Narrative of the Troubles with the Indians in New England, Narrative 1 · Floating text 4 – Floating text 5

Narrative of the Troubles with the Indians in New England · Narrative 1 · Floating text 4 – Floating text 5

p. 73The Surprizall of Groton was after this manner.

On March, 2. The Indians came in the night and rifled eight or nine houses and carried away some cattle, and alarmed the Town.

On March, 9. About ten in the morning a parcel of Indians (having two dayes lurked in the town, and taken possession of three out-houses and feasted themselves with corn, divers swine and poultry which they there seized) laid an ambush for two Carts, which went from their garison to fe…ch in some hay, attended with four men, two of which espying the enemy, made a difficult escape, the other two were set upon, and one of them slain, stript naked, his body mangled, and dragged into the high-way, and laid on his back in a most shamefull manner: the other taken Captive; and after sentenced to death, but the enemy not concuring in the manner of it, execution was deferred, and he by the providence of God escaped by a bold attempt the night before he was designed to slaughter, and fled to the Garison at L…ncaster, the cattle in both towns wounded, and five of them … outright.

March, 13. Was the day when the enemy came in a full body, by there own account 400. and thought by the Inhabitants to be not many fewer. The town was at this time (having been put into a fright by the sad Catastrophe of Lancaster the next bordering town) gathered into five Garisons, four of which were so near together, as to be able to command from one to the other, between which were the cattle belonging to those Families driven into pastures, which afterward proved their preservation; the other was near a mile distant from the rest.

p. 74This morning the Indians (having in the night placed themselves in several parts of the town) made their Onset; which began near the four Garisons; for a body of them having placed themselves in Ambuscado, behind a hill, near one of the Garisons, two of them made discovery of themselves, as if they had stood upon discovery. At this time divers of the people, nothing suspecting any such matter (for the day before, many had been upon discovery many miles, and found no signs of an Enemy being so near) were attending their occasions, some …ddering their cattle, some milking their Cows, of whom the Enemy might easily have made a seizure, but God prevented; they having another design in hand, as soon after appeared: These two Indians were at length espyed, and the Alarm given▪ whereupon the most of the men in the next Garison, and some also of the second (which was about eight or nine pole distant) drew out and went to surprize these two Indians, who kept their station till our men reached the b…ow of the hill, then arose the ambush and discharged a volley upon them, which caused a disorderly retreat, or rather a rout, in which one was slain, and three others wounded: mean while another ambush had risen, and come upon the back side of the Garison so deserted of men, and pulled down the Palizadoes: The Souldiery in this rout, retreated not to their own, but passed by to the next Garison, the women and children mean while exposed to …azard, but by the goodness of God made a safe escape to the other fortified house without any harm, leaving their substance to the enemy, who made a prey of it, and spent the residue of the day in removing the corn and houshold-stuff (in which loss five Familyes were impoverished) and firing upon the other Garison: here also they took some Cattle. No sooner was the signal given by the first volley of shot, but immediately in several parts of the town at once, did the smoakes arise, they firing the houses.

In the afternoon they used a stratagem not unlike the other, to have surprised the single Garison, but God prevented. An old Indian if an Indian passed along the street with a black sheep on his back, with a slow pace, as one decrepit: They made several shot at him, but missed him▪ at which several issued out to have taken him alive, but the Watchman seasonably espying an ambush behind the house, gave the signal, whereby they were prevented.

The …ght following the enemy lodged in the town, some of them in the Garison they had surprized, but the Body of them in an adjacent valley, where they made themselves merry after their savage m…ner. The next morning they gave two or three Volleyes at Capt. Parkers p. 75Garison, & so marched off, fearing as was thought that supply might be …igh at …and. This assault of theirs was managed with their wonted subtlety and barbarous cruelty: for they stript the body of him whom they had slain in the first onset, and then cutting off his head, fixed it upon a po…e looking towards his own land. The corpse of the man slain the week before, they dug up ou… of his grave, they cut off his head and one leg, and set them upon poles, and stript off his winding sheet. An In…nt which they found dead in the house first surprised, they cut in pieces, which a…e …ward they cast to the …wine. There were about forty dwelling houses burnt at that time, besides other buildings. This desolation was followed with the breaking up of the town, and scattering of the Inhabitants, and removal of the Candlestick, after it had been there seated above twelve years.

Concerning the surprizing of Groton, March 13. There was not any thing much more material, then what is already mentioned, save only the insolency of Iohn Monoco or one eyed Iohn, the chief Captain of the Indians in that design▪ who having by a sudden surprizal early in the morning seized upon a Garison house in one end of the Town, continued in it, plundering what was there ready at hand, all that d…y; and … night did very familiarly in appearance, call out to Capt. Parker that was lo…ged in another Garison house, and entertained a great deal of Discourse with him, whom he called his old Neighbour: dilating upon the cause of the War, and putting an end to it by a friendly peace: yet oft mixing bitter Sarcasmes, with several blasphemous scoffs and taunts at their praying and worshipping God in the meeting house, which he deridingly said he had burned. Among other things which he boastingly uttered that night: he said he burnt Medfield (though it be not known whither he was there personally present or no) Lancaster, and that now he would burn that Town of Groton, and the next time he would burn Chelmsford, Concord, Watertown, Cambridge, Charlstown, Roxbury, Boston, adding at last in their Dialect, What Me will, Me d…: not much unlike the proud Assyrian (if his power had been equal to his pride) sometime threatned against Ierusalem, but was by the remarkable providence of God, so confounded within a few months after, that he was bereft of his four hundred and fourscore (of which he …now boasted) and only with a few more Bragadozio's like himself, Sagamore Sam, old I…thro, and the Sagamore of Quobaog were taken by the English and was seen (not long before the writing of this) mirching towards the G…llows (through Boston S…reets, which he threatned to burn at his pleasure) with an Halter about his neck, with which he was hanged p. 76at the Towns end, September 26. in this present year 1676. So let thine Enemies perish O Lord, and such contempt be poured on all them that open their mouthes to blaspheme thy holy Name.

Things looked with a pretty sad face about those parts at this time; yet though the Righteous fall seven times, let not their Enemies rejoyce, for the Righteous shall rise again, but their wicked Enemies shall fall into mischief, and rise no more. It was ebbing water with New-England at this time, and a while after; but God shall turn the stream before it be long, and bring down their Enemies to lick the dust before them.

After this April 17. Captain Sill, being appointed to keep Garison at Groton, some Indians coming to hunt for Swine, three Indians drew near the Garison house, supposing it to have been deserted, were two of them slain by one single shot made by the Captains own hands, and the third by another shot made from the Garison.

The danger which these inland Towns were like to be exposed unto from the Enemy, after they were driven out of the Narrhaganset Country, was foreseen by the Council of the Massachusets, yea they had some intimation thereof from the Enemy themselves: but they were not well able to prevent it, in that unseasonable time of the year; no way …it for marching of Souldiers, and transporting of Provisions (the Winter then beginning to break up in this Country) for while our Forces were up in the Narrhaganset Country, in the Winter, a couple of Christian Indians were sent as Spyes into the Nipnet and Narrhaganset Country, through the Woods in the depth of Winter, when the wayes were impassable for any other sort of people: these two, by name Iames and Iob ordered their business so prudently, as that they were admitted into those Indian habitations, as Friends, and had free liberty of Discourse with them; they were at the first a little jealous of them, but by the means of one …yed Iohn (a great Cap…ain of the Indians, that afterward l…d them that spoiled Grot…n, who having been a C…mpanion of one of the said Spyes both … Hun…i…g and in fighting against the M…ha…ks fo… merly; so esteeme… of him, that he would not suffer any of the rest to touch him) they passed through all the Indian Towns lying thirty miles distant from Qu…baog, and twenty miles northward of the Road to Connecticut: one of the said Spyes returned about Ian. 24. info…ming those that sent him, what he had observed, both the number of the Indians (about three hundred in all) also their several Towns, and what provision they had: plenty of Venison, much Pork from the English mens Hogs which they had taken, they confessed likewise that he and some of his party had killed the People at Nashaway the last year, suspected to p. 77have been done by the Indians of Malberough: he told th…m also they intended to burn Lancaster within three weeks after that time, which accordingly they did much about the same time: adding moreover that some Frenchmen were with them at Pocomptu…k, encouraging of them to go on with their designs, promising them assistance, which made some ready to think the Indians were stirred up by the French to do all this misc…ie…, but more of that afterwards: what might be gathered from the foresaid premises is easie to conceive; whereupon new Forces with as much speed as the season would allow were raised and sent up into those parts, under the command of Major Savage in chief: they were dispatched away in the beginning of March, and appointed to meet with such as should be sent from Connecticut Colony, which they did about Quabaog, and so intended to march directly up to those Indian Towns about Watchuset Hill to the Northwest: but the Indians were gone, and our Forces in the pursuit of them, taking the wrong path m…ssed of them, yet ranging through those woods, they were at one time sudenly assaulted by a small party of Indians firing upon them, wounding Mr. Gersh…m Bulk…y, by a shot in his Thigh, and killing one of their Souldiers, after which as they marched along, they accidentally fell upon another small party of the Enemy, of whom they slew some, and took others, to the number of sixteen, yet could not meet with the main Body of the Enemy who it seems had passed over a great River by Rafts, so our men could follow them no further, wherefore turning down towards Hadly and North…hampton, whether it was supposed the Indians intended to pass, They came very seasonably to the relief of the said Towns, which else had been in danger of being lost. For,

March 14. The Enemy fell upon North-Hampton, and in three places broke through the Fortification of Palizadoes, set up round about the Town a little before, for their better security: but the Town being at that time full of Souldiers, they were quickly repulsed, after they had killed four men, and two women, and fired four or five dwelling houses, and as many barns, with the loss of many of their lives as was supposed.

While our Forces under Major Savage continued on that side of the Country, a sad accident fell out at Springfield, the certainty of which, it is judged meet here to relate, to prevent mistakes▪ the matter having through a great oversight been otherwise represented, then indeed it was, not only to the prejudice of Truth, but to the disadvantage of some persons concerned therein. While the Souldiers were quartered amongst the several Towns upon Cinnecticut River; a party of the Troop p. 78were quartered at a place, belonging to Springfield called the Long Mea…ow, three miles from the Town below … Windsor: several of the …nhabitants having most of the Winter …ept …rom the publick meeting on the Lords dayes, for fear of the Enemy, were incouraged to adventure to the Assembly, on the 26 of Ma…ch, riding in the company of the Troopers; but having heard of no Indians thereabouts a good while, were more secure then they had cause, for riding some of them with women behind them, and some with their Children in their Arms yet not so careful as to keep in the middle, but rather in the Rear, and at a pretty distance stragling from the rest of the Company, a party of Indians lying in the Bushes as they rode along, fired upon the hindmost, and killed two and wounded others: those in the Front having also Women and Maids behind some of them, were at a stand to know what to do, fearing they might expose those Women they had in their company, if they should ride back (in that winding Road made through a woody place for a mile or two to gether) to look after them that were behind, at the last one that came riding up, told the foremost company there was no hurt, and that they were all coming: they that were before rode away with all speed to the end of the Town, where setting down the Women, the Troopers returned back, but too late to recover too poor Women & two children, who upon the first assault were thrown off their horses, and immediately based into the Bushes, and through a swamp on the other side of a steep …, so as they could not be heard of all that afternoon, nor the next day, till toward night, although they were diligently searched after by all the Troopers in and about the Town; At last when they were discryed just by a Swamp side, the cruel wretches endeavoured to have killed them all, but in haste only wounded them with their hatchets, yet so as one of the poor creatures recovered; the other with the children dyed of their wounds before they were brought home, or within a little time after. They did not complain of any incivility toward them while they were in their power; but by the Farewell given them, at their parting, they found it true by their own experience, that the tender mercyes of the wicked are cruelty

There hapned no other matter of moment worthy the reporting, while our Forces tarryed in those parts, and the Commanders observing that the enemy was turned back again through the Woods, towards the Massachusets Bay, after a months time retired back yet could never meet with the enemy in their return through the Wo…ds, although while they were at the towns aforesaid, they understood of several attempts made upon Sudbury, Marlberough, the most part of which last p. 79they destroyed March… 26. which made the Inhabitants forsake their Dwellings, leaving only a few houses garisoned with Souldiers, the better to secure a passage to the towns westward upon Connecticut River.

