice of the Peace at Hempstead, L. I.—Ed.
Council Minutes.
[Council Minutes, iii, Part 2, p. 68.]
At a Councell, Novber 8th, 1675.
Present,
The Governour,
The Secretary,
Capt. Dyre,
Mr. Fred. Philips.
The Matter under Consideracon was upon Occasion
of Nehemiah Peirce and James Pennymans
being sent downe from Albany by Capt. Brockholes,
upon Suspicon of writing false Storyes to Boston.
Nehemiah Peirce being first examined saith,
That he never hath writt to Boston of Powder sold
to ye Indyans to ye Eastward, nor knows of any,
but on the Contrary, having heard from ye Commandr
yt whosoever should sell any Powder to
them if it could be discovered, ye Person or Persons
offending should be severely punisht. He saith yt
hereupon he did forewarne many thereof as he had
Oppertunity, and had watcht some whom hee did
suspect, but never could meet with any Powder so
sold.
Withall being demanded if he had not sold Powder
himselfe, he saith yes, that he did sell some few
Barrells, being all that he had, but it was to ye
Christians.
Mr. Wilson
his Security.
The said Peirce is ordered to be dismist
he giving Security to make his
Appearance when called for, or to give Notice if he
shall have Occasion to depart ye Governmt before a
Returne from Boston about this Matter, from whence
if nothing materiall shall come against him as to
this Businesse, within three Months, then to be totally
discharged and cleare.
James Pennyman being examined saith, that he
knoweth no more, than what he hath set down in
a Paper which he delivered in, it being a Recitalle
of ye Contents of a Letter to his Wife at Boston,
which is as followeth, vizt:
To the Right Honored Governor.
If it may stand with your Honours Pleasure upon
this Occasion I have recollected my Memory and
according to my best Remembrance, I shall give
you ye true Contents of yt Letter as I wrote to my
Wife, wch as it is circumstanced it is by some counted
Matter of Fault, but when your Honr has a View
of it, I hope you will esteeme of it otherwise. My
Wife has oftentimes when she wrote Letters to me
sent me News in her Letters concerning the Warre,
and att some Times how ye Enemy prevayles. I
never received any News but I acquainted the
Governor at Albany with it, and shew him my
Letters; now that as I write to my Wife is as follows:
That when our honrd Governor Genll was here
in Albany, there came two Men as Post from Major
Pinchon of Springfield, which as I heard peticoned
to our Governor that no Powdr should be sold in
this Place, truely Wife what a vain Thing was that,
for this Place is upheld by Trade, I believe there is
two or three hundred Barrells of Powder bought
and sold in this Towne in one Yeare, and I thinke
there were sold out of my House twenty or thirty
Barrells this Yeare, but as I heare our honoured
Governor has laid a Restraint of selling to our
Englishes Enemyes and that upon a great Penalty.
This is ye Summe of what I writt, now if yor
Honr be displeased at this as I writt, I rather
choose to forbear writing to my Wife though I love
her as well as a Man can do his Wife, I say I rather
doe it than gett your Honours Displeasure.
James Penniman.
Clement Salmon
his Security.
The said Pennyman was hereupon
ordered to find Security for his good
Behaviour, and to make his Appearance when called
for.
I have received yors of the 4th past, of your Progresse
against the Indyans, which I wish may have
ended it, but am sorry the Susquehannas were concerned,
having allwayes (as the Maques to this) had
the Repute of being perfect ffriends to the Christians,
particularly Maryland; and being Offsprings
of the Maques, though by the Sinnekes engaged in
Warre, and the Indyans to the Eastward, soe great
Successes in Plymouth and Massachusetts Colonyes
having engaged all others their Neighbors and endeavoring
by all Meanes of Command and Profitt to
engage the Maques and sent to all other Parts as
farre as Canada, wch New England think doe supply
their said Enemyes, and all our Indyans as farre as
Delaware, thought only to wait Opportunityes.
There only remaines firme the Maques and by
their Meanes the Sinnekes, which as seated are most
able to do Good or Harme and too farre and particularly
the Sinnekes, if they fall off to bee forced.
I here send you an Abstract of a Letter sent from
the Commander at Albany, relating to some Particulars
(writte by ye Jesuite among the Maques),
by which you may see his Sence, though I think
him in a great Measure mistaken, but of myselfe can
doe more than I have already.
I heare that all New England have joyned a very
great Force to fall on the Narragansett Indians, the
Event whereof (wch I hope good) will very much
influence Things, and conduce to the Future or next
Yeares Action, which is all in Addition to mine of
ye 21th of October last.
A Speciall Warrant sent to Huntington to
Demand the Indyans Armes of Rockaway
and Seaquatalke, who are to Kintecoy
there.
[Warrants, Orders, Passes, iii, 189.]
By the Governor:
Whereas I am informed that several Indyans at
Rockaway, Unchechauge and Parts adjacent, are in
a few Dayes to have a great Kintecoy[1] at Seaquetalke,
which being unusuall at this Time of Yeare,
is at this Juncture in no Case to be neglected; And
therefore (by the Advice of my Councell) you are
in his Maties Name hereby required upon Notice of
the Time or Day the said Indyans Kintecoy is to
bee, with six or more Men, not exceeding ten (as
you shall judge fitt to bring Home their Armes) to
repaire to Seaquatalke or Place where the above
Kintecoy shall bee, sending two Men a little before,
to give them Notice of your coming (that they bee
not scared at your Arrivall) to informe yourselfe of
what Indyans are there, and demand their Armes;
which having recd to warne and command them
to separate, and each to repaire to their proper Place
of Abode, and for the Future to forbear appointing
or coming to any such public Meetings, or Kintecoyes,
wthout speciall Leave, and to bring away
with you all their said Armes, wch you are safely to
lay up and keepe in your Towne, till further Order.
But in Case the above Indyans should happen to be
refractory, and refuse to deliver their Armes, you
are (having taken the best Accot or Notice you can
from whence they are, their Number, &c.), to
warne and command all their Sagamacks, wthout
Delay, to repaire to mee at this Place, and all other
Indyans Home, and so leave them. At yor Return,
you are immediately to give mee a
particular Acct of
yor Proceedings, according to the aboue; of
which you are not to faile, as you will answer the
Contrary at your Perills. And for so doing this
shall bee to you, and every of you, a sufficient
Warrant.
Given under my Hand and Seale in New Yorke,
this 13th Day of December, 1675.
E. Andross (copy of his signature)
To the Constable or chiefe Overseer
of Huntington.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] “The Indians sometimes assemble
in large Numbers and retire far
into the Wilderness, where they eat
and drink in a profuse Manner.
These Conventions are called Kenticoys.
Some esteem them to be
debauched Revels or Bacchanalia,
but those who have followed them
into these Recesses give some Accounts
of their Conduct as lead one
to imagine that they pay a joint
Homage and Supplication to some
invisible Being.” Smith’s Hist. of
N. Y., Alb. Ed., p. 76. This Term
was adopted by the Whites and is
still used in the River Counties and
on Long Island, to designate a Revel.
A Description of the wild Excesses
of the Indians at their “Canticos,”
is given by Denton, in his Description
of their Customs, p. 9. Mr.
Henry R. Schoolcraft in a Letter to
the Editor, expresses the Opinion
that this Custom was analagous to
the modern Wabino, the most viscious
of Indian Orgies, the Name
denoting that the Dancing is continued
till Daybreak.—Ed.
