The Illustrious Providences in New England, Chapter 2
CHAP. II.
A further Account of some other Remarkable Preservations. Of a Child that had part of her Brains struck out, and yet lived and did well. Remarkable Deliverances of some in Windsor. Of several in the late Indian War. The Relation of a Captive. Skipper. How's Memorable Preservation. Several Examples somewat parallel, wherein others in other parts of the World were concerned.
BEsides those notable Sea-Deliverances which have been in the former Chapter Related, many other memorable Providences and Preservations have hapned. A multitude of Instances to this purpose are now lost in the Grave of Oblivion, because they were not Recorded in the season of them. But such Observables as I have been by good hands acquainted with, I shall here further Relate.
Remarkable was the Preservation and Restoration which the gracious providence of God vouchsafed to Abigail Eliot, the Daughter of Elder Eliot of Boston in New-England; concerning whom a near and precious Relation of hers, informs me, that when she was a Child about five years old, playing with other Children under a Cart an iron hinge being sharp at the lower end hapned to strike her head between the right Ear and the Crown of her Head, and pierced into the skull and Brain. The Child making an outcry, the Mother came; and immediately drew out the Iron, and thereupon some of the Brains of her Child which stuck to th… Iron, and other bits were scattered on her Forehead. Able Chyrurgeons were sent for; in special Mr. Oliver and Mr. Prat. The Head being uncovered, there appeared just upon the place where the Iron pierced the Skull, a bunch as big as a small Egg. A question arose, whether the skin should not be cut and dilated from the Orifice of the Wound to the Swelling, and so take it away. This Mr. Pr…t inclined unto, but Mr. Oliver opposed, pleading that then the Air would get to the Brain, and the Child would presently die. Mr. Oliver was desired to undertake the Cure. And thus was his operation. He gently drove the soft matter of the bunch into the Wound, and pressed so much out as well he could; there came forth about a spoonful, the matter which came forth was Brains and Blood (some curdles of Brain were white and not stained with Blood) so did he apply a Plaister. The Skull wasted where it was pierced to the bigness of an half Crown piece of Silver or more. The skin was exceeding tender, so that a Silver Plate like the skull was alwayes kept in the place to defend it from any touch or injury. The Brains of the Child did swell and swage according to the Tides. When it was Spring Tide, her Brain would heave up the tender skin, and fill the place sometimes. When i… it was Nip Tide, they would be sunk and fallen within the skull. This Child lived to be the Mother of two Children. And (which is marvelous) she was not by this Wound made defective in her Memory or Understanding.
In the next place, we shall take notice o… some Remarkable Preservations which sundry in Windsor in New-England have experience… the Persons concerned therein being desiro… that the Lords goodness towards them may be ever had in Remembrance: wherefore a faithful hand has given me the following account. Ianuary 13. 1670, Three Women, viz. the Wives of Lieut. Filer, and of Ioh… Drake, and of Nathaniel Lomas▪ having crossed Connecticut River upon a necessary and neighbourly account, and having done the work they went for, were desirous to return to their own Families; the River being at that time partly shut up with Ice old and new▪ and partly open. There being some pains taken aforehand to cut a way through the Ice, the three Women abovesaid got into a Canoo, with whom also there was Nathaniel Bissel, and an Indian. There was likewise another Canoo with two men in it, that went before them to help them in case they should meet with any distress, which indeed quickly came upon them; for just as they were getting out of the narrow passage between the Ice, being near the middle of the River, a great part of the upper Ice came down upon them, and struck the end of their Canoo, and broke it to pieces; so that it quickly sunk under them: the Indian speedily got upon the Ice, but Nathaniel Bissel, and the abovesaid Women were left floating in the Middle of the River, being cut off from all manner of humane help besides what did arise from themselves, and the two men in the little Canoo, which was so small that three persons durst seldom, if ever, venture in it, they were indeed discerned from one shore, but the dangerous Ice would not admit from either shore, one to come near them. All things thus circumstanced, the suddenness of the stroke and distress (which is apt to amaze men, especially when no less then life is concerned) the extream coldness of the weather, it being a sharp season, that persons out of the water were in danger of freezing, the unaptness of the persons to help themselves, being mostly Women, one big with Child, and near the time of her Travel (who was also carried away under the Ice) the other as unskill'd and unactive to do any thing for self-preservation as almost any could be, the Waters deep, that there was no hope of footing, no passage to either shore, in any eye of reason, neither with their little Canoo, by reason of the Ice, nor without it, the Ice being thin and rotten, and full of holes. Now, that all should be brought off safely without the loss of life, … wrong to health, was counted in the day … it a Remarkable Providence. To say, how … was done, is difficult, yet something of … manner of the Deliverance may be …, the abovesaid Nathaniel Bissel perceiving their danger, and being active in swimming, endeavoured what might be, the preservation of himself, and some others, he strove to have swum to the upper Ice, but the Stream being too hard, he was forced downwards to the lower Ice, where by reason of the slipperiness of the Ice, and disadvantage of the Stream, he found it difficult getting up; at length by the good hand of providence, being gotten upon the Ice, he saw one of the Women swimming down under the Ice, and perceiving an hole, or open place, some few Rods below, there he waited, and took her up as she swum along. The other two Women were in the River, till the two Men in the little Canoo came for their relief; at length all of them got their heads above the Water, and had a little time to pause, though a long, and difficult, and dangerous way to any shore, but by getting their little Canoo upon the Ice, and carrying one at a time over hazardous Places, they did (though in a long while) get all safe to the shore, from whence they came.
