Narrative of the Troubles with the Indians in New England, Narrative 2 · Floating text 1 – Floating text 3

Narrative of the Troubles with the Indians in New England · Narrative 2 · Floating text 1 – Floating text 3

p. 23Salmon Falls October 16. 1675.

Mr. Richard Waldern and Lieut. Coffin, these are to inform you, that just now the Indians are engaging us with at least one hundred men, And have slain four of our men already, Richard Tozer, Iames, Barrny, Isaack Botte…, and Tozers Son, and burnt Benon… Hodsdans house; Sir, if ever you have any love for us, and the Country, now she your self with men to help u…, or else we are all in great danger to be slain, unless our God wonderf…lly appear for our Deliverance. They that cannot fight, let them pray; Not else, but I Rest,

Yours to serve you Signed by,

Roger Plaisted,

George Broughton.

What Answer was returned to this importunate and pathetical Letter is not fully known at present; most probably he that was most concerned in the Contents of it was either absent from home, or in no Capacity to send the Relief desired; which if it could have been had, might have prevented the sad mischief that fell out the next day; when Lieut. Plaisted being more earne…ly bent to perform that last office of love to his deceased Friend, whom he could not by all his Endeavours save from the danger of death, while they were in the Land of the living would needs venture himself with twenty Souldiers out of his Garrison, to fetch off the dead bodies.

To that end he ordered a pair of Oxen to be yoked to bring them to his Garrison, in order to their Christian buryal, not considering that the Indians lay sculking thereabouts, waiting for such opportunityes. They went first to the furthest place, where they found Ro. Tozers body, and put it into their Cart, but coming back to take up the other two bodies, p. 24which were fallen in a little Swampe nearer to the Garrison, they were set upon by an hundred and fifty of the Enemy, that had hid themselves in the bushes, and under a stone wall, and Loggs in the way as they were to pass; By the sudden noyse of the guns, the Cattle being frighted ran away to the garrison with such of the dead, as were first laid up thereon, (and possibly with one of them wounded at that instant) leaving their Owners to fight it out with their Enemies. Lieut. Plaisted being thus desperately Assaulted, he with his twenty men, was forced to retreat to a place of better Advantage; but being there so hotly pursued, they were not able to abide it long; Although they killed and mortally wounded several of the Indians, as themselves have since confessed: but they most of them being so much overmatched, took the opportunity of a fair Retreat, and so got safe to their Garrison, while Lieut. Plaisted out of the height of his Courage, disdaining either to fly from, or yield himself (for 'tis said) the Indians were loth to kill him, but desirous rather to take him Prisoner) into the hands of such cursed Caytiffes, did fight it cut desperately, till he was slain upon the place, his Eldest Son and another man were slain in their too late Retreat, and his other Son was sorely, wounded, so that he dyed within a few weeks after.

The Indians were contented with this mischief for the present (and indeed if all the English they had to deal with, had shewed the like Resolution with this Plaisted they would not have done half the mischeef, that since hath been done by them) and slunke away into the woods before the next day, when Captain Frost came up from Sturgeon Creck, (a few miles below the River) with a party of his friends, and buryed the dead: During these onsets, the Enemy also took their Advantage to burne three houses, and two barns before they left the place.

The latter End of the same Month they burned a Mill near the same place belonging to Mr. Hutchinson a Merchant of Boston; from whence they came down lower toward Sturgeon Creek, where they burned one house, and killed two men, not far from Captain Frost's dwelling, he escaping himself very narrowly, being shot at by the Enemy, about Ten in Number, who might easily have burned his house, and taken all that were in it, being but three boyes besides himself, had he not used this policy, to call out to some to march this, and the other way, to look after the Indians, as if he had had many at hand to Command, which under God was the means of his escape; for his house was neither Fortified, nor well manned, yet was far from Neighbours.

The next day the said Indians passed down the River on Kittary side, killed one man, whose house they first plundered, and then set it p. 25on fire; All this was done just over against Portsmouth, from whence out of a small Battery was discharged a piece of Ordnance, which by a good Providence was directed to … fling its shot as it …ell very near a pa… ty of the Indians, for they were to affrighted therewith, (if none of them were killed) that they left good part of their plunder near the place: They were pursued by some of the English, before they could recover their home, and by the help of the Snow that fell about that time, were traced till they were overtaken, but being near a Swamp, themselves escaped, for hast leaving two of their Packs behind them.

Soon after they went up the River again to Quechecho, where they burned an house, and two or three Barns. Another Party of them got over or beyond the other branches of Pascataqua River, toward Exceter, and Lampny Eyle River, where they killed one man: sundry of them were seen in the woods about Exceter; and between Hampton and Exceter, where they killed one or two men in the woods as they were travelling homewards, occasioning the people of those Towns to stand continually upon their guard, which proved a great annoyance to the Inhabitants.

But to look a little back to the Plantations more Eastward from Pascataqua River, where these outrages of the Indians first began.

At Casco Bay Lieut. Ingersons Son, with another man going out a fowling about this time, were both killed before they returned-home, his Fathers houses being burned, with wany others also thereabouts.

At Black point, Lieut. Augur with two more were assaulted by the Indians, where after many shot exchanged betwixt them, himself was so wounded, that he dyed soon after, and his brother also was killed within a few dayes afterwards, not far from the same place.

When the rising of the Indians first began in those Eastern parts, (with us called the County of Yorkshire) Captain Wincol of Newechewannick, with some others, having a Sympathy for the sufferings of the Neighbours, marched up that way with a small party of men; In his first Skirmish with the Enemy he chanced to loose two o… three of his Company; the rest being not above eleven in all, as they were marching along by the Sea side were assaulted by a great number of the Indians, judged to be an hundred and fifty: he being hard beset with so great a number retreated to an heap of Bolts that lay near the water side, by the shelter of which they lay safe from the Indians Guns, and so well p…yed their few Guns, that they slew many of their Enemies, and put them all to a kinde of Route at the last: After which by the help of an old Canoo, they recovered safe to the other side p. 26of the Banke. But nine Saco men had worse success, who yet came with a very good Intention to help their friends, upon the hearing of their Guns; but as they came to Rescue Captain Wincol with his small party, they themselves fell into an Ambush of the Indians, and so were all cut off, with two other men also, near the place where the fi…st Skirmish was, for the Indians from the shore side could di…scern any that were coming towards them, when they were a great way off▪ and so might easily way-lay them, before they could come up to them. Near upon seven houses were burned about this time, and some persons killed at Black point.

Two persons likewise were killed at Wells in the beginning of the winter, one of them were servant to Mr. William Simonds (one of the principal men in the Town aforesaid) the Gentleman himself with his Family were removed to a Garrison house in the middle of the Town, his servant going early in the morning to look after some business there; ta…yed longer t…en was needful to provide something for himself, the Ind…ans … themselves to breakfast with him, making the poor Fellow pay the shot, when they had done, with the loss of his life.

A week after one Cross was slain at Wells likewise, who was a kind of a distracted F…llow. Also one Isaack Cousins was there killed in the beginning of Winter, after there had been some Overtures of pea…e betwixt Major Waldern and the Indians.

With such kind of mutual Encounters was the latter part of the year spent betwixt the Indians and the English from Pascataqua River to Kennibeck, from the beginning of August to the End of November, wherein many were slain on both sides: In one place, and in another; of the English in those parts were slaiin upward of fifty. The Enemy lost as appeared afterward by their own Confession, above ninety, partly in the foresaid Skirmishes, and partly in their joyning with the Indians to the Westward, whither it is said, many of them were invited to repair, to help destroy the English, in hope to enjoy their possessions afterwards; But God had otherwise determined, who did arise at last to save the meek ones of the Earth, and plead the Cause of his People.

The Governour and Counsel of Massachusets, had, at this time, their hands full with the like Attempts of Philip and his Complices to the Westward, yet were not unmindful of the deplorable Condition of these Eastern Plantations; having committed the care thereof to the Ma…rs of the Respective Regiments of the several Co…ntyes on that side of the Country, but more especially to the care and prudence of the Honoured Major D. D…on, the Major General of the whole Colony, a p. 27Gentleman, who by his great insight in, and long Experience of all Martial Affairs, was every way accomplished for the managing that whole Affair; He had, to ease the other side of the Country, drawn out a sufficient number of Souldiers from the next Countyes, to have reduced all the Indians Eastward to their obedience; but just as they were intended to march up to the head Quarters of the Indians, to fall upon them there, viz. to Ossapy, and Pigwauch…t, about an hundred miles up into the Country Northward.

The Winter setting in so sharp and severe in the beginning of December, and latter end of November, It was not possible to have marched a dayes Iourny into the woods, without hazarding all their lives that should venture …p; The Snow being found generally in those woods, four foot thick on the 10th. of December, so as it was not possible for any to have travelled that way, unless they carryed Rackets under their feet, wherewith to walk upon the top of the Snow: This alone Consideration forced them to lay aside their designe for the present, but soon after it was done to their hands; for the depth of the Snow, and sharpness of the …ld were so extream, that the Indians in those parts were so pinched therewith, that being hunger sta…ved, they began to sue for peace, making their Address first to Major Waldern on that account, by whose mediations that whole body of Indians Eastward were brought to an hopeful Conclusion of peace, which was mutually agreed upon, and possibly might have remained firm enough to this day had there not been too just an occasion given, for the breaking of the same by the wicked practice of some lewd persons, which opened the door, and made way for the bringing in all those sad Calamities, and mischiefs that have since fallen upon those parts of the Country; As shall hereafter be declared.

In the latter end of Iune, 1676 The Indians that had made a general Conspiracy against the English were strangely dispersed, and dispirited, so as they from that time began to separate one from another, and every Nation of them to shift for themselves, as hath been already mentioned in the …ormer part of this Narrative. …anoni…us the great Sachem of the Narrbagansets distrusting the proffers of the English, was slain in the woods by the Mohawks, his Squaw surrendring her self, by this means her Life was spared.

Many of those about Lancaster, and the places adjoyning thereunto, did cu…ningly endeavour to hide themselves amongst those Indians about Pasca…aqua, that had newly made their submission to the English, by Major Walderns means and concluded a peace, yet could neither p. 28dissemble their nature and disposition past before from suspition of mischief▪ nor yet so a…tificially conceale their persons, but they were easily discerned by such as in former times had any acquaintance with the Eastern Indians by way of Trade, or other Converse: Whereupon the forces newly raised in the Massachusets, under the Command of Captain William Hatborne, and Captain Ioseph Syll, designed for the subduing of those Indians about the River of Mer…imack, and Pascataqua, that still stood out in Hostility against the English, meeting with those under the Command of Major Waldern aforesaid, and Capt. Frost of Ki…tary; It was mutually agreed detwixt those several Commanders to s…iz: upon all those Indians that at that time were met together about Major Walderns dwelling at Quechecho; The Con…rivement succeeded according to expectation, & all the said Indians were handsomely surprized, September 6th. 1676. without the loss of any persons life, either Indian or English; to the number of near four hundred: by which device, after our Forces had them all in their hands, they separated the peaceable from the perfidious, that had been our E…mies, during the late Troubles; finding above two hundred involved in the former Rebellion, more or less, accordingly they were sent down to the Governour and Councel at Bos…on; who adjudged seven or eight of them Immedi…tely to dy…; such as were known to have had their hand in the blood of the English, or that had been shed by their means, the rest, that were found only Accessaries to the late mischiefs, had their lives spared, but were sent into other parts of the world, to try the difference between the Friendship of their Neighbours here, and their Service with other Masters elsewhere.