Council Minutes.
[Council Minutes, iii, Part 2, p. 74.]
At a Councell, Decemr 22th, 1675.
Present,
The Governour,
The Secretary,
Capt. Dyre.
Mr. Philips.
Ordered that a Letter be writt to ye Governour
of Roade Island, upon News or Report that a Vessell
designed or bound for this Port, is stopt at that
Island upon Acct of having Powder and Armes in
her.
That Copies be likewise sent of the Orders for
Prohibicon of Powder at Albany to be sold to the
Indyans.
This is by a Sloope bound to yor Parts not to
omitt noe good Opportunity, though there bee nothing
new, but that I heare you have stopped a Vessel
bound to this Place, on Acct of some Powder and
Armes in her, which (as represented) would not
only reflect on mee, and all the Magistrates of this
Government, but also on his Royall Highnesse and
the King himselfe, whose Commissions I have.
And therefore as I have endeavoured to do my
Duty, and (un-asked) to serve my Neighbours, particularly
yor Colony from the Beginning of the
Indyan Troubles, &c., Sale of Powder to Indyans
being soe strictly forbidden here, I cannot give
Creditt to this Report, not having heard from yor
selfe or Colony of it, which I am confident I should,
yet being told mee by sufficient Men, I pray I may.
And if any such Thing bee, whether you have any
Orders from the King to stop any of his Maties Subjects,
Vessells or Goods coming to these Parts and
youl oblige,
The Governour of Rhode Island to the Governour
and Councell of Boston.
[New York Colonial MSS., xxv, p. 67.]
The Governor and Councell of ye Mathacusetts
and Comissioners of ye Vnited Collonies writing to
us do give vs Thanks for transporting their Souldrs
and Prvision and yt our Sloops transported their
Wounded and desired vs to lett out 100 or 200
Souldiers answering you denying so to doe and gave
your Grounds. This was our Postcript.
Friends, Since our writing ye aboue said to you
is come to our Hands, certain printed Lawes or
Orders of ye 3th Nouembr 1675[1] set forth by ye
Authority of yor Generall Assembly of ye Matathusetts
your Secretaries Hand being to ym wherein
you say you haue apostated from ye Lord with a
great Backsliding: To wch I do consent so great
hardly to be paralleled, all Things considered, we
were a People prfessing ye Feare of ye Lord in
England against Bishops and Ceremonies in tender
Loue to all yt pfessed Godliness, and so departed
from ye Land of our Nativity, declaring ye Ground
of our Removall into New England, viz: to seek
out a Place for our Brethren where we might enjoy
ye Liberty of our Consciences yt ye Sons of
Wickedness might vex vs noe more, as was yri[2]
publikely preached and declared.
2dly ... For ye Prpagating of ye Gospel converting
ye Indians &c:
3dly ... That we might enjoy such as preached
ye Gospell (ye Power of God to Salvation) for ye
Bishops did yn Silence our best Ministers these and
others in 1630 was printed and dispersed both in
England and Holland wch I haue by me in Print,
ye Governor and Deputy Governor and Assistants
Hands being to it, my selfe and Simon Broadstreet
being two of ye yn Assistants our Hands is to it, I
haue ym at large in Print to be seene.
How well this hath bin performed by you, let your
printed Lawes declare, and this amongst ye Rest our
Houses are now open to receive your Wounded and
all in Distress, we have prpared an Hospitall for
yors, but you a House of Correction for all yt repaire
to our Meetings, is this soe do as you would be
done by? Your Ministers with us have not been
molested, ours with you have been persecuted,[3] is
this a Time for you to establish Iniquity by a Law,—will
not ye Lord be avenged on such a Nation as
this yt set vp Ministers yt are not so made Ministers
by yor Power of and endless Life, but of ye Letter
yt kills but not ye Spirit yt giues Life and a Worship,
yt is not in Spirit and Truth, set by Christ
aboue 1600 Yeares agoe; we cannot come to you,
but depart from or Lord as you haue done, therefore
desiring your returne to ye Power yt made you ye
true Light yt is in you.
This is written to you by one who aboue 45
Yeares past was one of you and now is one yt desires
your true Good both eternall and temporall
as I did when I was with you, and am,
Yours in true Loue, Wm. Coddington, Gouernor.
Rhoad Island, January ye 9th, 1675/6. Vera Copia.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] “Att a Meeting of the Vnited
Collonies in Boston, by Adjournment,
Nouemb. 2: 1675.
The Commissioners do agree to
comend to the severall generall Courts
or Councells, of the Vnited Collonies
that they appoint and order the
second Day of December, being the
fift Day of the Weeke to be obserued
and kept as a solemn Day of Prayer
and Humiliation; to supplycate the
Lords pardoning Mercye and Compasion
towards this poor People;
and for Successe in our Indeauors for
the repelling the Rage of the Enimy.”
* * Hazard’s American State
Papers, ii, 537. The general Court
of Mass., accordingly on the next
Day appointed a Day of fasting and
Prayer. Mass. Coll. Records, v,
69.—Ed.
Resolved to write to ye Governor of Boston, to
vindicate this Governmt from an Aspersion in a
printed Paper of Decemr the 7th last past, wherein
they sett forth, that Philip in his Flight was supplyde
with Ammunition from Albany whereby he
was enabled to prosecute his bloody Designe against
ye English.
That it be despatched by an Expresse wth the first
Convenience.
Resolved, That there be a civill Letter of Thanks
sent to ye Governr of Roade Island, in Answer to
his two last to ye Governor and a nearer Correspondence
accepted and concluded, in ye best Manner
for ye Preservacon of both Colonyes, according
to ye Extent of their Patents, from all Invasions or
Encroachments on them and particularly to accept
of a Mediation to compose ye Difference betwixt
them and the neighbouring Colonyes concerning
ye Narragansett Country and other Territoryes upon
ye Maine, all which Treatys to be privately managed
by ye Person or Persons, who shall carry the Letter
to Boston, who shall have a Letter of Creditt and
Instructions to that Purpose.
Resolved to let ye Governor of Roade Island
know, that any in their Parts driven by the Indyans
from their Habitacons or Plantations, shall be welcome
here and have Land assigned them upon this,
Long Island or Staten Island.
And to take away all Apprehensions from our
present Inhabitants, or such as shall come hither, it
is likewise ordered, That all or Indyans on Long
Island not yet disarmed, vizt Sequetauke, Seatauque,
Unchechauge and Southampton, be forthwith disarmed,
as ye others upon ye Island already are, and
no Indyan there to be permitted to have any fire
Arms in any Case during ye present Troubles.
An Order for all Indyans on Long Island
to be disarmed, in this Juncture of the
Warre, and that none ramble from Place
to Place, &c.
[Warrants, Orders, Passes, iii, 174.]
By the Governour:
Whereas I am informed from several Townes
and Places on Long Island, of the general Apprehensions
of the People concerning any our Indyans
being armed at this Juncture, for wch though I
hope there is noe Cause, however by the Advice of
my Councell I have ordered that all Indyans on
Long Island that have by the Favour of the Townes
(as allowed) their Armes still entrusted to them bee
forthwith disarmed, and the said Armes according
to former Order to be safely laid up and kept in or
near the Block House or ffortification in the severall
Townes: And that all Indyans have Notice not to
ramble or goe from Place to Place out of the Bounds
they live in without a Certificate from ye Magistrate
or Constable to be showed to the like Officers at
their Arrivall where they goe, and have Leave to
stay: But all Justice to be shewed to them according
to Law and Orders of ye Court of Assizes, and
concerning ffortification. This Order to bee forthwith
effectually put in Execution, and a due Returne
made to mee thereof by the severall Townes in
whose Precincts any Indyans live by the first Opportunity
or Expresse, if Occasion: Of which none to
faile as they will Answer the Default at their utmost
Perills.