Remarkable also, was the Deliverance which Iohn and Thomas Bissel of Windsor aforesaid, did at another time receive. Iohn Bissel on a Morning about break of day taking Nails out of a great Barrel wherein was a considerable quantity of Gun-Powder, and Bullets, having a Candle in his hand, the Powder took fire, Thomas Bissel was then putting on his clothes, standing by a Window, which though well fastened, was by the force of the Powder carried away at least four Rods; the Partition-wall from another Room was broken in pieces; The roof of the House opened and slipt of the Plates about five foot down; also the great Girt of the House at one end broke out so far, that it drew from the Summer to the end, most of its Tenant: the Woman of the House was lying sick, and another Woman under it in bed, yet did the divine Providence so order things as that no one received any hurt, excepting Iohn Bissel, who fell through two Floors into a Cellar his shoes being taken from his feet, and found at twenty foot distance, his hands and his face very much scorched, without any other wound in his body.
It would fill a Volume to give an account of all the memorable Preservations in the time of the late War with the Indians.
Remarkable was that which hapned … Iabez Musgrove of Newbery, who being sh… by an Indian, the Bullet entred in at his Ear and went out at his Eye, on the other side of his Head, yet the Man was preserved from Death, yea, and is still in the Land of the living.
Likewise several of those that were taken Captive by the Indians are able to relate affecting Stories concerning the gracious Providence of God, in carrying them through many Dangers and Deaths, and at last setting their feet in a large place again. A Worthy Person hath sent me the Account which one lately belonging to Deerfield, (his name is Quintin Stockwell,) hath drawn up respecting his own Captivity and Redemption, with the more notable Occurrences of Divine Providence attending him in his distress, which I shall therefore here insert in the Words by himself expressed: He Relateth as followes;
In the year 1677. September 19. between Sun-set and dark, the Indians came upon us; I and another Man, being together, we ran away at the out-cry the Indians made, shouting and shooting at some other of the English that were hard by. We took a Swamp that was at hand for our refuge; the Enemy espying us so near them, ran after us, and shot many Guns at us, three Guns were discharged upon me, the Enemy being within three Rod of me, besides many other, before that. Being in this Swamp that was miry, I slumpt in, and fell down, whereupon one of the Enemy stept to me, with his Hatchet lift upto knock me on the head, supposing that I had been wounded, and so unfit for any other travel. I (as it hapned) had a Pistol by me, which though uncharged, I presented to the Indian, who presently stept back; and told me, if I would yield, I should have no hurt, he said (which was not true) that they had destroyed all Hatfield, and that the Woods were full of Indians, whereupon I yielded my self, and so fell into the Enemies hands, and by three of them was led away unto the place, whence first I began to make my flight, where two other Indians came running to us, and the one lifting up the Butt end of his Gun, to knock me on the head, the other with his hand put by the blow, and said, I was … Friend. I was now by my own House which the Indians burnt the last year, and I was about to build up again, and there I … some hopes to escape from them; there … an Horse just by, which they bid me take, … did so, but made no attempt to escape ther… by, because the Enemy was near, and the Beast was slow and dull, then was I in hopes they would send me to take my own Horses, which they did, but they were so frighted that I could not come near to them, and so fell still into the Enemies hands, who now took me, and bound me, and led me away, and soon was I brought into the Company of Captives, that were that day brought away from Hatfield, which were about a mile off; and here methoughts was matter of joy and sorrow both, to see the Company: some Company in this condition being some refreshing, though little help any wayes; then were we pinioned and led away in the night over the Mountains, in dark and hideous wayes, about four miles further, before we took up our place for rest, which was in a dismal place of Wood on the East side of that Mountain. We were kept bound all that night. The Indians kept waking and we had little mind to sleep in this nights travel, the Indians dispersed, and as they went made strange noises, as of Wolves and Owles, and other Wild Beasts, to the end that they might not lose one another; and if followed they might not be discovered by the English.
