Relation of the Indian Troubles in New England, Account

Relation of the Indian Troubles in New England · Account

p. 1A RELATION OF THE FIRST TROUBLES IN New-England By reason of the INDANS there

IT is now above seventy years, since that Part of this Continent which is known by the name of NEW-ENGLAND, was discovered, and possession thereof taken by the English. No man that hath made it his Concern to be acquainted with things of this nature can be ignorant, that the Northern, (or to us Northeast) parts of this Land were the first wherein were English Inhabitants; whence it was for some years known by the name of the Northern Plantation, until such time as King Charles the first (then Prince of Wales) gave it the name of New England.

For in Anno 1602. and in the year following, some of our Countreymen made notable discoveryes in that Land which lyeth North and by east of Virginia, between the degrees of 43. & 45. Northern Latitude.

Four or five years after this that noble Lord, Sr. John Popham (then Lord chief Justice) sent out a ship into these parts to make further discovery, who arriving at the place designed, quickly returned, and made such a report of what they had seen, as did greatly animate the Adventurers to go on with their begun undertaking; whereupon in Anno 1607. A Gentleman p. 2whose name was Popham was sent into these Coasts, with two ships and an hundred Land-men, and Ordnance, and other things necessary for their sustentation and defence, in order to the making way for the settlement of a Plantation. But that noble Lord being taken out of the world by sudden death, also the Planters here meeting with sad disasters (for in the depth of winter, their lodgings and stores were burn…, and Capt. Popham dyed amongst them) when the next year a vessel arrived bringing the news of the Lord Popham's death, the whole company of the English resolved upon a return home, which proved the death of the English Plantation, at that time designed in these parts of the world. Only Sr. Fr. Popham (son to the Lord chief Justice) sent diverse times to those coasts for trade and Fishing.

As yet there was not (so far as I can learn) any disturbance from the Indians, then the only Natives of this Land. But not long after this, an unworthy Ship-Master whose name was Hunt, being sent forth into these Coasts on the account of the Fishing trade, after he had made his dispatch and was ready to sail, (under pretence of trucking with them) enticed Indians into his vessel, they in confidence of his honesty went aboard, to the number of twenty from Patuxe…, since called Plimouth, and seven from Nosset (now known by the name of Estam) these did this Hunt seize upon, stowed them under hatches, and carried them to the streights of G…braltar, and there did he sell as many as he could of them for 20l. a man, untill it was known whence they came; for then the Friars in those parts took away the rest of them, that so they might nurture them in the Popish Religion. The pernicious and avaritious Felony of this Ship-Master, in stealing and selling the Indians to the Spaniards, as hath been expressed, laid the foundation to great troubles which did after that befall the English, especially in the North-east parts of this Land. Yea that inhumane and barbarous Fact was the unhappy occasion of the loss of many a mans estate and life, which the Barbarians in those beginning times did from thence seek to destroy.

For when the Gentlemen Adventurers did again dispatch a vessel hither commanded by Capt. Hobson in order to erecting a Plantation and setling a Trade with the Natives here, Hunt's forementioned scandal, had caused the Indians to contract such a mortal hatred against all men of the English Nation, that it was no small difficulty to settle any where within their Territoryes, And whereas there were two Indians called Epen…w and Manawet, who having been carried out of these parts of the world into England, had learned to speak English, that were returned in H…bsons vessel, as hoping they might be serviceable toward the design on foot, it p. 3fell out otherwise; since being exasperated by what Hunt had done, they contrived with their Country-men how to be revenged upon the English. Manawet dyed within a short time after the ships arrival. Epenow secretly plotted to free himself out of the English hands, which he effected though with great hazard to himself and other Salvages that were his fellow Conspirators, which came to pass after this manner.

Upon the Ships arrival, many of the Indians (some of them being Epenows kinsmen) came aboard and were kindly entertained by the Captain; at their departure they promised to return the next day, and bring some Trade with them. Epenow had not liberty granted him to go on shoar, only much discourse (and probably a contrivement for his escape) was between him and the other Indians in the vessel, which no body but themselves could understand. The Indians returned at the time appointed with twenty Canons, but were shy of coming aboard. Epenow cunningly called to them as if if he would have them come into the vessel, to trade, and suddenly did himself leap overboard: He was no sooner in the water, but the Indians sent a shower of arrows into the vessel, and came desperately near to the ship, and (in despight of all the English Musketiers aboard) went away with their Country-man Epenow.

Diverse of the Indians were then slain by the English, and the Master of the English vessel, and several of the Company wounded by the Indians.

Hereupon the Captain and the whole company were discouraged, and returned to England, bringing nothing back with them but the news of their bad success, and that there was a War broke out between the English, and the Indians. The time when these troubles hapned, is controverted more then the things themselves. Johannes de Laet in his descriptio Indiae Occidentalis, writeth that it was between the years 1608 & 1615 So doth Purchase. Sr. Ferdinando Gorges relates that he sent Capt. Hobson into these parts in Anno 1614, and what Hunt did was before that, as being the Grand procuring Cause of the Broyle between the English and the Indians, which first began in that year.

After these things another vessel was sent into these Northern parts under the Command of Capt. Rocr…ft, he designed to winter there, but some of his own ships Company conspired against him, intending his death, he having secret intelligence of this plot against his life, held his peace untill the day was come wherein the intended mischief was to be put in execution, then unexpectedly apprehended the Conspirators; he was loth himself to put any to death, though they were worthy of it. But therefore he resolved to leave them in the Wilderness, not knowing but they might haply discover something which might be advantageous.

p. 4Accordingly he furnished them with ammunition, and some victuals for their present subsistence, and turned them ashore to Sacodehock, himself with the rest of his Company departing to Virginia. Those English Mutineers got over to the Island of Monhegin, three leagues from the Main, where they kept themselves safe from the Fury of exasperated Indians, until the next Spring, when a vessel that came on the Coast on a Fishing voyage, found them all (except one person that died of sickness in this inter…m) alive, and carried them away back for England.

Not many years after this, viz. in Anno. 1619 a Gentleman whose name was Darmer was sent to prosecute the design of planting and setling a Trade in New-England, and to endeavour that a right understanding of matters between the Indians and the English might be accomplished.