Given under my Hand in New Yorke ye 24th
Day of January, in the 27th Yeare of his
Maties Reigne, Annoq Dmi 1675.[1]
E. Andros.
To the Justices of the Peace, Military Officers,
Constables and Overseers of Southampton, &c.
These may certifie all whome it may conserne
that the Pecoites[1] Indians haue bene out with the
English against the Naragansits and haue aproued
themselues uery faithfull to our English Interest the
Enemy fled before the Army and in the Pursute
these Pequets Indians did uery good Serues: we
slewe in all neere about fouer score Persons and followed
them neare about thre score and ten Mille
the Enemies hauing Noties of our Armyes aproaching
the Sechems fleed and their Wimen and Children
and lefte sixtye Patomtook Indians three hundred
fitteing Men to way lay the Army by the
Ambuscadoes weare by the Prouidence of God timely
discovered by our Endyins. They wounded fiue
English Men in the Rear of the Army after they
weare beaten in the Fronte by our English and our
Endyans. We slew at that Time fiue of the Uplanders
and kiled on of there chefe Captaines and
the same Day took ye Towne and layed there all
Night, the next Day burned the Towne and then
marched to the Metropolitente Place and found it
deserted so fired nere fiue hundred Widgwames.
This Scalpe cared by the Bearer was a Endyon of
greate Accounte and was taken with 25 Persones
more by the Pecoites Indyons upon their returning
Home after they parted with the English ... and
his Men killed two Men nere Noradg and took
away a Boy alive this 6 Febrery. This is short
but ... in large.
Mr. Matthias Nicolls, and Mr. Samuell Leete,
being returned from Boston, and having brought a
Letter from ye Governor and Councell there to ye
Governor, which was not satisfactory.
Resolved, That for ye Present no further Application
be made to ye Government of Boston.
Thomas Warner one of the two that came downe
from Albany and had beene Prisonr wth ye Indyans
who arrived here this Morne, being examined, saith,
that he was one of ye Psons that being sent out from
Hatfield[2] where the English Army lay, to discover
the Enemy, but a Party of Indyans way layd them,
and shott downe 5 of their Company, and tooke 3
of which he and his Comrade are two, the 3d they
put to death, the 9th was an Indyan that came
with them, and escap’t away.
That the Indyans lay still two Dayes after they
were taken, and then a Party of about 30 with
whom he was march’t to a River to the north east
from thence about 80 Miles called Oasuck, where
about a Fortnight after the Rest of the Army
came to them, having in the meane Time burnt
two Townes: They kill’d one of the Prisoners presently
after they had taken him, cutting a Hole
below his Breast out of which they pull’d his Gutts,
and then cutt off his Head.
That they putt him so to Death in the Presence
of him and his Comrade, and threatened them also
with the like.
That they burnt his Nayles, and put his Feet to
scald them agst the Fire, and drove a Stake through
one of his Feet to pin him to the Ground. The
Stake about the Bignesse of his Finger, this was
about 2 Days after hee was taken. They continued
at Oasmuk sending out p’ys severall Days and that
about 5 Weeks agoe at one of their Meetings he
saw 2100 Indyans all fighting Men, [of?] which 5 or
600 French Indyans, with Strawes in their Noses.
When hee was taken the pty were abt 600 Indyans.
That the Riuer Indyans recd those Indyans kindly,
furnish’t them with Provisions, and some of those
Indyans were with them that ... him.
That there were 5 or 600 of the Indyans with
Strawes in their Noses, which they called the French
Indyans.
That hee was made to tell the Number by ye
Indyans themselves, which hee did 3 Times over.
That there were most young Men, the oldest not
40 Years old.
That they were supplyed with Powder from ...
French Indyans.
That they sd their Designe was in ye Spring to
goe to Hadley, Hartford &c. and Conecticut Col.,
and having destroyed them to goe to Boston ye ...
and then after that they would destroy ye Dutch,
&c., but the French and ...
[2] On the 19th of October, 1675,
the Indians having cut off the Scouts
that had been sent out to obtain Intelligence
of any Enemies in the
Neighborhood, made an Attack
upon Hatfield with a Force of 700
or 800 Men. The Place was garrisoned
by two Companies, under
the Command of Captains Moseley
and Poole, who were soon joined by
a Reinforcement from Hatfield under
Captain Appleton. The Engagement
was spirited and obstinate, and ended
with the Repulse of the Enemy, who
retired in great Haste and Confusion,
having only Time to burn a few
Barns and other out Buildings and
drive off a Number of Cattle. Ten
Persons, including Thomas Warner,
the Deponent of the above Statement,
are recorded as slain. Holland’s
Hist. of W. Mass., i, 105. It is
probable that his Escape was not
known at Hatfield. This was among
the last of their important Efforts on
the Connecticut River before retiring
to the Country of the Narragansets.
Drake’s Book of Indians,
217.—Ed.
Council Minutes.
[Council Minutes, iii, Part 2, p. 85.]
At a Councell, Feb. 26th, 1675/6.
Present,
The Governour,
The Secretary,
Capt. Dyre,
Mr. Fred. Philips.
Upon reading Governor Coddington’s Letter, and
Consideracons of other Letters, and Returnes of
Messages from other Colonyes,
Resolved, That it is not adviseable at this Juncture
to make any Application, or send any friendly Message
to ye North Indyans, but if they apply themselves
not refuse hearing of them.
The other Colonyes, vizt ye Massachusetts Connecticott
and Plimouth principally engaged in ye
Warre, not having made us acquainted with their
Concernes, and some of them slighted our friendly
Tenders, to continue our Endeavors as Christians
and ye King’s Subjects, for ye Good of this Government
without farther Application to the said Colonyes.
Resolved, That ye Governor goe forthwith to
Albany to settle Matters there, it being of very great
Import.
That ye Wickerscreeke Indyans, if they desire it,
be admitted with their Wives and Children to plant
upon this Island but nowhere else if they remove,
and yt it be upon ye north Point of ye Island neare
Spiting Devill. The sd Indyans to be protected
comporting themselves as they ought, and all our
other Indyans round, doeing ye like to be assured
of Protection.
That a Letter be written to ye Governor of Roade
Island to acquaint him wth ye Governors going up
to Albany to take Order there, having Notice of
ye Maques Indyans being moved in a warrelike
Manner against ye North Indyans. That ye Governor
hath not Time to write now in Answer to ye
Particulars of his Letter, but shall have all due Regard
to them, of wch he shall give him an Acctt at
his Returne.
The Governour’s Order to Lieut.Teuniseto demand Christian Prisoners of the
Indians.
[New York Colonial MSS., xxv, p. 88.]
By the Governour:
You are hereby authorized and required, with the
Indian Guide ordered wt you, forthwith to goe
eastward, to the furthest Part of the Govermt or
as farr as Coneticut River, to finde out Philep or
other North Indians, lately within this Governmt,
and lett him or other Sachems or Commanders in
Chief know; yt haveing heard of there being in
warlike Posture, intruded and brought some Christian
Prisoners in our Parts, I have therefore sent you
to demand the said Christian Prisoners, brought by
them vnto this Governmt and to command and
forewarne them, from, or returning into any Pairt
of the Government or Confines.