About the break of Day, we Marched again and got over the great River at P… comptuck River mouth, and there rested about two hours. There the Indians marked out upon Trays the number of their Captives and Slain as their manner is. Here was I again in great danger; A quarrel arose about me, whose Captive I was, for three took me. I thought I must be killed to end the controversie, so when they put it to me, whose I was, I said three Indians took me, so they agreed to have all a share in me: and I had now three Masters, and he was my chief Master who laid hands on me first, and thus was I fallen into the hands of the very worst of all the Company; as Ashpelon the Indian Captain told me; which Captain was all along very kind to me, and a great comfort to the English. In this place they gave us some Victuals, which they had brought from the English. This morning also they sent ten Men forth to Town to bring away what they could find, some Provision, some Corn out of the Meadow they brought to us upon Horses which they had there taken. From hence we went up about the Falls, where we crost that River again; and whilst I was going, I fell right down lame of my old Wounds that I had in the War, and whilest I was thinking I should therefore be killed by the Indians, and what Death I should die, my pain was suddenly gone, and I was much encouraged again. We had about eleven Horses in that Company, which the Indians made to carry Burthens, and to carry Women. It was afternoon when we now crossed that River, We travelled up that River till night, and then took up our Lodging in a dismal place, and were staked down and spread out on our backs; and so we lay all night, yea so we lay many nights. They told me their Law was, that we should lie so nine nights, and by that time, it was thought we should be out of our knowledge. The manner of staking down was thus; our Arms and Legs stretched out were staked fast down, and a Cord about our necks, so that we could stir no wayes. The first night of staking down, being much tired, I slept as comfortably as ever; the next day we went up the River, and crossed it, and at night lay in Squakheag Meadows; our Provision was soon spent; and while we lay in those Meadows the Indians went an Hunting, and the English Army came out after us: then the Indians moved again, dividing themselves and the Captives into many Companies, that the English might not follow their tract. At night having crossed the River, we met again at the place appointed. The next day we crost the River again on Squakheag side, and there we took up our quarters for a long time, I suppose this might be about thirty miles above Squakheag, and here were the Indians quite out of all fear of the English; but in great fear of the Mohawks; here they built a long Wigwam. Here they had a great Dance (as they call it) and concluded to burn three of us, and had got Bark to do it with, and as I understood afterwards, I was one that was to be burnt. Sergeant Plimpton an other, and Benjamin Wait his Wife the third: though I knew not which was to be burnt, yet I perceived some were designed thereunto, so much I understood of their Language: that night I could not sleep for fear of next dayes work, the Indians being weary with that Dance, lay down to sleep, and slept soundly. The English were all loose, then I went out and brought in Wood, and mended the fire, and made a noise on purpose, but none awaked, I thought if any of the English would wake, we might kill them all sleeping, I removed out of the way all the Guns and Hatchets: but my heart failing me, I put all things where they were again. The next day when we were to be burnt, our Master and some others spake for us, and the Evil was prevented in this place: And hereabouts we lay three Weeks together. Here I had a Shirt brought to me, to make, and one Indian said it should be made this way, a second another way, a third his way. I told them I would make it that way that my chief Master said; Whereupon one Indian struck me on the face with his Fist. I suddenly rose up in anger ready to strike again, upon this hapned a great Hubbub, and the Indians and English came about me; I was fain to humble my self to my Master, so that matter was put up. Before I came to this place, my three Masters were gone a hunting, I was left with an other Indian, all the Company being upon a March, I was left with this Indian, who fell sick, so that I was fain to carry his Gun and Hatchet, and had opportunity, and had thought to have dispatched him, and run away; but did not, for that the English Captives had promised the contrary to one another, because if one should run away, that would provoke the Indians, and indanger the rest that could not run away. Whilest we were here, Benjamin Stebbins going with some Indians to Wachuset Hills, made his escape from them, and when the news of his escape came; we were all presently called in and Bound; one of the Indians a Captain among them, and alwayes our great Friend, met me coming in, and told me Stebbins was run away; and the Indians spake of burning us; some of only burning and biting off our Fingers by and by. He said there would be a Court, and all would speak their minds, but he would speak last, and would say, that the Indian that let Stebbins run away was only in fault, and so no hurt should be done us, fear not: so it proved accordingly. Whilest we lingered hereabout, Provision grew scarce, one Bears Foot must serve five of us a whole day; we began to eat Horse-flesh, and eat up seven in all: three were left alive and were not killed. Whilest we had been here, some of the Indians had been down and fallen upon Hadley, and were taken by the English, agreed with, and let go again; and were to meet the English upon such a Plain, there to make further Terms. Ashpalon was much for it, but Wachuset Sachims when they came were much against it: and were for this, that we should meet the English indeed, but there fall upon them and fight them, and take them. Then Ashpalon spake to us English, not to speak a word more to further that matter, for mischief would come of it. When those Indians came from Wachuset, there came with them Squaws, and Children about four-score, who reported that the English had taken