Those who had been alwayes either peaceable and true to the English, never intermedling in the quarrel, as Wannalancet the Sagamore of Pennicook and some others were quietly dismissed to their own places.

Besides these that were surprized at the time aforesaid; there were several others, who had been the chief Actors, that were taken up and down in those woods beyond Merrimack, and so were delivered up to Iustice; As Iohn Monoco, Sagamore Sam, old Iethro, with some others, as hath been already mentioned, yet young Ieth…o brought in forty a… one time. It was a special favour from God, so to order it, that the Indians aforesaid, were so surprized: for had they continued in their former Rebellion, and had taken the opportunity to have joyned with the Eastern Indians, as some of them did a few Months before, they would in all likelihood have utterly destroyed all the Plan…ations of the English …yond Pascataqua River; As manif…stly appears by the mischief p. 29which was lately done by the means of a few, that by too much Connivence of some in those parts, that entertained a better opinion of them then it seems they deserved. For whereas mention formerly was made of a small party of Indians that on the third of May in this present year, had murdered one Thomas Ke…bel of Bradford, and carryed away his wife & five Children Captive, yet two or three of the Actors did, upon what Consideration is not known, retu…n the woman and Children again within six weeks, and because of their voluntary returning of them, … dealt more favourably withal; being only put into prison at Dove: … a time, yet possibly conceiving that a prison was but a prep…ration …or a worse evil, they took an opportunity (two of the chief Actors in the foresaid mischief, called the one Simond, the other Andrew) to convey themselves out of the place of Restraint, and afterwards going amongst the Amo…scoggan and Kennibeck Indians, have joyned with them in those bloody and cruel depredations lately made in those parts, which follow in order next to be related.

Some little Colour or pretence of injury was a Headged before those Eastern Indians began their outrage both in the former, as well as in the present year, the chief Actor or rather the beginner of all the foresaid mischiefs Eastward, is one Squando, the Sagamore of Saco Indians, whose Squaw a… is said was abused by a rude and indiscreet act of some English Seamen in the last S…mmer, 1675. who either overset the Canoo wh…ein the said Squaw with her Child were swimming in a River thereabouts, or else to try whether the Children of the Indians as they had heard, could S…imme as naturally as any other Creatures, w…ttingly cast her Child into the water; but the Squaw immediately diving into the water after it, fetcht it up from the bottom of the River, yet it so falling out that within a while after the said Child dyed, (which it might have done if no such Affront had been offered) The said Squando Father of the Child hath been so provoked thereat, that he hath ever since set himself to do all the mischief he can to the English in those par…s, and was never as yet since that time …ruly willing to be Reconciled. Although he is said to have sent home some that were taken Captive the last year. Surely if their hearts had not been secretly filled with malice and Revenge before, they might have obtained satisfaction for the wrong done, at an easier Rate More probable it is, that this was only an occasion to vent the mischief they formerly had conceived in their hearts.

There is an injury of an higher nature, mentioned as the ground of their quarrel with us, who live about Pemma quid, and Kennibeck, which hapned the last Spring, viz. one …aughton with another person p. 30or more who having obtained under the hand of Major Waldern a warrant to seize any Indians Eastward, that had been guilty of any Murder or spoyle done to the English in those parts; did most perfidiously and wickedly enti…e some of the Indians about Cape Sables, who never had been in the least manner guilty of any injury done to the English, aboard their V…ssel, or else some other way, and th… carryed them away to sell them for slaves; which the Indians in those parts look upon as an injury done to themselves, and have alledged it to the Inhabitants of Pemmaquid, as one of the principal grounds of their present quarrel: The thing alleadged is too ture as to matter of Fact, and the persons that did it were lately committed to prison in order to their further tryal. Yet all those Indians do, or may know full well that they who did them that wrong, were lyable to due punishment, (or else their quarrel might be accounted just, and they considered as Indians, must have the more allowance) if they could be found, nor ever were any countenanced amongst us, that had done them any kind of injury, nor did those that take upon them the revenging of the injury, know that they were Inhabitants of this Country that did the wrong; nor was then ever any orderly Complaint made thereof, but this cannot excuse their perfidiousness and Cruelty, some other pretences were alleadged by the said Indians that yet do bear no proportion to the mention of a wrong or i…jury, viz. because our Traders were forbidden to fell any Amuni…ion to any Indians whatsoever; which those Indians say they cannot live without; yet seeing themselves, as well as the Westward Indians have so ill improved, that which they had before, there was little Reason why they should quarrel with us, for selling no more:

Further also it is affirmed by some persons worthy of Credit, that for divers years past have lived in those parts, that the Indians thereabouts, need not have wanted powder or shot, only they wanted something wherewith to cloak their malitious and barbarous practices of late committed against us; but there being different opinions about this point, we shall leave it at the present.

But this being premised in Reference to the pretended ground, or occasion of the quarrel; It remains that the Effects thereof, be now related.

Before the Warre with Philip was well ended to the Southward, there was a fresh Alarm sounded again to the Eastward, for on the eleventh of August, 1676. The very day before Philips heart (that had harboured so many misch…evous and Treacherous devices against the English was by one of his own Company shot through) did a party of Indians beg…n their p. 31Outrages at Cásco in a most perfidious and treacherous manner, killing and carrying away Captive to the number of thirty persons, and burning their houses, amongst whom was the Family of one Antony Bracket Inhabitant of Casco, who was thought to have been killed, but he himself with his wise and one of his five Children carryed away Cap… tive with a Negro, did happily make an escape from their bloody and deceitful hands, In November next ensuing▪

The manner how Antony Bracket and his wife made their escape was very remarkable, and therefore judged worthy to be inserted here although out of due place, the Indians that led them Captive, having brought them to the North side of Casco Bay: News was brought to the said Indians of the surprizal of Arowsick house in Kennib…ck, withall the store therein, which did so rejoyce them, that they made all haste to share in the good things there to be had. Thus eager to be gone they promised Bracket and his wife that they should have also a share therein if they would make haste after them, bringing along a burthen alotted to each of them: The woman having a little before observed an old Burchin Canoo lying by the water side, hoped it was an opportunity Providence offered for their escape; whereupon she first prudently asked of the Indians to let the Negro their own servant (as the same time carryed Captive by them) help them to carry their burthens, which was granted: then she begged of them a piece or two of meat, which was not denyed them. Thus being furnished with help and provision, the Indians leaving them thus behinde to come after with their several burthens and a young Child; They could not but look upon it as a nutus Divinus, to bid them, shift for themselves: the woman also found a needle and thred in the house, where they stayd on that side of the Bay, with which having mended the Canoo, they ventured to get away; which prosperously succeeded: for in that old Canoo they crossed a water eight or nine miles broad, and when they came on the South side of the Bay, they might have been in as much danger of other indians, that had lately been about Black point, and had taken it; but they were newly gone: So things on all sides thus concurring to help forward their Deliverance, they came safely to the Fat at Black point, where also by special Providence they met with a Vessel bound for Pascataqua, that came in to that Harbour, but a few hours before they came thither, by which means they Arrived safe in Pascataqua River, soon after, all which Circumstances are very worthy to be noted.

Amongst those Indians that seized this Brackets Family, the chief was one Simond, that newly or a little before had escaped out of Dover p. 32Prison, where he was not over carefully lookt to, he had had his hand in the murther of sundry English, as himself confessed; not missing save one in the which he had discharged his gun upon, but because he came in voluntarily, bringing in a woman and fire Children of the English, who had been carryed Captive a little before, it was questioned, whether his last act of submission might not ballance his former transgression, and therefore was he committed to that, not so secure a Prison, till his Case might be further considered of,. It is said that coming to that Brackets house over night he pulled forth a counterfieted pass, under the hands of some publick Officers, or men intrusted with that Service, making shew of all Friendship, but in the morning or soon after, he pulled off his Vizour of a friend, and discovered what he was, yet granting Life to this person and his Family, that did not, or could not resist, which he denyed to some of the Neighbours not far off, who were many of them killed by this bloody Villany, and his Partners.

There are some Circumstances in the Assault of Anthony Brackets house very considerable, which, because it was the first Outrage committed by the Indians in this their second Insurrection, 1676. are worthy of a more particular remembring.

This Indian forementioned called Simond, after he had escape out of Prison at Dover, came up to Gasco, and either in the end of Iuly, or beginning of August, acquainted himself with this Antony Bracket, and oft frequented his house: Upon the ninth of August, some of the Indians having killed a Cow of his, the Indian Simond coming to his house promised to bring the Indians to him that had killed his Cow In the mean time they of the place sent two men to Major Walderns at Dover, to complain of this injury done by the Indians; but before their return, very ea…ly in the morning on the eleventh of August, Simond with a party of Indians came to Antony Brackets house, and told him there were the Indians that had killed his Cow; but as soon as they had said that, the Indians went further into his house and took hold of all the Guns they could see, Antony Bracket asked what was the meaning of that, Simond presently replyed, that so it must be, asking him withal, whether he had rather serve the Indians, or be slain by them, Antony Bracket Answered, that if the Case were so, he would rather chuse to serve them, then be killed by them: Simond replyed, that then they must be bound, which presently was done. The said Bracket, his wife, and a Negro were all bound by the Indians, his wife had a Brother, who offering to resist was killed forthwith, the rest with five Children were … away Prisoners.

p. 33Two hours after one Pike that lived not far off, but knowing no thing of all this, went up in a Canoo toward one Robert Corbins house▪ where he found one Humphry Durham, and Benjamin Atwel at work about their Hay, after a little stay, he left them intending to go up higher with his Canoo, but as soon as he was a little pa…t, he heard Guns shot off, which made him with another man he had with him, presently return back; before he came beyond Corbins house he saw an English boy running with all haste, which made him fear some mischief was in hand, and presently a Volley of shot came against them, but the Bullets flying over their heads, did them no hurt: presently Simond Indian appeared, and called them to come a shore; but they liked not his Courtesy, but presently turning their Canoo into the stream got out of the reach of their G…ns, hasting down to his own house with all speed; when he came near to his house, he called to the People to make hast away, towards the Garrison house, and bid the rest look to themselves, and fire upon the Indians, that were coming against them: In the mean while, the Indians passing from Anthony Brackets to Corbins, killed Corbin himself, with Humphry Durham, and Benjamin Atwel forementioned: Then passing on to other houses, carryed away some of them Captive, and killed others. At one of the next houses, the women and Children got off into the water by a Canoo; but one Iames Ross, his wife and Children were carryed away: Corbins wife with one of the other mens wiv…s; and the Children of another of them, they likewise carryed away.

In another side of the Town, three were as they were going to reap at Antony Brackets, passing from an house where they left their Canoo, met with Iohn Mount-joy and one Wakely, to whom they told what had hapned, soon after they heard two Guns shot of, whereby it seems two men were killed, wherefore coming back toward Thomas Brackets where they had left their Canoo, they saw him shot down by the Indians; one of the three not so well able to run hid himself in the bushes in h…pe to make his escape more conveniently afterwards, which accordingly he did; but in the mean time he saw the Indians carry away Thomas Brackets wife and Children; Soon after the three men aforesaid got safe to Mr. Mount joyes Garrison, but not trusting to the Se…u…ity of that Gar… rison, they soon after repayred to an Island in the Bay, called Iames Andrews Island.

One George Lewes and his wife tarryed all this time in their house till the next day, when they had oppo…tunity to get safe to the Island aforesaid, together with the two men that were now returned from Major Wal…ern; whither they had been sent, but too late, to make complaint p. 34of the Indian; that had counter fie…ed his pass to travoil into those parts, and had done this mischief.