If they should be divided into severall Partyes
or Parts, you are then as you see Cause and have
Opportunity, to goe to each, but to make no
longer Stay, in any, than to deliver your Message,
and receive such Prisoners as they shall deliver and
refresh and rest yourself, and without Delay to return
and make the best of your Way to me.
Given under my Hand and Seall in Albany,
the 4th March, 1675/6.
To Gerrit Teunise,
Lt to Capt. Volkert.
Agrees wth ye Principall was signed,
E. Andross (copy of his signature)
Quod Attestor R. Livingston.
Order to ConfineWilliam Loveridge.
[New York Colonial MSS., xxv, p. 90.]
Copia Vera.
By the Governour:
Whereas Mr. Wm. Loveridge did 2d Instant
afore me Magistrates and cheef Officers of these
Pairts, alleadge and confidently affirm that the North
Indians have been lately now this last Winter, supplyed
by the (Dutch as he termed them) Inhabitants
of this Place with Ammunition, notwithstanding
the Law and strict Prohibicon; but could not
make it appear by any Evidence, or Circumstance,
or named any Persone, whatever, he could suspect,
and therefore was committed, and not haveing yett,
and it being a generall Imputation and Reflexion,
you are in his Maj: Name, further ordered; still to
keep the said Wm Loveredge, untill he give sufficient
Security, at the Secretary, or Clerks Office, to
answere ye same, at the next generall Court of
Assizes, and to be in the mean Time of good Behavior,
for which this shall be your sufficient Warrant.
Given under my Hand in Albany this 11th
Day of March 1675/6
Was signed E. Andross.
To MrMichel Suton, Sheriffe
or Scout in Albany.
This is a true Coppy examined by me,
Ro: Livingston, Secr.
An Order made at Albany about selling of
Powder to the Indyans there.
[Warrants, Orders, Passes, iii, 223.]
By the Governour.
Whereas I did in October last past, limite the
Sale of Powder in these Parts to be observed, but
the Mahikanders coming now to live among us,
and nearer to this Place, I do hereby allow and
order that the Commander, or two of the Magistrates,
may and do, from Time to Time, permitt
such Mahikanders as are already, or shall come to
live by us, as above, to buy and bee supplyd with
Powder for their necessary Occasions, not exceeding
1-4 of a Pound at a Time as pr said Order which
Leave or Permitts to bee writt and given out either
to Indyans or Christians for them, by the Secretary
or Towne Clarke ex officio gratis.
Given under my Hand in Albany, this 27th
March 1676.
E. Andross.
Council Minutes.
[Council Minutes, iii, Part 2, p. 87.]
At a Councell, Aprill ye 4th, 1676.
Present,
The Governour,
Capt. Anthony Brockholes,
The Secretary,
Capt. William Dyre.
Mr. Fred. Philips.
The Governour returning yesterday from Albany
he was pleased to shew to the Councell severall
Papers of the Proceedings above between his Honor
and the Maques Indyans, together with a Relation
of the Message sent to the North Indyans.
Resolved, That ye Wickersecreeke and Long
Island Indyans have speedy Notice of ye Governors
Arrivall, that they may bee spoke with.
Council Minutes.
[Council Minutes, iii, Part 2, p. 87.]
At a Councell, Aprill ye 8th, 1676.
Present,
The Governour,
Capt. Brockholes,
The Secretary,
Capt. Dyre,
Mr. Philips.
Ordered, That all Boates and Vessells that pass
through Hell Gate do take a Permitt from ye Custom
House by Reason of ye Indian Troubles, which
Permitt (unlesse for Merchandize) to be given
Gratis and with all Dispatch.
Council Minutes.
[Council Minutes, iii, Part 2, p. 90.]
Aprill ye 10th, 1676.
There was a Meeting of the Governor and Councell
in the Morning upon Occasion of the Arrivall of
Mr Samuell Willis and Mr Willm Pitkin with a
Letter from the Councell of Connecticott; The
Letter being read, it was not adjudged that the
Gentlemen menconed therein were authorized further
than in Complement or for Advice. Thereupon
they produced their Instructions and read them, but
no further Authority appearing, the Governor proposed
to them to deliver their Minds in writeing,
to ye which he would likewise returne them Answer
in writeing.
Afternoone, Mr. Willis and Mr. Pitkin delivered
in their Proposalls in writeing. To the which after
a Consultacon of the Governor and Councell, together
with the Mayor and Aldermen, an Answer
was made; and publikely read to the Connecticott
Gentlemen, ye Governor and Councell, with the
Mayor and Aldermen being together, and divers
Merchants and other Strangers admitted to bee
present.
Ordered, That a faire Copy of what was read be
given to the Gentlemen as an Answer both to the
Letter and Proposalls.
The Tenour as follows.
THE PROPOSALLS.
AN ANSWER
To the Honble Major Edmond Andros,
Governor of his Highness’e
Territories in America.
to ye Proposalls of Mr Samuel Willis,
and Mr William Pitkin, in
the Name of the Councell of
Connecticut, from whom they
brought a Letter, dated the first
of Aprill most mistaken and ineffectuall.
Sr. having presented to your
Honor the Letter wch wee received
from ye Secretary of Conecticutt
Colony, according to our Instructions
and ye Import of that Letter as
Agents sent from the said Councell,
wee do in their Behalf desire.
You are sent Agents to salute, but
not authorized or empowered to
treate or conclude, by said Councells
Letter, or otherwise that appeares.
First. That yr Honor will please
to informe us of what Intelligence
you have, as to ye State and Place of
the Enemyes of the Colony of Connecticutt,
and what Correspondence
ye Enemy holds with ye Maques and
Sinnekes, and how ye said Maques
and Sinnekes stand affected towards
the said Colony of Connecticutt,
according as your Honor is advertized
or knoweth.
1st. I know of no Commerce or
Correspondence wth such Indyans,
butt upon the Rumor of your Warre
(having made fitting Preparations)
when sd Indyans did approach our
Confines, were repulsed by our
Indyans, the Maques and Sinnekes,
and (as wee are informed) are retreated
beyond Connecticutt River,
but am ignorant if our Indyans have
any particular Knowledge of you,
which should bee best known to
yourselves.
Secondly; That your Honor will
advize us what is best to be done
in exciteing the Maques and Sinnekes
to prosecute their and our
Enemys according, as is propounded
in the said Letter, and what Present
(if any) you will advize us to give
them to that End.
2d and 3d. Having already taken
fitting Orders, hope the Maques &c.
will do their Dutye as they ought to
this Government, on all Occasions,
and cannot bee subject to two.
Thirdly, if your Honor advize us
thereunto, that you will please to
afford your Aide and Conduct to us
therein, and an Interpreter, with
whatelse may in your Honors Prudence
best effectuate ye same.
Fourthly, what Liberty your
Honor will grant us to passe to Albany,
or any other convenient Place
in your Governmt to excite ye said
Indyans, according to our Instructions
to proceed against our Enemyes.
Yor honors humble Servts, Samll Willis. William Pitkin. New Yorke, April 10th, 1676.
4th. Thinke it strange that you
should aske to treate with any Branch
of this Gouernment apart, and upon
your own Acct and notwithstanding
ye Neighbourhood and all my Endeavours
unaskt, that you have hitherto,
and still keepe the Concernes
of your said Indyan Warre. New Yorke, Aprill 10th, 1676.