Uncas, and all his Men, and sent them beyond Seas, they were much enraged at this, and asked us if it were true; we said no, then was Ashpalon angry, and said, he would no more believe English-men. For they examined us every one apart; then they dealt worse by us for a season than before: Still Provision was fearce. We came at length to a place called Squaw-Maug River, there we hoped for Sammon, but we came too late. This place I account to be above two hundred Miles above Deerfield: then we parted into two Companies; some went one way and some went another way; and we went over a mighty Mountain, we were eight dayes a going over it, and travelled very hard, and every day we had either Snow or Rain: We noted that on this Mountain all the Water run Northward. Here also we wanted Provision; but at length met again on the other side of the Mountain, viz. on the North side of this Mountain at a River, that run into the Lake, and we were then half a dayes journey off the Lake, we stayed here a great while to make Canoos to go over the Lake; here I was frozen, & here again we were like to starve: All the Indians went a Hunting but could get nothing: divers dayes they Powow'd but got nothing, then they desired the English to Pray, and confessed they could do nothing; they would have us Pray, and see what the English-man's God could do. I Prayed, so did Serjeant Plimpton, in another place. The Indians reverently attended, Morning and Night; next day they got Bears: then they would needs have us desire a Blessing, return Thanks at Meals: after a while they grew weary of it, and the Sachim did forbid us: When I was frozen they were very cruel towards me, because I could not do as at other times. When we came to the Lake we were again sadly put to it for Provision; we were fain to eat Touch…wood fryed in Bears Greace, at last we found a company of Raccoons, and then we made a Feast; and the manner was, that we must eat all. I perceived there would be too much for one time, so one Indian that sat next to me, bid me slip away some to him under his Coat, and he would hid… it for me till another time; this Indian as soon as he had got my Meat, stood up and made a Speech to the rest, and discovered me; so that the Indians were very angry, and cut me another piece, and gave me Raccoon Grease to drink, which made me sick and Vomit. I told them I had enough; so that ever after that they would give me none… but still tell me, I had Raccoon enough: so I suffered much, and being frozen was full of Pain, and could sleep but a little, yet must do my work. When they went upon the Lake, and as they came to the Lake, they light of a Moose and killed it, and staid there till they had eaten it all up; and entring upon the Lake there arose a great Storm, we thought we should all be cast away, but at last we got to an Island, and there they went to Powawing. The Powa… said that Benjamin Wait, and another Man▪ was coming, and that Storm was raised to cast them away: This afterward appeared to be true, though then I believed them not. Upon this Island we lay still several dayes, and then set out again, but a Storm took us, so that we lay to and fro upon certain Islands about three Weeks: we had no provision but Raccoons, so that the Indians themselves thought they should be starved. They gave me nothing, so that I was sundry dayes without any Provision: We went on upon the Lake upon that Isle about a dayes journey: we had a little Sled upon which we drew our Load; before Noon, I tired, and just then the Indians met with some French-men; then one of the Indians that took me came to me, and called me all manner of bad Names; and threw me down upon my back: I told him I could not do any more, then he said he must kill me, I thought he was about it, for he pulled out his Knife, and cut out my Pockets, and wrapt them about my Face, helped me up, and took my Sled and went away, and gave me a bit of Biscake, as big as a Walnut, which he had of the French-man, and told me he would give me a Pipe of Tobacco; when my Sled was gone, I could run after him, but at last I could not run, but went a foot-pace, then the Indians were soon out of sight, I followed as well as I could; I had many Falls upon the Ice; at last I was so spent, I had not strength enough to rise again, but I crept to a Tree that lay along, and got upon it, and there I lay; it was now night, and very sharp Weather: I counted no other but that I must die there; whilest I was thinking of Death, an Indian Hallowed, and I answered him; he came to me, and called me … names, and told me if I could not go … must knock me on the head; I told him he must then so do; he saw how I had Wallowed in that Snow, but could not rise: then▪ he took his Coat, and wrapt me in it, and went back, and sent two Indians with a Sled, one said he must knock me on the Head, the other said No, they would carry me away and burn me; then they bid me stir my Instep to see if that were frozen, I did so, when they saw that, they said that vvas Wurregen; there vvas a Chirurgeon at the French that could cure me; then they took me upon the Sled, and carried me to the fire, and they then made much of me; pulled off my vvet, and vvrapped me in dry Clothes, made me a good Bed. They had killed an Otter, and gave me some of the Broth, and a bit of the Flesh: here I slept till tovvards day, and then vvas able to get up, and put on my clothes; one of the Indians awaked, and seeing me go, shouted, as rejoycing at it: as soon as it vvas light I and Samuel Russel vvent before on the Ice, upon a River, they said I must go vvhere I could on foot, else I should frieze. Samuel Russel slipt into the River vvith one Foot, the Indians called him back and dried his Stockins, and then sent us avvay; and an Indian vvith us to Pilot us: and vve vvent duplicate page duplicate page duplicate page duplicate page four or five miles before they overtook us: I was then pretty well spent; Samuel Russel was (he said) faint, and wondred how I could live, for he had (he said) ten meals to my one: then I was laid on the Sled, and they ran away with me on the Ice, the rest and Samuel Russel came softly after. Samuel Russel I never saw more, nor know what became of him: they got but half way, and we