The day after one George Felt suspecting the worst by reason of a smoak, he saw on the opposite side of the Town, took his wife and Children into a Canoo to see what the matter wa…, but when he came near a point of Land not far off, he found several of his Neighbours goods which made him conclude their Owners were killed, which was a sufficient warning to him likewise to fly for his Life, which he did to the same Island. After they had sundry of them escaped thither, some of them remembred that they had left powder behind them in one or two places; whereupon they resolved to venture a party of them in the night, partly to prvent the Indians from having any Advantage thereo…, and partly for their own defence if occasion should be; Their Attempt succeeded well, for they brought away a barrel of powder from one Willes his house, and likewise a considerable quantity out of a Chest in a Store house, where the Indians had been ransacking, & had taken things out of the other end of the Chest, yet overlooked the Powder: In this surprizal of the Plantation in Casco Bay, called Falmouth, there were thirty four persons killed and carryed Captive.

That this was not a casual Attempt, but a designed plot, it will appear, in that just about the very same time, the Indians at Kennibeck, made the like Insurrection, whereby it is concluded, either that the Indians which escaped from Dover, stirred them up thereunto, or else that the said Indians finding them in a disposition tending that way, by reason of some inj…ries done them that dwell farther Northward, they offered their Service to help forward the designe.

It is to be noted here, that the Indians about Kennibeck were perswaded to continue their former amity with the English notwithstanding the report of Philips rising that year before, and the Outrages committed the last Autumne, and winter following, yet which is more, they had lately renewed their League with the English in those parts, although they had often complained to those of Pemmaquid, of the injury they suffered, in the withholding from them the Trade of Powder, and shot, without which they said they cannot subsist, and for want of which it is alleadged by themselves, that some of them perished the last Winter.

But the Quarrel of late fallen out betwixt the English, and the Indians about Kennibeck, and Eastward thereof, being a matter of great Consequence; For the farther satisfaction of the Reader, it shall in what follows, be more particularly described; It being the duty of every one p. 35that publisheth things of this nature, to to do the right of an Historian to all sorts of persons, any way concerned in what is made publick; The Information was received from a prudent person, an Eye and Ear witness of all that hapned amongst the said Indians, both the former and present year, and one that was of more publick Concernment in those Transactions then some others, therefore may the more heed be given thereto. Mention is already made of what hapned in September, 1675. to the Company belonging to a Sloop, and two other Boats, that went up Casco Bay to gather Indian Corn; Upon that Accident it is said, divers Indians on the East side of Kennibeck River repayred to their Fort at Totonnock (a place up higher into the Country beyond Kennibeck and Shipscot River) where was an English trading house. And the Indians Eastward of the said River, had as yet done no harm to any of the English, yet did Captain Sylvanus Davis Agent for Major Clarke and Captain Lake of Boston, upon these Overtures think it fit to …etch down the Powder and Shot with other goods from the said Trading house, telling the Indians, by the Messenger sent up, he would have them come down and live below in that River, to take off Iealousies, and that he would then supply rhem with what was needful.

But the Messenger told them, in Case they would not come down, and deliver np their Arms, the English would kill them. He that se… deth a Message by the hand of a Fool saith Solomon, cutteth off the feet, and drinketh dammage; This Message was delivered by him that went, as was confessed by himself, who put it into his mouth, or whether it was deviz…d in his own heart, it concerns not us now to enquire, but the dammage that side of the Country hath been made to drink thereby, is not easy to recount; for upon this Threatning Message the Indians forsook their Fort presently, and went Eastward, and sent abroad to Iohns River and to the Sea side to get all the Indians they could together to come up Penobscot River.

A Gentleman who at that time lived at Pemmaquid, a kind of Supe…tendent over the Affairs of that place, considering the sad state things were running into, laboured to obtain a Parly with the said Indians, or some of them, which after much trouble and cost, he did accomplish: But … the mean time, such was the violence used by some refractory English in those parts, that they could scarce be restrained from offering vio…nce to the persons he sent up as Messengers, or others that lived quietly amongst them, and did also as violently set themselves to oppose himself, or any others that acted with more moderation, then the rest: protesting against them, as those who forgain supplyed the Indians with p. 36Powder and Shot, and said they would kill any Indian they met; others at Monhiggan offered five pound for every Indian that should be brought, yet would not these persons that were so violent against the Indians in their discourse, be perswaded upon any Terms, then, or afterward, to go out to fight against the Indians in an orde…ly way; as appeared both by their Security in not standing better upon their gua…d, and by their sudden flight afterward, running away like a Flock of Sheep, at the barking of any little dog: Things being in this posture, what could be expected but a present warr with the Indians, although as it seems, there were few or nonel…ke to be found, willing to undertake it, or fit to manage it in those parts. How ever, the person aforesaid, understand…ng, the General Court at Boston had appointed a Counsel of Warr at Kennibeck, applyed himself to them, laying before them the desperate state things were falling into; whereupon they issued our warrants to restrain all manner of persons from medling with the Indians without farther order, which within few dayes should be had. In the mean time the Sachems of the Indians meet at Pemmaquid; where, after many complaints made of the hard dealing of the English in Kennibeck River, they came to Tearms of Peace, promising to keep true Friendsh…p with the English; and to hinder the Amonoscoggan Indians from medling with the English, if by any means they could, and also to return peaceably in the Spring of the year. This Gentleman aforesaid, having a long time waited to go to Boston; was willing to take the opportunity of the pres…nt Winter, hoping things were now pretty well setled in those parts betwixt the Indians and the English; …ound soon after, that he was cited thither to Answer some Complaints (though made without ground) for selling Powder & Shot to the Indians contrary to Order.

But those false opinions being easily blown away by his own appearance at Boston, and so having dispatched his occasions there, he returned before the winter was over to Pemmaquid, where hearing of a Vessel that intended to take Indians in those parts, and carry them away to a market, the which he had many strong Reasons to believe, (it being no hard matter to surprize many such, that suspecting by fraud, would easily be enticed aboard a Vessel to trade, or may be to drink Liquor) sent both the Master and …mpany, if they had any such intent to forbear, seeing those Indians were at peace with us, and likewise to the Indians, to inform them of such a Vessel, and to beware thereof, but yet it seems the Master and Company took several Indians Eastward, who were also at peace with us, and to our g…eat sorrow shipt them aboard for a market.

p. 37The winter being now over, the forenamed Agent of Pemmaquid, went to a meeting of the Indians Eastward, to perswade them, of the Countryes willingness to continue a peace with them. They seemed very joyful thereat, and in the Spring brought some presents to confirm the Peace, and to that en… also delivered up an English Captive B…y to those of Kennibeck. But when the Summer came on, that the said Indians had liberty to travail up and down the Country to visit their Friends as they used to do; they missed those their Friends who had in the winter perfidiously been carryed away, and as is related, they fell into a Page against the English, making Complaint thereof to the said Agent, Mr. Earthy, Mr. Richard Oliver, and others: They were told means should be used for bringing them back again, which had been so Transported, those to whom the Complaint was made, did scarce believe it to be true, as not having heard thereof from any other hand, and probably hoping none, especially after solemn warning, would deal so perfidiously with Heathen…, to lay such a stumbling block before them.

The Indians being certain of the thing done, could not be easily pacified, being likewise incensed against the English, for withholding the Trade of Powder and Shot the last winter, saying, they were frighted from their Corn the last year by the People about Kennibeck, so as many of them dyed in the following winter for want of Powder and Shot, wherewith to kill V…nison and Foul; Adding withal, that if the English were their Friends as they pretended, they would not suffer them to dye, for want thereof: However, the said Agent making the best he could of a bad Cause, used all means to pacifi… the Complaynents, and to that end promised them, that if they could meet with any of the Amonos…oggan Indians (who it seems all along had the bitterest Enmity against the English he would give them a meeting to treat in order to a Peace, Ma… Waldern having already concluded a Peace with the Pasc…taqua & Cas…o Indians, & by that means, if they could conclude the like peacewith the Amonoscoggan men, (that could not yet be found) there would be a general Peace with all the Indians Eastward of Pascataqua, which the Indians that were present at this discourse, seemed very joyful at: yet still by one fatal Accident or other, jealousies still seemed to increase in their minds, or else the former injuries began to boyle a fresh in their Spirits, as not being easily digested, what ever had been said, or done to allay the offensiveness thereof. Soon after comes a Post from Totonnock, to desire him to repair thither according to his promise, where they told him he should meet with Squando, and divers Amonoscoggan Sachems, and that Mng was sent Post to fetch the said Squando: p. 38This Gentleman mindful of his promise, went with the Post to Kennibeck, and finding Captain Lake at his house in Arowsick; It was judged meet, that Captain Sylves…er Davis should go along with him, with instructions from the Counsel then sitting in Kennibeck, how to carry on their Trea…y. After they had gone part of their way towards Totonnock, they came to an English house, where they were told, what great jealousies of deceipt in the Indians were upon their Spirits, from what they had heard of Muggs and Tarumkin, an Amonoscoggan Sachem: going farther to a place called Kedonu-Cook, they met with Indians, who were very shye of telling them any thing, which added to the former Intimation, greatly increased their fears: but being resolved of their voyage, they went onward still in their way, yet falling short of the place on purpose, that they might finish their business with them the next day: when they came to their Fort, they were first saluted with a Volley of Shot, then brought into a Wigwam where their Sachems were: Madockawando sate as chief, who now stiles himself their Minister: Being set in Councel, they made Assiminasqua their speaker; whose Adopted Son was the said Madochewando: He told them it was not their Custome, if any came as Messengers to treat with them, to seize upon their persons, as sometimes the Mohawks did with such as had been sent to them: Captain Davis and the other Gentleman told them, therein they dealt like men: Answer was presently made them; you did otherwise by our men, when fourteen came to treat with you: And set a Guard over them, and took away their Guns: And not only so, but a second time you required our Guns, and demanded us to come down unto you, or else you would kill us, which was the Cause of our leaving both our Fort, and our Corn to our great loss.

It was without doubt no small trouble to their minds, in a Treaty with these Pagans, Haec dieipot uisse, & non potuisse refelli: Y…t to put the best Construction might be, on such Irregular actions, which could not well be justifyed. They told them, the persons who had so done, were not within the Limits of their Government, and therefore though they could not call them to an account for so acting, yet they did utterly disallow thereof: Adding farther, as soon as we understood thereof we sent for you to Pemmaquid, and Treated you kindly, and kept you, as you know, from the violence of the English; The Indians Replyed, we do but inform you, aud will Treat … in the Afternoon. But when the Afternoon came, our Two Messengers told them, their business was to Treat with the Amonoscoggan Sachems, and that they were forry, Squando was not there: Then having confirmed their Peace with p. 39those Eastward Indians, they intrea…ed the Amonoscoggan men to speak, who likewise urged Tarumkin, the chief Amonoscoggan Sachem to speak, who after some pauze, said he had been to the Westward, where he …ad found many Indians unwilling for Peace. but says he, I found three Sachems (whom he named, though those he spake to knew them not) willing to have peace; And for my own part, I am willing for peace, and gave them his hand with Protestation of his continuing in Friendship, so did seven or eight more of the Amonoscoggan men; whose Names they took, of whom Mug and Robin Hoods Son were two. After this Madochewando asked them what they should …o for Powder and Shot, when they had eaten up their Indian Corn, what they should do for the Winter, for their hunting Voyages? asking withal, whether they would have them dy, or leave their Country, and go all over to the French. Our Messengers told him, they would do what they could with the Governour, some might be allowed them for Necessity: He said they had waited long already, and therefore would have them now say yea, or nay, whether they should have powder as formerly, or not? Our Messengers then Replyed, you your selves say, many of the Western Indians would not have Peace, And therefore if we sell you powder, and you give it to the Western men, what do we but cut our own Throats? Adding further, It is not in our power without leave, if you should wait ten year more, to let you have powder, at which words they seemed much to be offended.