Council Minutes.
[Council Minutes, iii, Part 2, p. 93.]
At a Councell Apr. 23d, 1676.
Present,
The Governour,
The Secretary,
Capt. Dyre,
Mr. Philips.
Before Noone.
The Matter under Consideracon was ye Receit of
two Letters, the one from Councell of Boston the
other from the Councell of Connecticut in answer
to what was sent by Mr. Willis and Mr. Pitkin.
Neither of them being plaine or satisfactory, the
Returne of an Answer was put off till afternoon.
After Noone.
The Mayor being also present with the Governor
and Councell, it was concluded that an Answer
should be sent by Mr. Daniell Burre (who brought
the Letter from Connecticutt) by Word of Mouth.
To the Effect hereafter written, vizt:
Resolved, That the Letter of the 18th Instant
from the Councell of Connecticutt, being only
genrall and as formerly no suiteable Returnes, nor
any Trust reposed, it requires no Answer, but shall
continue our Duty without intrenching on our
Neighbours.
That an Answer be likewise sent by Word of
Mouth for the present to Boston, by Mr. Richard
Pattershall, who is upon his Departure. The which
was accordingly done, but with all Civility.
Council Minutes.
[Council Minutes, iii, Part 2, p. 94.]
At a Councell, May 5th, 1676.
Present,
The Governour,
Capt. Brockholes,
The Secretary,
Capt. Dyre,
Mr. Philips.
Newes being brought from Roade Island by Mr.
Joseph Carpenter, of the great Number of People
flockt thither from their Habitations destroyed
by the Indyans, insomuch that the Inhabitants are
very much straitened by their Numbers, and will
quickly want Provisions.
It being proposed whether not convenient at this
Juncture to send a Sloope thither to offer them
Transportation into this Colony, where they may
have Lands assigned them.
Ordered, That the Governours Sloope being
ready, bee forthwith sent to Rhode Island with
Directions to bring as many Passengers as may bee,
and that the Sloopes belonging to Luycas and
Christian now bound for Boston, do call there likewise
in coming back, and any other Sloopes to
hasten thither, and take in such Passengers as are
willing to come.
Ordered, That upon this extraordinary Occasion
of the Warre, and other late Intelligences, the
severall Townes upon Long Island be sent to, to
represent the same unto the Inhabitants in order to
a Levy, and to know what they will give towards
a Supply.
Orders sent to the Townes of the West and
North Ridings, by Capt. William Dyre,
May 8th, 1676.
[Warrants, Orders, Passes, iii, 193.]
Mr. Constable and Overseers:
The Warre continuing eastward, in the Manner
it is, of wch daily sad Tidings, I am now necessitated
to represent to you and the whole Government, and
how necessary it is to make a more than ordinary
Provision, to prevent the like Miseryes, ffor which,
having already been at a greater Expence then his
Royall Highnesse Revenue in this Place: I pray
you’l take it into yor p’sent Consideracons to agree
and order such a suitable Supply for yor Towne, as
may be proper, for so an extraordinary Occasion,
and that it bee in the Nature of a Rate, designing to
bee received in the same Manner and accompted
for to the Countrey at the Genall Court of Assizes.
I am, Yor affectionate ffriend, E. Andros.
This is by Capt William Dyre, who is ordered
to receive and bring yor Result.
M.[atthias] N[icolls,] Secr.
Warrants were issued May 13th to the Constables
and Overseers of Hempstead and Flatlands, to appear
and answer for Neglect of the above Orders.
Council Minutes.
[Council Minutes, iii, Part 2, p. 97.]
At a Councell, May 23d, 1676.
Present,
The Governour,
Capt. Brockholes,
The Secretary,
Capt. Dyre,
Mr. Philips,
Mr. Mayor,
Capt. Delavall.
The Matter under Consideracon was about a
Letter to be writt to ye Governour and Councell
of Boston, in answer to theirs of Aprill ye fifth.
The Letter being read was approved of, and ordered
to be sent by Mr. Mayor, hee being bound
for Boston.
At a Councell, May 28th, 1676.
Present,
The Governour,
Capt. Brockholes,
The Secretary,
Capt. Dyre,
Mr. Philips,
Capt. Delavall,
Capt. Salisbury.
Upon the Arrivall of the Governors Sloope from
Rhode Island, severall Letters comeing to his Honor
from thence, Martins Vineyard, and Nantuckett,
relateing to their present Condicon and the Report
and Probability of Boston, makeing a Peace with
the North Indyans, upon their own Account alone;
Resolved, That Endeavours be made to putt a Stop
to the Maques farther prosecuting the North Indyans.
That an Order be issued forth for the Redelivery
of the Indyans Armes upon Long Island.
At a Councill May ye 29th, 1676.
Whereas, being in Peace we have upon Acct of
our Neighbours Warre, disarmed all our Indyans
upon Long Island, and prohibitted all Canooes from
goeing in the Sound, neither of which our Neighbours
have as yett done, and finding no Cause to
continue the same; but rather the Contrary by our
Indyans good Comport, these are therefore to signify
the same unto you, and that you may and are
at Liberty to redeliver all Arms taken from your
Indyans, unlesse you see or know Cause to the
Contrary: In which Case you are to detayne them
and signify the same unto the Governor. But
in either Case to continue carefull Watch and
Ward according to former Orders.
To the Justices of the Peace, Constables, and Overseers
of any of the Townes upon Long Island.
Upon Application of Mr. John Pell (one of the
Justices of the Peace,) concerning the Indyans living
upon his Land at Anne Hookes Neck, using their
Canooes, contrary to the Order of the Court of
Assizes, presumeing so to doe for that ye Indians
upon Long Neck (neare Stamford in ye neighbour
Colony) have theirs, and never forbidden them,
though in Warre. Ordered, That Mr. Pell do
make Enquiry of the Truth thereof and give an
Account of itt hither. In meane Time upon his
Request, the Indians upon his Land are to have
Liberty to make Use of three Canooes about their
Occasions, and if the Justice upon Enquiry do find
it practised as is alleaged, upon his making his Returne
thereof to ye Governour, then they are to
have all their Canooes returned them againe.
Ordered, That all North Indyans that will come
in, may be protected, and a Stop to be put to the
Maques further prosecuting sd North Indyans.
Council Minutes.
[Council Minutes, iii, Part 2, p. 101.]
At a Councell May 30th, 1676.
Resolved, The Governor being intended for
Albany the next Weeke and Capt. Tho. Delavall
being now goeing up, that he be desired and authorized
as soon as hee arrives there, to communicate it
to Serjt Sharpe the present Commandr and with said
Sharpe, by Means of Arnold the Interpreter, send
Word to the Maques and Sinnekes of ye Governors
said Coming, and that he desires and orders that
some of them will meet him there, and particularly
Carriconty. The said Message to be sent by a
Maques from Albany, who is to be well paid, and
no further Mencon to any others, or Talke thereof
at Albany: Also to send Word by some good Mahicander
eastward (who is likewise to be rewarded)
that all Indyans that will come in and submit, shall
bee received to live under the Protection of the
Government, and that the Governor will bee there
as afore, where any of them may freely come and
speake with him, and returne againe as they see
Cause without Molestation.