got through to Shamblee about midnight. Six miles of Shamblee (a French Town) the River was open, and when I came to travail in that part of the Ice, I soon tired; and two Indians run away to Town, and one only was left: he would carry me a few rods, and then I would go as many, and that trade we drave, and so were long a going six miles. This Indian now was kind, and told me that if he did not carry me I would die, and so I should have done sure enough: And he said, I must tell the English how he helped me. When we came to the first House there was no Inhabitant: the Indian spent, both discouraged; he said we must now both die, at last he left me alone, and got to another House, and thence came some French and Indians, and brought me in: the French were kind, and put my hands and feet in cold Water, and gave me a Dram of Brandey, and a little hasty pudding and Milk; when I tasted Victuals I was hungry, and could not have forborn it, but that I could not get it; now and then they would give me a little as they thought best for me; I lay by the fire with the Indians that night, but could not sleep for pain: next morning the Indians and French fell out about me, because the French as the Indian said, loved the English better than the Indians. The French presently turned the Indians out of doors, and kept me, they were very kind and careful, and gave me a little something now and then; while I was here all the Men in that Town came to see me: At this House I was three or four dayes, and then invited to another, and after that to another; at this place I was about thirteen dayes, and received much civility from a young man, a Batchelour, who invited me to his House, with whom I was for the most part, he was so kind as to lodge me in the Bed with himself, he gave me a Shirt, and would have bought me, but could not, for the Indians asked a hundred pounds for me. We were then to go to a place called Surril, and that young-man would go with me, because the Indians should not hurt me: this Man carried me on the Ice one dayes Journey: for I could not now go at all: then there was so much Water on the Ice, we could go no further: so the Frenchman left me, and Provision for me; here we stayed two nights, and then travailed again, for then the Ice was strong; and in two dayes more I came to Surril; the first house we came to was late in the night, here again the People were kind. Next day being in much pain, I asked the Indians to carry me to the Chirurgeons, as they had promised, at which they were wroth, and one of them took up his Gun to knock me; but the French-men would not suffer it, but set upon him, and kicked him out of doors; then we went away from thence to a place two or three miles off, where the Indians had Wigwams; when I came to these Wigwams some of the Indians knew me, and seemed to pity me. While I was here, which was three or four dayes, the French came to see me, and it being Christmas time, they brought Cakes and other Provisions with them, and gave to me, so that I had no want: the Indians tried to cure me, but could not, then I asked for the Chirurgeon, at which one of the Indians in anger, struck me on the face with his Fist, a French… m…n being by, the French-m…n spake to him, I knew not what he said, and went his way By and by came the Captain of the place into the Wigwam with about twelve armed Men, and asked where the Indian was that struck the English-man, and took him and told him he should go to the Bilboes, and then be hanged: the Indians were much terified at this, as appeared by their Countenances and Trembling. I would have gone too, but the French-man bid me not fear, the Indians durst not hurt me. When that Indian was gone, I had two Masters still, I asked them to carry me to that Captain that I might speak for the Indian, they answered, I was a Fool, did I think the French-men were like to the English, to say one thing and do another? they were men of their words, but I prevailed with them to help me thither, and I spake to the Captain by an Interpreter, and told him I desired him to set the Indian free, and told him what he had done for me, he told me he was a Rogue, and should be hanged; then I spake more privately, alledging this Reason, because all the English Captives were not come in, if he were hanged, it might fare the worse with them; then the Captain said, that was to be considered: then he set him at liberty, upon this condition, that he should never strike me more, and every day bring me to his House to eat Victuals. I perceived that the common People did not like what the Indians had done and did to the English. When the Indian was set free, he came to me, and took me about the middle, and said I was his Brother, I had saved his life once, and he had saved mine (he said) thrice. Then he called for Brandy and made me drink, and had me away to the Wigwams again, When I came there, the Indians came to me one by one, to shake hands with me, saying Wurregen Netop; and were very kind, thinking no other, but that I had saved the Indians Life. The next day he carried me to that Captains house, and set me down; they gave me my Victuals and Wine, and being left there a while by the Indians, I shewed the Captain my Fingers, which when he and his Wife saw, he and his Wife run away from the sight, and bid me lap it up again, and sent for the Chirurgeon, who when he came, said he could cure me, and took it in hand, and dressed it; the Indian towards night came for me, I told them I could not go with them, they were displeased, called me Rogue, and went away; that night I was full of pain, the French did fear that I would die, five Men did Watch with me, and strove to keep me chearly: for I was sometimes ready to faint: Often times they gave me a little Brandy. The next day the Chirurgion came again, and dressed me; and so he did all the while I was among the French. I came in at Christmass, and went thence May 2d. Being thus in the Captain's house, I was kept there till Ben. Wait… came: & my Indian Master being in want of Money, pawned me to the Captain for 14. Beavers, or the worth of them, at such a day; if he did not pay he must lose his Pawn, or else sell me for twenty one Beavers, but he could not get Beaver, and so I was sold.