But yet the next day they resolved to go down with them, & to speak with the Western men, thereby, if it might be, to stop their farther proceeding.

So going down with them the next day, they met with some Indians who had got strong Liquor, with whom they fell a drinking: Our Messengers stayed at two places for them, and finding that still they tarryed behinde, not knowing what farther to do, they went home, it being the sixth day of the week. But the next night save one, news came to Kennibeck, that the Indians had killed divers English in Casco, although it was not yet known a… Pemmaquid. Upon this News Ca…. Davis set out one Sentinel the next night. The rest, (such was their Security) went all else to bed. And in the morning, were all like Laish surprized, thus might it be said, Invadunt Aedem somno (si non) vinoq▪ sepultaam. The particulars of the surprizing of Kennibeck, and Arowsi…k house are thus related by such as were acquainted therewith.

Upon the thirteenth of August, 1676. several Indians repaired in the p. 40Evening to the house of one Mr. Hammond, an ancient Inhabitant, and Trader with the Iudians up Kennibeck River, His daughter or a maid that was servant in the house, either naturally afraid of the Natives, or else upon something she observed in their Countenance, or Carriage, manifested so much fear, as made her run out of the house to hide her self in some place abroad; The Indians perceiving it, the more to dissemble their Treach…ry, ran after her, and brought her into the house, telling her (although they could not perswade her so to believe) that there was no Reason to be afraid of them: presently after more of the Barbarous Villains coming into the house, she grew more afraid then before, being now more strongly perswaded that they came on purpose to kill or surprize those in the Family, whereupon she suddenly made an escape out of the house, and presently passed into a Field of Indian Corn, whereby she might the better avoid the danger of any pursuer, and so ran cross over the land that night ten or twelve miles, to give them notice that lived at Shipscot River, It is said that after she got out, she heard a noyze in the house, as if they were fighting or scuffling within doors; but she did not count it wisdom to go back to see what the matter was, knowing enough before of their V…llanye…, how well soever her Mrs. (that was more versed in the Trade of the Indians) might think of them. Those of Shipscot taking this warning escaped away as soon as they could leaving their Cattle and their dwellings as a Prey to the Indians. What besel Master Hammond and his Family is not yet certainly known: Reports pass up and down, that some who came down the River afterwards, saw some of the dead stripped upon the Banke of the River, which makes us fear the worst, concerning all the rest; for certainly the whole Eamily sixteen in Number, were all at that time either killed, or carryed away Captive, none save the maid aforesaid, being known to make any other escape, to infor… their Friends l…ke Iobs M…ssengers, wh…t befell the rest of the Fam…y.

The Indians having in this manner surprized Mr. Hammonds house, they passed down the River the same night; but going by another house, medled not with the people, only turned their Canoos a drist, that they might not find means afterwards to escape themselves, or help others so to do: possibly their chief aim being at Arowsick house, they would not, for fear of being discovered, make any Attempt upon any place near by: wherefore August the fourteenth very early in the morning, having in the night, or before break of day passed over on to the Island called Arowsick, several of them undiscovered lay hi u…der the … behind a great Rock near adjoyning, till the Sentinel p. 41was gone off from his place, (who went off it seems sooner than was Reason, considering the danger) when presently some Indians followed him in, at the Fort gate, (as some report) while others of them immediately seized the Port holes thereof, and shot down all they saw passing up and down within the Walls, and so in a little time be came Masters of the Fort, and all that was within it: Captain Lake (joynt Owner with Major Clarke of the whole Island) hearing the bussle that was below, betwixt the Indians and those that belonged to the place, was strangely surprized, yet himself with Captain Sylvanus Davis and two more, understanding that the Indians had seized the Fort, & killed divers of the English, apprehending it boot less, or rather beartless to stay, as not being able to stand upon their guard, or make any resistance, made a shift to find some passage out at a back door, whereby they escaped to the water-side, where they found a Canoo, into which they all entered and made away toward another Island near by: This was not done so secretly but the Indians discerned them before they were gone farr; four of them therefore basted after those that had escap… in another Canoo, and coming within shot, discharged their Guns upon them, whereby Sylvanus Davis was sor…ly wounded; yet making hast, as generally they use to do, that fly for their lives, timor addidit alas, they got a shore before the indians overtookthem. It is said they were strange. dispirited, or else they might easily have defended themselves against their pursuers: But when once mens hearts are sunke with fear, and discouragement upon a sudden surprizal, it is hard to buoy them up, to make any competent resistance: Capt. Davis being sadly wounded, could neither trust to his legs to fly, nor yet make use of his hands to fight; yet was strangly preserved; Providence directing him to go into the Cleft of a Rock hard by the place, where he first landed; The Indians by the glittering of the Sun beams in their Eyes as they came a shore, did not discern him; so as lying hid under the Covert of the band of Providence, for two dayes, he at last crawled a little about the water side, till he found a Ca…oo, whereby he escaped away with his Life, much adoe. The other two men, were better foot men, and parting from Captain Lake, m…de their escape ten or a dozen mile, to the further end of the Island, and so escap…d from the Indians, till they found means to get off. Poor Captain Lake, that a few hours before, slept quietly in his Mansion house, surrounde… wi… a strong Fortification, defended with many Souldiers, is now forced to fly away with none to attend him. And as the Awful hand of Divine Providence ordered things, was as some say, parsued p. 42by such Indians as were meer strangers to the place, that knew not the Master from the man, by one of whom he was sh…t down, as is supposed, soon after his coming ashore; Lieut. Davis heard two Guns, by which't was thought, & soon after was known so to be by an Indian which since hath confessed to Captain Davis that he shot him that day Arowsick was taken, which he intended not to have done, but that he held up hi… Pistol against him, whereas if he had but asked qu… ter, he should have had his Life. Captain Lake was slain at that time, although many hopes were for some time maintained, that he was taken alive, and kept with other Captives, amongst the Indians; And 'tis said the Indians of those parts did not intend to kill him, if they could have, helped it: But it was known, that his hat was seen upon an Indians head not long after, which made his Friends conclude what had bef…lle… the Owner that good man, who might Emphatically be so termed in distinction from them that may truly be called Iust men, and no more: For it seems according to the just Agreement betwixt himself and his part owner of Arowsick Island, it was not his turn this year to hav… …een upon the place, but such was his goodness, that he yielded to the d…sire of his Friend and Partner, as in his room and stead to take upon himself that Service in this time of danger, it is hoped his goodness in future time will not be forgotten by such as were any way concerned therein, or had Advantage thereby.

This island (called Arowsick from an Indian so named, that formerly possessed it, and of whom it was purchased by one Mr. Richards who …old it to Captain Lak… and Major Clarke) lyes up ten miles within the mouth of Kennibeck River; it is some miles in length, and containeth many thousand Acres of very good Land; where meadow and arable ground are in a good proportion well suited together; within the Fort aforesaid were many convenient buildings for several Offices, as well for wares and Trading, as habitation: six several Edifices are said to have been there erected. The Warehouse at that time was well furnished with all sorts of goods; besides a Mill and other Accommodations, and dwellings within a mile of the Fort and Mansion house; some of whose Inhabitants hardly made their escape, upon the first surp…izal of the Fort.

All which consi…ered, the loss that besel the Proprietours at the surpriz…l of this Island seems to be very great, valued at many thousands: but those that were the Owners with others of late times, have found in their ow… Experience, what Solomon said of old, Th…re is a Time to get, and a Time to loose, a Time to keep, and a Time to cast away: A Time …o p. 43break down, as well as a Time to build up. The persons killed and taken at Kennibeck, both at Mr. Hommants, and at Arowsick, are said to be fifty three.

Upon the Report of this sad disaster, all the Plantations of the English in those parts were soon after left, and forsaken by degrees. All the rest of the Inhabitants of Kennibeck River, Shipscot River, Sagade-ho…k, Da…anicot…ee, fearing to be served in the same kind, fled to the Isl…nds of Cape-bonawagan and Da…ils Cove.

On the second day at night be a Post was sent to Pemmaquid to inform them of what had hapned, who being but eight or ten men, were minded to go to the Island called Monhiggon, having secured the best of their goods, but the wind taking them short, they were forced to turn into Damarils Cove, where they found Mr. Wiswal, and Mr. Co…cot, there they laboured two dayes to settle a Garrison; But partly by the mutinousness of the People, and partly by the want of Provision nothing could be done to secure the Island, so that it was presently deserted: From thence they went to Monhiggon, resolving ther… to tarry till they heard from Boston, from whence Mr. Colicot, and Mr. Wi…wel promised to do their utmost endeavour to send help. There they setled three Guards, and appointed five and twenty to watch every night, not knowing but that the Indians might come every hour. But continuing there a Fortnight, and finding no Relief like to come; and seeing all the Country burned round about. (For after they had gotten all that could be saved from Pemmaquid, they saw all the other Island, Windgin…, Corbins sound, New-Harbour, Pem…aquid all on fire in two hours time) then considering what was best to be done, they found no Boats could be sent to sea for fear of weakning the Island, and that most of those that were upon the Island, were Strangers, Coasters, and such as came from the M…y…e, and were ready to be gone upon every occasion, they laid an Imbargoe for one weeks time, after which a Letter was received from Major Clarke, defiring their Assistance for enquiring after Capt. Lake if alive, saving, what could be had at Kennibeck &c. but intimating nothing of any help l…ke to come, besides those that brought …he Letter told them, it was in vain to expect any help from Boston. It being questioned there, what they had to do with those parts, upon which the Inhabitants considered, that if they should tarry there, and spend all their Provision, and neither be able to go to Sea, nor yet to live, or be safe a shore for want of help, it were better for them to remove, while they had something left to live upon, and seek imployment else where; so by Consent they resolved forthwith to Transport themselves, and what they p. 44had saved of their goods to some place of Security, so they took the first opportunity to set sayle, some for Pascataqua, some for Boston, and some for Sale…, at one of which three places they all safely arrived.

Having thus escaped at first as Lot out of Sodom, but not counting themselves safe in that Zoar, where for a little while they made shift to bids their heads, till they might escape to some surer place, there waiting for better times, when they may with peace and quietness re…urn to their former habitations, or seek some other else where.

When the foresaid Exploits were done by the Indians in and about Casco Bay, several of the English removed to …ewels Island, where they hoped to be more secure from the Indians, but their barbarous Enemy finding so little Resistance made against them on the main Land, a considerable party of them came with their Canoos to destroy that Island also, about three weeks after the forementioned mischiefs.

There was a fortifyed house upon the said Island, where the English that either kept upon the Island, or repayred thither, hoped to have secured themselves. But at that time when the Indians assaulted the place, many of the English were absent, sew left in the Garrison, but women and Children; some were gone to other places to fetch Indian Corn, others were in a Boat imployed about Fish, amongst whom was one Richard Pots with two more; The wife of the said Pots was washing by the water sie, where she was surprized with her Children, and carryed away in sight of her husband, who was not a little distressed with …hat sad Spectacle, but was not able to afford any Relief either to wife or Children; although one of the Children espying his Father in his boat, ran into the water, calling out for help, but an Indian ran after him to catch him up; the poor man in a great Agony being within half shot, was about to have fired upo… the Indian, but then fearing he might …wo…d… his Child which the Villain had said hold of, he forbore, rather suffering him to be carryed away alive, then be exposed to so manifest danger of his Life, or Limbs, by shooting at the Indian.