Memorandm. That the ffrench do receive North
Indyans under their Protection, and its said that five
hundred of them are already there.[1]
That the Governmt of Conecticutt hath likewise
made an Order, at their late Genrall Court, that any
Indyans that will come in shall be received, have
Land assigned them, and be protected under their
Government.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] The Emigration of Iroquois to
Canada and Settlement at La Praire,
occurred about this Time.—Ed.
Council Minutes.
[Council Minutes, iii, Part 2, p. 103.]
At a Meeting of the Councell in the Absence of the Governour, June 10, 1676.
Present,
Capt. Brockoles,
The Secretary,
Capt. Dyre,
Mr. Philips.
Mr. Pell having upon Enquiry made Returne
that it hath been and still is practised by ye Indyans
on Long Neck, &c., to have their Canooes, the
following Order was made.
The Wyckerscreeke Indyans having made Suite
to the Governor that the Restraint of their going
into and passing to and fro in ye Sound in Canooes
may be taken off, in regard to their planting on
Mr. Pells Land at Anne Hoockes Neck[1] or ye Islands
adjacent; Upon Consideration of their good Comport,
and also for that ye Indyans in the neighbour
Colony of Conecticutt have hitherto beene, and are
now permitted the Use of their Canooes, it is
Ordered, That our said Indyans of Wickerscreeke
have Liberty to make Use of their Canooes, in the
Sound, or any other Part within the Government,
Long Island excepted.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] In the present Town of Pelham,
Westchester County. See Bolton’s
Westchester, i, 515.
Council Minutes.
[Council Minutes, iii, Part 2, p. 104.]
At a Councell, July 26, 1676.
Present,
The Governour,
The Secretary,
Capt. Dyre.
A Letter being brought from the Governor and
Councell of Conecticott, giving Notice of the North
Indians tending towards Hudsons River,
An Answer was sent to it, declaring ye Improbability
of what was suggested by them.
Record of a Court Martial HELD AT Newport, R. I. in August, 1676,
FOR THE Trial ofIndianscharged with being engaged inPhilip’sDesigns.[1]
Newport, August 24th, 1676.
The Names of the Members of the
Court Martiall.
Mr. Walter Clarke, Governour,
Major John Crayton, Dept. Governour,
Mr. John Coggeshall, Assistant,
Mr. James Barker, Assistant,
Mr. John Easton, Assistant,
Mr. William Harris, Assistant,
Capt. Arthur ffenner, Assistant,
Mr. Thomas Borden, Assistant,
Mr. Joshua Coggeshall, Assistant,
Mr. William Cadman, Assistant,
Capt. Randall Houlden, Assistant,
Mr. Samuell Gorton, Jun., Assistant,
Edward Richmond, Secretary,
Capt. Edmund Calverly, Attorney General,
James Rogers, Gen. Sergeant,
Henry Lilly, Marshall and Cryer.
Military Officers.
Capt. Peleg Sanford,
Left. Latham Clark
Capt. Roger Williams,
Left. ffrancis Gis
Capt. Samuell Wilbore,
Left. Ireh Bull,
Capt. John Albro,
Ensn. Weston Clark
Capt. Edmund Calverly,
Ensn. James Barker
Capt. John ffoanes,
Ensn. Caleb Arnold
Left. Edward Richmond,
Ensn. Hugh Mosher,
Left. John Green,
Ensn. John Potter.
Left. William Correy,
I Edmund Calverly, Attorney Generall, in the
Behalfe of our Soveraigne Lord the King Charles the
second, of England, Scotland, France and Ireland,
King, &c. Doe impeach the Quanpen otherwise
Sowagonish, an Indian Sachim, relating to the Narragansett
Country in the Collony of Rhode Island,
and Providence Plantations in New England, for
these sundry Crimes following, namely: ffor being
disloyall to his said Majesty sundry Ways.
Videleset. ffor that thou hast not faithfully
adheared to the Government established in this said
Collony by his said Majesty, but hast rebelliously
adheared to Indians of another Collony called Plymoth,
namely, Philip chiefe Sachem of the Indians
in that said Collony, whoe with his Indians did
within sixteen Months past trayterously, rebelliously,
royetously and routously arm, weapon, and array
themselves with Swords, Guns and Staves, &c., and
have killed and bloodely muthered many of his said
Majestys good Subjects, who lived peaceably under
the sundry Governments to which they did belong.
Butt more partikularly thou hast through thy
wicked bloody Minde and trayterous, rebellious,
roietous and routous Acts, with Swords, Guns,
Staves, &c., in thy owne Person, within this his Majties
Collony, and many great Companys of Indians with
the, some of them yett unknowne, armed and arrayed
as aforesaid, didst doe great Damage to our soveraigne
Lord the King, by killing his Subjects, burning
their Houses, killing and driving away their
Cattell, and many more Outrages of that Nature,
have been by the and thy Confederats done and
committed, all against the Peace of our soveraigne
Lord the King, his Crowne and Dignity, for all
which Acts of thine, I doe on the Behalfe of his
said Majesty, impeatch the as a Rebell in the Face
of this Court, and pray Justice against thee the said
Quanapen, otherwise Sowagonish, &c.
Edward Calverly,
Attorney Generall.
Dated at a Court Martiall held in Newport,
ye 24th of August, 1676.
Quanopen owned, that he among the Rest was
in Armes against the English Nation, and that he
was at the swamp Fight, and that he had nothing
to say against the Indians burning and distroying
Pettacomscutt, and that he was at the Assaulting of
Mr. William Carpenters Garisson at Pawtuxet,[2] and
that he was in Armes at Nashaway, and did asist in
difsroyinge and burninge the Towne, and takeinge
and carrying away the Englifh Captives to the
Number of about 20.
Voted. Guilty of the Charge, and that he shall
be shott to death in this Towne on the 26th Instant,
at about one of the Clock in the Afternoone.
An Indian with one Eye, Quanopens Brother
saith his Brother Quanopen was a Comander in
the Warr, but he was not, he being soe defective in
his eye Sight, that he was incapable.
Voted, that at present Judgment is suspended.
August 25th.
Sunkeecunasuck upon his Examination owneth,
that he was at the burning and destroying of Warwick,
and that Wenunaquabin, an Indian that is
now in Prison, was at the burning and distroying
Warwick with him, at the same Time, and that his
Brother Quanopin, was the second Man in Comand
in the Narragansett Cuntry, that he was the next to
Nenanantenentt.
And Nechett, an Indian, owned that he saw
Sunkeecunasuck at Warwick, and that he was instrumentall
in chief in saveing his Life.
Voted guilty of the Charge, and to suffer Death,
the same Time and Place with his Brother.
Ashamattan, upon his Examination, owneth that
his Brother Quanapin, had some of the Wampanooage
with him, and that his Brother Quanapin
had many Indians under his Comand, but Nenanantenentt
was counted the chiefest of the two, and
that they had recrute of Powder latly from the
Dutch.
Voted that present Judgement is suspended.
Wenanaquabin of Pawtuxett saith, that he was
not at the wounding of John Scott, but was at that
Time living at Abiah Carpenters, and he could
cleer him. Abiah Carpenters being sent for, before
his Face saith, that he went away from their House
some Time in May, 1675, and did not see him
againe, nor could heare of him till towards Winter,
which he saith is true. The laid Wenanaquabin
further saith, that he did not come to Warwick till
Night after the Towne was burned, and after owned
that he saw Nechett an Indian there. The said
Nechett, to his Face afirmed that he saw him at
Warwick at the burning the Towne with his Gun,
about Noone. The said Wenanaquabin also confesseth,
that he was at the Fight with Capt. Turner,
and there lost his Gun, and swam over a River to
save his Life.[3]
Voted guilty of the Charge, and that he shall be
putt to Death after the same Manner, and Time
and Place as Quanopin.
