Journal of the Settlements of Massachusets and Other Colonies, Journal · Part 2

Journal of the Settlements of Massachusets and Other Colonies · Journal · Part 2

p. 299Continuation about La Tour.

The Governor, with the advice of some of the magistrates and elders, wrote a letter to D'Aulnay taking occasion in answer to his letter in 9ber last to this effect, viz. Whereas he found by the arrest he sent last autumn that La Tour was under displeasure and censure in France, thereupon we intended to have no further to do with him than by way of commerce which is allowed, and if he had made prize of any of our vessels in that way, as he threaten'd, we should have righted ourselves so well as we could without injury to himself or just offence to his master of France, whom we did honor as a great and p. 300mighty prince, and should endeavour always to behave ourselves towards his majesty and all his subjects as became us &c. But La Tour coming now to us, and acquainting us how it was with him &c. and here mentioned the vice admiral's commission and the letters &c. tho' we thought not fit to give him aid, as being unwilling to intermeddle in the wars of any of our neighbours, yet considering his urgent distress, we could not in christianity or humanity deny him liberty to hire for his money any ships in our harbour, either such as came to us out of England or others. And whereas some of our people were willing to go along with him (tho' without any commission from us) … had charged them to labour by all means to bring ma…ters to a reconciliation &c. and that they should be assured that if they should do or attempt any thing against the rules of justice and good neighbourhood, they must be accountable therefor unto us at their return.

Beside the former arguments, there came since to Boston one Mr. Hook a godly gentleman, and a deputy of the court for Salisbury, who related of the good usage and great courtesy which La Tour had shewed to himself and other passengers who were landed at his fort about nine years since as they came from England, and how the ship leaving them there, and only a small shallop to bring them to these parts, and a dangerous bay of 12 leagues 10 be passed over, he would not suff…r them to depart before he had provided his own pinnace to transport them.

And whereas he was charged to have killed two englishmen at Machias not far from his fort▪ and to have taken away their goods to the value of £500. Mr. Vines of Saco who was part owner of the goods and principal trader and being present with La Tour, the Governor heard the cause between them which was thus.

Mr. Vines being in a pinnace trading in these parts, La Tour met him in another pinnace, and bought so many of his commodities as Mr. Vines received then of him 400 skins, and altho' some of Mr. Vines his company had abused La Tour, whereupon he had made, them prisoners in his pinnace, yet at Mr. Vines' intreaty he discharged them with grave and good counsel▪ and acquainting Mr. Vines with his commission to make prize of all such as should come to trade in those parts, and thereupon desired him peaceably to forbear &c. yet at his request he gave him leave to trade the goods he had left, in his p. 301way home, so as he did not fortify or build in any place within his commission, which he said he could not answer it if he should suffer it; whereupon they parted friendly. Mr. Vines landed his goods at Machias and there set up a small wigwam, and left five men and two murderers to defend it▪ and a shallop, and so returned home. Two days after La Tour comes, and casting ancho… before the place▪ o…e of Mr. Vines men came aboard his pinnace, and while they were in parley▪ four of La Tour his men went on shore. One of the four which were …n the house seeing them, gave fire to a murder, but it not taking fire he called to his fellow to give fire to the other murder, which he going to do, the four french retreated and one of their muskets went off (La Tour sayeth it was by accident, and that the shot went thro' one of his fellow's cloaths, but Mr. Vines could say nothing to that) it killed two of the men on shore, which Le Tour then prof…ssed himself innocent of, and very sorry for; and said further, that the five men were at that time …, and not unlikely having store of wine and strong water, for had they been sober, they would not have given fire upon such as they had conversed friendly with but two days before, without once bidding them stand, or asking them wherefore they came. After this La Tour coming to the house, and finding some of his own goods (though of no great value) which had a little before been taken out of his fort at St. Joans by the scotch and some english of Virginia (where they plundered all his goods to a great value and abused his men) he seized the three men and the goods and sent them into France according to his commission, where the men were discharged, but the goods adjudged lawful prize. Mr. Vines did not contradict any of this, but only that he did not build or fortify at Machias, but only set up a shelter for his men and goods. For the value of the goods Mr Vines shewed an invoice which came to 3 or £400 but La Tour said he had another under the mens hands that were there, which came not to half so much. In courtesy he promised that he would refer the cause to judgment, and if it should be found that he had done them wrong, he would make satisfaction.