The Inhabitants of S…dbury▪ with the souldiers under Leiut▪ …aco…s of Marlberough sufficiently alarmed by the …ate mischief done about those Towns, resolved to try what work they could make with the enemy in the night, whereupon going forth March 27. toward morning, they discerned where the enemy lay by their fires, (near three hundred of, them) and that within half a mile of a garison house, near the place where they had …one so much mischief the day before. Such was the courage and resolution of the E…glish, though but forty in number, Towns-men and Souldiers, that they adventured to discharge upon them as they lay by their fires, when it was so dark that an Indian could hardly be discerned from a better man, yet God so directing, they discharged several times upon them, wounded thirty, fourteen of whom either dyed of their wounds the same day or soon after, which had been chief agents in this present mischief against the English. Such was the success of this skirmish that the Assailants came off without the loss of one man.

After this time the enemy began to scatter about in small partyes, doing what mischief they could about the Massachusets, killing a man at Weymouth, another at Hingham, as they lay skulking up and down in Swamps and holes, to assault any that occasionally looked never so little into the woods, sometimes alarming the towns about Boston by discharging gunns upon particular persons: at …illerica, Braintree, and at Rentham, near about which place in the Road to Rehoboth, they assaulted one Woodcocks house, killed one man, and one of his sons, wounded another, and burned his sons house.

Notwithstanding the little success of former attempts, Philip and his men have one prize more to play in the Massachusets Colony, before they goe off the stage, and then we shall soon see their power visibly declining every where, untill their final overthrow come upon them. There were several small Patryes of them scattered up and down all over the Country, yet the main Body of them was still lurking up and down in those woods that lye between Brookefield, Marlburrough and Connecticut River. Possibly they had some hope of d…iving all the Country before them to the towns upon the sea-coast; for having burned the deserted houses at Marlburrough, April, 17. the next day they set upon Sudbury with all their might, (hoping …is like) to doe there, as they had done at the Towns next beyond it. They did at the first prevail so far as to consume several houses, and barns, and kill several persons, ten or twelve of p. 80the English, that came from Concord to assist their neighbours at Sudbury, a town distant five miles from them, at the first hearing of the alarm; who unawares were surprised near a Garison house, in hope of getting some advantage upon a small Party of the enemy that presented themselves in a Meadow; a great number of Indians that lay unseen in the bushes, suddenly rose up, and intercepting the passage to the Garison house, killed and took them all.

But our sorrows and losses that day are not yet come to their height; for in the after part of the same day, that resolute stout-hearted Souldier, Capt. Wadsworth (who had not long before, with not above forty men, rescued Lancaster, when it was in danger to have been all lost at once) being sent from Boston with fifty Souldiers to relieve Marlburrough, having m…rched five and twenty miles, and then understanding the Enemy was gone through the Woods toward Sudbury: this unwearied Company, before ever they had taken any considerable rest, marched immediately back toward Sudbury (that lies ten miles nearer Boston) and being come within a mile of the Town, they espyed a party of Indians … far from them, about an hundred, not more, as they conceived, these they might easily deal with; who retiring back a while, drew Capt. Wadsworth and his Company above a mile into the Woods, when on the sudden a great body of the Enemy appeared, about five hundred as was thought, who compassi…g them in round, forced them to the top of an hill, where they made very stout resistance a considerable while; but the night drawing on, and some of the Company beginning to scatter from the rest, their fellows were forced to follow them, so as the Enemy taking the chase, pursued them on every side, as they made too hasty a retreat, by which accident, being so much overpow…red by the Enemies numbers, they were most of them lost: the Captain himself, with one Captain Brocklebank (a choice spirited man, much lamented by the Town of Rowly to which he belonged) and some others that fell into his Company as he marched along, scarce twenty escaping in all; so as another Captain and his fifty perished at that time, of as brave Souldiers as any were ever imployed in the present service.

Thus as in former attempts of like nature; too much courage and e…gerness in pursuit of the Enemy, hath added another fatal blow to this poor Country.

The same day another party of the English coming from Brookefield, whithey they were sent as a Convoy with Provision for the Garison, were in danger likewise of falling into the hands of the same Indians, yet riding upon a good speed, and keeping their Guns always ready presented p. 81against them they met, they never durst fire at them: only three or four having unadvisedly first discharged their gunns against the Enemy, and falling too much in the reet of their Company, were cut off and lost. It is reported by some that afterwards escaped, how they …uelly tortured five or six of the English that night: yet whatever their … cess was this day, it was observed by some (at that time their Prisoners, and since released) that they seemed very pensive after they came to their Quarters, shewing no such signs of rejoycing, as they usually were wo… to doe in like case; whither for the loss of some of their own Company in that dayes enterprise; (said to be an hundred and twenty) or whither it were the Devil in whom they trusted, and to whom they made their address the day before, by sundry Conjurations of their Powawes? or whither it were by any dread that the Almighty sent upon their spirits, upon their execrable Blasphemies, which tis said they used in the torturing of some of their poor Captives (bidding Jesus come and deliver them out of their hands from death if he could) we leave as uncertain, though some have so reported, yet sure it is that after this day, they never prospered in any attempt they made against the English, but were continually scattered and broken, till they were in a manner all consumed. After this time, however they had braved it before, they seemed to apprehend that it was scarce feasible for them to withstand the power of the English, and therefore seemed more inclinable to a peace, by several overtures made by them, if they knew how to have brought it about. For during these encounters they were willing to admit of some kind of treaty with the English, about the releasing of sundry of their Captives, which they took at Lancaster in February last, and elsewhere: To that end sundry attempts were made by help of several of the Praying Indians (as they use to be called) about the redemption of some of the women and children, which were at time in their possession, & by degrees something was effected that way: possibly their own present sufferings and wants that were upon them, might induce them thereunto▪ For by this time the Spring of the year came on, their provision was all spent, and they forced to live wholly upon ground-nuts, and upon the fl…sh of the E…glish creatures, both horse & neat cattle, which they daily plundered. The Ground-nuts running up to seed in the summer, began to grow so sticky, as they were scarce eatable; the flesh also of the English cattle proving unwholsome for their Bodyes, filling them with sundry diseases. One of them having eaten much horse-flesh, complained that he had before eaten horse, and now horse began to eat him, meaning some deadly disease growing upon his p. 82eating such ranke flesh, unwholsome for their Bodyes, especially without salt, as their usual manner is. The fishing season also began now to come in, wherein they use to take abundance of all sorts, with which those great Rivers up the Country are abundantly stored: they use to take thereof, and drying it in the smoak, make provision thereof for the greatest part of the year; and if the warr continued, they could not but see they should utterly be cut off therefrom, and that if the planting season also were l…st, they should be in great want of summer fruits, s…. beans and squashes (besides their corn) with which they were wont to live all the latter part of the summer. Upon all considerations, they seemed pretty inclinable to hearken to a peace, though some were apt to think they would never have kept it, further then would stand with their own advantage, and that their present desire thereof was only to gain time.

A person formerly acquainted with the Indians about Lancast…, did adventure upon the forementioned overtures, to goe amongst them to try if he could not prevail with them for the redemption of the Ministers wise, taken Captive in Febraury last from L…ncaster, and through the favour of him who having the hearts of all in his hand, inclines them as he pleases, obtained the desired end upon an inconsiderable sum, which gave encouragement to the Councell to send two Messengers on the like errand the same week, to procure the redemption of others, not without success: The former, viz. M…s. Rowlandson being brought to Boston upon the Election day, May, …d. it was generally looked at as a smile of providence, and doubtless was a return of prayer, and answer of faith, with which her husband had been upheld, and supported from the day of her Captivity; his two children also were returned back not long after, more by the over-ruling hand of God (that turns the Captivity of his people as the streames of the South; and sometimes inclining them to pitty his Servants, that are of themselves more cruell then the Sea-monsters) then by any other contrivance of mans policy,

And yet no…withstanding motions of this nature about the redemption of some of our Prisoners still in their hands, there was no cessation of armes between us.

About this time Letters were sent down from Connectiont Colony, informing the General Court then assembled at Boston, that some of the Mohawkes (a sort of fierce and savage Indians, yet mortal enemyes to these we were at warrs withall) had fallen upon some of Philips Party, and destroyed many of them: likewise that many of them were destroyed by Feavers and Fluxes, with other distempers falling amongst them, p. 83which was some reviving to our hopes, that the foot of our enemy should slide in due time, and that destruction was hastning upon them, though still they were perm…t…ed to do mischief in sundry particular places of the Country, which must be minded as we pass along.

Those Indians that were our professed enemies, after they had been beaten out of the Narrhaganset Country, Febr. 1. tarried awhile at Winimazeag, a place two days journey north of Quabaog, where they divided themselves into two Companies, one of them tarried on that side the Country, the other made toward Plimouth Colony, taking Medfield in their way, from whence as they marched along they met with a notable repulse at Boggiston, a small Hamlet, or Company of Farms not far from the said Medfield where they attempted a G…rrison, but meeting with stout resistance, they left the enterprize; and kept on their way toward Plimouth Colony, where they scattered themselves up and down, waiting for opportunityes to spoil and destroy the English Plantations on that side of the Country.

Besides what is already mentioned, on May, 11▪ a party of them ass…u…ted the town of Plimouth, burnt eleven houses and five barns belonging thereunto: on the other side, a small party of the English scouting about in pursuit of the Indians, fell upon a Party of them, that lay waiting in ambush; but being discerned by an Indian in the Company of our men that gave timely notice, our souldiers had an opportuity thereby to make the first shot, and thereby not only prevented a mischief to themselves, but killed also some of the enemy, (one of whom was observed to be of more note then his fellows by his attire) the rest f…ed away from them that pursued, though but a small company; so that there were daily reciprocal acts of hostility in those parts.

Within a few dayes after this, seven houses and two barns more were burnt by the enemy, in and about Plimouth: who did the like mischief about the same time to the remaining houses of Namasket or Middleborough.