John Wecopeak, on his Examination saith, that
he was never out against the English, but one Time
with other Narragansett Indians about the Month
of March last, against a Towne upon Conecticutt
River called in Indian Pewanasuck, and at that
Time their Company burned a Barne and two
dwelling Houses, and killed two Englishmen, and
that he was not at the burninge of Pettacomscutt,
but was at that Time with Indian John, William
Heiffermans Man, removeinge their Wigwams, but
shortly after he was sent downe by the Sachems to
fetch off two dead Indians from thence, and saith
that Georg Crafts Wife was shott with a Slugg, and
chopt in some Parts of her Body with a Hatchett,
and saith she did not crye hoe. Also saith, that he
was at the Fight with Capt. Turner, and run away
by Reason the Shott came as thick as Raine, but
said alsoe, that he was at a great Distance. Butt
John Godfree and William Heifferman saith, that
he the said Wecopeak told them, that he saw Capt.
Turner, and that he was shott in the Thigh, and
that he knew it was him, for the said Turner said
that was his Name.
Voted guilty of the Charge, and to dye as the
others.
Anashawin of Narragansett denyeth, that he layed
Hands on John Green of Narragansett, occasioned
about the Death of a dumb Boy, although afirmed
by three Witnesses to his Face, to wit: Mr. Thomas
Gould, John Andra and Daniel Green.
The Court adjourned till Thursday next at ten of
the Clock in the Morning, being the 31st of this
Instant.
Before the Court Martiall the 31st of August,
1676.
Quonaehewacout saith, that he was informed that
all the Sachims was at the takeing and burning of
Ireh Bulls Garrison.[4]
Manasses Molasses, called and answered to the
Name, being examined concerning Low Howland,
kild at Pocasset[5] Side (being an Englishman) and
slaine or murdered by the Indians, and this Mollasses
being charged or suspected to have a Hand in the
Crime, answers, that he did not kill him, but being
in the Woods, the Indians came and said such
a one was kild, and offered to sell the Coate of the
Person soe murdered or slaine, and that he the said
Mollasses bought the Coate (of the said dead Man)
for ground Nuts, and further saith, that it was one
Quasquomack kild the said Howland.
This Deponent, John Cook, aged about forty-five
Yeares, testefyeth, being at Punckatest, in the
Midle of July, or thereabout, did ask of severall
Indians, named as followeth: Woodcock, Matowat,
and Job, whome they were, that kild Low Howland,
the foresd Indians’ Answer was, that there was
six of them in Company, and Manasses was the
Indian that fetcht him out of the Water. ffurther
this Deponant saith not.
This Deponant, John Brigs, aged thirty-five
Yeares or thereabout, testefyeth to the above written
Testamony, and alsoe, that the said Manasses shot
at Joseph Russell, as the Indians, first above named
relate, and ffurther this Deponent saith not.
Taken before me this 25th of August, 1676.
Wm. Cadman, Assist.
This Deponant William Manchester, aged twenty
and two Yeares, or thereabout, being at Pocasset,
asked of Peter Nonoet, the Husband of Wetamoe,
whoe it was that killed Low Howland, his Answer
was, that Manasses fetcht him out of the Water, and
further saith not.
Taken before me, Wm. Cadman, Asist., Augst
25th, 1676.
Court adjourned until to-morrow Morning, eight
of the Clock.
Septr 1st, 1676. The Court called.
Awetamoes Sister being examined, what she could
say concerning the killing of Low Howland, she
saith, she was informed by one of those that was at
his killing, called Ohom, that this abovsd Molasses
was the Person that fetcht Low Howland out of the
Water, at the Time he was kild, although the Indians
that were with them perswaded him not to
persue him, and alsoe further saith, that she knoweth
him the sd Mollases to be one of the 12, that was of
that Company, that took and kild the said Howland.
Mumuxuack alias Toby, being charged for Suspition
of killing or assisting, or being in the Company
of them that killed John Archer. Upon his
Examination saith that he was one of four at the
killing of John Archer and his Sonn, but he was with
one more, that was about tenn Rod Distance, and
that the other called whether they should shoot, or
not, but did shoot; but after, the said Mamuxack said,
being over-perswaded, and threatned by his Brother
to carry away John Archers Head, he did doe it to
Awetamoe[6] by Reason his Brother threatened him,
if he refused to take off his Head, and that he carryed
the Head to Awetamoe, and that his Brother
gave him a Shirt for soe doeing, for carrying the
Head.
Jack Havens saith that he heard the Indians say,
that John Archer had like to have escaped, by takeing
hold of Mamuxuats Brother called Whaweapunet
his Hatchett: but that he, the sd Mamuxuat
came behind the sd Archer, and struck him on the
Head with his Hatchitt, and soe they kild him.
Wechuncksum, alias Abram, saith, that he well
knoweth the above sd Molasses, and that he heard
at the Spring of the Yeare last, being then at Wachusett,[7]
there was then Information given, what
Execution had lately been done against the English,
amongst which was afirmed, that the above sd Malasses
had latly killed an Englishman at Pocasset.
Suckats Squa, that lives with Daniel Wilcocks,
saith, that she heard the above sd Malasses say, being
askt, or examined by the Indians at the Spring of
the Yeare last, towards Wachusett, whether he had
latly killed an Englishman at Pocassett, he answered
that he had done it.
Whawinuckshin, Serjt Roger’s Man, being
examined saith that he was at Thomas Gould’s
Garrison, and the Occasion of his cominge was to
bury his Father, or help bury him, and there found
severall Indians upon their Gard, but stayed not
long there, but emediatly came away.
Voted that Serjt Rogers shall have his Indian
Man home with him, provided that the said Indian
shall be brought forth, if required, which the said
Serjt Rogers doe in the Face of the Court, engage
to doe.
The Court adjourned till tomorrow Morning at
eight of the Clock.
The following Record is, probably, a Copy of a
Letter, addressed by the Court Martial to Walter
Clarke, of Newport, the Governour.[8]
(Place and Date, probably)
Newport, R. I., August 31, 1676.
“Sir:
The Court adjourned till tomorrow Morning
at eight of the C’ck. The Letter sent by the
Governour of Plymouth to yourselfe, and by yourselfe
to us bearing Date August 28, last past, purporating
the Massachusetts and New Plymoths
Demand of Indians on this Island, &c., an Answer
to which Concerne in a speciall Manner yor selfe,
and need of all Expedition for divers Reasons, besides
Safety and Charge. Wee therefore pray your
Presence at the usiall Place of Meeting this Day to
consider what Answer, or to require a full Apearance
of the Councell, or otherwise, as you please; with
Speed doe what seems best to you; we are redy to
doe our Service to the publick Peace and Safety.”
The Letter of the Governor of Plymouth to the
Governor of Rhode Island is as follows:
“These are to certefy all whome it may Concerne
that Capt. Benjamin Church is authorized and
fully empowered by the Authority of this Collony
of New Plymoth, in the Name of the said Collony,
and for their Use and Benefitt, to demand and receive
of the Governor and Authority of Rhode Island,
all such of our Indian Enemys, whether Men,
Women, or Children, as whilst our forces were
abroad ranging, the adjacent Parts of our Collony,
in Pursute of the said Enemyes, were received by,
and are entertained upon the sd Island. And having
received them, he is ordered to guard and conduct
them to Plymoth aforesd and alsoe impowred to sell
and dispose of such of them, and soe many as he shall
see Cause for, there: to the Inhabitants, or others,
for Term of Life, or for shorter Time, as there may
be Reasons. And his actinge, herein, shall at all
Times be owned and justefyed by the said Collony.