He therefore brought with him an Indian called Squantum, who was one of those that Hunt had treacherously carried away from Patuxet, but was bought by an English Merchant, and lived some time with Mr. Slany a Gentleman in Cornhil, until he could speak broken English, and after that at New-found-land, where Capt. Mason was then Governour, who was willing that Mr. Da…mer should take Squantum with him to New-England. Upon his arrival here, he told his Countreymen very strange storyes, giving them to understand what kind usage he had met with among the English where he had been, and how much the wicked Fact of that covetous Hunt was condemned, so that many of them began to converse with, and become friendly toward the English, and Mr Darmer conceited that he and Squantum had made a firm peace between the Nations. But, manet alta mente repostum— Indians are not wont to forget injuries, when once they have sustained any: so did that Gentleman find it to his after sorrow: For being near the place where Hunt had formerly betrayed the Indians aboard his vessel, they treacherously set upon him, and gave him fourteen wounds, so that he had much adoe to escape with his life, And though he got to Virginia after this, some write that he never recovered of those wounds which he received of the Nausit Indians. And Epenow (before mentioned) was the cause of Capt. Darmers being so assaulted, whom he hapned to meet with at his first landing in that place: The Indian being able to speak English, reported to Capt. Darmer the story of his escape out of Capt. Hobsons vessel, laughing heartily at the conceit of it. The Captain told him that Sr. Ferdinando Gorges was much troubled that he should meet with such ill usage as to put him upon a temptation to steal away. This Salvage after some enquiries about Sr. Ferdinando (and his Family) with whom he had sometimes lived in England, belike suspecting that Captain Darmer had a purpose to surprize p. 5him, he conspired with some of his Fellows to take the Captain, and laid hands on him, who did with his sword manfully defend himself against those barbarous and treacherous Assailants. What other particular mischiefs were done by the Northern Indians (or others) about this time, I cannot learn: Only Capt. Smith writeth that he met with many of their silly Encounters (as he cals them) but without any hurt. Also, a little before the first planters in Plymouth Colony arrived in this land, three Englishmen belonging to Sr. Ferdinando Gorges, were killed by these salvages, and two more narrowly escaped with their lives. And thus far wee have a Cold account of the design respecting the advancement of a plantation in the Northern parts of New-England.

In Anno 1620. A company of Christians belonging to the Northern parts of England, who proposed not so much worldly as spiritual ends in their undertaking, ayming at the Conversion of the Indians, and the establishment of the worship of God in purity, did therefore transport themselves and familyes into this Howling wilderness. The first land they made was that of Cape Cod, Novemb. 9. where they came to an Anchor, and went on shore, Novemb. 11. Perceiving the Incommodiousness of that place for planting, they resolved to seek out for another that might be more accommodate. But their Shallop not being in trimm to be sent out upon discovery, some were desirous to improve the time, in making what searches they could upon the land thereabout.

Novemb. 5. Sixteen men well armed were set on shore under the conduct of Capt. Miles Standish. After they had gone about a mile near the shoar, they descryed five or six Indians, who like wild creatures ran away from them at the first sight, they followed them by the trace of their footings, about ten miles, til night came on, but could not come to any speech with them.

At last they met with a kettle, wherein was Indian corn, which after much consultation they seized upon, resolving that if they could come to speak with Indians, they would return them their Kettel, and give them full satisfaction for their corn, which they intended for planting, not knowing how else to be supplyed. So did they return the next day, but lost themselves awhile in the woods, and as they were wandring up & down, they hapned to espy a small tree that was bowed down, and some Acorns strewed underneath, whilst they were viewing of it, and wondering what it should mean, it gave a sudden jerk, whereby one of the Company was caught up by the leg, it being an Indian Deer-trap; the rest loosed him, and at last they found their way to the ship again.

After this, their Shallop being fitted for the purpose, they went a coasting p. 6upon discovery, but of some dayes could meet with no Indians. Albeit they found old deserted Indian Forts, and more of their corn and baskets, and a bottle of oyle which doubtless some how was brought out of Europe.

About the tenth of December, they discerned the track of Indian feet upon the sand, and followed it, till they perceived where it struck up into the woods, at last they light upon an Indian path, which led them a great way up into the woods, and saw where there had been corn planted, and found Indian graves &c. but no man appeared.

So they returned to their Shallop, and some watching, others betook themselves to their rest. But in the night they were alarmed by the Sentinels crying Arm, Arm, supposing Indians to be near them. They heard a most hideous howling, but one in the Company perswaded the rest, that it was the noyse of wolves and Foxes, which used (as he said) to make such a noise in New-found-Land where he had been, two gunns were shot off, at which the noise ceased.

But betimes in the morning, on a sudden they heard the same voices again, and one of the company cryed Indians, Indians, and immediately arrowes came pouring in upon them. This barbarous salutation was amazing to the English, but that which did most of all terrifie was the horrid cry of those Salvages, whose note was after this manner, Woach woach ha ha hoch woach. A stout Indian who was thought to be their Captain, standing behind a tree let fly his arrows apace, and stood three shotts of a musket, untill one took full aim at him, and (as tis supposed) sorely wounded him, upon which he gave an extraordinary shriek, and went away, and all the other Indians fled with him. Providence so ordered, as that none of the English received any hurt, though afterwards they gathered up eighteen arrows, (and many more were shot at them) some whereof were headed with brass, others with Harts-horn, others with Eagles Claws, and sundry of the English had their coats shot through & through.

Decemb. 19. The English landed and resolved to endeavour the setling of a plantation, at that place which is now called Plymouth. No Indians there as yet appeared to give them any disturbance: Yea though some were sent out to seek after them, they could find none.

There were not many dayes after this, two Englishmen who being by the side of a pond, hapned to see a Deer, and having Dogs with them, they pursued the Deer until such time as they lost themselves in the woods, where they were forced to lodge that night, and were terrified with the yelling (as it seemed to them) of two Lions, who roared exceedingly, and p. 7a third that they thought was very neer them: they betook themselves to a tree, purposing if the Lions should come, to climb that for their security; but they saw none. The next day they perceived that Indians had made fires thereabouts, but it was wel they met not with any until they came home, being then unarmed and not fit for encounter with such Enemies.