But by being thus sold he was in Gods good time set at liberty, and returned to his Friends in New-England again.
Thus far is this poor Captives Relation concerning the changes of Providence which passed over him.
There is one Remarkable passage more, affirmed by him: For he saith, that in their Travails they came to a place where was a great Wigwam (i. e. Indian House) at both ends was an Image; here the Indians in the War time were wont to Powaw (i. e. invocate the Devil) and so did they come down to Hatfield, one of the Images told them they should destroy a Town; the other said no, half a Town. This god (said that Indian) speaks true, the other was not good, he told them lies. No doubt but others are capable of declaring many passages of Divine Providence no less worthy to be Recorded than these last recited; but inasmuch as they have not been brought to my hands, I proceed to another Relation.
Very Memorable was the Providence of God towards Mr. Ephraim How of New-Haven in New-England, who was for an whole twelve MonethMonth given up by his Friends as a dead Man, but God preserved him alive in a desolate Island where he had suffered Shipwrack, and at last returned him home to his Family.
The History of this Providence might have been mentioned amongst Sea-Deliverances, yet considering it was not only so, I shall here Record what himself (being a godly man) did relate of the Lords marvelous dispensations towards him, that so others might be incouraged to put their trust in God, in the times of their greatest straits and difficulties.
On the 25. of August, in the year 1676. the said Skipper How with his two eldest Sons set sail from New-Haven for Boston in a small Ketch, Burden 17 Tun or thereabout: After the Dispatch of their Business there, they set Sail from thence for New-Haven again, on the 10th of September following: but contrary Winds forced them back to Boston, where the said How was taken ill with a violent flux, which Distemper continued near a MonethMonth, many being at that time sick of the same Disease, which proved mortal to some. The merciful Providence of God having spared his life, and restored him to some measure of health; he again set Sail from Boston, October 10. By a fair Wind they went forward so as to make Cape Cod; but suddenly the Weather became very Tempestuous, so as that they could not seize the Cape, but were forced off to Sea; where they were endangered in a small Vessel by very fearful Storms and outragious Winds and Seas. Also, his Eldest Son fell sick and died in about eleven dayes after they set out to Sea. He was no sooner dead, but his other Son fell sick and died too. This was a bitter Cup to the good Father. It is noted in 1 Chron. 7. 22. that when the Sons of Ephraim were dead, Ephraim their Father mourned many dayes, and his Brethren came to comfort him. This Ephraim when his Sons were Dead his Friends on Shore knew it not, nor could they come to comfort him. But when his Friends and Relations could not, the Lord himself did: for they died after so sweet, gracious and comfortable a manner, as that their Father professed he had joy in parting with them. Yet now their outward distress and danger was become greater, since the Skipper's two Sons were the only help he had in working the Vessel. Not long after, another of the Company, viz. Caleb Iones, (Son to Mr. William Iones one of the Worthy Magistrates in New-Haven) fell sick and died also, leaving the World with comfortable manifestations of true Repentance towards God, and Faith in Jesus Christ. Thus the one half of their Company was taken away, none remaining but the Skipper himself, one Mr. Augur, and a Boy. He himself was still sickly, and in a very weak estate, yet was fain to stand at the Helm 36 hours, and 24 hours at a time; in the mean time the boisterous Sea overwhelming the Vessel, so as that if he had not been lasht fast, he had certainly been washed over-board. In this Extremity, he was at a loss in his own thoughts, whether they should persist in striving for the New-England Shore, or bear away for the Southern Islands. He proposed that Question to Mr. Augur, they resolved that they would first seek to God by Prayer about it, and then put this difficult case to an issue, by casting a Lot. So they did; and the Lot fell on New-England. By that time a MonethMonth was expired, they lost the Rudder of their Vessel, so that now they had nothing but God alone to rely upon. In this deplorable state were they for a fortnight. The Skipper (though infirm (as has been expressed) yet for six weeks together, was hardly ever dry; nor had they the benefit of warm Food for more then thrice or thereabouts. At the end of six weeks, in the Morning betimes, the Vessel was driven on the Tailings of a ledge of Rocks, where the Sea broke violently; looking out they espied a dismal Rocky Island to the Leeward, upon which if the Providence of God had not by the Breakers given them timely warning, they had been dashed in pieces. And this extremity was the Lords opportunity to appear for their deliverance; they immediately let go an Anchor, and get out the Boat; and God made the Sea calm. The Boat proved leaky; and being in the midst of fears and amazements they took little out of the Vessel. After they came ashoar they found themselves in a rocky desolate Island (near Cape Sables) where was neither Man not Beast to be seen, so that now they were in extream danger of being starved to Death. But a Storm arose which beat violently upon the Vessel at Anchor, so as that it was staved in pieces; and a Cask of Powder was brought ashore, (receiving no damage by its being washed in the Water) also a Barrel of Wine, and half a Barrel of Molosses, together with many things useful for a Tent to preserve them from cold. This notwithstanding, new and great distresses attended them. For though they had Powder and Shot, there were seldom any Fowls to be seen in that Dismal and Desolate place, excepting a few Crows, Ravens and Gulls. These were so few as that for the most part, the Skipper shot at one at a time. Many times half of one of these Fowls with the Liquor made a Meal for three. Once they lived five dayes without any Sustenance, at which time they did not feel themselves pincht with hunger as at other times; the Lord in mercy taking away their appetites, when their Food did utterly fail them. After they had been about twelve Weeks in this miserable Island, Mr. How's dear Friend and Consort Mr, Augur Died; so that he had no living creature but the Lad before mentioned to converse with: And on April 2. 