In the evening La Tour took ship,(5) 14. the Governor and divers of the chief of the town accompanying him to his boat. There went with him four of our ships and a pinnace. He hired them for two months, the chiefest which p. 302had 16 pieces of ordonance at £200 the month; yet she was of but 100 tons, but very well manned and fitted for fight, and the rest proportionable. The owners took only his own security for their pay. He entertained also about 70 land soldiers volunteers at 40s. per month a man, but he paid them somewhat in hand.

Of the two friars which came in this ship, the one was a very learned acute man. Divers of our elders who had conference with him reported so of him. They came not into the towns, lest they should give offence, but once, being brought by some to see Mr. Cotton and confer with him, and when they came to depart, the chief came to take leave of the Governor and the two elders of Boston, and shewed himself very thankful for the courtesy they found among us.

In the afternoon they set sail from Long Island, the wind N. and by W. and went out at Broad Sound at half flood, where no ships of such burthen had gone out before, or not more than one.

Three errors the Governor &c. committed in managing this business. 1. In giving La Tour an answer so suddenly (the very next day after his arrival) 2. In not advising with any of the elders, as their manner was in matters of less consequence. 3. In not calling upon God as they were wont to do in all public affairs, before they fell to consultation &c.

The occasions of these errors were first—their earnest desire to dispatch him away, and conceiving at first they should have given him the same answer they gave his lieutenant the last year, for they had not then seen the Vice Admiral's commission. 2. Not then conceiving any need of counsel, the elders never came into the Governor's thoughts. 3. La Tour and many of the french coming into them at first meeting, and some taking occasion to fall in parley with them, there did not appear then a fit opportunity for so solemn an action as calling upon God, being in the midst of their business before they were aware of it. But this fault hath been many times found in the Governor to be oversudden in his resolutions, for altho' the course were both warrantable and safe yet it had beseemed men of wisdom and gravity to have proceeded with more deliberation and further advice.

Those about Ipswich &c. took great offence at these proceedings, so as three of the magistrates and the elders of Ipswich and Rowlye, with Mr. Nathaniel Ward, wrote p. 303a letter to the Governor and assistants in the bay,6143. and to the elders there▪ protesting against the proceedings, and that they would be innocent of all the evil which might ensue &c. with divers arguments against it, whereof some were weighty but not to the mat…er, for they supposed we had the country in a war, as if we had permitted our ships &c. to go fight with D'Aulnay, whereas we only permitted them to be hired by La Tour to conduct him home. The Governor made answer to this protestation, so did Mr. Dudley and the pastor of Boston.

Letters came to our Governor from Mr. Haynes Governor at Hartford,(5) certifying of a war begun between Onkus sachem of Mohegen, and Sequasson sachem upon Connecticut—and that upon Onkus' complaint of the other's assaulting him &c. he sent for Sequasson and endeavoured to make them friends, but Sequasson chose rather to have war, so they were forced to leave them to themselves, promising to be aiding to neither &c. Soon after Onkus set upon Sequasson and killed seven or eight of his men, wounded 13, burnt his wigwam, and carried away the booty. Upon this Miantonomoh (being allied to Sequasson) sent to Mr. Haynes to complain of Onkus. He answered that the english had no hand in it, nor would encourage them &c. Miantonomoh gave notice hereof also to our Governor by two of our neighbour indians who had been with him, and was very desirous to know if we would not be offended if he made war upon Onkus. Our Governor answered, if Onkus had done him or his friends wrong and would not give satisfaction, we should leave him to take his own course.