Now it was that a special providence of another nature hapned: For the English having built an house in Plimouth, a spark of fire flying into the thatch, it was instantly burnt down. Mr. Carver and Mr. Bradford were then sick, yet if they had not risen with good speed, they had been blown up with powder. The house was full of beds as they could lye one by another, and their muskets charged, yet (through the good providence of God) no hurt done.

Febr. 16. An English-man that was gone forth upon a fowling design, espyed twelve Indians marching toward the English plantation, and heard the noise of many more not far off, he lay close untill they were gone by, and then with all speed returned home and gave the alarm, but no Indians followed, only they took away the tools of those English, that had been at work in the woods.

The next day two Indians presented themselves on the top of an hill; two English went out to parly with them, but they ran away, and the noise of a multitude of them was heard on the other side of the hill.

In the beginning of March, an Indian called Samoset came boldly along the houses, which were newly built in Plimouth, and to their great amazement, spake to them in English, saying, Welcome Englishmen; This Indian was a Sagamore belonging to the Northern parts, about Monhiggen, where he had often conversed with English Fishermen, and had learned to speak broken English; Hee was the first Indian that they of Plymouth had opportunity to discourse with, Hee could tel them of the Hugg…ry (as he called it) i. e. Fight, which the English had with the Nausset Indians; and that the name of that place was called Patuxet, where a multitude of Indians had formerly lived, but they were all dead of the plague which had been there a few years before the English came. This Samoset within a few dayes after his departure returned again, and brought Squantum (whom that wicked Hunt had stolen away and sold for a slave) along with him; which Squ…ntum was born in that place. Samos…t and Squantum made it their business to bring the English into acquaintance with the next neighbouring Indians: …herefore they undertook to bring M…ssasoit (father to that …hi…p who began the War with the English Iun. 24. 1675.) to treat with the English at Plymouth.

p. 8Accordingly, March 22. Massasoit with his brother Quadequina came accompanied with about sixty of his men; and an agreement of peace between the English and Indians was then concluded on. This peace was in more respects then one singularly advantagious to the English, whilst they were thus but few in number, and strangers in this land.

And as for the reasons inducing Massasoit to this accord with the English, there were several things that prevailed with him thereunto; For Squantum had told him what a great Prince King James was, and how well he would take it if his Subjects were kindly entertained, and how ill if otherwise, and how easy it was for him to send over ships and men enough to destroy Massasoit and all his people. At that time also there was enmity between Massasoit, and the Narragansets, so that he hoped the English might be a defence to him against them. Thus did the feud which was kindled amongst the Indians one against another, advantage the poor Church in Plymouth. Sic Canes lingunt ulcera Lazari.

Moreover the consideration of the Guns, and other warlike Weapons, which ours brought with them, vvas terrible to the Indians, yea they had more formidable apprehensions thereof, then there vvas real cause for: They imagined that the English could by their great Guns cause the trees to fall dovvn and kill the Indians. Furthermore Squantum did wickedly possess them with one delusion about the English, which had dismal Impressions upon the minds of these ignorant Barbarians; For whereas the plague (a disease which was never known in this land either before or since) had newly been raging amongst them, whereby many of their towns were totally depopulated, and desolated: he made them beleive that the English kept the plague in a place under ground, and that they could let it loose upon the Indians when they would. An Indian called Hobbomock being one of Massasoits Counsellors, observing in one of the English houses a kind of a Cellar, where some barrels of powder were bestowed, enquired of Squantum what that was, To whom he replyed, that there the English kept the plague that he told them of, which they could let loose upon Indians at pleasure. When this Hobbomock became acquainted with the English, he seriously asked them whether they had any such power, they answered him truly that they had not, but withall added that the God whom they served had power to send that or any other disease upon those that should doe any wrong to his people. The Consideration of that also, was some terror to the Indians.

In the MonethMonth of June 1621. The English sent Messengers with a Present to Massasoit at Pocanoket, By the way they were accosted with several of the Indians, who having them at an Advantage as they passed p. 9through a River, were ready to shoot at them. Only having Indian Guides and Interpreters in their Company, who gave them to understand that they were friends, no hurt was done. Being come to Massasoit, they presented him with a red Cotton Coat, whereon was some Lace, this he accepted with great thankfulness, and having put it on (saith my A…thor) He was not a little proud to behold himselfe, and his men also to behold th…i… King so bravely attired. He then promised to continue in amity with the English, and to take care that his men should not be Injurious.

About this time it was that an English lad (one Iohn Billingto… ) lost himselfe in the woods, living five days upon Berries untill he fel into the hands of the Indians. Some were (upon Massasoits Information) sent to N…ss…t to seek after him, when they came thither the Indians flocked together, many not having seen Englishmen before: Amongst others there was an old woman, judged to be an hundred years old, who when she saw the English fel into an extream passion of bitter weeping, the reason whereof being demanded, answer was made, that she had three sons once living in that place, but they vvere all stolen avvay by that H…nt (before mentioned) and now she had no more left to releeve her in her old age: T…e English were much grieved to see the poor Creature in such a passion, but telling her that it was only one wicked man who did that Fact, and that they abhorred it, and withal giving her some trifles, she was satisfied. In fine the English lad was brought al bedecked with Peag, and the Sachim of that place (called Aspinet) made peace with the English.

Now it was, that an Indian called Coubatant (who, though a petty Sachim under Massasoit, secretly conspired with the Narragansets against his Master) occasioned some disturbance, seeking to destroy those Indians that were friends to the English, especially H…bbomock & Squantum, saying if these were dead the English had lost their tongue, watching his advantage at a time when those Indians were at Namasket Co…batant took Squantum prisoner, and held a knife at Hobbomocks breast, who brake from him, and gave the English at Plymouth to understand what had hapned; whereupon 14. men were sent armed to Namasket, in order to revenging Squantum's supposed death. They surprized the house where Coubatant was thought to be, declaring the end of their coming, & that they would hurt no man but him charging all others not to stir at the r peril til they had searched for their enemy; Consternation and trembling seyzed on the Indians: yet some of them violently brake away, whence they were wounded (and afterwards p. 10healed) by the English. Coubatant was not there, but fled to another place, but within a while Squantum was brought forth alive and set at liberty. After this diverse other Sachim sent gra…ulations to the English; yea those of the Isles of Capawack en…reated their friendship. Cou…atant used the mediation of Massasoit to ma…e his p…ace.