1677. that Lad Died also, so that the Master was now left alone upon the Island, and continued so to be above a quarter of a year, not having any living Soul to converse with. In this time he saw several Fishing Vessels Sailing by, and some came nearer the Island than that which at last took him in; but though he used what means he could that they might be acquainted with his Distress, none came to him, being afraid: for they supposed him to be one of those Indians who were then in Hostility against the English. The good Man whilest he was in his Desolate Estate, kept many dayes of Fasting and Prayer, wherein he did confess and bewail his Sins, the least of which deserved greater Evils than any in this World ever were or can be subject unto; and begged of God that he would find out a way for his Deliverance. At last it came into his mind, that he ought very solemnly to praise God (as well as pray unto him) for the great mercies and signal preservations which he had thus far experienced. Accordingly he set apart a day for that end, spending the time in giving thanks to God for all the mercies of his Life, so far as he could call them to mind, and in special for those Divine Favours which had been mingled with his afflictions; humbly blessing God for his wonderful goodness in preserving him alive by a Miracle of Mercy. Immediately after this, a Vessel belonging to Salem in New-England providentially passing by that Island, sent their Boat on shore, and took in Skipper How, who arrived at Salem, July 18. 1677. and was at last returned to his Family in New-Haven.
Upon this occasion it may not be amiss to commemorate a Providence not altogether unlike unto the but now related preservation of Skipper How. The Story which I intend is mentioned by Mandelsloe in his Travails, Page 280. and more fully by Mr. Clark in his Examples, Vol. 2. Page 618. Mr. Burton in his Prodigies of Mercies, Page 209. Yet inasmuch as but few in this Countrey have the Authors mentioned, I shall here insert what has been by them already published.
The Story is in brief as followeth:
In the Year 1616. A Fleming whose name was Pickman, coming from Norway in a Vessel loaden with Boards, was overtaken by a Calm, during which the Current carried him upon a Rock or little Island towards the extremities of Scotland. To avoid a Wreck he commanded some of his Men to go into the Shallop, and to Tow the Ship. They having done so, would needs go up into a certain Rock to look for Birds Eggs: But as soon as they were got up into it, they at some distance perceived a Man, whence they imagined that there were others lurking thereabouts, and that this man had made his escape thither from some Pyrates, who, if not prevented, might surprize their Ship: and therefore they made all the hast they could to their Shallop, and so returned to their Ship. But the Calm continuing, and the Current of the Sea still driving them upon the Island, they were forced to get into the Long-boat, and to Tow her off again. The Man whom they had seen before was in the mean time come to the brink of the Island, and made signs with his hands lifted up, and sometimes falling on his knees, and joyning his hands together, begging and crying to them for relief. At first they made some difficulty to get to him, but at last, being overcome by his lamentable signs, they went nearer the Island, where they saw something that was more like a Ghost than a living Person; a Body stark naked, black and hairy, a meagre and deformed Countenance, with hollow and distorted eyes; which raised such compassion in them, that they essayed to take him into the Boat: but the Rock was so steepy thereabouts, that it was impossible for them to land: whereupon they went about the Island, and came at last to a flat shore, where they took the Man aboard. They found nothing at all in the Island, neither Grass nor Tree, nor ought else from which a man could procure any subsistence, nor any shelter, but the ruins of a Boat, wherewith he had made a kind of a Hutt, under which he might lie down and shelter himself, against the injuries of Wind and Weather. No sooner were they gotten to the Ship, but there arose a Wind, that drave them off from the Island: observing this Providence, they were the more inquisitive to know of this Man, what he was, and by what means he came unto that uninhabitable place?
Hereunto the Man Answered;
I am an English Man, that about a Year ago, was to pass in the Ordinary Passage-Boat from England to Dublin in Ireland; but by the way we were taken by a French Pirate, who being immediately forced by a Tempest, which presently arose, to let our Boat go; we were three of us in it, left to the mercy of the Wind and Waves, which carried us between Ireland and Scotland into the main Sea: In the mean time we had neither Food nor Drink, but only some Sugar in the Boat; upon this we lived, and drank our own Urine, till our bodies were so dried up, that we could make no more: whereupon one of our Company being quite spent, died; whom we heaved overboard: and a while after a second was grown so feeble, that he had laid himself along in the Boat, ready to give up the Ghost: But in this extremity it pleased God that I kenned this Island afar off, and thereupon encouraged the dying man to rouse up himself, with hopes of life: and accordingly, upon this good news, he raised himself up, and by and by our Boat was cast upon this Island, and split against a Rock.