A Dutch sloop arrived with letters in latin signed by the secretary there in the name and by the command of the Governor and senate,(5) 22. directed to the Governor and senate of R.P. of New-England, wherein 1st. he congratulates our late confederation, then he complains of unsufferable wrongs done to their people upon Connecticut, more of late than formerly, and of misinformation given by some of ours to the States embassador in London, and desires to know by a categorical answer, whether we will aid or desert them (meaning of Hartford) that so they may know their friends from their enemies &c. The Governor appointed a meeting of some of the next magistrates on the 2d day next, but the rain hindering some of them, it was put off to the 5th day.

Here arived a bark of the Earl of Warwick from Trinidado; p. 304she came for people and provisions,1643. but our people being well informed of the state of those places were now become wiser▪ and could stay here where they were in better condition than they could be in those parts, so he altered his design …nd want towards Canada, and by the way guarded home a pinnace of La Tour's which came hither for provisions.

The wife of one Hett. of whom mention was made before▪ being cast out of the church of Boston, the Lord was pleased so to honor his own ordinance, that whereas before no means could prevail with her either to reclaim her from her wicked and blasphemous courses and speeches &c. or to bring her to frequent the means; within a few weeks after her casting out, she came to see her sin and lay it to heart, and to frequent the means, and so was brought to such manifestation of repentance and a sound mind, as the church received her in again.

The day appointed for considering of the letter from the Dutch proved again so wet as but few met, and of those some would have another day appointed, and all the magistrates to be called to it, but others thought it not … both in regard the messenger hasted away, and also for that no direct answer could be returned without a general court. At length advising with some of the elders who were at hand, and some of the deputies, we returned answer to this effect (in the name of the Governor only) viz. After gratulation &c. of their friendly respect and our earnest desire of the continuance of that good correspondency which hath been between themselves and … ever since our arrival in these parts, That our chief council to whom their letters were directed, being far dispers… &c. he was necessitated, with the advice of some other of the magistrates, to return this answer to them for the present, being rather a declaration of their own conceptions than the determination of our chiefest authority, from which they should receive further answer in …ime convenient. We declared our grief for the difference between them and our brethren of Hartford, which we conceived …ight be composed by arbiters either in England or …land, or here—that by our confederation we were bound to seek the good and safety of each other as our own, which we hoped would not hinder the continuance of that amity and correspondency between themselves and us: and that the ground of their difference being only for a small parcel of land, was a p. 305matter of so little value in this vast continent, as was not worthy to cause a breach between two people so nea…y …ated both in profession of the same protestant religion and otherwise, therefore we would seriously request them, …s we would do also the others, that when the justice of the cause were decided by one of the ways before named, there might be abstinence on both sides, from injury and provocation, and if any should happen on their part, that it might be duly examined, and we were assured (they being a people fearing God, they durst not allow themselves in any unrighteous course) they should receive equal satisfaction. See more page.

We received news of a great defeat given the Naragansetts by Onkus, and of 15 Dutch slain by the indians, and much beaver t…ken, and of Mr. Lamberton &c.