About this time, another sort of Indians that belonged to Wamesit a place near Chelmsford, bordering upon Merrimack (who had been provoked by the rash, unadvised, cruel act of some of the English, about Octob. 27. and Novemb. 4. had fired upon them several gunns, both at Chelmsford and Woburn, to the killing of some, and wounding of others upon suspition that the said Indians were guilty of burning a Barn, and Hay-stack not far off) suddenly turned our enemies, after the winter was over having first withdrawn themselves from the place assigned them, and where they had been relieved all the winter (some of them after a former revolt) and took their opportunity to fire Mr. Falconers house in Andover town early that Spring, and wounded one Roger Marks, and killed his horse. Two more houses about Shawshin beyond the said Andover, were burned about Mar. 10. Also they killed a young man of the said town, Apr. 8. theson of George Abbot; And another son of his also was carried away the same day, who yet was returned some few moneths after, almost pined to death with hunger.

At the same time they killed some of their Cattle, cutting out only the tongues of some of them for haste; being shot at by several of the Inhabitants from their Garrisons.

Mar. 10. A. Concord two men going for Hay one of them was killed.

At Chelmsfor…, the said Wamesit Indians, about March 18 before, fel upon some houses on the north side of the River; burnt down three or four that belonged to the Family of Edward Colburn: the said Colburn, with Samuel Varnham his neighbour, being pursued, as they passed over the River to look after their Cattle on that side of the river; and making several shots against them, who returned the like again upon the said Indians, (judged to be about forty) what success they had upon the en…my, was best known to themselves; but two of Varnhams sons were slain by the enemyes shot before they could recover the other side of the River. Apr. 15. also were 14. or 15. houses burnt there.

Not long before this▪ Febr. 1. 1675. Tho. Eames that kept a Farm at Sudbury, whose dwelling was three or four miles out of the town, had his house assaulted and fired, his wife killed, and his children carried Captive among the Indians.

Also two men were killed at a Farm about Concord, Isaac and Iacob Shepard by name, about the middle of February, and a young maid that was set to watch upon an hill, of about 15. years of age, was carried Captive; who strangly escaped away upon an ho…se that the Indians had taken from Lancaster a little before. In the like strange manner did one of Eames his children escape away about May 3. last; travelling thirty miles alone in the woods, without any relief till he came to an English town. Eames his house was assaulted when himself was from home, by an Indian called Netus (not long after slain at Malborough) which had been very familiar with the English, with nine or ten more of his company, as perfidious and barbarous as himself: They burned all the dwellings that belonged to the Farm, Corn, Hay and Cattle, besides the dwelling house with what was therein; it is probable those at Concord were killed by the same hands about a fortnight after.

Many such like remarkable instances of special providences might p. 84be mentioned▪ if it were convenient to insert such particular passages into the general Narrative of the late troubles from our barbarous enemies.

On May 3. a party of them killed a man at Haverhill, upon the edge of Merrimack River; and passing over the said River to Bradford, spoiled …other Family; killing one Thomas Kemball, and carrying his wife and five Children captive, forty miles up into the woods; although it was questioned whether this last mischief were done by any of Philips party, but rather by some that belong… to the Eastward Indians, of which there may be occasion (God willing) to speak more afterward.

For the suppressing of these insolencies, several Companies of fresh souldiers, both horse and Foot were raised in the Massachusets, by the Governour and Council of that Colony, and sent out to suppress the common enemy; the Foot under the command of Capt. Sill, Capt. Cutler, Capt. Holbrook, the Horse under the Command of Capt. Brattle, Capt. Prentice, Capt. Henchman, Commander in chief: these several Companies modelled as aforesaid, were sent out Apr. 27. 1676. to range the woods towards Hassanamesit.

Upon the 6. of May, they met with a considerable. party of the enemy: they were first discovered by the Natick scouts pursuing a Bear & at the first not discerning that the Natick Indian scouts belonged to our men, it gave some advantage to our forces; our Horsemen falling upon them before they were well aware, killed and took of the Enemy about sixteen, which they took notice of at the present, although it was confessed by the enemy, that they lost twenty that encounter. It was reported that the sounding of a trumpet without order, did much hurt, but the Commander in chief affirmeth, that it was no disadvantage to the service in hand, it neither being heard by our own Foot, not yet by the enemy. If any error was committed by the English Companies, it was in that the Horse did not timely enough draw down from the top of the hill, whereby they came to be discovered by the enemy; who thereupon made the more haste to escape: However it was no small loss to the enemy, some of the slain being known to be considerable persons; and it struck such a terror into them, that they never durst face our men afterwards; for although after our men returned to their Quarters at Medfield, they saw two hundred fires in the night, yet they could never come near them again to fight any company of them: but the season proving rainy, hindred any further pursuit of them at that time. And soon after this the souldiers being visited with sickly distempers by reason of an …pidemical Cold at that time prevailing through the Country, they were for the present released for the recovery of their health, with intent to be called together again at a more convenient time; this was done May the tenth.

During this interval of time, upon a report that a party of the Enemy that were discovered about Rehoboth, busie in fishing in a River thereabouts, Capt Brattle was sent up about the 23d. of May, who with the help of so…e of the Inhabi…ants, killed eleven or twelve of them without the loss but of one of our men: Had they not discovered some of ours on the opposite shoar, it was conceived a greater spoile might have been made amongst them.

But in the next place we must take notice of the proceedings of the enemy about Connecti…nt: The greatest Body of them made towards Plimouth Colony early in the Spring as was said before, where we shall leave them for the present, and observe what the remainiug part of them did westward.

Some sc…ttering partyes were sku…king about Springfield, and those lower towns, upon a small number of whom Capt. Holioke (newly chosen Captain of Springfield in the room of his father lately deceased) handse led his office, early in the Spring: for having notice of some of them in those woods, he marched after them with ten or twelve resolute young men, and waiting his opportunity, surprized them near the great River, so as two or three of them were left dead upon the place, another mortally wounded, got on to an … in the river, where it was concluded he took his last nights lodgi…g The other being sorely wounded, was taken alive, and brought home to Spring field, where he confessed many things to one of the Inhabitants that understood their language, owning the truth in many things against his own company, and soon after dyed of his wounds.

This was bu… a Preparative to an higher piece of service, which Capt. Holioke was soon after engaged in▪ and wherein be acquitted himself beyond expectation; and taking more pains then ordinary, in making his retreat, he gat a Surfet, that ended his dayes in September following about Boston.

About the beginning of April likewise some of the Inhabitants about Ha…ly, attending their tillage at Hockanum, within three miles of the town, and having a guard of souldiers with them, yet three of the compa…y were casually slain by a party of the enemy, that lay in wait for such an opportunity. One of them was Mr. Goodman, a deacon p. 85of the Church, that went a little beyond the Command of the Soul…iers that came to guard them, to view the fence of his own land: and two others that contrary to express order, would venture upon the top of an high hill, neer by, to take a needless and unseasonable view of the Country, were shot down by the enemy before they could recover their Corps du gard.

But the great Company of the enemy, that stayed on that side of the Country, and about Watchuset Hills, when the rest went towards Plimouth, though they had been disappointed in their planting, by the death of Canonchet, were loth to loose the advantage of the fishing season then coming in; wherefore having seated themselves near the upper Falls of Cunnecticut River, not far from Dee…field, and perceiving that the English Forces were now drawn off from the lower towns of Hadly and Northampton, now and then took advantag…s to plunder them of their Cattle, and not fearing any assault from our Souldiers, grew a little secure, while they were upon their Fishing design, insomuch that a couple of English-lads lately taken captive by the enemy, and making their escape, acquainted their friends at home how secure they lay in those places, which so animated the Inhabitants of Hadly, Hatfield and Northampton, that they being willing to be revenged for the loss of their cattle, besides other preceding mischiefs, took up a resolution with what strength they could raise among themselves (partly out of garison souldiers, and partly of the Inhabitants) to make an assault upon them, which if it had been done with a little more deliberation, waiting for the coming of supplyes expected from Hartford, might have proved a fatal business to all the said Indians: yet was the victory obtained more considerable then a first was apprehended; For not having much above an hundred and fifty fighting men in their Company, they marched silently in the dead of the night, May 18. and came upon the said Indians a little before break of day, whom they found almost in a dead sleep, without any Scouts abroad, or watching about their wigwams at home; for in the evening they had made themselves merry with new milk and rost beef, having lately driven away many of their milch cows, as an English woman confessed, that was made to milk them.

When they came near the Indians rendezvouze, they allighted off their horses, and tyed them to some young trees at a quarter of a miles distance, so marching up, they fired amain into their very wigwams, killing many upon the place, and frighting others with the sudden alarm of their Gunns, made them run into the River; where the swiftness of the stream carrying them down a steep Fall, they perished in the waters, some getting into Canooes, (small boats made of the barks of …irchen trees) which proved to them a Charons boat, being sunk, or overfet, by te shooting of our men, delivered them into the like danger of the waters, giving them thereby a pasport into the other world: others of them creeping for shelter under the banks of the great river, were espyed by our men and killed with their swords; Capt. Holioke killing five, young and old, with his own hands from under a bank. When the Indians were first awakened with the thunder of their gunns, they cried out Mohawks, Mohawks, as if their own native enemies had been upon them: but the dawning of the light, soon notified their error, though it could not prevent the danger.

Such as came back spake sparingly of the number of the slain▪ some say there could not in reason be less then two or three hundred of them that must necessarily perish in the midst of so many instruments of destruction managed against them with such disadvantages to themselves. Some of their prisoners afterwards owned that they lost above three hundred in that Gamizado, some whereof were principal men Sachems, and some of their best fighting men that were left, which made the victory more considerable then else it would have been; nor did they seem ever to have recovered themselves after this defeat, but their ruine immediately followed upon it. Yet such was the awfull hand of Providence, in the chose of this victory, mixing much bitter with the sweet, that it might well be called a costly victory to the Conquerors, that so no flesh should glory in it self.

The Indians that lay scattering on both sides of the river, after they recovered themselves, and discovered the small number of them that assailed them, turned head upon the English, who in their ret…eat were a little disordered, for want of the help of the eldest Captain, that was so enfeebled by sickness before he set out, that he was no way able for want of bodily strength (not any way defective for want of skill or courage) to assist or direct in making the retreat: For some of the enemy fell upon the Guards that kept the horses, others pursued them in the reer, so as our men sustained pretty much damage as they retired, missing after their return thirty eight of their men: And if Capt. Holioke had not played the man at a more then ordinary rate, sometimes in the Front, sometimes in the flank and reer, at all times encouraging the souldiers, it might have proved a fatal business to the assailants. The said Capt. Holiokes horse was shot down under him, and himself ready to be assaulted by many of the Indians, just coming upon him, but discharging his pistolls upon one or two of them, whom he p. 86presently dispatched, and another friend coming up to his rescue, he was saved, and so carried off the souldiers without any further loss.

It is confidently reported by some that were there present at this engagement, that one told above an hundred Indians left dead upon the place; and another affirmed that he told near an hundred and forty swimming down the Falls, none of which were observed to get alive to shore, save one.

The loss that befell our men in the retreat, was occasioned principally by the bodily weakness of Capt. Turner, unable to manage his charge any longer, yet some say they wanted powder, which forced them to retire as fast as they could by Capt. Turners order.

It is said also by one present at the fight, that seven or eight in the reer of the English, through haste missed their way, and were never heard of again; and without doubt fell into the Indians hands, and it is feared some of them were tortured.