It is said that some of the Indians were killed by them in the Garrison: They speak of a Lord that at one shot killed two or three of them, … Guns were found afterwards under the Fort, which were supposed to have belonged to some of the Indians that were killed. Some that were abroad when the Fort was assaulted, desperately broke in through the Indians, whereby at the last, many of the People were preserved: some flying away from Iewels Island in a Canoo toward Richmonds Island, met with a K…tch, to which they made known the distress the People were in, who thereupon went to the place, and took in all the People they found p. 45there, and carryed i…hem off to a place of more safety. Yet were there several persons said to be killed and carryed away at that time viz. three men, who were known to be killed, two women and two Children, that are supposed to be yet alive, though in the Enemies power.

From thence they went to Spurwinks, where they assaulted one place or more, and killed one man, wounded another, and carryed another away Captive: Amongst them that were in danger of surprizal, one that could not run, hid himself in a garden of Cabbages so as he was not found, yet was very near them, for he over heard several questions, they asked him they took; by which means he was the better enabled afterward to prevent the danger two more were coming into, for the poor Fellow that they had taken, told them, that one Shenda… with another man were to come that way by and by; whereupon this man that had hid himself, meeting that She…dal and the other man gave them notice of the danger, whereby they were delivered out of the snare, for that time; not long after one of them, viz Mr: Shendal fell into their hands as shall be declared afterwards. Within a while after, or much about that same time, another sad Accident befel six or seven of them that belonged to Casco. For upon the twenty third of September some persons that belonged to a Sloop, and a S…allop, that were pressed into the Service (one Reason of which was to prevent their …ragling they being persons that belonged to those parts about Casco) were over desirous to save some of their Provision, to which end they first made their Address to Captain Hatborne, (under whom they were ordered to serve) desiring they might be released; the Captain told them he could not do it, but desired them to have patience for a while, they told him, that they must and would go, else their Families must starve at home: The Captain told them further of the danger, and bid them not stir at their peril: However they would go, and soon after went to Mountjoyes Island to fetch… sheep, where they landed seven men; but the Indians presently set upon them, they presently be took themselves to the Ruines of a stone house, where they defended themselves as long as they could; but at last they were all destroyed either with stones cast in upon them, or else with the Enemies shot, except one, who, though at the fi…st it was hoped his wounds were not mortal, yet soon after dy…d thereof; Amongst these was one Georg… Fell much …am…nted, who had been more active then any man in those parts against the Indians, but at the last he lost his own Life amongst them, in this too desperate an Adventure.

The Indians growing more hold by these Attempts in those remote places, drew down n…arer towards Pas…at aqua, for not long after a party p. 46of them came upon Cape Nidduck, where they killed and carryed away all the Inhabitants of a few scattering houses, to the number of seven in all, and such was their Salvage Cruelty exercised in this place, as is not usually heard of, for having dashed out the brains of a poor woman thatgave suck, they nayled the young Child to the dead body of its mother, which was found sucking in that rueful manner, when the People came to the place. The day before a man and his wife were killed by them at Wells, and two men more soon after. On the twelfth of October following near an hundred of the Indians made an Assault upon Black point, all the Inhabitants being gathered into one fortifyed place upon that point, which a few hands might have de…ended against all the Indians on that side of the Country. But as i… seems, one called Mugg was the Leader of the Indians; one that …ad from a Child been well acquainted with the English, and had lived some years in English Families, who though a cunning Fellow, and had prevailed much in his Attempts, yet at this time shewed more Courtesy to the English, then according to former Outrages could be expected from any of those barbarous miscreants; and was willing to make offer of a Treaty to Mr. Iosselin, chief of the Garrison, to whom the said Mugg promised liberty for all that were there, to depart with their goods upon the surrender of the place: The said Iosselin reports, that when he came back from his treating with Mugg, that all the People were fled away out of the Garrison, having carryed away their goods by water before his return, in so much that having none but his Household Servants to stand by him, he was capable to make no Resistance, and so surrendred.

When People have once been frighted with Reports and Sense of danger, they are ready to fly away like a Hart before the Hunter or his Hounds, one of the Inhabitants of the place affirmed he saw an hundred and fifty Indians, which was more by an hundred than any body else ever saw near the Fort. But when a place is designed to Ruine, every thing they take in hand shall tend thay way.

The loss of Black point was accompanyed with another sad Accident, that fell out about the same time at Richmonds Island. For young Mr. Fryer with some others at Pascataqua, to whom it seemed grievous that the Indians should make all that Spoyle in every place in those farther Plantations, ventured upon the great Importunity of Mr. Shandal, with a Kotch to try what they could save of such things that the Indians had left. But things were so ordered, that before they had loden their Ketch, coming too near the Stage head, they presently found themselves in danger of a surprizal, for part of their Company being a p. 47shore, were seized by the Indians, or in danger thereof, whom they were not willing to leave behind; and besides the wind blowing in hard upon them, they could not get out of the Harbour, but were forced to abide the danger of an Assault. The Indians getting many of them into the stage head annoyed them so fast with their shot, that not a man of them was able to look above deck, but he was in danger of being shot down, amongst the rest Mr. Iames Fryer venturing too much in view of the Enemy received a wound in his knee, which appeared not dangerous at the first, but for want of better looking to, then could be found amongst that black Regiment, into whose hands he soon after fell; It proved Mortal unto him, within a few dayes after: he being by a strange Accident brought home to his Fathers house at the great Island in Pascataqua. Mr. Fryer being thus wounded, the rest of the Company defended thems…lves for a while with much C…rage and Resolution, till they were brought to the sad choice of falling into the hands of one of these three bad Masters, the Fire, the water, or the Barbarous Heathen, to whom at last they thought it best to yield, in hope of liberty afterwards, at least of lengthning out their lives a little longer, for the Indians had manned cut a Canoo with several hands to cut their Cable, and others stood ready within the defence of the stage head to fire upon any one that stirred in the Ketch, by which means the Vessel after the Cable was cut soon drave a shore; and then was it threatned to be presently burned, if they did not all yield, to which they all at last consented.

The Indians how barbarous soever in their own nature, yet civilly intreated their Prisoners, and upon farther discourse sent one or two of them to Pasca…aqua, to give them there an opportunity to Ranso… their Friends. The persons sent home to procure a Ransome, were …o return with such a quantity of goods as the Indians had desired; by such a precise time: but they that brought the things for their Ransome, coming a day or two before the time, when those that sent them we…e gone up the River at Black point, and not returned: Some other Indians waiting for such an opportunity seized the goods, at least that pa…t which they most desired, and through mistake, killing one of the three men …hat brought them, dismissed the other two, without return of the Prisoners as was expected.

As to what hapned afterward, we are yet much in the dark, and for the present can write but by guess: for within a few dayes after the return of Mr. Shendal, and the other man that went to carry the Ransome, before November 1. Mugg himself came to Pascataqua, p. 48bringing Mr. Iames Fryer, who soon af…er dyed of his wound, one of the Prisoners along with him complain… th…t without his knowledge some of the Indians had seized what was se…t for the Ransome of the rest, promising upon his Faith, that he would make good his word for the sending home all the Prisoners, and offered al… in the Name of the other Indians, to confirm a new Peace with the E…glish for the future: The Major General of the Massachusets Colony was … at Pascataqua, but not willing to Transact a matter of that nature and moment by his sole Authority, ordered the said Mugg (supposed to be the chief Leader of the Indians) to be carryed down to Boston to the Governour and Councel there, to conclude the business, with whom he soon after agreed upon a firm Peace with the English of the Massachusets in the Name of Madockawando, the chief of all the Indians in the Eastern parts about Peno…scot, engaging also to remain himself, as hostage aboard the Vessel (in which he was sent home from Boston November the 21st. following) until the Prisoners (which are said to be fifty or sixty that they have still in their hands) be sent home, and the rest of the Articles per…ormed. The Issue of which we as yet wait to hear in Gods good time, this 12th. of December following, 1676. when they there have made an end of the reckoning, 'tis hoped we may have our right again.

There are two principal Actors amongst the Indians that have all along promoted these designes amongst them, one named Squando, Sagamore of Saco, and the forementioned Madockawando, the chief Commander of the Indians Eastward about Pen…bscot, who are said to be, by them that know them, a strange kind of moralized Salvages. Grave and Serious in their Speech and Carriage, and not without some shew of a kind of Religion, which no doubt but they have learned from the Prince of darkness, (by the help of some papist in those parts) that can Transform himself into an Angel of Light; under that shape, the better to carry on …he designes of his Kingdome. It is said also, they pretend to have received some Visions and Revelations, by which they have been commanded to worship the great God, and not to work on the Lords day. We know where that Fountain hath its Rise, that sendeth forth at the same place sweet and bitter waters. And from whence their hearts are inspired, that joyn blessing of God, with cursing and killing his Servants.

It is reported by some that came lately from those parts, that the Indians there do as yet refuse to have any peace with the English, and will … as … return any of our Captive Friends, till God speak to the foresaid Enthusiast…, that are their Leaders, that they should no longer make warr with us, and the like.

p. 49But not to trouble our selves farther with those Ministers of Satan, or those that are acted by the Angel of the bottoml…ss pit, (who possibly since their delusions are but two fold more the Children of Hell then they were before.) We know better how to understand the mind of the great Lord of Heaven & Earth then to depend on such lying Oracles.

That God who hath at present turned their hear…s to hate his People, and deal subtilly with his Servants; we hope in his time, will either turn the stream, and cause them to deal friendly and sincerely with his People, as heretofore, or give us an opportunity to destroy them.

In the next place it remains, that some account be given of our Forces under Captain Hathorne, and of their several Expeditions into the Eastern parts, since the middle of September last; first up toward Casco, by the Sea-side, then afterwards through the woods directly Northward, toward Ossapy, and Pigwauchet, in hope to have found the Enemy there at their head Quarters.

Upon the first Report of those Devastations and Spoyl… that had been made by Fire and Sword in those Eastern Plantations. It was judged necessary to send some Forces that way to put a stop unto the current of those Outrages, before the Remainders of the Southern Indians could have opportunity to joyn with them: To that end about an hundred and h…rty English, with forty Indians were dispatched away into those parts, under the Command of Captain William Hathorne, Captain Syl, and Captain Hunting, w…o were to joyne with such as could be raised in those parts, under Major Waldern, and Captain Frost: After they had surprized the Indians that flocked into those parts, (as was Related before) which was done upon September the 6th. 1676. Captain Hathorne who was Commander in chief, marched the Forces by the Sea-side towards Casco; For at that time they were upon some demurre, whether to march directly toward Ossapy, and Pigwau…het, where the head Quarters of the Enemy was supposed to be, or else to march directly toward Casco Bay, where they heard Parties of the Enemy were daily spoyling the Plantations of the English, At the last it was judged most Expedient to try if they could not meet with some par yes of the Enemy amongst those Plantations near the Sea-side, by that means at least to prevent them from doing more mischief if …ey c…uld not find an opportunity to fall upon some of them, and destroy…: But their time was not yet come, nor were all the Desola…ions as yet accomplished, which G…d had a purpose to bring about by their means. For notwithstanding there was a sfficient Force to have suppr…ssed all the numbers of the Enemy, if they …ad been many more p. 50than they were; yet being emboldened and grown subtle by their former successes, they had so dispersed themselves all about the woods in those p…rts, that when our Forces were in one place, they would be in another, and so did much mischief thereabouts, while our Souldiers were out after them: For after they had by several steps in ten dayes time gotten to Casco, from Newechewannick (about the eight of Septembe… ) they marched to Wells, and from Wells to Winter Harbour, and so from thence to Black point they passed by water, and then arrived at Casco Bay, about the twentieth of September, yet about that very time, were several of the English cut off at Mount joyes Island, and that in sight of our Forces, when they were not able to come at them, for want of Boat, the Island lying two Leagues off in the Bay; this hapned the twenty third of the same month, as was said before, and within two dayes after, another party of the Enemy were doing mischief at Wells, and Cape Nidduck, and yet escaped away, when they had done.