Onkus being provoked by Sequasson a sachem of Connecticut who would not be persuad…d by the magistr…tes there to a reconciliation, made war upon him,(6) and slew divers of his men and burnt his wigwams—whereupon Miantonomoh, being his kinsman, took offence against Onkus, and went with near 1▪000 men and set upon Onkus before he could be provided for defence, for he had not then with him above 3 or 400 men: but it pleased God to give Onkus the victory after he had killed about … of the Naragansetts, and wounded many more▪ and among these two of Canonicus' sons and a brother of Miantonomoh, who fled, but having on a coat of mail, he was easily overtaken, which two of his captains perceiving, they laid hold on him and carried him to Onkus, hoping thereby to procure their own pardon, but so soon as they came to Onkus he slew them presently, and Miantonomoh standing mute, he demanded of him why he would not speak. If you had taken me, sayeth he, I would have besought you for my life.—The news of Miantonomoh's captivity coming to Providence, Gorton and his company who had bought of him the lands belonging to the sachems who were come under our jurisdiction, wrote a letter to Onkus willing him to deliver their friend Miantonamoh, and threatened him▪ with the …ower of the english if he refused. Upon this Onkus carries Miantonamoh to Hartford to take advice of the magistrates there, and at Miantonamoh's earnest intreaty … left him with them, yet as a prisoner. They kept him under guard, but used him very courteously, and so he continued 'till the commissioners of the United Colonies p. 306met at Boston, who taking into serious consideration what was safest and best to be done, were all of opinion that it would not be safe to set him at liberty, neither had we sufficient ground for us to put him to death. In this difficulty we called in five of the most judicious elders (it being in the time of the general assembly of the elders) and propounding the case to them, they all agreed that he ought to be put to death. Upon this concurrence we enjoined secrecy to ourselves and them, lest if it should come the notice of the Naragansetts, they might set upon the commissioners &c. in their return, to take some of them to redeem him (as Miantonamoh himself had told Mr. Haynes had been in consultation amongst them) and agreed that upon the return of the commissioners to Hartford they should send for Onkus and tell him our determination that Miantonamoh should be delivered to him again and he should put him to death so soon as he came within his own jurisdiction, and that two english should go along with him to see the execution, and that if any indians should invade him for it, we would send men to defend him: If Onkus should refuse to do it, then Miantonamoh should be sent in a pinnace to Boston, there to be kept until further consideration.

The reasons of this proceeding with him were these. 1. It was now clearly discovered to us that there was a general conspiracy among the indians to cut off all the english, and that Miantonamoh was the head and contriver of it. 2. He was of a turbulent and proud spirit, and would never be at rest. 3. Although he had promised us in the open court to send the Pequod to Onkus, who had shot him in the arm with intent to have killed him (which was by the procurement of Miantonamoh as it did probably appear) yet in his way homeward he killed him. 4. He beat one of Pumham's men and took away his wampom, and then bid him go and complain to the Massachusetts.

According to this agreement the commissioners, at their return to Connecticut, sent for Onkus, and acquainted him therewith, who readily undertook the execution, and taking Miantonamoh along with him, in the way between Hartford and Windsor (where Onkus had some men dwell) Onkus' brother, following after Miantonamoh, cla…e his head with an hatchet, some english being present▪ And that the indians might know that the english did a…prove of it, they sent 12 or 14 musketeers home p. 307with Onkus to abid… a time with him for his defence,6143. if need should be.

About the 20th of this month the ships which went with La Tour came back safe,Mo. 6. not one person missing or sick, but the report of their actions was offensive and grievous to us; for when they drew near to La Tour's place, D'Aulnay having discovered them set sail with his vessels (being two ships and a pinnace) and stood right home to Port Royal. Ours pursued them, but could not fetch them up, but they ran their ships on ground in the harbour and began to fortify themselves: whereupon ours sent a boat to D'Aulnay with the Governor's letter and a letter from Capt. Hawkins, who by agreement among themselves was commander in chief. The messenger who carried the letters being one who could speak french well, was carried blindfold into the house and there kept six or seven hours, and all D'Aulnay's company plied for their fortifying with palisadoes, and the friars as busy as any, and encouraging the women who cried pitifully, telling them we were infidels and heretics. D'Aulnay would not open La Tour's letter because he did not stile him Lieut. General &c. but he returned answer to the Governor and to Capt. Hawkins, and sent him a copy of the arrest against La Tour, and shewed the original to the messenger, but refused to come to any terms of peace. Upon this La Tour urged much to have our men to assault him, but they refused. Then he desired that some of ours might be landed with his to do some mischief to D'Aulnay. Capt. Hawkins would send none, but gave leave to any that would go; whereupon some 30 of ours went with La Tour's men, and were encountered by D'Aulnay's men who had fortified themselves by his mill, but were beaten out with loss of three of their men, and none slain on our side nor wounded, only three of La Tour's men were wounded. They set the mill on fire and burnt some standing corn and retired to their ships with one prisoner whom they took in the mill. D'Aulnay shot with his ordonance at their boats as they went aboard, but missed them, nor did our ships make one shot at him again, but set sail and went to La Tour's fort. While they lay there D'Aulnay's pinnace came, supposing he and his ships had been still there, and brought in her 400 moos… skins and 400 beaver skins; these they took without any resistance and divided them; one third La Tour had and the pinnace— p. 308one third to the ships,1643. and the other to the men▪ so they continued there 'till their time was near expired and were paid their hire and re…urned. One ship coming a good …i…e before the other and the pinnace went u… I. River some 20 leagues and laded with coal. They brought a piece of white marble whereof there is great store near his fort, which makes very good lime.