Things being brought to this peaceable sta…e, so did they continue for a little space, the Church in Plymouth being preserved by a miracle of providence, like a flock of sheep amidst a thousand wolves; much what as Luther saith the Churc… should be pictured. Their next neighbours amongst the Heathen did as hath been expressed of enemyes become their friends, not shewing any acts of Hostility.

Only in the latter end of the next year, Ca…onicus the Narraganset Sachim, sent an Indian to them, who enquired for Sq…antum, at that time gone somewhither else, whereupon the Indian left a bundle o… Arrows, wrapped in a rattle snakes skin, and departed. When Sq…antum was returned, He informed the Governour, that the rattle snake… skin signified Enmity, and that the designe of this bruitish salutation was to intimate a challenge; wherefore the Governour filled the snakes skin with powder and shot, and sent it back again, withal giving Canonicus to understand, that if he had shipping at hand, he would endeavour to beat him out of his Countrey. The Indians durst not let the powder & shot continue in their houses, but every one was afraid to meddle with it, at last it came back again to plymouth. And there was an end of that matter. Only they at Plymouth were by this Bru… awakened to Impale their Town, and fortify, lest there should be an Onset from the enemy.

In the mean while Hobbomock (who resided with the English) informed that there was reason to suspect that the Massachuset Indians were Confederate with the Narragansets in their bloody designes; And Squantum in wicked subtilty, laboured to make the English beleive that Massas…it was false to them. Capt. Stan…sh wit ten men was sent to Massachusets: they had no sooner turned the point of the Harbour but there came an Indian running to some of the English that were from home, having his face woun…e…, and the blood fresh on the same (Zopirus-like) calling to them to …pair home, and oft looking behind him, as if he had been p…sued by enemyes, saying, that at Namasket there were many of the N…ganse…, and Co…batant, and that Massasoit was Confederate with them, purposing to assault the town in the Captains absence, professing that he had received that wound in his face, because he had spoken on the English their p. 11behalfe. Whenas all this was a piece of artificial and mischievous dissimulation, whereby the English were put into a sad fright, and the great Guns were discharged to remand the Captain-back again, who immediately returned. Hobbomock was confident that that Indian dissembled, for he was assured of Mass…soits fidelity; however that he would not engage in a thing of that nature, without consulting him who was one of his Panies's i. e. Champions and Counsellours, and it was against the Indian custom for a Sachim to involve himselfe in War without them. Wherefore, H…bbomock privately, upon the Governours advice sent his Squ…w to M…ss…soit at Pocanoket, who seemed to be much troubled that the English, and he himself should be so abused. And upon enquiry, it was found to be Squantum's knavery, who sought his own ends and plaid his own Game; for he would in a clandestine way, make the Indians beleive, that the English were resolved to cut them off, only he could prevent it, and so would obtain gifts from his countreymen to prevent their destruction by the English, insomuch that the blind salvage… began to have him in greater veneration the… their Sachims, taking him for their Protector. And he would deal with no lesse falsness towards the Engli…h then towards those of his own nation.

When Massasoit understood these things, he repaired to the English plantation, endeavouring to clear his innocency, desiring the Governour that Squantum, who had thus abused both Eng…ish and Indians, might be put to death for his Treason: The Governour pacified him as m…ch as he could for the present, and though he deserved to dy both in respect of English & Indians, yet desired he might be spared, because else they should want an Interpreter.

But not long after this, Massas it sent diverse Indians, who brought to the Governour, their …achim own knife (according to the Indian mode) that his enemyes head and hands might he cut off therewith.

At that instant when he Governour was about to deliver Squa…tum into the hand… of his executioners, a boat was seen at sea, & there being even in those dayes Jealousies, that the French would join with the In…ians …o mischief the English, & some supposing that it mi…ht be a …rench vessel, he told the Indians, he would see what that wa…, before he delivered Squantum up to them. So did they go a…ay displeased.

But this wrought well for the English; For it made Squantum be honest whether he would or no; inasmuch as his own countreymen sought his life; he saw how it was his Interest to adhere to the English.

As for the boat mentioned, it proved to be one that belonged to a ship that was fishing about Monhiggen.

p. 12These things hapned in May, 1622. in which year it was that Mr. Weston (a merchant of good note in London) attempted the advancing a plantation in this Massachusets Bay. He sent over two ships, and about sixty men to make a beginning. The most of them were for the present refreshed at Plymouth, whilst some few Coasters went out to seek a convenient place to sit down in. They pitched upon a place within Massachus…ts Bay, then called by the Indians Wessegusquaset, at this day known by the name of Weymouth.

Mr. Wirsl…w (who was afterwards Governour of Plymouth Colony) reports that the Westonians instead of proving an help to the other English Colony, had like within a few moneths to have brought ruine not only upon themselves, but upon their friends also: For complaints were quickly brought to Plymouth, that the English at W…ssegusquaset, d…d abuse the Indians by stealing their corn from them, yea and one of th…m was so bruitish as to turn Indian.

Others of them were of such servile and slavish dispositions, as that they became servants to the Indians, who would hire them to work with them in making Canoos, which Canoos were intended for the surprizal of the English ship, in the day when they would execute their designed Massacre.

Some of the Theeves were stockt and whipt, yea one of them was at last put to death, to satisfie the Indians; but it was then too late.

By the end of February, they had spent all their bread and corn, not leaving any for seed, nor would the Indians be induced to lend or sel them any, upon any terms, hoping they would be starved to death.

Wherefore, they purposed to take away the Indians store from them by violence, and therefore made preparations accordingly. Only some of the Company (at leastwise one of them who is yet alive) being more honestly minded then others were, advised John Saunders their Overseer, to write to Plymouth before they did actually attempt any thing, which being done, they received letters from the Governour there, signifying great disapprobation of their intended proceedings, whereupon they desisted.