About sev…n dayes after this, they were minded to try the chance of Warr again, and see if they could not recover their loss, by returning the like upon the English: For,

May 30. A great number of them appeared before Hatfield, fired about twelve houses and barns without the Fortification of the town, driving away multitudes of their Cattle, and their Sheep, spreading themselves in the meadow near the town: which bravado so raised the courage of their neighbours at Hadly, that twenty five resolute young men ventured over the river, to relieve Hatfield in this distress, who charged the enemy with such undaunted courage and resolution (Audaces fortuna juvat) that they beat down five or six at the first shot they made, so making way through the thickest of their enemies, that lay ready to take aim at them behind every tree, as they passed by; yet they escaped all their shot till they came within a little of the town they came to relieve, where they lost five of their twenty five.

The enemy being amazed at the resolution of our men, being but so small an handfull, that they fled immediately from the town; having lost twenty five of their men in the enterprize.

The Council of the Massachusets, gathering by these proceedings of the Indians, that their desire of peace was only to gain time, Ordered that the forces raised before Apr. 27. and for a time released should be hastned out again to range the woods towards Hadly, and those parts; made an agreement with Hartford Colony to send forces from thence to meet them about Brookfield, & so to scoure along on both sides Connecticut River, to disrest the enemy what they could, & keep …hem from fishing in those waters, their hope of planting being now almost over.

To this end about May 30. 1…96. the Forces under Capt. Henchman were called together again, and sent to Brookfi…ld to meet with those expected from Hartford Colony: In the way▪ ours by the direct … of Tom. Doublet (a Natick Indian, who was a little before imployed in the redemption of Captives) following tracks of Indians, came upon a party of the enemy fishing i… Weshacom Ponds toward Lancaster, of whom they killed seven, & took 29. most women and Children; yet belonging to consirerable Persons, it made the success the more to be valued. Our Forces being by this means retarded, could not meet with those of Connecticut at Brookfield; but followed them the week after; having first returned from Weshacom to Malborough to supply themselves with ammunition; and so marched directly towards Hadly, where they met with Connecticut Forces; and from thence according to mutual agreement, ours marched on the east side of the river, and Connecticut Forces on the West, up toward Squakheag; coming to Deerfield, & the great Falls thereabouts, they sent up their Scouts, but not hearing of the enemy, they marched up no higher, being in no good capacity to have gone further if there had been occasion, by reason of a tedious Storm of rain, which occasioned much damage in their Amunition and Provision. While our Forces lay about Deerfield, some of our souldiers ranging lighted upon the Body of Capt. Turner, about Greens River, in passing of which stream he was supposed to have received his mortal wounds.

While our Forces continued thereabouts, they did the enemy some little spoile in seizing much of their Fish, & goods stolen from the English, & hid in their b…ns, under ground; conjecturing also that they found 4. or 5. places where some of the English had been tortured to death by cruel burning, after they had been fastned between stakes set in the ground: but not meeting with any of the enemy; they all hasted homewards, conceiving that having been forced from their quarters in those parts, they were drawn down lower, towards the English plantations, eastward viz. Plimouth and the Massachusets. What success C. Henchman's forces had in their retiring homeward, and what they observed of the motion of the Indians, take in the words of his own Letter

Iune, 30.

—Our Scouts brought intelligence, that all the Indians were in a continual motion, some toward Narrhaganset, others toward Watchuset, shifting gradually, and taking no each others Quarters, and lay not above a night in a place. They 27. ditto, brought in two Squaws, a boy & a girle, giving account of five slain. Yesterday, they brought in an old fellow brother to a Sachem, six Squaws & children, having killed five men, & wounded others if not killed them, as they supposed by the bloud found in the way, and an h…t shot through. These and the other inform that Philip and the Narrhagansets were gone several dayes before to their own places,Philips p. 87purpose being to … what mischief … co…ld … the English. By …dvice drew out a commanded Party under the conduct of Capt. Sill, …, sixteen Files of Englis…, all …y Tr…p, and the Indians, …xcepting one …ile, being all we could make provision for, for what with the falling short of the Bread promised us, and a gre…t deal of that we had proving mouldy, the rest of the Forces had but one Biske… … man to bring them to this place: This party were ordered … Wa…chuset, and so to Na…haway and the Washakem Ponds, where we have notice Indians were, and so to return unto this place. whereby your Honours Letter th… came to me yesterday morning I understood that provision was ordered for …; and which we found to our great relief, which we found last night coming hither weary and hungry. The commanded Party we left at Quonsiquomon, where they int…ded to stay awhile for the last Scouts we sent out: Eleven Prisoners we had in all, two of the ol…est by counsel we put to death, the other nine the Commissary is ordered to convey to Boston, with the Baggage, horses and se…e of their attendants not sit for the Service.

Daniel Henchman.

It appears plainly by the contents of the said Letter, as well as by many other testimonyes, that about this time the Indians our Enemyes, who hitherto had been linked together as Brethren in iniquity, and cruelty, were now strangly divided and seperated the one from the other: some impute it to an assault made upon them by the Mohawkes, who falling upon Philip with the Inland Indians, slew about fifty of them, whereupon they of Philips Company resolved to return to their own Country, and doe what mischief they could to the English thereabouts: This was roported by an Indian brought to S…aco…k, I…ne, 29. 1676. taken at Providence. Others are ready to think, that it was upon some quarrel amongst themselves, occasioned by an evill spirit sent from God upon them, that thereby they might, being soattered, the more easily be taken and ruined by the English; now that the time of vengeance was com…, when they shall be called to an account for all their former outrages and crueltyes; for now is the snare hastning upon them, wherein they shall be hampered in their own devices, so to betaken and destroyed: it cannot but be acknowledged as a very remarkable Providence, that Capt. Hen…hman in his late expedition to Hadly, killed and took about eighty four of the Enemy, without the loss of any one of his own men: the like favou…able success hapned to Major p. 88Talc…t, in his passage from Norwich to Quabaog, as was said before, and soon after his return.

But by that time our Forces were returned home as far as S…bury; they were ordered upon the sol…citation of the Governour of Plimouth, two Companies of them a… least, to march away immediately to Dedham, and so to Seaconk or Re…oboth, to joyn with Major Bradford in the pursuit of Philip, who was it seems with many hundreds of his Barbarous Followers fallen upon the English Plantations thereabouts, and whither also a little before, Capt. Brattle with a Troop of Horse, and Captain Mosely with a Foot Company were sent up from Boston to pursue after them, now flocking in great numbers into those Woods; there was at this time no small hope of surprizing Philip: several reports being brought that he was seen in this and that place, not with above twenty or thirty men attending on him: but his time was not yet fully come, nor had he as yet fully accomplished all that mischief, he was like to be suffered to do: For upon Iuly 1st. 1676. a party of his Indians committed an horrid and barbarous Murder upon Mr. Hezekiah Willet in Swanzy, an hopeful young Gentleman, as any in those parts; they used frequently to keep a Sentinel on the top of their House, from a Watch-house built thereon, whence they could discover any Indians before they came near the house, but not hearing of the Enemy in those parts for a considerable time, that necessary piece of circumspection was omitted that day, whereby that deserving person was betrayed into their cruel hands, for within a quarter of an hour after he went out of his own doors, within sight of his House, he was shot at by three of them at once, from every one of whom he received a mortal wound; they after their barbarous manner took off his head: and carried it away with them (which yet was soon after recovered) leaving the Trunk of his body behind, as a sad monument of their inhumane cruelty: the same Indians, not being above thirty in number, took away a Negro belonging to the same Family, who being faithful to his Masters, and the Countries interest, ventured his life to make his escape, which was the preservation of many others: for the said Negro being a little acquainted with their Language, discovered to the English after his escape, Philips purpose to seize such and such places: in the first place to assault Taunton, which in all probability had been in great danger, if their treacherous plots and purposes had not so wond…fully been made known before hand. The said Negro affirmed, that there was near a thousand of them, for he observed, that although they had killed twenty head of Neat Cattle over night, yet there was not any part of them left the p. 93Next day at eight of the Clock in the morning: by this special Providence the Enemy was defeated of their purpose, and never after had any opportunity of doing any considerable damage to the English in that part of the Country. So as after this day we may truly date the time of our Deliverance, and beginning of Revenges upon the Enemy: Now is their own turne come, when it shall be done unto them, as they have served us: They that before led otherr into Captivity, must themselves hence forth goe into Captivity: And they that killed with the Sword, must themselves be killed with the Sword, as in the Sequel of this Narrative will abundantly be manifest; The History of which before we shall any farther pursue, we must a little while wait upon our Friends, (those Forces sent from Connecticut) in their return back into their own Colony, which before i… be done, some things should be premised concerning the occasion of their coming, and the Success that did attend them in their march thither.

Our Friends and Brethren of that Colony, although they had never actually felt half of those miseries, that befell the people of the other two, yet never denyed their Assistance to the suppressing of the common Enemy, yea, sometimes they did afford it, before it was expresly desired; according to the Tenor of the Articles of Confederation, and Rules of common prudence; considering that if the fire of this War were not timely extinguished, it would end…nger their own Fabrick: Therefore according to Agreement, the Councel of that Colony ordered their successful Commander Major Talcot to meet with our Forces at Brookfi…ld, or Quabaog in order to the pursuing of the Enemy in those parts: In the way as they were from Norwich marching thither, Divine Providence so far smiled upon the Enterprize, as to give them an opportunity to surprize fi…ty one of the Enemy, of whom nineteen were slain, without the loss of any one of their own Company, which could not but much enbanse the price of the victory to the Conquerers.

The like Success had their friends which they left behind (the Volunteers gathered out of the three Town… by the Sea side, New-London, Stonington, and Norwich,) …ad who were some of them released by Major Talcot, when he first began his March, that they might the better in the absence of the Army, guard their own Towns: for before the retu…n of the Forces under Major Talcot, to that side of the Country, they had made two Expeditions against their Enemyes the Narrhagansets, that were s…ulk…ng up and down on that side of the Country; In one of which they killed and took above thirty, the most of which bein… men, … said to have been slain by them.

p. 94In the other about forty five, the most of which probably were w… men and Children, but being all young Serpents of the same brood, the su… duing or taking so many, cught to be acknowledged as another signai victory, and pledge of Divine favour to the English. But to return, it was not without the special direction of Providence that those Hartford Forces were sent to those Western Towns a week b…fore those of the Massachusets could get th…ther; for otherwise one or those Towns might have been lost; seeing that on the twelfth of Iune, soon after, if not the n…xt day, after they arrived there; The Enemy, as if resolved to try the utmost of their power, viol…ntly assaulted the Town of Hadly, with a body of about seven hundred men, at five or si… in the morning, laying an Ambush at one end of the Town, while the greater part of them were ala…m…ng the other: But the Conn…cticut Forces being at that time quartered in the Towns thereabouts, (who were English, and friendly Indians, P…q…ods, and Mobegins, about five hundred in all) that were ready at hand, besides, those that had been quartered there, ev…r since March, (who had been left by Major Savage when he left those parts, under the Command and Charge of Captain Turn…r, slain at the great Falls, as is noted before,) but since commanded by Cavtain S…am. These by their Jo… and ready resistance, wherein the Hence of Palizadoes su…rounding the Town, was no little advantage, gave the Indians such a smart Repu…se, that they found the pl…ce too ho…for them to abide it. For the Souldiers or Towns-men within, firing a piece of O d…a…ce, it so aff…ighted the Salvages, or a party of them, against whom it was discharged, that although they had just before surprized, & oss…ssed an house at the North end of the Town, if Information mistake not, yet they instantly fled, leaving some of their d…ad upon the place; Nor did they any considerable mischief with all their numbers, save firing a Barne about that end of the Town, and slaying two or three of the Souldiers, or too daring Inhabitants, who would against expres…order adve…ture to go without the Fortification.