Mo. 7.The indians near the dutch having killed 15 men as is before related, proceeded on and began to set upon the english who dwelt under the Dutch. They came to Mrs. Hutchinson's in way of friendly neighbourhood as they had been accustomed, and taking their opportunity, killed her and Mr. Collins her son in law (who had been kept prisoner in Boston as is before related) and all her family, and such of Mr. Throckmorton's▪ and Mr. Cornhill's families as were at home; in all sixteen, and put their cat…le into their houses and there burnt them. By a good providence of God there was a boat came in there at the same instant, to which some women and children fled, and so were saved, but two of the boatmen going up to the houses were shot and killed.

These people had cast off ordinances and churches, and now at last their own people, and for large accommodation had subjected themselves to the Dutch and dwelt scatteringly near a mile asunder: and some that escaped who had removed only for want (as they said) of hay for their cattle which increased much, now coming back again to Aquiday, they wanted cattle for their gras…. These indians having killed and driven away all the english upon the main as far as Stamford (for so far the Dutch had gained possession by the english) they passed on to Long Island and there assaulted the lady Moodye in her house divers times, for there were 40 men gathered thither to defend it.

These indians at the same time set upon the dutch with an implacable fury, and killed all they could come by, and burnt their houses and killed their …attle without any resistance, so as the Governor and such as escaped betook themselves to their fort at Monhaton, and there lived and eat up their cattle.

(4)There was an assembly at Cambridge of all the elders in the country (about 50 in all) such of the ruli… elders as would were present also, but none else. They set in the college and had their diet there after the manner of scholars commons, but somewhat better, yet so ordered p. 309as it came not to above six pence the meal for a person. Mr▪ Cotton and Mr. Hooker were chosen moderat…. The principal occasion was because some of the elders went about to set up some things undoing to the presbyt… ry, as of Newbury &c. The assembly concluded against some parts of the presbyterial way, and the Newbury ministers took time to consider the arguments &c.