[Plymoth] August 28, ’76.
Pr. Josiah Winslow, Govr.”
Voted, That Malasses and Mamuxuat and
Quanachuagat are ordered to be delivered out of
the Prison to Capt. Benjamin Church, and seven
more to be delivered to Capt. Anthony Low, whoe
have engaged to transport them out of the Collony,
and that they shall not returne here againe, and one
more to be at the Dispose of Henry Lilly, which
he receives in full Satisfaction for his Attendance
at this Court, and to be transported, as the other to
Capt. Low; and that, at or before the Delivery of
these the Mashall shall take all their Names, and
give Returne thereof to the Clerk of this present
Court.
Whereas it is reported that divers Indians are now
brought to Newport, and severall upon the main
Land, neer Shores of Rhode Island, wee doe therefore
declare, and in his Majesty’s Name require,
that noe Indian, either great or small, be landed on
any Part of Rhode Island aforesaid, or any Island in
the Narragansett Bay, upon the Penalty, as formerly
imposed upon such Offenders; and they shall be
taken as being contemney of the Authorety of this
Collony; Always, provided that bee, or may bee,
upon just Cause detected, he, or they, at all Times,
shall be lyable to be brought forth to answer the
same, by Warrant from the Governor or Dept.
Governor, or any two Assistants.
Dated at a Court Martiall held in Newport,
on Rhode Island, August 24th, 1676.
Pr. Edwd Richmond, Secry
to the Court.
Voted, That the Dept. Governor shall have Copys
of the Transactions of this Court between this and
the next Sitting.
Voted, That the Court is adjourned till the 25th
this Instant, except the Dept. Governour shall see
Cause to call the sd Court in the Intrim, between
this and the 25th of this Instant, as aforesd and upon
any such Occasion the Dept. Govor have full Power
to call a Court Martiall as aforesaid.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] The Narragansetts and Wampanogas,
at first friendly to Rhode
Island, becoming exasperated against
all the English by the Outrages committed
by the New England Troops
upon defenceless Women, Children
and old Men, attacked Bull’s
Garrison in South Kingstown, and
afterwards Warwick and Providence,
wreaking their Vengeance upon all
who fell in their Way. It was accordingly
decided by the major
Part of the Government to hold a
Court Martial for the Trial of several
Indians that had been captured
by the Rhode Island Troops. This
Court was formed August 23d, in
accordance with the Powers granted
in their Charter “to Exercise the
Law Martiall in such Cases as Occasions
shall necessarily require, and
upon just Cause, to invade and destroy
the native Indians and other
Enemies of the said Colony.”
The Course pursued by Rhode
Island towards their Indian Prisoners,
was however lenient as compared
with that of the other New
England Colonies.
The Town Authorities of Providence
on the 14th of August, 1676,
disposed of a Number of Indian
Captives upon the following Conditions,
recommended by a Committee
consisting of Roger Williams,
Thomas Harris, Sen., Thomas Angell,
Thomas Field and John Whipple,
Jun.
All Indians under 5 to serve till 30.
Above 5 and under 10, till 28.
Above 10 to 15, till 27.
Above 15 to 20, till 26.
From 20 to 30 to serve 8 Years.
All above 30 to serve 7 Years.
The Rhode Island General Assembly
in March, 1676, forbade
Slavery of the Indians, and enacted
a Law by which they could only be
made to serve for a limited Time,
for the paying of Debts, fulfilling of
Covenants and defraying the Expense
of bringing up.
We are indebted to Dr. David
King of Newport, R. I., for this
Record, which is copied from the
Original, and now for the first Time
printed.—Ed.
[2] William Carpenter’s House was
attacked by about three hundred Indians,
January 27, 1676. The
House was fired, but the Flames
were extinguished by those within.
The Indians drove off a large Amount
of Stock. Drake’s B. of Indians,
220.—Ed.
[3] Capt. William Turner of Boston,
having been but a short Time
stationed at Northampton, was on
the 14th of March, 1676, attacked
by the Indians, but succeeded in
repelling them. On the 18th of
May, with Capt. Samuel Holyoke,
of Springfield, and 180 Men, he
surprised a large Party of the Enemy
at the Falls above Deerfield, and
succeeded in destroying about three
hundred with the Loss of only one
Man. Upon returning, the Party
met with a Series of Disasters, and
Captain Turner, with about thirty
of his Men were slain in crossing
Green River. Holland’s Western
Massachusetts, i, 113-124. Drake’s
Boston, 419.
[4] The Garrison of Mr. Jerah Bull
was taken by the Indians, December
16, 1675, and all the People slain,
seventeen in Number.—Ed.
[8] Walter Clarke was a Friend, and
with others of that Denomination,
at that Time quite large on Rhode
Island, was opposed to the War
against the Indians. He felt a deep
Interest in the Natives, and with his
Friend John Easton, believed that
the Calamities of King Phillip’s War
might have been prevented by a
Negotiation or Arbitration. Walter
Clarke is said to have incensed the
People of Providence and Warwick,
who were fierce to fight, by refusing
to issue military Commissions, or in
the Language of Friends, Commissions
“to kill and destroy Men.”
It does not appear that he attended
the Court Martial, and he probably,
refused to sit in Judgment on the
poor persecuted and wronged Natives.
This Letter was probably addressed
to Gov. Clarke, by the sitting
Members of the Court Martial,
viz: the Deputy Governor, Major
John Cranston; seven out of the nine
Assistants, viz: James Barker, Wm.
Harris, Arthur Fenner, Joshua Coggeshall,
William Cadman, Randall
Houlden and Samuel Gorton, and
probably the military Officers before
mentioned. John Coggeshall, John
Easton and Thomas Borden, were
the remaining three Assistants. Dr.
David King, of Newport, R. I.
Pg iv: The reference in the Erratum was 'Note 2, Page 9'. This has
been changed to 'Note [14], Page 9'.
Some printer's errors in the 1858 book have been noted below and
corrected in this etext. Otherwise the spelling in the original
1858 printed text has been retained.
Pg xxiii: ‘the Christan Indians’ replaced by ‘the Christian Indians’. Pg 5: ‘reported Sausimun’ replaced by ‘reported Sansimun’. Pg 26 Footnote [29]: ‘Plans an Individuals’ replaced by ‘Plans and Individuals’. Pg 38 Footnote [1]: ‘Note on Page ’ replaced by ‘Note on Page 6’. Pg 48 Footnote [1]: ‘P arteret’ replaced by ‘Philip Carteret’. Pg 97: ‘wherein yuo seem’ replaced by ‘wherein you seem’. Pg 124: ‘theirs aid Enemyes’ replaced by ‘their said Enemyes’. Pg 128: ‘particular Acc of’ replaced by ‘particular Acct of’.
Index. Pg 191: ‘Arms to to be taken’ replaced by ‘Arms to be taken’. Pg 205: ‘of Ind. Hostlities’ replaced by ‘of Ind. Hostilities’. Pg 206: ‘Supersttion on account’ replaced by ‘Superstition on account’.