It was accounted by some, that were present near the time of that Assault, a great over sight, that having so fair an opportunity to chase the Enemy upon so considerable advantage, it was let slip, and not improved: For Conn…cticut Soul…ie…s being all, or most of them su…nish…d with ho…s…s, they might have been soon …vertak…n, and many of them destroyed: but God hid it from …h…ir Eyes; The Co…mander in c…f, it is sa…d, q…a…tered at one of the Towns on the W…st side of the R…r, and did not a…prehend the advantage, till the Season was over: Nor wa… an… … as an … ex…ect…d from the Enemy, so early in the p. 95morning; It being a general observation heretofore, that they seldome, or never vsed to make any Attempt in the night time; part of which could not b… be imp…oved in way of proparation for su… a designe.

But the Lord of Hosts who is wis… in Counsel, and wonderf…lan w… ing, would find some other way to de…roy our Enemi…s, w…tere in the hand of his Providenc…, should more remarkeably be seen, …hat so no … should glory in its own wisdom or str…ngth, but that Salvation might a… p…ar, to be from the Lord alone. The rest of this Month was spent without any othermatter of moment happening therein.

The Governour and Council of the Massachus…ts, taking into serious consideration, th… many meiciful O…currents that had been … … us, notwithstanding the mixing of many dispensations of a contrary nature, accounted themselves bound to make some … acknowledgment thereof, to him who…e Name alone is worthy to be praised. The 29th. of that month of Iune, was set a part as a day of publick Thanksgiving to God, who had remembred his people thus in their …ow Estate. And that matter of Thanksgiving might not be wanting at the day appointed, the very day before were most of our English Captives brought back from the Indians, and many more soon after, to the number of sixt…en, whose … might then well be filled with Laughter, and their Tongues with singing, both of themselves, and all that were any wayes concerned in their welfare.

And as this day appointed for solemn and publick Thanksgiving, was ushered in by several special mercies, so also was it followed with many remarkable benefits.

For besides the preserving the Town of North-Hampton, Ma…ch, the scurteenth, and Hadly, …une the twelfth, by the opportune… standing of … Forces the very night before they were Assaulted: The saving the people of Marlborough from being cut off, was very observable, when Mr. Graves by his occasional going from the Sermon, being forced thereunto by the extremity of the Tooth Ach, March, 26. discovered the Indi… ready to Assault the Tow…, and so else the people might have been …ut off, had not that Accident Intervened. It is certain, that after the end of this M…nth, the power of the Enemy began every where to fail; for the Body of the Enemy, that …ad lurked about Connecticut River all this Spring, being visited with sundry diseases, disappointed of their fishing, and pu… by th…ir planting, began to fall at variance amongst themselve…; the Hadly and Pocumtuck Indians quarrelling with Philip for fetching all this mischief about, and occasioning the English and them to fall out, with whom they had alwayes good Corresp…ndence, and lived loving… p. 96together, but now they were like to be ruined by the …. This quarrel proceeded to that height, that from that time forwa…, those several Indians that had for so long time been combined together, … to part, and every one to shift for themselves, and return to their own homes: Philip to Mount-hope, and the Narrhaganseis to their own Country again: the Nipnets and the Riv…r Indians, bending their course some Westward, others North-word towards Pennicook upon Merrimack, intending to shift for themselves, as well as they could for the s…ure; all which is like to be the real and true state of the …le with the …ndian… which were our Enemies: for the next News we heard of Philip, was that he was gotten back to Mount-Hope, now like to become Mount-Misery unto him, and his Vagabond-Crew, and that his Friends and Al…yes, that had hitherto stood as Neuters, waiting only which way the Scale of Success and Victory would turn, began now to sue for mercy at the hands of the English: The Massachusets Governm…nt having un…erstood something of this nature, put forth a Declaration, that whatsoe…er Indians should within fourteen dayes next ensuing come in to the English, might hope for mercy.

Amongst sundry that came in, there was one named Iames the Printer the Sup…added Title distinguishing him from others of that name: who being a notorious Apostace, that had learned so much of the English, as not only to read and write, but had attained likewise some skill in printing, and might have attained more, (had he not like a falfe Villain ran away from his Master before his time was out) he having seen and read the said Declaration of the English, did venture himself upon the Faith thereof, and came to sue for his Life; he affirmed, with others that came along with him, that more Indians had dyed since this War began of discases (such as at other times they used not to be acquainted withal) than by the Sword of the English.

Not long after many of them came and offered themselves, to the number of near two hundred, Men, Women, and Children; and many more woul… have done the like, but their Consciousness of gui…t made …hem co…lude, that their Cruelties and barbarous Murthers could ne…er be forgiven by the English.

But what Occurrents happnend next shall be declared in their order.

About the end of Iune News was brought to Boston, that Philip with a sm…ll party of his men, lurked about Swanzy or Rehoboth, & that he might …sily be taken; an Indian offering to bring them to the place where they …ight find him; whereupon Souldior was instantly s…n… a…ay, from Boston who spent some time in searching all the wood… o… …hat side of the Country, p. 97but at last were forced to return having m…ssed of what they aimed at.

Plimouth Colony likewise sent out Souldiers upon the same account, under Major Bradford, who by the help of some Indians of Cape Cod, alwayes true to the English interest, not only escaped an Ambush laid for …em, w…er…by most of them might have been cut off, but slew many of those that …d wait for them, without any loss to themselves: yea further a Squaw Sachem of Sakonet, one of Philips Al…yes, having first sent three Messengers to the Governour of Plimouth, to sue for life and liberty; promising submission to their Government on that condition, but understanding that Plimouth Forces were abroad, before her Messengers returned, she with her People, about ninety in number, rendred themselves up to Major Bradf…rd, so that above one h…ndred and ten we…e killed, and taken upon co…position that day.

The like success had the Conn…cticut Forces sent into the Narrhaganset Country under the conduct of t…e wonderfully successful Major Talco…, Capt. George Denison, Capt. Newbery, with other worthy Commanders of the said Forces; for about the second of Iuly, 1676. As the said Comm…nders with the Forces under them were pursuing the Enemy in, and about the Narrhaganset Country toward Mount-hope, hearing that Philip with his black Regiment of Wompanoags was thereabouts, their Indian Scouts from the top of an hill discovered a great nnmber of the enemy that had newly pitched their Station within the semicircle of a Swampe. The Engl…sh Souldiers were all mounted on horseback, to the number of near three hundred; wherefore the Commanders ordered the Indians to be ready at the top of the hill upon a signal given to run down amain upon the enemy securely lodged in the hollow of the Swampe just opposite against them, while their Horsemen being divided into two squadrons to ride round the hill, so that at the same instant, both the Horsemen upon the two wings, and the Indians a foot rushing down suddenly upon the enemy put them into an horrible fright, making a lamentable outcry; some getting into the Swampe, the rest …hat were prevented by the Horsemen, and the friendly Indians coming so suddenly upon them were all taken prisoners; Capt. Newbery with his troop alligh…ing from their horses ran into the Swampe after them, whe…e they killed at least an hundred, as was judged by some then present; taking also many prisoners out of those habitations of darkness; the enemy scarce daring to make any resistanc…; for none of the English, and but one or two of the M…he…ins & Pequods were hu…i… that assault: Yet it was affirmed by a … p…es…nt on the place, that with those they killed and took at Warwick neck, in their return home (whi…h were no… much above six…y) p. 98that they killed and took of the enemy at that time above three hundred young and old. At the same time was taken the old Squaw of Narrhaganset, commonly called the old Queen.

They were necessitated with this booty to return homewards to gratifie the Mohegin & Pequod Indians that accompanied them, who had done them very good service in the pursuit, having lost one or two of their men in the chase: But their return hom…, was, as it proved in the issue, more beneficial, then their longer stay might have been, to have made a fruitless pursuit after Philip (whose time was not yet come although hastning apace) for in their return they met sixty of the enemy, all of whom they slew and took, so as their Sword returned not empty.

Within a few dayes after, two hundred of the enemy within Plimouth Jorisdiction being distressed with Famine, and fear of danger, came and submitted themselves to the Goverment there: But three of the company were presently derected of a cruel murther, and villanous ass…ult upon one Mr. Cla…kes house of Plimouth; by a well minded Squaw that was among them (hoping that possibly such a discovery would be pleasing to the English) and accordingly adjudged forthwith to undergoe condign punishment, which the rest that surrendred themselves were no whit troubled at, such kind of Villains, being alwayes exempted from … acts of favour and mercy. Those two hundred that had newly surrendred themselves, that they might give ful proof of their f…delity, offered to lead a Party of the English …o a place not far off, where twenty more of the enemy might be surprized amongst whom also was one, known to be a bloudy murtherer of an English man that year before; accordingly eight English men took fourteen of the said Indians, and the next day brought in all the aforesaid twenty of the enemy, with the said murderer; who was presently executed, the rest being accepted into favour.

It is affirmed likewise that five or six Sachems of Cape God, towards the eastern part of it, came with three hundred Indians to make peace with the English, on the 6th. of Iuly; one of the said S…chems earnestly desiring the English that none of them might be suffered to sell any strong Liquors to the Indians, the trading of which, possibly hath had no small influence into the present mischiefs.

The next day, Iuly the 7th. a small party of ours, with a … friendly or Christian Indians with them killed and …ook seven of the enemy in the woods not far from Dedham, one of which was a Narrhaganset Sachem; who either himself, informed, or by some other at that time, certain intelligence was brought to Boston, that some of our enemy Indians were gotten to Albany, informing people there, that they might the more p. 99easily get powder and amunition, that the English and they were now at peace▪ One of the said Indians was the Sachem of Spring field, a bloudy and deceitfull villain; It is hoped that he is now taken in the snare from whence he shall never be suffered to escape.

Philip by this time could not but think his ruine hastned apace▪ yet that he might, in imitation of him that stirred up all this mischief, express the more wrath, because he knew his time was but short, intended if possible, to destroy one town more of the English before his turn came; wherefore Iuly, 11. with all the Force he could get, or that he had left he intended to set upon Taunton, having as was conceived, many hundreds in his company: but his design being strangly discovered by a Negroe, whom they had taken captive a little before, that having lived near the Indians before, understood much of their Language, who making his escape from them, acquainted the Inhabitants with the plot; who having timely notice, furnished themselves with Souldiers, whereby they were able to repulse the enemy upon his first approach: so as he only fired two houses, and then fled away: Except the Lord keepeth the City the Watehman watcheth but in vain.