Nor could our Forces in all their Expedition meet with any of them, bu… two; one of which soon after he was taken, was let go…, by the Treachery or Carelessness of them that held him. For when our Forces were come within a few miles of the hither side of Casco Bay, some of our Natick Indian Scouts going in Company with the Indians under Blind Will, (a Saga…ore of Pascataqua, who went in Company with eight of his men, supposed to be good Pilots for the places more Eastward) met with some of the Enemy, and laid hold of a couple of them; Iustice was done upon one of them, the other, although he was led by two of Blind Wills Indians, they made a shift to let goe, who escaping away, got over a River, and gave notice to the Indians who were on the other side, & were heard but a little before threshing in a Barne that belonged to one Anthony Bracket, (whom they had late…y surprized) Another disappointment our Forces met withal about the same time, for when Captain Hathorne was up at Casco Bay with his Souldiers, he n…ver could come up with the Indians, either through want of Skill in them that were his Scouts, or rather want of Faithfulness in one that should have been his guide, who had got his living by Trading with the Indians: therefore seemed unwilling to have the Brood of them destroyed: As was known afterwards. And by that means a party of the Enemy escaped the hands of our Souldiers. Yet it pleased God at one time to bring the F…rlorne of our Forces upon a p…ty of the En… my, who espying the English, presently fled away into the woods, like so many wild Dea…, yet one of them, viz. that I. Sampson who had been of the Comp…ny, that killed Robinson the year before, was by the p. 51special hand of Divine Iustice, suffered to fall, by some of our Forces: He was a very lusty, stout man, and one that was armed with several sorts of Weapons, but there is no Weapon shall defend them, whom death hath a Commission to destroy: There is no Ransome in that War: The rest of the Indians that were scattered about Casco Bay, having discovered our Forces, made their escape: But, we hope their time is short, and that God will find some way to cut off the bloody and deceitful Enemies of his People, and not suffer them to live out half their dayes.

But by one such Accident or other; our Souldiers could not meet with any of them that had done all the mischief about those parts. And while our Forces lay about Casco Bay; A small party of the Enemy came down upon the Borders of the Town of Wells, where they lay in Ambush near a Garrison house, at one end of the Town, and shot down Mr. Iames Gouge from his horse, September the twenty fourth, being Lords day, as he was going home from the Meeting; and then knocked down his wife, giving her several wounds with their Hatchets about the head, of which she dyed within three dayes after.

The next day September the twenty fifth, the same party being not above seven in number went toward Yorke, and surprized Cape Nidduck in a barbarous manner, killing most of the poor people belonging thereunto …me of their Neighbours hearing of the Guns, came to their Res…ue: The Indians being on the further side of a River, dared them to come over and fight with them man to man: using several Reproachful Tearms to them, making a Shot at them also, which some of the Company not being able to bear, did very resolutely adventure through the River after them; but they were not willing to try the valour of the English; when they perceived they found a way to pass over the River upon them, but returned back towards Wells; where they killed another, one George Farrow, September the twenty seventh, as he was too carelessly venturing to his house without any Company: These things hapned while our Forces were at Casco, where they tarryed seven or eight dayes. And hearing of these Outrages commit…ed in some of those places which they left behind them; and not being able to meet with any of them in the place where they were, they returned back toward Wells, and Yorke; but the Indians were escaped away into the woods after their Companions, before they came there: Our Souldiers having thus spent much time and pains in a fruitless Expedition toward Casco, they resolved to venture another march af…er them, up towards Ossapy, supposing they mightly that time be drawn homewards toward p. 52their Wint…r Quarters; or else, that they might destroy what they had left behind them, to prevent their harbouring there for the future: But it seemed good to him, who by his Sovereign Power and Infinite wisdom ordereth all Events and pu…poses (wherein his People or others are concerned) to disappoint all endeavours used at that time for the suppeessing of the Enemy, or putring any stop to their wonted Successes: For soon after onr Forces were returned back from Casco, news was brought of the surprizal of Black point, on the twelfth of October, as was mentioned before; which notwithstanding; It was judged more adviseable to venture and proceed on with the Expedition toward Ossapy, (whether it was supposed by this time, the greatest number of them were retired) rather then to return back again to recover Black point, where was nothing to be expected but an empty Fort, and some deserted houses, which it seems the Indians had forsaken by that time.

And besides that other Forces were about the same time ordered to repair thither, sufficient for the repairing & securing of the place with what else was left remaining from the hands of the Enemy; And likewise several Sou…diers were ordered to Garrison the Towns thereabouts, to prevent them from making any further Assault upon them However, they were so far emboldned by the …king of black point, and the Ketch at Richmond Island with several Prisoners also which were surp…ized at the same time; That a party of them came the very next week after, toward Wells, hoping to attain that, and all the Towns, and places else betwixt Casco Bay and Pascataqua, as they had done black point. For a party of them under Mugg their chief Leader, brought Mr. Shendal along with them to Wells, where they summoned the first Garrison at the Towns end To facilitate the business, they sent the said Shendal as their Agent, or Messenger to move them to surrender, without hazarding an onset; But the People were not so despondent, to yield up the place upon so slight an occasion; which when the Enemy discerned, they soon drew off, after they had done some little mischief to the Inhabitants: For first they killed Isaack L…t…le field not far from the Garrison, It is said, they would willingly have had him yield himself Prisoner, but he refusing, they shot him down, yet they were so Civil, as to suffer his Friends to fetch away his body, without offering any further act of Inhumanity to it, or Host…ity toward them that fetch it off. An old man called Cross, was killed by them likewise about the same time, and another, Ioseph Bigfo…d by name, belonging to the Garrison, was sorely wounded at that time, so as he lyed …oon after: Thirteen head of neat Cattle were also killed by them, out of which they only for haste, took the Tongues, leaving the bodies of all the rest p. 53whole to the Owners, unless it were the Leg of one of them, which was also taken away.

This was all the mischief was done by them, after the taking of Black point: The Inhabitants of Winter Harbour, near adjoyning thereto, being alarmed with the surprizal of the other place; fled away with their goods, for a time; till they heard the Enemies were removed farther Eastward, and then it was said; they returned to their place again; In this posture have things in those places remained ever since, in those Eastern Plantations betwixt Pascataqua and Casco Bay.

But our Forces under the Command of Captain Hathorne, and Captain Syl, having at the last obtained all things necessary for a Winter march into the woods, did upon the first of November following, set forth toward Ossapy, where, after four dayes march of very difficult way, over many Rivers, not easy to pass at that time of the year, they arrived; but found never an Indian; either there, or in the way, as they marched along: The Indians belonging to those parts, had not many years before hired some English Traders to build them a Fort, for their security against the Mohawks, which was built very strong for that purpose fourteen Foot high with Flankers at each corner. But at this time the Souldiers intending to disappoint them of their Refuge, made Fuel thereof, which at that time was very needful for out People, who had marched many miles through deep Snow in a very cold Season, when they could hardly keep themselves from freezing as they passed along, so early in the Winter: None of the Enemy being to be found there in their strongest Fort; It was not counted worth the while for all the Company to march any farther: Wherefore a small party being sent up eighteen or twenty miles farther Northward amongst the woods, whereas they p…ssed along they met with many vast Lakes, (supposed to be the Cause of the sharpness of the cold, in that side of the Country) making the place scarce habitable for any besides those Salvages that use to hunt th…reabouts, for Moose in the Winter, and Beaver in the Summer, (a sort of Creatures, whose Skins are of more Account than all their bodies.) But at this time it is supposed they were all gone lower toward the Sea side, to share the Spoyls of the English Plantations, lately surprized by them; which is all the Reward they …ave met withal, who in former years, for the sake of a little Lucre by Traffick with them, have run themselves there into the very Iaws of destruction, either by Irregular dealing with them; or by their too much c…fidence in their deceitful Friendship.

November the ninth, our Forces having spent nine dayes in this Service, returned safe to Newechewannick, from whence they set forth at the first, p. 54having run more hazard of their Limbs, by the sharpness of the Frost, than of their lives by any Assault from their Enemies.

There was great probability that the designe might have had some good Effect, if Mugg a chief Leader of them, did not much abuse those he fled unto, with a proffer of Peace; for he told them that there were about an hundred of them about Ossapy, not many dayes before: But it becomes us to look beyond second Causes, in Events of this nature; and conclude, that God had raised up these Barbarous Enemies to bring a like Chastisement upon the English in this side of the Country, with that which others had endured elsewhere, in the end of the fo…mer, and beginning of this present year.

Whereas mention was formerly made of a Peace concluded at Boston betwixt the Governour and Council of the Massachusets, and Mugg an Eastward Indian, in the name of Madockawando chief Sagamore of▪ all the Indians about Pemmaquid and Penobscot; which said Mugg, was sent from Boston, November the 21st with two Vessels, to receive the Prisoners there detained by the Indians, and also to see the Ratification of the several Articles of the said peace concluded upon. Which Articles for the better satisfaction of those that have not been acquainted with them, are thouhgt fit here to be Inserted.

Boston, Novemb. the 6th. 1676.

Covenants and Agreements made and concluded by, and between the GOVERNOUR and COUNCIL of the Massachusets Colony in New-England of the one part: and Mugg Indian, in the Name and behalf of Madockawando, and Cheberrina Sachems of Penobscot, on the other part.

Witnesseth.

Impr. WHereas the said Mugg hath been sent & imployed by the s…id Sachems upon a Treaty with the said GOVERNOVR and COVNCIL relating to a Conclusion of Peace, doth hereby Covenant and engage for himself, and in behalf of the said Sachems, that from henceforth they will cease all Acts of Hostility, and … an entire and firm Vnion, and Peace with all the English of the C…lonyes in New-England.

2dly. That immediately upon the said Muggs Return, the said Sachems shall deliver up unto such English man, or men, as s…all by order p. 55of the said Governour and Council, be sent with him, all such English …aptives, Vessels, and Goods whatsoever, Arms and great Artillery belonging to the English, as are in their Custody, or under their power, as have been taken from them during the time of the late Hostility.

3dly. That they will use their uttermost endeavour with all possible speed to procure pay; wherewith to make full satisfaction unto the English for all such Injuries, Losses, and Damages, as they have sustained by them, in their housing, Cattle, or other Estate, during the time of the late Hostility, or else to pay such a number of Beaver Skins yearly, in order thereunto, as shall be agreed on between the said Sachems, and such person or persons as shall be sent unto them from the said Governour and Council for the Ratification hereof, to be paid at such time and place as shall be then agreed upon.

4ly. That upon Condition of the English …urnishing of them with Powder and Amunition for their necessary Supplyes and maintenance, they do Covenant and promise not to Trade for, or buy any Powd…r, or Amunition, but of such persons as shall from time to time be deputed by the Governour for that end.