These motions must needs cause ill blood between the Nations: so that the Indians grew very insolent in their carriage, and there were secret conspiracyes to cut off the English. And inasmuch as they thought that if they should destroy the …stonians, and leave the Plymoutheans (who had not wronged them) alive, these would take an opportunity to be revenged for those; where…ore they conc…uded to kill all before them, as was afterwards revealed by Massasoit, and by another Sachim p. 13called Wassapinawet, brother to Obtakiest, the then Sachim of the Massachusets.

The English of Plymouth as yet being Ignorant of the bloody mischief, which the Treacherous hearts of the Indians had concluded against them, attended thei occasions as formerly.

Upon a time Capt. Standish going with some men in a Shallop, to buy Corn of the Indians at Nosse…, one of them stole certain trifles out of the Shallop; whereupon the Captain repaired to the Sachim, and told him, that if he did not immediately restore those things, he would revenge it before his departure, and so took leave for that night.

The next morning, the Sachim came accompanied with his train of salvages, saluting the Captain in such a manner as was hugely ridiculous to the English; For he put out his tongue, that one might see the root of it, and so licked the Captains hands, al his men doing the like, and endeavouring (according to the rude information they had received from Squantum) to make him a leg, he did perform his Ceremony after such an odd manner, as the English were hard put to it to refrain from open laughter.

Spectatum admissi risum teneatis Amici?

After these Complements were over, he restored the things that were lest; withal declaring, that he had much beaten the Indian that did Commooten (i. e. steal) the trifles mentioned.

But not long after this, the Captain was in no smal hazard of his life in another place; For going to Manomet (now called Sandwich) and being there entertained in the house of Kunacum, the Sachim there the Indians designed to cut off him and his men.

There was with him at this time, a Cap…-Indian called P…omet, who pretended friendship to the English, but was secretly joined in the bloody Confederacy. That he might not be suspected, he professed special affection towards the Captain, and would, as a gift, bestow some Corn upon him, and help him to carry the Corn to his boat, and would lodge in the Wigwam with Capt. Standisk, to manifest what love and honour he did bear towards him, having in the mean time promised the Indians to kil him that night, and when he was killed the rest were to dispatch his men.

Also whilst he was entertained in the Sachims house, there came in two Massachuset Indians, being desperate bloody villains. The name of the Chief of them was Wittawamet, who took a dagger from about his neck, and presented it to the Sachim, and made a speech to him (which the Captain could not understand) boasting of his own valour, p. 14and how he had been the death of Christians both French and English and what pittifull weak Creatures they were, that when they were killing, they died crying, and made sower faces, more like children then men, and that whereas they were determined to kil the English (who had injured them) of Mr. Westons plantation, the best way for their own security was, to kill them of P ymouth too, now their Captain being in their hands, having but six men with him, two or three in the Wigwam, and no more in the shallop, it was a good opportunity to begin.

The murderous Counsel of this Audacious Bloud-sucker, was highly applauded; and the Indians waited when Capt. Standish would fall asleep, that they might attempt the bloudy Tragedy. But God so ordered that he could not sleep that night. Also, an Indian secretly stole some Beads from him; which when the Captain perceived, he immediately called his six men together, and they beset the Sachims house, professing to him that as they would not doe wrong to him, so neither would they receive any, and therefore as they valued their lives, they should forthwith restore the stolen goods. Hereupon the Sach… bestirred himself to find out the Thief, and having done so, he cometh to the Captain desiring him to look into his boat, if the beads that he missed were not there, who looking found them lying openly on the Cuddy, the Indians having slily conveyed them thither. However this did so daunt the courage of the treacherous and cowardly Indians, that they attempted not their designed mischief.

All this while, they of Plimouth Colony had no certain knowledg of the evil that was intended against them, by the Heathen albeit the Conspiracy was very strong, for the Indians at Nosset, Pa…met, Sacon…, Manomet, Mattachiest, A…a …a…, were all in this Confederacy to cut off the English. But God who hath a special eye of providence over his people: did at that time so order, that Mass…soit fell sick, whereupon the Governour that then was, desired Mr. Wi…sl…w, and another Gentleman to give the sick Sachem a visit, and administer some Physick to him. As they were upon their journey toward Poc…noke…, the place of Massasoits residence, the Indians by the way told that he was dead and buried. Which caused Hobbomock (their guide through the woods) to break forth into bitter Lamentations crying out N…en womasu Sagimus! O my loving Sachim, O my loving Sachim, thou wast no Lyar, not cruel like other Indians, thy passion was soon over, thou wouldest hearken to reason from the meanest Subject, thou didst love Englishmen; among Indians I shall never know the like to thee.

p. 15So that it would have made the hardest heart to have relented to hear him. Ye… they proceeded in their journey, being come so far as Metapois…, they understood that Massasoit was not quite dead, but little hopes of his life.

When they came …o Po…nobet, they found the Indians Powawing about Massaso…, making such an hellish noise as was enough to make a wel man sick, and therefore was very unlikely to make him that was sick wel.

Hobbomock told him that the Governour of Plymouth had sent some friends to visit him in his sickness, and that they had brought some Maskiet i. e. Physi k, for him. Upon the receit of which, he suddenly and strangely revived, and before their departure gave them great thanks for their love, saying, that now he saw that the English at plymouth were his real friends.

A they were ready to return home, he privately told Hobbomock of the plo… among the Mass…ch sets, and other Indians, to destroy the English, and how they had sollicited him to join with them, but he said, that neither he, nor any of his men were in that Combination. He advised, that the Governour of plymouth would without delay, send and take off the Principal Acto… in this wicked designe, and then the rest would be afraid. And whereas the Governour had sometimes said they would not begin with the Indians, until the Indians began with them, he earnestly counselled him not to stay for that, lest it should be too late.