The 22d. of this monethmonth of Iuly, as is hinted before, the Companyes sent from Concord, May, 30. up towards Hadly, having spent much time and paines in pursuit of Philip all the Country over (whom they could not yet overtake) having tired themselves with many long and tedious Marches through the desert woods, before they returned home some of them were sent toward Mount-Hope, yet was their labour well improved, and followed with good success at the la…t: for in ranging those woods in Plimouth Colony, they killed and took, by the help of Capt. Mosely's Company and Capt. Brattles Troop joyning with Major Bradfords Company of Plimouth Colony, an hundred and fifty Indians, with the loss of never an English man.

It was feared that Philip and his Company would have returned into the Nipnet Country, to prevent which, several Horsemen were sent to guard the pasage; but he lu…ked about his own Country in swamps and other secret places, where he was as yet hid from the sight of the English, although many times they hapned to lodge very near him, insomuch as an Indian Captive promised in two hours time to bring our Souldiers to the very place where he was; but they not being able to pass the ne…est way, came a little too late; for they being so hotly pu… sued, …as…ed away, leaving much of their treasure behind them; then Kettles boiling over the fire, their dead unburyed, and twenty of their party were overtaken, that fell into the English hands: Philip himself, p. 100and some few of his stragling followers, making their escape by a Raft over an arm of the Sea into another neck of land on Pocasset side, not daring to trus… himself any longer in Metapoyset woods, so full of our English Souldiers, as well those of Plimouth, as of the Massachusets Colony, who a…most every day meeting with some of his party, muc… lessend his number. Capt. Church, that active and unwearied Commander of Plimouth Colony, was at this time as well as long before, out upon the chase with but e…ghteen English, and twenty two Indians that were friends, had four several ingagements with Philips party, wherein he spo…led seventy six of the enemy, without the loss of one of his own men. In several of th…se skirmishes, thos… Indians that upon submission had their lives given them, have done notable service in hunting out the enemy in all the…r lurking places.

At another time they took Philips Squaw, and one of his chief Councellors; and about that same time, another Sachem about Pocasset, with forty Indians submitted himself to the Government of Plimouth, on promise of life and liberty.

It seemed that now the time of our deliverance was come, and the time also for the dest…uction of our enemyes: for the last week in Iuly, the Massachusets understanding that some Indians were seen roving up and down the woods about Dedham, almost starved for want of victu…ls, sent a small Company of twenty six Souldiers, with about nine or ten Christian Indians, who pursued and took fifty of the enemy, without any loss to the English, at which time also, a good quantity of Wam…amp…ag and powder was taken from the enemy. That which increased this victory was the slaughter of Pomham, who was one of the stoutest and most valiant Sachems that belonged to the Narhagansets; whose courage and strength was so great, that after he had been mortally wounded in the fight, so as himself could not stand; yet catching hold of an English-man that by accident came near him, had done him a mischief, if he had not been presently rescued by one of his Fellowes. Amongst the rest of the Captives at that time, was one of the said Pomhams sons, a very likely you…h, and one wholse cou…te…ance would have bespoke favour for him, had he not belonged to so bloudy & barbarous an Indian as his father was.

These success…s be…ng d…ly br…ited abroad among the Indians, put many of them into a t…emb…ng condition, not know…g well how to dispose of themselves: some that h…d been less active in these Tragedies, and were rather led by others, then any wise incl…ned to mischief themselves, adventured to submit themselves, of which number was one of p. 101Nipnet Sachems, called Sagamore Iohn, who Iuly …7. came to surrender himself to the Governour and Council of the Massachusets at Boston, bringing along with him one hundred and eighty of the Enemy Indians. This Iohn that he might the more ingratiate himself with the English, who…e friendship he was now willing to seek after, did by a wile get into his hands, one Matoonas, an old malicious Villain, who was the first that did any mischief within the Massachusets Colony July. 14. 1675. baring an old grudge against them as is thought, for justice that was done upon one of his Sons, 1671. whose Head ever since stands upon a Pole near the Gibbet where he was hanged up: the bringing in of this malicious Caiti…e, was an hopeful presage, that it would not be long before Philip himself, the grand Villain, would in like manner receive a just reward of his Wickedness and Murders.

Sagamore Iohn, that came in Iuly 27. affirmed, that he had never intended any mischief to the English at Brookefield the last year (near which Village it seems his place was) but that Philip coming over-night amongst them, he was forced, for fear of his own life, to joyn with them against the English. Matoonas also when he was brought before the Council, and asked what he had to say for himself, confessed that he had rightly deserved Death, and could expect no other, adding withal, that if he had followed their Counsel, he had not come to this; for he had often seemed to favour the Praying Indians, and the Christian Religion, but like Simon Magus, by his after practise, discovered quickly, that he had no part nor portion in that matter.

About this time several parties of English, within Plimouth Jurisdiction, were willing to have a hand in so good a matter, as catching of Philip would be, who perceiving that he was now going down the wind, were willing to hasten his fall. Amongst others a small party, Iuly 31. went out of Bridge-water upon discovery, and by providence were directed to fall upon a Company of Indians where Philip was, they came up with them, and killed some of his special Friends, Philip himself was next to his Uncle, that was shot down, and had the Souldier that had his choice which to shoot at, known which had been the right Bird, he might as well have taken him as his Uncle; but tis said that he had newly cut off his Hair, that he might not be known: the party that did this exploit were …ew in number, and therefore not being able to keep altog…her close in the reer, that cunning Fox escaped away through the Bushes und…erned in the reer of the English: that which was most remarkable in this design, was that trembling fear discerned to be upon the Indians at this time, insomuch that one of them having a Gun in his p. 102hand well laden, yet was not able to shoot it off, but suffered an English Souldier to come close up to his breast, and so shot him down, the other not being able to make any resistance: nor was any of the English hurt at this time.

The like terror was seen in others at that time, for within two days after, Capt. Church, the terror of the Indians in Plimouth Colony, marching in pursuit of Philip, with but thirty English men, and twenty reconciled Indians, took twenty three of the Enemy, and the next day following them by their Tracks, fell upon their Head quarters, and killed and took about an hundred and thirty of them, but with the loss of one English man: in this engagement God did appear in a more then ordinary manner to fight for the English, for the Indians by their number, and other advantages of the place, were so conveniently provided, that they might have made the first shot at the English, and done them much damage; but one of their own Country-men in Capt. Churches Company, e…pying them, called aloud unto them in their own Language, telling them, that if they shot a Gun, they were all dead men; with which they were so amazed, that they durst not once offer to fire at the English, which made the victory the more remarkable: Philip made a very narrow escape at that time, being forced to leave his Treasures, his beloved Wife and only Son, to the mercy of the English, Skin for Skin▪ all that a man hath will he give for his life: His ruine being thus gradually carried on, his misery was not prevented but augmented thereby; b…ing himself made acquainted with the sence and experimental feeling of the Captivity of his Children, loss of Friends, …aughter of his Subjects, bereavement of all Family Relations, and being stript of all outward Comfor…s before his own life should be taken away. Such Sentence sometime passed upon Cain, made him cry out, that his punishment was greater then he could bare.

This bloody wretch hath one week or two more to live, an object of pitty, bu…a spectacle of divine vengeance, his own Followers beginning now to plot against his life, to make the better tearms for their own; as they did also seek to betray Squaw Sachem of Pocasset, Philips near Kins-woman and Confederate. For,

August 6. An Indian willing to shift for himself fled to Taunton, offering to lead any of the English that would follow him, to a party of Indians, which they might easily apprehend, which twenty attempted, and accordingly seized the whole Company, to the number of twenty six all but that Squaw Sachem her self, who intending to make an escape from the danger, attempted to get over a River, or arm of the Sea near p. 103by, upon a Raft or some pieces of broken wood; but whether tired and spent with swimming, or starved with cold and hunger, she was found stark …aked in Metapoiset, not far from the water-side, which made some think, that she was first half drowned, and so ended her wretched life, just in that place where the year before she had helped Philip to make his escape: her head being cut off and set upon a Pole in Taunton, was known by som… Indians then Prisoners, which set them into an horrid Lamentation; but such was the righteous hand of God, in bringing at the last that mischief upon themselves, which they had without cause thus long acted against others.

Philip, like a Salvage and wild Beast, having been hunted by the English Forces through the Woods, above an hundred miles backward and forward, at last was driven to his own Den, upon Mount-hope, where retiring himself, with a few of his best Friends into a Swamp, which proved but a Prison to keep him fast, till the Messengers of death, came by Divine permission to execute vengeance upon him, which was thus accomplished.

Such had been his inveterate malice and wickedness against the english that despairing of mercy from them, he could not bear that any thing should be suggested to him about a Peace, insomuch as he caused one of his Confederates to be killed, for propounding an expedient of peace; which so provoked some of his Company, not altogether so desperate as himself, that one of them (being near of kin to him that was killed) fled to Road-I…land, whither, that active Champion Capt. Church was newly retired, to recruit his men for a little time, being much tired with hard marches all that week) informing them that Philip was fled to a Swamp in Mount-hope, whether he would undertake to lead them tha… would pursue him. This was welcome news, and the best Cordial, for such Mar…ial Spirits: whereupon he immediately, with a small Company of men, part English and part Indians, began another March, which shall prove fatal to Philip, and end that controversie betwixt the english and him: for coming very early to the side of the Swamp, his Souldiers began presently to surround it, and whether the Devil appeared to him in a Dream that night, as he did unot Saul, for… boding his Tragical end (it matters not) as he intended to make his escape out of the Swamp, he was shot through the Heart by an Indian of his own Nation as is said, that had all this while kept himself in a neutrality until this time, but now had the ea…ing vote in his power, by which he determined the quarrel that had held so long in suspence; in him is fulfilled what was said in the Prophet, Wo to thee that spoilest, and thou wast not spoiled, and deal…st p. 104treacherously and they dealt not treacherously with thee; when thou shalt cease to spo… thou shalt be spoiled, and when thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee, …. 33: 1.

With Philip at this time fell five of his trustiest Followers, of whom one was said to be the Son of his chief Captain, that had shot the first Gun at the English the year before. This was done August 12. 1676. a remarkable testimony of divine favour to the Colony of Plimouth, who had for their former successes, appointed the 17th day of August following, to be kept as a day of solemn Thanksgiving to Almighty God. There having been so strange a turn of providence observed in the late successes obtained in and about Plimouth Colony, it may not be amiss here to enquire into the occasions that did lead thereunto, and also into the progress and continuance thereof, after the slaughter of Philip that grand Rebel.

In the precedent Narration frequent mention hath been made of one Capt. …hurch, whom God hath made an instrument of signal Victories over the Indians in that Colony, and of great advantage in that respect to th… w…ole Jurisdiction. It hapened that the said Capt. Church some time in Iune last, viz. of this present year, 1676. passing over in a Canoo from Pocasset to Road-Island, as he used frequently to do (having had much imployment upon the said Neck of Land, so called) several Indians whom he had known before at Lakenham (a Village on Po…ss…t si… ) b…ckned to him, as if they had a mind to speak with him; he having had so much exper ence as well as others of their Treachery, was not willing to adventure presently to come near them; but when they seemed to …rge very much, and made many signs to him, and at last laid down their Guns in his sight, be began to think with himself, there might be something in the matter more then ordinary, therefore resolved to go a little nearer to the shore, and then he perceived they had a great minde to speak with him, using much importunity for that end, insomuch as he ventured to go a shore amongst them, having but one English-man, and two Indians with him, he directed them to keep off the Canoo, while he discoursed with the Indians ashore: as soon as ever he came amongst them; they told him they were weary of fighting, and that they had fought so long by Philips instigation, but they could not tell for what end, and therefore were resolved they would fight no longer; and that which they desired of him only was, that he would make way for them to the Governour, that they might live quietly amongst the English, as they had done before, and that they would deliver up their Arms, or would go out with them, if he pleased to accept of them, and fight for him: p. 105to that end they desired a time to parly with him, further about that business, at what time and place he would appoint: He told them he would meet them two dayes after at Saconet, a place up higher upon the said neck, about twelve a clock; accordingly he came to the said place, and found the same Indians, with some others, and their Sunke Squaw, or chief woman of that Indian Plantation, there ready to meet him.