5ly. That if it do appear that Walter Gendai and the men sent with him in the Vessel from Pascat…qua (with Goods from Mr. Fryer for the Redemption of the Captives according to Agreement) or any of them are su…prized and slain by any of their Indians, or any others whom they can bring under their power, that they shall forth with Execute such Murtherer, or Murtherers, or otherwis…, deliver the … up into the hands of the English.

6ly. That if the Amonos-Coggin, or any other Indians in the Eastern parts, that are in Hostility with the English, shall not fully Con…ent unto these Covenants and Agreements, but shall persist i… Acts of Hostility against the English▪ that then the said Sachems shall, and will hold all such Indians to be their Enemies, and take up Arms against them, and engage them as such.

p. 56Lastly. The said Mugg as a Pledge and Assurance of his own Fidelity, and that he is impowred by the said Sachems for the end aforesaid, and for the performance of the aforementioned Agreements, doth freely and willingly deposite himself, and his Life in the hands of the English; to remain with them as a Hostage until the said Captives, goods and Vessels shall be delivered up. Boston, Novemb. 13. 1676. Signed in the Presence of

Iohn Earthy.

Richard Oliver.

Isaack Addingtan.

The mark of Mugg W Indian

The said Mugg lifting up his hand to Heaven for the true performance thereof, esteemed amongst them, a strong Obligation to perform what they promise.

Things were so ordered by the good Providence of God, that the said Vessels arrived safely at Penobscot in the beginning of the next month, where they found the said Madockawando, who was ready to confirm and make good the Articles of the Peace concluded at Boston by his Agent in his Name; And was willing also to deliver all the Prisoners that were then in his Power, or under his Command, which were but two, who were taken in the Vessel at Richmond… Island, the twelfth of October last. The said Mugg likewise being sensible of the Obliga…ion he lay under, to make good his word, did venture to go up himself to another Plantation of the Indians, where was supposed some more of the English Prisoners were, to see whether he could obtain their Release, as also to perswade with the rest of the Indians thereabouts to joyne in the confirmation of the Peace; It appeared to the persons belonging to the Vessels, that the said Mugg went with some Reluctancy, as fearing the Indians be was going amongst, would either kill him, or keep him Prisoner; To which end, he ordered the Commanders belonging to the Vessels to tarry for him, about three dayes, or four at the most, assuring them, that if he did not return by that time, they might certainly conclude that either his Life or Liberty was taken from him, However the Vessels tarried about or near a week beyond the time limited, in expectation p. 57of his coming; But after so long stay, they neither seeing, nor he…ring from him, were ready to fear the worst, viz. that his Country men had made him sure from having more to do with the English… Whereupon for fear of being shut up by the sharpness of the Winter from returning themselves, they took the opportunity of the next fair wind of setting Sayle for Boston, (only turning in to Pemmaquid to see if they could hear any farther News there) where they arrived with such Prisoners, as were freely delivered by Madockawando, the twenty fifth of December following, Anno, 1676. Amongst which Prisoners, besides the two forementioned, who were fonnd at Penobscot, there was a third, by a more remarkable Providence then ordinary, added unto them, Mr. Thomas Cobbet, Son of that Reverend and worthy Minister of the Gospel, Mr. Thomas Cobbet (Pastor of the Church at Ipswitch, a Town within the Massachusets Iurisdiction) who had all the time of his Sons Captivity together with his friends wrestled with God in their daily Prayers for his Release, and accordingly he was with the more joy received by his friends, as an Answer and Return of their Prayers. The said young man had lived with Mr. Fryer, Merchant of Ports-mouth for some years before, and had been oft at Sea with Mr. Iames Fryer the eldest Son of the said Merchant, and who had after much Experience of his Faithfulness, dexterity, and Courage on all such Accomp…s, borne him so much Respect, that when he was urged by his Father to go along with Mr. Shendal, as was said before, he would not venture unless his Friend Thomas Cobbet would go along with him; the which Service he only for his Friends sake accepted, which proved a fatal Adventure to Mr. Iames Fryer, and might have done to the other also, had not God otherwise disposed of him, having, as is hop…d, more Service for him in the Land of the living. Amongst all the Prisoners at that time taken, the said Thomas Cobbet seemed to have had the hardest portion: For besides the desperate dangers that he escaped, before he was taken. First, by a b…llet, shot through his Wast-Coat. Secondly, by a drunken Indian, who had a knife at his Throat to cut it, when his hands were bound, when the Indians came to share the Prisoners amongst them, he fell into the hands of one of the ruggeddest Fellows, by whom within a few dayes after his surprizal, he was carryed first from Black point, to Shipscot River in the Ketch, which the Indians made them to Sayle for them, into the said River, from thence he was forced to travel with his Pateroon Four or five miles over land to Damariscottee, where he was compelled to row or paddle in a Canoo about fifty five miles farther to Penobscot, and there taking leave of all his English Friends and p. 58acquaintance, at least for the Winter, he was put to paddle a Canoo up fifty or sixty mile: farther Eastward, to an Island called Mount Desart, where his Pateroon used to keep his winter station, and to appoint his hunting Vo…ages; and in that Desart-like Condition was the poor young man forced to continue nine weeks in the Service of a Salvage miscreant, who sometimes would Tyrannize over him, because he could not understand his Language, and for want thereof, might occasion him to miss of his Game, or the like. What ever sickness he was obno…ious unto, by change of dyet, or other account, he could expect no other allowance than the Wigwam will aff…rd: If Ioseph be in the Prison, so long as God is with him there, he shall be preserved, and in due time remembred.

After the end of the nine weeks, the Indian whom he was to serve, had spent all his powder, whereupon on the s…dden he took up a Resolution to send this young man down to Penobscot to Mounsi…re Casteen to procure more po…der to kill Moose and Dear, which it …eem… is all their way of living at Mount Desart; The Indian was certainly over ruled by Divine providence in sending his Captive down thither, for a few dayes before, as it seems, after the Indians in that place, had been powawing together, he told him, that there were two English Vessels then come into Pemm…quid, or Penobscot, which proved so indeed: yet was it not minded by him surely, when he sent his …aptive thither for powder, for it proved the means of his escape; which his Pateroon might easily have conjectured, if it had not been hid from him As soon as he Arrived at Penobscot, he met with Magg, who presently … him by the Name of Mr. Cobbet, and taking him by the hand, told him, he had been at his Father… house, (which was November the first or second before, as he passed through Ipswitch to Boston) and had promised to send him home, so soon as he returned. Maaockawando taking notice of what Magg was speaking that way, although he were willing that he should be released according to Agreement, (his Pateroon being one of this Sagamores Subjects, though during the Hunting Voyage of the winter, he lived at such a distance from him) began to demand something for sa…isfaction, in a way of Ransome, not understanding before that his Father was, a great Preachman, as they use to call it: Reply mas made to him, that he should have something in lieu of a Ransome, viz a fine Coat, which they had for him aboord the Vessel; the which the Sagamore desired to see, before he would absolutely grant his Release: but upon sight of the said Coat, he seemed very well satisfied, and gave him free liberty to return home. Whilst this Mr. Thomas Cobbet was a p. 59Prisoner at Mount Desart going along with the Indians to …unt, in an extream cold day; he was so overcome with the sharpness thereof, that all his Senses were suddenly benummed, so as he fell down upon the Snow, not being able to stir hand or foot, and had without doubt there perished in a little time but that the Indians he was going along with, m…ssi…g him, presently ran about the woods to seek him, … when they found him, they were either so pitiful to him, or so careful of their own good, as not to cast away a likely young man, from whom they expected either much service, or a good Ransome, for want of a little Car…, and pains to preserve his life; wherefore, taking him upon their shoulders, they carryed him into the next Wigwam, so as he soon after revived, and came to himself again, without any farther mischief.

At another time, the Salvage Villain whose Prisoner he was, so long as he had strong Liquor, for five dayes together was so drunke, that he was like a furious mad Beast, so as none durst come near him, his Squaws he almost brained in one of those drunken fits.

The said Thomas was forced to get out of his sight into the woods all that night, for fear of being mischiefed by him. Where making a fire he kept himself alive: The Squaws being by Gods special Providence so inclined to pity, that they came to him daily with Victuals, by which means he was at that time also preserved: All which put together, makes his Deliverance the more Remarkable, as an Answer of prayer.

As for the Rest of the Prisoners, (which are said to be fifty or sixty) They were left with them who first surprized them at Kennibeck, and Ship…cot River: The Women are imployed it seems to sew and make Garments for them; They having plundered much English goods at Arowsick. They are so much elevated with their late s…cc…sses, in spoyling so many of the English habitations, that they seem not very re…y to hearken to Tearms of peace, as their Sagamore Madockawando doth desire: Nor are the English able to come near them with any of their Forces this Winter season, in regard both of the Remoteness of the place, and sharpness of the Cold, which uses to be extream in those parts: How their hearts may be inclined in the following year, or what the English may be enabled to do against them, is known unto God only, on whom we desire to wait for a comfortable Issue of these our Troubles. But until they have spent all the plunder that is t…k…n, it is no doubt, but they will …eem averse from having peace; As others to the W…stward did, whose hearts were hardned against all proff…r… of that nature, t…ll they were destroyed; Possibly some Remnants of them that escaped in those other parts, are got hither amongst these, and do anin a…e them all they can to p. 60Hostility against us, till they make these as miserable as themselves, and f… forced at the last to fly their Country. Many have been the Troubles we have met withal from these our Barbarous Neighbours round about us, but God we trust will deliver us out of them all, as he hath promi…ed to do for the Righteous, who may in the dark…st night of Aff…iction say, Light is sown for them, which shall spring up in the appointed Time thereof.

No farther News came to hand concerning the English Prisoners at Kennibeck, after the Return of Captain M…or from Penobscot, till the fifth of …a…uary. When one Francis Card with another young ma… formerly an Iahabitant of some place about Kennibeck, or of Arowsi…l, (but then a Prisoner with the Indians,) made an escape from the Indians, and so got over Casco Bay, and then to Black point, from thence he was conveighed to Pascataqua soon after, and then to Bost…n.

The manner of his escape, as he reports was this: He was imployed by the Indians to …resh Corn at a Barn a little lower in the River, than the p…ace where the Indians commo…ly k…pt being tru…ted alone, to go and come of himself, because there was no suspition of any coming to carry him away, or seeming possibility to get away without being a…scovered, he sound means to plot with another young man, who was sent to look horses, whose fl…sh it seems is by those wild Sa…ages, preferred before the best Beef, so as having their choice of both, they took what they liked …est; And this being the Imployment of the young man, he had the fitter opportunity when he was in be woods to m…ke any Contrivance to get away. Thus being resolved upon their designe, they provided necessaries accordingly, and sent such a Message home to their Masters, as might occasion them not to expect them very soon that n…ght; Thus resolved, they marched away, as soon as ever they perceived the Coast was clear; And having provided a Canoo accordingly fit for the designe, by the help of it they got over the waters, by which they were to pass which were not frozen; And in the night time turned into a Swam…e, where they might make a … to keep them from starving with the Cold, without being discerned; So as wi…hin two or three dayes they recovered the Fort, and Garrison at black p…nt, from whence they were soon conveighed to Boston.

This F…ancis Card made this Relation of matters when he came to Boston, viz. that the Prisoners which he left behind were well, and not much misused, only put to do the Servile work about the Indians: woe must it needs be with Christians, when put not only to sojourne, but to serve in those Tents of Kedar. Such of the women as were gifted at p. 61knitting, and Sewing, were improved to make stockings, and garments for their Pateroons: So as it seems the Ware house at Arowsick furnished them with Cloth, Stuff, and Linnen, and the Inhabitants served for Artificers to cut it out, and make it up.