The first day whilst on their journey back again, they were accompanyed with Coubatant the Sachim of Metapoyset (before mentioned) who was a politick and jocose Indian, and stil suspected to be false to the English; He asked Mr. Winslow, how they, being but two, dared to trust themselves amongst so many Indians. Answer was made that love was without fear, and they wished wel to the Indians, and therefore did not fear evil from them. But then, said the Indian, what is the reason, that when we come to P…tuxes, you hold the mouthes of your guns against us; he was told, that as the English manner of entertaining their friends. A… which the Sachim shaked his head, withal declaring, that he did not l…ke such salutations. The next day, Hobbomock acquainted the Engli…h, with what Massasoit had revealed to him.

So then being returned to plymouth, It was on March 23. resolved, to hearken to M ssasoit advi…e; many other things at tha… juncture appearing, which confirmed the truth of what was by him discovered. p. 16And considering, that there was no dealing with Indians (as other nations do one with another) above board, it was thought most expedi…nt by policy, to catch them at unawares, as they are wont to do by others Wherefore Capt. Standish made choice of eigh… men, to go with him to Wesegusquaset, pretending to trade with them, and then to ta…e his opportunity to seyze upon the Ringleaders amongst the Conspirators.

Being arrived at the Massachusets Bay, Two principal Conspirators behaved themselves very insolently. One of them called Picksuot, who was a Pan…es or Counsellour, Jeered at Capt. Standish, because he was a man of little stature, and yet a Captain. Another called Wittawamat (before mentioned) cast out bloody expressions, shewing a sharp knife, which had a womans face pictured on the handle, saying, that he had killed French men, and English too, with that knife, and that he had another knife, whi h had a mans face pictured on it, and his two knives should marry shortly, and that by and by it should …at, though not speak. Likewise another Indian, and Wittawamats brother, who in bloodiness was like unto him, being present; Capt. Stan…i…h snatched Pick…uots knife from about his neck, and killed him with his own knife. At the same time his men fell upon Wittawamat, and the other Indian, and slew them, and took Wittawamats brother, and hanged him.

After this they set upon another company of Indians, and killed two or three of them, seeking stil after more. At length they espied a file of Indians making towards them, but as the English came to the encounter, they (i. e. the Indians) ran behind the trees, and shot at Capt. Standish, until one as he was shooting, had his arm broke by a bullet, from one of Capt. Standish his souldiers, whereupon he, and the rest fled into a Swamp. The Captain dared the Sachim to come out, and fight like a man, but in vain.

At the time of these skirmi…hes, there was an Indian youth, who notwithstanding the slaughter made amongst his countreymen, came running to the English, desiring that he might be with them. He confessed that the Indians had resolved to cut off Mr. Westons men, and that they only stayed for the finishing of two Canoos more (which if Capt Standish had not so unexpectedly come upon them had been finished) that were intended for the surprizal of the English ship in the harbour.

Also an Indian Spye, who was taken prisoner and detained at Plimouth, when he saw Cap. Standish return with Wittawamats Head, looked on it with a guilty, gastred countenance, and then confessed the Plot that was in hand to destroy the English, and that Picksuot and p. 17Wittawamat, together with three Powaws, were the principal Conspirators. He was released, and sent to Oktakiest, the Sachim of the Massachusets, to signify what he must look for, in case he should continue in hostility against the English. The Sachim being amazed, and terrified with the English successes, humbly begged for peace, pretending that he could not keep his men in order, and that it was against his will that evil had been done to, or designed against the English.

Furthermore, the effect of these things was, that the rest of the Indians were stricken with such terror, and dread of the English, that they left their houses, and betook themselves to live in unhealthfull Swamps, wherby they became subject to miserable diseases, that proved mortal to multitudes of them. Particularly, Kunacum Sachim of Manomet, Aspinet Sachim of Nosset, Janowgh Sachim of Mattachiest, these all fell sick & died. This last Sachim said, that the God of the English was offended at the Indians, and would destroy them in his anger. And these signal appearances of God for his Church in Plymouth, must needs be a great conviction to the Heathen. Howbeit these motions ended in the subversion and ruine of Mr. Westons plantation; God who determines the bounds of mens habitations, having appointed, that another people out of England should come afterward, and possess that place, as at this day.

And thus far is Mr. Winslows Relation of these first Troubles by Indians in these parts, which I take to be undoubted verity: For he was one that had particular knowledge of those things, and a man of truth, and conscience, that would not for the world willingly falsify in any particular.

There is an old Planter yet living in this countrey, being one of those that were employed by Mr. Weston, who also hath given some account of these matters.

He doth relate, and affirm, that at his first coming into this countrey, the English were in a very distressed condition, by reason of famine, and sickness which was amongst them, whereof many were already dead; and that they buried them in the night, that the Indians might not perceive how low they were brought.

This Relator doth moreover declare, that an Indian Panies, who secretly purposed bloody destruction against the English, and made it his design to learn the English tongue, to the end he might more readily accomplish his hellish devices, told him, that there had been a French vessel cast away upon these coasts, only they saved their lives and their goods, and that the Indians took their goods from them, and made the Frenchmen their servants, and that they wept very much, when p. 18Indians parted them from one another, that they made them eat such meat as they gave their dogs. Only one of them having a good Master, he provided a Wife for him, by whom he had a Son, and lived longer then the rest of the French men did; and that one of them was wont to read much in a Book (some say it was the New-Testament) and that the Indians enquiring of him what his Book said, he told them it did intimate, that there was a people like French men that would come into the Country, and drive out the Indians, and that they were now afraid that the English were the people of whose coming the French man had foretold them. And that another ship from France came into the Massachusets Bay with Goods to Truck, and that Indian Panies propounded to the Sachim, that if he would hearken to him, they would obtain all the French mens Goods for nothing, namely, by coming a multitude of them aboard the vessel, with great store of Beaver, making as if they would Truck, & that they should come without Bows and arrows, only should have knives hid in the flappets which the Indians wear about their loins, and when he should give the Watchword, they should run their knives into the French mens bellyes, which was accordingly executed by the Indians, and all the French men killed, only Mounsier Finch the Master of the vessel being wounded, ran down into the Hold, whereupon they promised him that if he would come up, they would not kill him, notwithstanding which, they brake their word, and murdered him also, and at last set the ship on Fire.