After they had fallen into discourse about the beginning of the warr, as well as the success and mischief of it, they would have put the blame off from themselves, and laid it upon the English: But he presently convinced them by an undeniable evidence, that they first began the warr; For said he upon this Pocasset, Iuly, 7. 1675. you first fought with some of Road-Island, whereof one was my own Servant, whose leg you brake, and the same day you shot at my self and Company, before ever we meddled with you: They were so fully convinced herewith, that they found nothing to reply, but fell into other discourse about a peace, which they seemed very desirous to obtain upon any equal tearms, as was said before.

There were about fifteen of the Indians present, beside their Sunke Squaw (which is with us their Governess or Lady) in conclusion they engaged for ever after to leave Philip, and to goe out with him; which they did forthwith, as soon as he had obtained a peace for them with the Governour.

It is here to be minded, that these were not properly Philips Indians, but belonged to the Sakonet Squaw, who was nearly related to Philip, and her Subjects had hitherto fought in Philips Quarrell, till they saw nothing but misery and mischief like to be the issue of it to themselves, as well as their neighbours. About twenty or thirty of these Sakonet Indians have constantly gone out with Capt. Church ever since, and not only been faithfull and serviceable to him, but very successfull in every enterprise they have gone about, nor hath he lost any of them in any skirmish with the other-Indians: And it is said that this act of these Indians broke Philips heart, as soon as ever he understood it, so as he never joyed after, or had any success in any of his designs, but lost his men one time after another, till himself at last fell into the hands of these Indians under Capt. Churches Command: For at the swamp when Philip was …ain, Capt. Church appointed an Eng…ish man and an Indian to stand at such a place of the swampe, where it hapned that Philip was breaking away; the morning being wet and rainy, the English mans gun would not fire, the Indian having an old Musket with a large touch-hole, p. 106it took fire the more readily, with which Philip was dispatched, the bullet passing directly through his heart, where Ioab thrust his darts into rebellious Absalom.

Thus did divine vengeance retalliate upon this notorious Traitor, that had against his league and Covenant, risen up against the Government of Plimouth, to raise up against him one of his own people, or one that was in league with him, as he was with the English: The Indian that did this execution was called Alderman of Sako…e… that had never done any act of hostility against the English.

By these passages it is manifest, that as the hearts of all are in the hand of God▪ so he …urns them as he pleases, either to favour his people, or to hate and deal subtilly with his Servants, as seems good to him.

Since this engagement with the Sakonet Indians, to leave Philip, and to goe out with Capt. Church, it is credibly affirmed; that such hath been their success, that since Iune aforesaid, to the end of October next following, there have been seven hundred Indians subdued, either by killing or taking Captive, by the meanes … Capt. Church and his Company, part Indians and part English▪ besides three hundred that have come in voluntarily to submit themselves to the Government of Plimouth.

It appears thus by the sequell of things, that after the Lord hath accomplished his work upon his people, that he is beginning to call his enemyes to an account, and punish them for the pride of their hearts, and for all their treachery and cruelty against his Servants.

Philips Captains have run the same fa… with himself, some before and some after his own Fall.

In Iune last one Tia…q a great Captain of his, his wife and child, or children being taken, though he escaped himself at first, yet came since and surrendred himself.

The next noted Captain of Philips Indians that was brought in after Philip… death, was one called Tespiquin, a notorious Villain, next to Philip, he was called the black Sachems son: It was this Tespiquin that burnt so many houses in Plimouth lately. Capt. Church with his Company were in pursuit of him in September last, two dayes before they could get near him, at the last on the third day, they found the track made by the said Tespiquins party, as they went to fetch apples from the English Orchards: This was something a blind track, therefore they were forced to take up their quarters that night without discovering any place of their Rendezvouze. The next morning about nine of the …lock, they came to their first Rendezvouze, from which they were newly gone: at one a clock they came to the second, and missing p. 107them there, they soon after came to the third track, wherein after they had m…ched a while, they perceived they grew very near them, by the …rying of a child which they heard: the place was near Lakenham upon Po…asset neck, so full of bushes that a man could not see a rod before him: Capt. Church ordered his men to march up together in one ranke, because he discovered the Indians were laid in one Range by several fires; so that by that time they all came up into an even ranke pretty near together, within a few yards of them, as he had appointed, they all suddenly rushed altogether in upon them, and catched hold of them, not suffering any to escape; there being about fifty of them in all: Tespequins wife and children were there, but himself was absent; as also one Iacob, and a girle that belonged to that company. The Captains leisure would not serve him to wait till they came in, (though the Indians said they might come that night) whe…efore he thought upon this project; to leave two old Squawes upon the place, with victuals, and bid them tell Tespiquin, that he should be his Captain over his Indians if he were found so …out a man, as they reported him to be; for the Indians had said that Tespiquin could not be pierced by a bullet, for said they, he was shot twice, but the bullets glanced by him and could not hurt him. Thus the Captain marched away with his booty, leaving this Trap behind him to take the rest▪ the next morning he came to see what his Trap had catch'd, there he found Iacob aforesaid (a notorious wretch) and the gi…e he missed before, but not Tespiquin: But within a day or two after, the said Tespiquin, upon the hopes of being made a Captain under Capt. Church, came after some of the Company, and submitted himself in the Captains absence; and was sent to Plimouth, but upon trial (which was the condition on which his being promised a Captains place under Capt. Church did depend) he was found penetrable by the English gunns, for he fell down at the first shot, and thereby received the just reward of his former wickedness.

About a Fortnight after the surprising of Tespiquin, was one Totoso… company taken, wherein were above fifty persons: but Totoson himself escaped, and is out still in Rebellion, unless vengeance hath overtaken him since.

The next that was seized after the former, was one called Annawan; a very subtle, politick Fellow, and one of Philips chief Counsellors; he had about twelve men, and as many Women and Children in his Company, who were discovered by their shooting at the English Horses, and other Cattle; some of whom being taken, they made known the rest. Capt. Church … that time had but five English men, and twenty Indians. p. 108The place where this Annawan had betaken himself, was a ledge of Rocks inaccessible, but at one place, which by a few hands, might easily have been defended against a great number of Assailants: but Capt. Church by direction got up to their Wigwams before they were aware: and pleasantly told Annawan, that he came to sup with him that night; whereat the said Annawan (who had fallen … upon the Earth, exp…cting to have his head cut off) looked up and cried Taubut, in their Language; thank you, as one being much affected with the generosity of our English Captain; they found some of the English Beef boyling in their …ettles: After Supper much discourse had with the said Annawan, they lay down to sleep together in the Wigwam: Capt. Church laying one of his legs upon A…wans Son, and the other upon himself, that he might have notice, if any of them offered to stir: after midnight Annawan rose up, and Capt. Church was presently awake, and intended to watch after his Prisoner: he thought at the first he might have gone forth upon some necessary occasion; but not long after, he returned again, having fetched out of a Swamp hard by, two Horns of Powder and a large Belt of Peag, supposed to be Philips Belt, all which he delivered to Capt. Church, in way of thankful acknowledgement of his courtesie. Amongst other Discourse that passed between them, concerning … occasion of the War, and carrying of it on: the Indian would fain have excused Philip, and layd the blame upon the Praying Indians (as they are distinguished from others by that Character) and others of the younger sort of his Followers, who coming with their several …ales (which he li…ened to sticks laid on a heap) till by the multitude of them a great fire came to be kindled: they make much use of parabolical expressions; for so said Solo…on, Where no wood is, there the fire go…th out; s… where there is no tale-…earer, … strife ceaseth, Prov. 26. 20. But Philip had had large and long experi…e of the gentleness and kindness of the …nglish; both to himself and to his P…ple so as unless he had born an … and malicious mind against the …, he would never have …earkened to those stories, contrary to his …aithful promise and Allegiance.

The said Annawan confessed also, that he did believe by all those late occurrents, that there was a great God, that over-ruled all; and that he had found, that whatever he had done to any of those, whether Indians or English, the same was brought upon himself in after time. He confessed also, that he had put to death several of the English, that they had taken alive, ten in one day: and could not deny, but that some of them had been tortured: and now … could not but see the justice of the great God upon himself, with many other things of like nature. p. 109But whatever his confessions of this nature were, being … him by the power of Conscience, after he was delivered up to Authority, he was put to death, as he justly had deserved.

It is said that Philip when he first began his Rebellion, had about three hundred fighting men under him, besides those that belonged to his Kins-woman, Wetamoe, drowned about Taunton, that had almost as many under her, as himself. And one Quenopin, a Narrhaganset Sachem, that lived near him, and joyned with him in his quarrel with the English: But it is certain that there are scarce any that are now left that belonged to either of them: so as although the Almighty hath made use of them to be a scourge to his People, he hath now turned his hand against them, to their utter destruction, and exti…pation from off the face of the earth, peradventure to make room for others of his People to come in their room, and in their stead.

As for the rest of the Narrhagansets, that joyned in Philips quarrel, it is already declared, what end they were come unto. As for the rest of the Indians, whither Nipnet, Nashaway, Pacomp…uck, or Hadly and Springfield Indians; it is not so certain what is become of them: But after their separation one from the other about Iuly last; it was observed by all the Tracks in those Woods, they went still westward▪ and about the middle of August last, a great party of them were observed to pass by West field, a small Town to the west of Springfield, and were judged to be about two hundred▪ News thereof being brought to Major Talcot, he with the Souldiers of Connecticut Colony under his command, both English and Indians, pursued after them as far as Ausotunnoog River (in the middle way betwixt West field, and the Dutch River, and Fort Albany) where he overtook them, and fought with them; killing and taking Prisoners forty five, whereof twenty five were fighting men, without the loss of any one of his Company besides a Moheg in Indian: many of the rest were sorely wounded, as appeared by the dabbling of the Bushes with blood, as was observed by them that followed them a little further.

It is wri…ten since from Albany, that there were sundry lost besides the forty five forementioned, to the number of threescore in all; and also that an hundred and twenty of them are since dead of sickness: so as Vengeance seems to be pursuing of them as well as the rest.

Several of the…r Friends that belonged to Nashaway, and the places a…joyning, repaired to Pas…ataqua, hoping to shrowd themselves under the Wings of some honester Indians about Quechecho, under pretence p. 110of a Dec…tation set out by the Governour and Council of the Massa…sets in the beginning of … last: but some of our Forces, under Capt. Hath…rne and Capt. Sill, with the help of Major Walden, Captain Frost, and others r…siding in those parts, being than in a readiness, separated the vile, and wicked from the rest, and sent them down to the Governour at Boston, where eight or nine of the Ring-leaders, such as one eyed Iohn, Sagamore Sam of Nashaway, chief Actors of the late outrages, and bloudy mischiefs had justice done upon them soon after.