Now we were in a more wretched condition than if we had been swallowed up by the Sea, for then we had been delivered out of the Extremities we were now in for want of Meat and Drink; yet the Lord was pleased to make some provision for us: for on the Island we took some Sea-mews, which we did eat raw: We found also in the holes of the Rocks, upon the Sea-side, some Eggs; and thus had we through Gods good Providence wherewithal to subsist, as much as would keep us from starving: but what we thought most unsupportable, was thirst, in regard that the place afforded no fresh Water but what fell from the Clouds, and was left in certain Pits, which time had made in the Rock. Neither could we have this at all seasons, by reason that the Rock being small, and lying low, in stormy Weather the Waves dashed over it, and filled the Pits with Salt Water.
When they came first upon the Island about the midst of it, they found two long Stones pitched in the Ground, and a third laid upon them, like a Table; which they judged to have been so placed by some Fishermen to dry their Fish upon; and under this they lay in the nights, till with some Boards of their Boat, they made a kind of an Hutt to be a shelter for them. In this condition they lived together, for the space of about six Weeks, comforting one another, and finding some ease in their common calamity: till at last one of them being left alone, the burden became almost insupportable: For one day, awaking in the Morning he missed his Fellow, and getting up, he went calling and seeking all the Island about for him, but when he could by no means find him, he fell into such despair, that he often resolved to have cast himself down into the Sea, and so to put a final Period to that affliction, whereof he had endured but the one half, whilst he had a Friend that divided it with him. What became of his Comrade he could not guess, whether despair forced him to that extremity, or whether getting up in the night, not fully awake, he fell from the Rock, as he was looking for Birds Eggs: for he had discovered no distraction in him, neither could imagine that he could on a sudden fall into that despair, against which he had so fortified himself by frequent and fervent Prayer. And his loss did so affect the Surviver, that he often took his beer, with a purpose to have leaped from the Rocks into the Sea, yet still his Conscience stopped him, suggesting to him, that if he did it, he would be utterly damned for his self-Murther.
Another Affliction also befel him, which was this; his only Knife wherewith he cut up the Sea-Dogs and Sea-Mews, having a bloody cloth about it, was carried away (as he thought) by some fowl of Prey; so that, not being able to kill any more, he was reduced to this extremity, with much difficulty to get out of the Boards of his Hutt, a great … which he made shift so to sharpen upon the Stones, that it served him instead of a Knife. When Winter came on, he endured the greatest misery imaginable: for many times the Rock and his Hutt were so covered with Snow, that it was not possible for him to go abroad to provide his Food; which extremity put him upon this Invention: he put out a little stick at the crevice of his Hutt, and baiting it with a little Sea-Dogs fat, by that means he got some Sea-Mews, which he took with his hand from under the Snow, and so kept himself from starving. In this sad and solitary condition, he lived for about eleven Moneths, expecting therein to end his dayes, when Gods gracious providence sent this Ship thither, which delivered him out of the greatest misery that ever man was in. The Master of the Ship commiserating his deplorable condition, treated him so well, that within a few dayes he was quite another creature; and afterwards he set him a shore at Derry in Ireland; and sometimes after he saw him at Dublin: where such as heard what had hapned unto him, gave him Money, wherewithal to return into his Native Countrey of England.
Thus far is that …ation.
I have seen a Manuscript, wherein many memorable Passages of Divine Providence are Recorded. And this which I shall now mention amongst others.
About the Year 1638. A Ship fell foul upon the Rocks and Sands, called the Rancadories, sixty Leagues distant from the Isle of Providence. Ten of the floating Passengers got to a spot of Land, where having breathed awhile, and expecting to perish by Famine, eight of them chose rather to commit themselves to the mercy of the waters; two only stood upon the spot of Land, one whereof soon died, and was in the Sands buried by his now desolate Companion. This solitary Person in the midst of the roaring Waters was encompassed with the goodness of Divine Providence. Within three dayes God was pleased to send this single person (who now alone, was Lord and Subject in this his little Common-wealth) good store of Fowl, and to render them so tame, that the forlorn man could pick and chuse where he list. Fish also were now and then cast up within his reach, and somewhat that served for Fewel, enkindled by Flint to dress them. Thus lived that Insulary Anchorite for about two years, till at last having espied a Dutch Vessel, he held a rag of his Shirt upon the top of a stick towards them, which being come within view of, they used means to fetch him off the Said-spot of Sand, and brought him to the Isle of Providence. The Man having in so long a time conversed only with Heaven, lookt at first very strangely, and was not able at first Conference promptly to speak and answer.