Some enquiring of him how long it was since the Indians first saw a ship, he replyed that he could not tel, but some old Indians reported, that the first ship seemed to them to be a Floating Island, wrapped together with the roots of trees, and broken off from the Land, which with their Canoos they went to see, but when they found men there and heard gunns, they hasted to the shore again not a little amazed. (Some write that they shot arrows at the first ship they saw thinking to kill it)

This Relator doth also affirm, that after jealousies began between the English of Mr. Westons plantation and the Indians, they built diverse of their Wigwam: at the end of a great Swamp, near to the English, that they might the more suddenly and effectually doe what was secretly contrived in their heart… and an Indian Squaw said to them that ere long Aberkiest would bring many Indians that would kill all the English there and at Pa uxet. After which the Sachim with a company of his men came armed towards them, and bringing them within the Pale of the English Plantation, he made a speech to the English with p. 19great gravity saying, When you first came into this land, I was your friend, we gave gifts to one another. I let you have land as much as we agreed for, and now I would know of you if I or my men have done you any wrong. Unto whom the English replyed, that they desired, that he would first declare whether they had injured him.

The Sachim roundly rejoyned, that either some or all of them had been abusive to him; for they had stolen away his corn, and though he had given them notice of it times without number, yet there was no satisfaction nor reformation attained.

Hereupon, the English took the principal Thief and bound him and delivered him to the Sachim, with all declaring, that he might do with him what he pleased. Nay (said he) Sachims do justice themselves upon their own men, and let their neighbours do justice upon theirs, otherwise we conclude that they are all agreed, and then fight.

Now the Indians some of them began to tremble, and beholding the Guns which were mounted on the English Fort, they said one to another (in their Language) that little guns would shoot through houses, and great guns would break down trees, and make them fall and kill Indians round about. So did they depart at that time dissatisfied and enraged.

The English now perceiving that the Indians were fully purposed to be revenged on them, they resolved to fight it out to the last man.

As they were marching out of the Fort, seven or eight men stood stil. saying, this is the second time that the Salvages had demanded the life of him that had wronged them, and therefore they would have him first put to death, and if that would not satisfy, then to fight it out to the last, wherefore he was put to death in the sight of the Heathen; after which the English marched out towards them, but they dispersed themselves into the woods.

This Relator endeavoured to give notice to them in Plymouth, how that the Indians had contrived their ruin, but he missed his way between Weymouth and Plymouth; and it was wel he did so; for by that means, he escaped the savage hands of those Indians, who immediately pursued him, with a murderous intention Ere he could reach Plymouth, they were informed by Massasoit (as hath been declared) concerning what was plotted amongst the Indians.

Finally there were (as this Relator testifieth) three several skirmishes with the Indians. One at Wesegusquaset, before mentioned; another at a place where the town of Dorchester is since planted; and lastly at the Bay of Agawam or Ipswich; in all which engagements, the Indians p. 20were notably beaten, and the English received no considerable damage, so that the Sachims entreated for peace, nor were the English, (provided it might be upon terms safe and honourable) averse thereunto, Pacem te poscimus omnes.

These dark clouds being thus comfortably dispelled, and blown over, the first Planters in this Country received no considerable disturbance from the Indians a long time. It is true, that soon upon these motions, (viz. in August, Anno 1623.) a Gentleman arrived here out of England (namely Capt. Robert Gorges) being attended, with many servants, as purposing the settlement of an English plantation in this Bay of Massachusets; and although that plantation was quickly deserted and dissolved, other things, and not any anoyance from the Natives here caused those designs to prove abortive.

The like is to be affirmed concerning Mr. Wollastons plantation. For whereas he with several others, being persons of quality, did (in the year 1625) with a multitude of servants come into this Massachusets Bay, as intending to settle a plantation therein, they met with such cross providences as did discourage them, and at last dissipate them, yet nothing from the Indians.

I have been informed, that this Gentleman considering the unhappy Catastrophe's attending Mr. Weston and Mr. Gorges, their plantings at Wesegusquaset, conceited that the Indian Powaws had brought that place under some fascination, and that Englishmen would never thrive upon Enchanted ground, and therefore they would pitch down their stakes in a place nearer to Boston; even where the town of Brantree hath since flourished; but the difficultyes of a Wilderness were too hard for them, that Mr. Wollaston removed a great part of his servants to Virginia, not having (so far as I can understand) received any molestation from the Indians here.

In Anno 1628. Mr. Endecot (who deserves to be honourably mentioned, as having been a Patriot in New-England) arrived here with a Patent for the Government of the Massachusets. He and others with him sat down at a place called Nahumkeik (as in a Parenthesis let me here observe, that that Indian word is also Hebrew, foreign Nahum signifieth Consolation, & foreign keik is hebrew for a Boosome, or haven, and it so fals out, that the English have hapned to call that place by another name which is also Hebrew, viz. Salem) There did they enjoy Peace. Howbeit there are Antient Planters, who testifie that the Indians being possessed with some fears lest the English should in time take their Countrey p. 21from them, were conspiring to destroy them. And the small handfull of Christians then in Salem, were alarmd with the report of no less then a thousand Barbarous Natives, coming to cut them off, and that upon a Lords day, whereupon they discharged several great guns, the small shot wherein made such a terrible ratling amongst the trees afar off, that the amazed Indians returned not a little affrighted. And it was a wonderfull providence of God, now to restrain the Heathen, since it so hapned that about this time there were some Tumults about the English themselves. For whereas Mr. Wollaston and his Partners left some of their servants here, and gave order that a man whose name was Filcher, should command and oversee them. There was another whose name was Thomas Morton, he would needs take upon him to be Lord of Mis-rule, and having gained much by trading with the Indians, this Morton and his drunken Companions quickly wasted all in riotous living.

This was the man that taught the Indians in these parts the use of Guns, how they should charge and discharge them, and imployed them in Hunting for him: And when they were instructed in the use of these instruments of death, they would purchase them at any rates, whereby the safety of the English was not a little hazzarded.

In conclusion, the English at Plymouth and Salem, agreed to seyze upon this Morton, which was done Vi & armis, and he was sent over to England, there to receive such punishment as by the honourable Council for New-England should be thought meet.