As for the Massacres and Calamities that befel the English further Eastward, they shall in the second part of this Narrative be declared.

The Indians being thus dispersed several wayes, were strangly confounded, and destroyed one parcel after another▪ untill there was none left in the western or southern parts, that durst make any opposition all the following part of the year.

As for those that …ed westward toward Albany, we shall there leave them for the present, wishing we may never hear more of them: Only a person of Quality informeth, that at Hartford, in September last, he was present at the examination of one Choos, an Indian, formerly of Connecticut, but one of the Narrhaganset Fort the last winter, who confessed that he was one of that Company of Indians that went westward the monethmonth befor… toward Hudsons River; but after the fight at Ausotunnoog, he said he returned back to Connecticut for fear of the Mohawks; and that he lay hid about Farmington, till he was almost starved; and then he went to the Sea-side, to make use of the Oister-bank at Stratford for his relief, where he was espyed by the Indians, and so brought to Hartford.

He affirmed, that there were above two hundred and fifty fighting men amongst those Indians that fled westward, besides women and children; and that near two hundred of them passed the great River below Albany, and were shel…red by the Indians of that place, called Moheganders; but about eighty of them tarried on the hither side of that River near a Dutch village. But he being convicted of fighting against the English, was condemned to dye, and executed about the same time.

Some few of the rest were skulking about the Narrhaganset Country the last Fall, hoping to shelter themselves under Un… but he not willing to give them countenance against the mind of his friends at Connecticut, hath since abandoned them to shift for themselves, who have been most of them taken and brought in prisoners to the English this winter.

About the MonethMonth of October last, Mr. Stanton chanced to come from Se…conke with three Indians in his company P…qnods, or Mohegins, they p. 111hearing by a Captive at one of the next towns that there was a parcel of the enemy not for off, presently left Mr. Stanton, and pursued after them, whom they soon after overtook, and made them all prisoners: amongst them was an old man, not able to goe their pace, but promising to come after them, they spared his life: but as soon as the men retorned at night from hunting, the old man told them what had befalne their women and children; whereupon the next morning they presently following after them, overtook them, and so recovered the prisoners, and …lew one of the three that carried them away; the other two hardly escaped; one of them is called Major Symon, being part a Peqnod and part a Narrhagansc…, but of extraordinary strength and courage; he perceiving the danger they were in, challenged to fight hand to hand with any five of them with their hatches; but they unwilling to hang their success upon the hazzard of a single Combate, came all towards him at once, whereupon first discharging his gun amongst the whole Company, he brake through them all by force, and so escaped their hands, with one more that was one of his companions. This Symon hath since been very active in killing and taking many of the enemy; some say that he with his own hands hath taken and killed above threescore; and either out of hatred to the enemy, or love to the English, is this last week gone with the Souldiers to the eastward, in pursuit of our quarrel against them in those parts.

At another time not long before, when he was out against the enemy; he came suddenly upon a great number of them, as they were spread under a steep banke, from whence leaping down into the midest of them he killed diverse, and took others: Fighting it seems is a recreation to him, for he is seldome at home above four or five dayes together.

Some say that in one of his former expeditions, being much wearied and spent, he laid him down to sleep; but towards morning he fell into a dream, wherein he apprehended the Indians were upon him, where suddenly rising up he espyed the Indians coming toward him; but presently presenting his gunns against them, he so frighted them, that they gave him an opportunity to make an escape from a multitude of them.

Since the beginning of December last, News coming down to Boston, that mischief was done about Seaconk, and Rehoboth, by some remainder of the Indians thereabout, killing their swine and horses; several of Medfield went out after them, and pursuing them by their track, came upon a small party, of whom they took three, one of which escaped, while some of the company were going after the rest: They which were taken confessed there were a parcell about threescore, that were lurking p. 112up and down in those Woods, the said two Indians were brought into Boston, Jan. 8.

A Commiss…on was formerly granted to Peter Ephrai… an Indian of Natick, to go out in pursuit of them, with twenty nine of his Company: a few of the English went with them from Medfield, who being tired with marching in the Snow soon returned. The Indians kept on in their design, and …ghted upon a considerable party of the Enemy, having traced them, till they found where they lodged over night; they surrounded them early in the morning, as their manner is, and then offered them quarter, if they would yield: eight resolute fellows refused, who were presently shot down, the rest were all seiz…d, the whole being in number forty two. This was done abont the middle of Ianuary …, since which time, several such exploits have been done by them.

Ian. 23. last, The same Company of Natick Indians took two and twenty of the Enemy, among which were five able men, and five Arms: they sent the Prisoners home by five of their Company, the rest went further in the chase.

Ian. 26. last, Another parcel of the Enemy were brought in, eight in number, of whom five were men; amongst whom was the Indian called Cornelius: who three years since was indicted for killing an Englishmans Cow; upon which he is said to have uttered several threatning speeches, that he would kill English men, and their Cows too; which was now remembred against him, when he was in particular called to account, for having an hand in killing some of the English and Indians also in league with us, for which he was sentenced to dy, and was accordingly executed on Febr. 15. last.

Concerning the rest of the Indians, either in the Colony of Plimouth, Connecticut, or the Massachusets; there is no occurrent more of moment come to light, since the end of August last, save what is last mentioned before; yet is it very remarkable that although tearms of peace were offered to all that would come in and surrender themselves (as appears by a Declaration put out Iuly last) and that a Nipnet Sachem called Iohn, did thereupon with a considerable number of his Company come in, and offer themselves, and were accordingly secured of their lives, and other concernments; yet did that treacherous Varlot make an escape away, this winter from Capt. Prentices House (under whose charge he was put, about Cambridge Village) and with above twenty more fled away into the Woods, to shift for himself, amongst the rest of his bloody Companions; they were presently pursued, but had gone p. 113tho fast and too far to be overtaken: whither it were consciousness of their own guilt, that having had an hand in the bloud of the English, they feared vengeance hung over their heads: or whither they liked not the English manners so well, as to be confined thereunto: wild creatures ordinarily love the liberty of the woods, better than the restraint of a cage. They made none acquainted with their designe before they went away; and as yet little account can be given of them: only it is known that one or two of their number have since been killed; …nd that one or two of their Families are entertained by Uncas; but what is become of the rest is yet uncertain: There were but seven of the Company men; so as they are not capable to do much mischief. Some of late have travailed through the woods of Connecticut, but met with no Indians, nor did they hear of any in their passing between that place and this.

And because in the present Narrative, there hath been frequent mention made of Unc… the Mohegin Sachem, and of his faithfulness to the interest of the English, I adde in this pl…ce, that it is suspected by them that knew him best, that in his heart he is no better affected to the Engl…sh; or their Religion, then the rest of his Country-men; and that it b…n been his own advantage, that hath led him to be thus true to them who have upheld him, as formerly against the Pequods, so of late against the Narrhagansets: yet hath he not long since been convinced of the truth of our Religion, and vanity of his own, as himself hath solemnly confe…sed, which will …viden…ly appear by this following passage, which I shall here represent just as it was, from under the hand of that Reverend person it relates unto, viz. Mr. Fitch, Pastor of the Church at Norwich, near unto which Vncas his place is.

There was a great drought the last Summer, but as it seems, it was more extream in those parts then with us about the Massachusets; and although probably, the English might have prayed for rain themselves without any motion from the Indians, yet their address to the said Mr. Fitch on such an account, with the consequences thereof, is very remarkable, which take in his own words,

Concerning the Drought &c. the true Narrative of that Providence is this,

In August last, such was the want of rain, that the Indian corn was not only dryed and parched up, but the apple-trees withered, the fruit and leaves fell off as in Autumn, and some trees seemed to be d…ad with that D…ought: the Indians came into town and did lament their want of rain, and that their Powawes could got none in their way of worship p. 114desiring me that I would seek to God for rain: I appointed a Fast day for that purpose. The day being come, it proved a cleer day without any clouds, untill nigh sun setting, when we came from the Meeting, and then some Clouds arose; the next day remained cloudy, then Vncas with many Indians came to my house, Vncas lamented there was such want of Rain; I asked whether if God should send us rain, he would not attribute it to their Powawes: He answered no, for they had done their uttermost and all in vain: I replyed, if you will declare it before all these Indians, you shall see what God will doe for us; For although this year he hath shewn his anger against the English, and not only agai…st the Indians, yet he hath begun to save us, and I have found by experience twice in the like case, when we sought him by Fasting and Prayer, he hath given us Rain, and never denyed us. Then Vncas made a great speech to the Indians (which were many) confessing that if God should then send rain it could not be ascribed to their powawing, but must be acknowledged to be an answer of our prayers. This day the clouds spread more and more, and the next day there was such plenty of rain, that our River rose more then two foot in height.

By all that is recorded in the Narrative foregoing there are none into whose hands it shall come, but will be sensible that the present time hath been a day of great rebuke & trouble to the poor people so journing in this wilderness, upon whom sundry calamities have broke in at once this last as well as in the former years: in many places they have been visited with sickness, and mortality more then in many years before, depriving them of many worthy and usefull persons; amongst others the loss of Mr. Iohn Winthrope the late worthy Governour of the Colony of Connecticut, is as it ought, much lamented by all, who dyed at Boston, April 5. 1676. in the 73. year of his age, whither he was occasionally called the last winter to sit with the rest of the Commissioners, of the united Colonyes, to consult about the great affairs of them, now newly engaged in these troubles from the Heathen. He was the eldest son of the famous Governour of the Massachusets, deceased, March, 26, 1649. Pr…les fimilima Parenti. The memory of the Father, though he dyed so long ago yet lives still in the minds of the surviving Generation, and is like to continue much longer, by the remembrance of the eminent virtues found in this the eldest of his off-spring, who being not long after, or about that time called to take up his residence in that Colony, was by the importunity of the people there, prevailed with to accept of the Governours place, which for a long time after, he held over that Colony p. 115though annually chosen thereunto; being so well furnished with many excellent endowments, as well moral as political and philosophical, which rendred him most fit to be an healer of that people. Though we are dealing in another subject, yet shall not pass by his Tomb, as we goe along, without paying the homage due to the memory of so honourable a Gentleman.

After all the forementioned Calamityes and troubles, it pleased God to alarme the town of Boston, and in them the whole Country, by a sad Fire, accidentally kindled by the carelesness of an Apprentice, that sate up too late overnight, as was conceived; which began an hour before day, continuing three or four, in which time it burned down to the ground forty six dwelling houses, besides other Buildings, together with a Meeting house of considerable bigness: some mercy was observed mixt with the judgment; for if a great rain had not continued all the time (the roofs and walls of their ordinary buildings consisting of such combustible matter) that whole end of the town had at that time been consumed.

Whereby we see that God by his providence can turn our dwellings into ash…s, without the help of either forreign or domestick enemies. Which consideration may awaken all from security, and confidence in these uncertain and unstable possessions, that have no firmer Foundation, that may so soon after their first erection, be eaten up by the flames of fire, before the iron teeth of time have had leisure to devour and feed upon them.

God grant that by the Fire of all these Iudgments, we may be purged from our Dross, and become a more refined people, as Vessels fitted for our Masters use.