He reported al…o that the Indians spake nothing of any Peace; but rather being heightned with their late and great Successes, were contriving how to get possession of the other places in the hands of the English, on that side of the Country, which God forbid should ever com… to pass; but finding so easy work of their former Exploits, they hope they shull accomplish their purposes with the like facility in all other places where they come.

It seems Squando is their chief Leader, that Enthusiastio…l, or rather Diabolical Miscreant; who yet hath put on a garbe of Religion, and orders his People to do the like; performing Religious worship amongst the Indians in his way, yet is supposed to have very f…miliar Conv…rse with the Devil, that appears to him as an Angel of Light in some shape or other very frequently. This Fran…is Card also affirmeth, that there is nothing so great a number of the Indians as is here reported for he saith, when they were going out upon some designe, while he was in their hands, he had an opportunity to count them all, and could find but ninety eight of them, that were men: Neither could he discern that there were any of the Western Indians, unless Simon and Andrew, that formerly escaped out of Dover Prison: Although it was before apprehended there were multitudes of them flocked thither.

Francis Card his Declaration of their Beginning, August the fourteenth.

The Indians came to Richard Hammonds, and there killed Richard Hamond, Samuel Smith, Ioshuah Grant, there parting their Company, eleven men came up Kennibeck River to my house, and there took me, and my Family. Therefore the rest of their Company went to Arowsick, and there took the Garrison: about a Fortnight after came down Kennibeck River, and so went down to Damaris Cove, and there burnt houses, and killed Cattel, there coming back parted their Company, one party went to Iewels Island, and the other party went to Saga-de-Hock, being in number eighty one; Those that went to Saga-de-Hock took a Shallop, from thence came to Kennibeck River, and then went to killing and destroying of Cattel and bousing, for they had Intelligence of a Ketch and a Shall…p at Damaris Cove, and going there they took the Shallop, and killed two men, being in number about eighty; The next day made p. 62up their Forces, went out to Black point, being about one …undred fighting men, and are now in two Forts about sixty at a place, with … or eight Wigwams between the two Forts.

Now the best place to land men is in Casco Bay, and in Kennibeck River, the one place being eight miles, the other about fourteen miles from the Fort where I was kept: And if the Army do not go now with speed, they will be gone forty miles farther up in the Country; at the first taking of me they carryed me up to Taconet, and the men coming down they brought me and two men more down for fear of our killing their women and Children, for they kept their Women and Children at Taconet all the Summer. As soon as the warm weather doth set in, they do intend to go away to Taconet, and there to build two Forts, for there is their fishing places, and planting ground. Squando doth inform them that God doth speak to him, and doth tell him that God hath left our Nation to them to destroy, and the Indians do take it for a Truth all that he doth tell them; because they have met with no Affront. Now Mugg the Rogue, he being come again to the Fort, he doth make his Brags and laughs at the English, and saith, that he hath found the way to burn Boston, and doth make Laughter at your kind Entertainment, they make their brags how they do intend to take Vessels, and so to go to all … fishing Islands; and so to drive all the Country before them: so reckning to be a great Number in the Spring, there is a great many Indians at Cannada that have not been out this Summer, both of Kennibeck and Damarascoggin, therefore a great many of these Indians at K…nnibeck do intend to go to Cannada in the Spring to them. And they do give Gifts both of Captives, and of Goods to the Eastern Indians, to have them to go out with them; but as yet I do not know what they will do. For Madock twando & Squando are of several Iudgements, and so have parted, and Madockawando doth pretend love to the English, they do use our English Captives as Civilly as we can expect by such a People.

That this is Truth is declared by me Francis Card, Ian. the 22. 1676.

By the Report which he brings it doth not appear so difficult a matter to make an Attempt to recover the place, and destroy them that hold it, as was before apprehended: Insomuch, as that designe, that was under debate before the GOVERNOVR and COVNCIL a little before, and was let fall for the present, as a matter not Feasible, hath since been set a foot with a fresh Resolution: And another thing also occured about the same time, which put new Life into the said designe, viz. an apprehension that there were several of the Narrhagansets p. 63scattered about in these woods near Pascataqu…, who it was feared might joyne with those of Kennibeck in the Spring, and so come down upon the English Plantations, and spoyle them all that are thereabouts. For soon after Francis Card coming to Boston, some of Major Walde…ns Indians at Quecheeh…, as they were hunting in the woods chanced to meet with three st…ange Indians, the which had Guns, at least two of them; but those of Q…e…bec…o were without. The other Indians began to insinuate into them, to see if they could make way for their acceptance with the English: Those Indians that this motion was made unto, in a most persidi…us manner gave them encouragement in the business,; And appointed a place where to meet them the next day, saying, they would not have them now go home with them to their Wigwams, least their Women and Children should be frighted with the sight of their Guns; All which was spoken upon a Treacherous Account, by that means to betray them, for they had neither Women nor Children at their Wigwams; but not having Gun… themselves, as the other had, they durst not then s…iz… upon them: The next day therefore according to Appointment, their guests expecting a Treaty, and a Friendly Complyanc…, (yet coming apart, as was ordered the day before to be the more easily surprized) arrived at the place Appointed; And there presently the first being thus Treacherously brought into the snare was dispatched out of hand. The like was also done to the second; The third was not at such a distance, but he either…d scerned or suspected, what became of his Fellows, and therefore made the more hast to esca…e; but his deceitful Friends were too quick for him, who shot him down before he could get out of their reach: So as they took him alive, as is said; but he could not live much longer by Reason of his wounds: These Quechecho Indians cut off the Scalps of their poor Countrymen, (which is their usual manner, when it is too far to carry the heads) which being brought to Major Walderns Indians, they were presently discerned to be Narrhagansets by the cut of their hair. This instance is a sufficient Evidence of the Subtilety, guile, and Falshood natural to all these Indians; and may satisfie any Rational person, what l…ttle trust there is to be put in their words, promises, or Engagements, though never so solemnly made, farther then they that make them, see Advantage in the keeping and performing. Subtilety, malice, and Revenge, seems to be as inseparable from them, as if it were part of their Essence.

What ever hopes may be of their Conversion to Christianity in after Time, there is but little appearance of any Truth in their hearts at present, where so much of the contrary is so ordinarily breathed ou… of their mouths.

p. 64These w…re the m…nners of the Gentiles in former times, while they remained Children of Disobedience, until they were renewed after another Image: Nor are these uncapable Subjects for Divine grace to work upon, yet are there some natural vices proper to every Nation in the world as Paul speak; of the Grecians, from the Testimony of one of their own Poets: foreign, &c.

But to Return; These things so concurring, and several Gentlemen from about Pascataqua repayring to Boston, so represe…ted the states of things Eastward before the GOVERNOVR and COVNCIL, as that it was apprehended not only necessary, but Feasible also to suppress the foresaid Indians in those parts: Whereupon it was forthwith concluded that an Expedition should be made against them; To which end two hundred Souldiers, whereof about sixty were of the Natick Indians, that have given good proof of their Valour, and Faithfulness to the English; All which were immediately dispatched away, the first week in February by water, under the Conduct of Major Waldern as Commander in chief; A person well approved for his Activity, as well as Fidelity and Courage in concernments of that nature: They had to Encounter with Rough and contrary Winds, and much cold weather the first week after their setting forth; But having so much Experience of the favour and goodness of the Almighty, who is wont alwayes to be present with his Servants in like Cases, though he hath often for a time deferred for the try… of their Faith, & exercise of their patience; yet us…th not to fail his people, that put their trust in him, and diligently seek his face; A solemn time being appointed for that end; To the which we expect a comfortable Answer: we that have sent forth our F…iends on the publick Service, being thus engaged to follow them with our Prayers, at the present in silence wait upon the Lord of Hosts to give a blessing to the designe; Hoping our Friends in this necessary, though difficult Service, thus called forth, have gone out with the like E…couragement, and Resolution, that sometimes Ioa… did; Let us be of good Courage, and play the men for our People, and for the Cause of our God; And let the Lord do that which seemeth him good.

Upon the eleventh of February two Indian Squaws, that had run away from Major Walderns in the beginning of winter, out of discontent, because the husband of one of them, and some of the Relations of the other were sent away, came back again with more wit, than they carryed with them, though with less flesh upon their backs: for having wandred up toward Pigwache…, till they were almost starved there, they say, some Indians were seen by them, pretending they were going to the head p. 65of Connecticu… River, with …ostile Inteats against the English; but they going away as they did, little h…d is given to the Star…ei they tell upon their Return.

February the …neteenth following, Iohn Abbor, the Master of Mr. Fr…ers Ketch taken October the Twelfth, before at Black Point, came in to the Isie of Shoales, having made a despera…e Adventure to escape; he gave a more probable Account of things in those parts.

He saith, they were first carryed to Shipscot River, where the Vessel in which they were …ken, was …oored for all the Winter: In which time, the Indians having spent all their Amunition, and most o… their Provision, counted it high time now to be looking out for more: to which end, they caused the said Abbot to fit up the Vessel, (being a Pinnace of about thirty T…) as well as he could, with such assista…ce as they could afford him; and ten of them shipped themselves in the same, intending for Penchscot; from thence to Sayle up that River, as far as they could; and then leav…ng their V…ssel to proceed on with their …, as high up the River as the stream would permit, and so to pass on to Cannada to buy powder of the Fr…nc… there; It being at this time two and thirty Shillings … pound amongst the Indians at Kennibeck. But, as Providence ordered it, after these Marriners were launched into the deep, a small storm with a contrary wind began to arise; of which the English Skipper found wayes in his steering to make the danger seem more than really it was. in so much that they resolved to put in at Cape-bona-waggon, three Leagues to the Eastward of Shipscot, where eight of them went a shore, leaving two Indians aboord with the English Skipper: After he had got so well rid of them, he contrived how to get shut of the other also: Therefore he perswaded them, that the Vessel would not ride safely in that place, so as he prevailed with them to let him go to another Harbour, called Damar is Cove, two or three Leagues more Eastward: In the way as he Sayled, he so ordered his steering, that sometimes the waves were ready to overrake… the Vessel, which put his two Indians into a fright, so as they made all the …ast they could to get a shore, as soon as ever they came within the Harbour, urging him to go along with them; but he pretended a necessary Excuse to stay behind to look after the Vessel but with intent, as soon as ever he should see them a shore, to boys… Sayle for some English Harbour, …ving no body aboord with him, but a small English Child about three ears old: It seems the Indians had a Child or two of their own dead in the Vessel, who dying after they began their Voyage, they were the forwarder to go a shore with them, for buryal: The said Abbot now perceiving he had obtained his purpose; (for he oft resolved p. 66on this Project before) first …allowing the Mast with a piece of fat Pork left by the Indians, as high as he could reac… ▪ that he with his own hands m…ght the more easily boyse the Sayle, so choosing rather to cast himself upon the Providence of God in the waters, than to trust himself any longer wi…h pirfidious Salvages on the dry Land; he came s…fe to Isle of Shoales before the Evening of the next day, February the nineteenth.

Within a few dayes after Iohn Abbot aforesaid, made his escape in the Vessel; There came an express from Major Waldern that commanded in chief over our Forces sent to Kennibeck to subdue the Indians in those parts, & deliver the English Gaptives that have been detained in their hands, since August last, which giveth this Account of their proceeding.