All these tumults notwithstanding, the over-ruling providence of God kept the Indians quiet.

It is to be wondred at, that the Church in Plymouth should be preserved when other English Plantations could not subsist in this Countrey, but either the Indians, or the Lords own hand brought them to a sudden end from time to time. But God who saw that they designed something better then the world, in their planting here, brought it to pass by such wayes as these,

1. Massasoit (as was hinted before) was perswaded by Squantums information, that if the English should be his friends, he need not fear any enemies in the World; so did he become a wall to the English at Plymouth against other Indians. The Earth helped the woman that was fled into the Wilderness, whom the Dragon would have swallowed up.

2. The Lord made them very succesfull in their expeditions against those enemies that first sought their destruction.

p. 223. They prevailed with God by Fasting and Prayer to look upon them and bless them with special mercy when it was a time of need, which did greatly affect and astonish the Indians: some of them therefore conceiving high thoughts concerning the English mans God, and his love to his people, that truly fear and serve him. That which Mr Winslow (and since him another) doth publickly testifie concerning this matter, deserveth Commemoration, namely, that whereas after the First Indian Troubles were over, there was a sore drought on the land continuing for the space of six Weeks, insomuch that it was judged by some that the corn was withered and dead, past recovery, the Church in Plymouth set themselves by Fasting and Prayer, to seek mercy from the Lord in this thing. And although in the morning when they assembled themselves, the heavens were clear, and the drought as likely to continue as ever, yet before their solemn Exercise was ended, the heavens grew black with clouds, and the next morning these clouds distilled rain, and for the space of fourteen dayes together there were moderate showers, so that the drooping corn was revived to admiration.

A friendly Indian, before mentioned, known by the name of Hobbomock, living in the town of Plymouth, enquired why the English met together in that manner, it being but three dayes after the Sabbath; and being informed of the true cause thereof, and observing the gracious effects that followed, he was greatly affected, and told other Indians of it, who were also smitten with deep conviction, and the more in that, albeit in times of Drought the Indians are wont to Powaw and cry to their gods, sometimes for many dayes together, yet if rain follow, it is wont to be accompanied with terrible Thundring and Lightning and tempests, which often do more hurt then the rain doth good: whenas it was otherwise with respect to the showers which at this time came from Heaven, in answer to the Prayers of the Church in Plymouth, So that the Heathen confessed that the English mans God was better then theirs. And some amongst the Indians became faithfull to the English, though as yet but a very few,

Apparent rari Nantes in Gurgite vasto.

There having been (as was said) a Patent for the Massachusets Government by royal Grant obtained, many out of England flocked into this Country almost every year. And for the most part, not so much on the account of Trade, or to prosecute any worldly interest, as on the account of Religion. These did God own, having wonderfully made way for their planting here by casting out the Heathen before them, p. 23with mortal Diseases, especially by the Plague amongst the Indians in Plimouth Colony, and the Small Pox among the Massachusets.

In Anno, 1631. New jealousies arose concerning the treacherous Indians. Capt. Walker one evening had two arrows shot through his Coat, which caused an Alarm at Lyn, then known by the name of Sawgust: but no lives were lost, nor is there any certainty to this day who shot those arrows, whereby the Captains life was so eminently endangered.

About the same time the Indians began to be quarrelsome touching the bounds of the Land which they had sold to the English; but God ended the controversy by sending the small pox amongst the Indians at Saugust, who were before that time exceeding numerous; whole towns of them were swept away, in some of them not so much as one Soul escaping the destruction. There are some old Planters surviving to this day, who helped to bury the dead Indians, even whole familyes of them all dead at once. In one of the Wigwams they found a poor infant sucking at the breast of the dead mother, all the other Indians being dead also.

Not long after this, when the town of Ipswich was first planted, it was vehemently suspected that the Tarratines (or eastern Indians) had a design to cut off the English there. For a friendly Indian called Robin came to an Englishman whose name is Perkins, acquainting him that such a Thursday there would come four Indians to draw him to the water side under pretence of trucking with him, and that they had prepared forty Canooes which should ly out of sight under the brow of an hill, full of armed Indians to cut off the English. The four Indians came at the time, and to the person mentioned, He instead of going to the water side to truck with them, spoke roughly to them, and caused an Alarm, so they immediately returned, perceiving their Plot was discovered, and presently fourty such Canooes as the friendly Indian had given warning of, were discovered.

Besides the Particulars which have been insisted on, I cannot understand that there was any general disquietment raised by the Indians, until the year 1636. It is true that some particular mischiefs and private Murthers were committed before that, after the forementioned troubles were a…layed. For Mr. Weston, who himself, (under another name and the disg…as… of a Black-Smith) arrived here not long after his plantation was ruined, suffering ship wrack near Pascataqua hardly escaped w…h his life, in respect of the Indians, who took his Goods from him, … stripped him of his very cloathes to the shirt on his back.

p. 24About eleven years after that, Capt. Stone, and Capt. Norton, with all their ships company, were barbarously murdered by the Pequot Indians (as is in the sequel more fully related.)

And two yeares after that, Mr. John Oldham was massacred by the Indians of Munisses, now called Block-Island; which things made way for the P…quot War, whereby the whole English Interest (yea the Interest of Christ, who had ere that taken possession of this land, and gloriously began to erect his own kingdome here) was threatned and endangered.

Great pit…y it is, that although it be now fourty years since those motions, and albeit the works which God then wrought for his people were admirable, yet that no Compleat Memorial thereof, hath been published to this day. It is then high time, that something more should be done therein, that so both we and our Children after us, may see what great things, the Lord God of our fathers hath done for them, and for us.

And there is a Gentleman in this countrey (namely Mr. John Allyn, who is Secretary to the Council at Hartford, and one of the worthy Magistrates of that Colony) who hath been Industrious in gathering up the truth of things, about those troubles, being under peculiar advantages thereunto, by informations from him, who was principally instrumental in fighting the Lords battels at that time against the Heathen.

This Narrative of Mr. Allyns I shall here insert and publish, as I received it, without making the least alteration as to the sence, and very little as to the words. It is that which followeth.