Upon the complaint of the english of Patuxet near Providence▪ (7)who had submitted to our jurisdiction and the two indian sachems there of the continual injuries offered them by Gorton and his company, the general court sent for them▪ by letter only, not in way …f command, to come answer the complaints, and sent them letters of safe conduct, but they answered our messengers dis…ainfully, refused to come, but sent two letters full of blasphemy against the churches and magistracy, and other provoking terms, slighting all we could do against them; so that having sent three times and receiving no other answer, we look testimonies against them both of english and indians, and determined to proceed with them by force: and because they had told our messengers the last time, that if we had any thing to say to them, if we would come to them they would do us justice therein, therefore …e wrote to them to this effect, viz. To the end that our justice and moderation might appear to all men, we would condescend so far to them as to send commissioners to hear their answers and allegations, and if thereupon they would give us such satisfaction as should be just, we would leave them in peace, if otherwise, we would proceed by force of arms; and signified withal that we would send a sufficient guard with our commissioners, for seeing they would not trust themselves with us upon our safe conduct▪ we had no reason to trust ourselves with them upon their bare courtesy. And accordingly we sent the next week Capt. George Cook, Lieut. Atherton, and Edward Johnson with commission and instructions (the instructions would here be inserted at large) and with them 40 soldiers. They came to Providence, and by the way received another letter from Gorton of the like contents with the former and told them plainly they were prepared for them &c. Being come near, they found they had put themselves all into one house, which they had made musket proof with two flankers. But by the mediation of others of providence they came to parley, and then offered to refer their cause to arbitrators (alledging p. 210that we were parties and so not equal judges) so as some of them might be of Providence or of Aquiday, and offer'd their cattle for security to abide the order &c. Our commissioners, thro' importunity of themselves and others of Providence, were content to send to us to know our minds about it. Their letter came to us, when a committee appointed by the general court, were met about the tidings of Miantonamoh's death; so calling into us five or six of the elders who were near at hand, we considered of the motion, and agreed that it was neither seasonable nor reasonable, neither safe nor honorable for us to accept of such a proposition. 1. Because they would never offer us any terms of peace before we had sent our soldiers. 2. Because the ground of it was false, for we were not parties in the case between the indians and them, but the proper judges, they being all within our jurisdiction by the indians and english their own grant. 3. They were no state, but a few fugitives living without law or government, and so not honorable for us to join with them in such a course. 4. The parties whom they would refer it unto were such as were rejected by us, and all the governments in the country, and besides, not men likely to be equal to us, or able to judge of the cause. 5. Their blasphemous and reviling writings &c. were not matters fit to be compounded by arbitrament, but to be purged away only by repentance and public satisfaction, or else by public punishment.

And lastly the commission and instructions being given them by the general court, it was not in our power to alter them; so accordingly we wrote to our commissioners to proceed, which accordingly they did, and approached the house, where they had fortified themselves, with trenches so near as they might fire the house, which they attempted two or three times, but they within quenched it. At last three of them escaped out and ran away, and the rest yielded and were brought to Boston and were committed to the prison. It was a special providence of God that neither any of them nor of ours were slain or hurt, tho' many shot passed between them, but every man returned safe and hale. See more page.

Here wants the beginning which may be supplied out of the Records. 64.

Other affairs were transacted by the commissioners of the United Colonies, as writing letters to the Swedish p. 211Governor in Delaware river, concerning the foul injuries offered by him to Mr. Lamberton and those people whom New-Haven had planted there, and also to the dutch Governor about the injuries his agent there had also offered and done to them, as burning down their trading house, joining with the Swedes against them &c. but this was inserted in the letter which the general court sent to him in further answer of that which he sent to them, as is expressed herebefore; in which letter we declared the complaints which had been made by our confederates both of Hartford and New-Haven, of their injurious dealings, as well at Hartford and New-Haven as at Delaware: also our opinion of the justice of the cause of Hartford in respect of title of the land in question between them, which we could not change, except we might see more light than had yet appeared to us by the title the dutch insisted upon, nor might we desert either of our confederates in a righteous cause. And we gave also commission to Mr. Lamberton to go treat with the Swedish Governor about satisfaction for those injuries and damages, and to agree with him about settling their trade and plantation. This Swedish Governor demeaned himself as if he had neither christian nor moral conscience, getting Mr. Lamberton into his power by feigned and false pretences, and keeping him prisoner and some of his men, labouring by promises and threats to draw them to accuse him to have conspired with the indians to cut off the Swedes and Dutch, and not prevailing these ways, then by attempting to make them drunk, that so he might draw something from them: and in the end (though he could gain no testimony) yet he forced him to pay weight of beaver before he would set him at liberty. He is also a man very furious and passionate, cursing and swearing, and also reviling the english of N. Haven as runagates &c. and himself with his own hands put iron… upon one of Mr. Lamberton's men, and went also to the houses of those few families planted there, and forced some of them to swear allegiance to the crown of Sweden, tho' he had no colour of title to that plac… ▪ and such as would not he drave away &c. All these things were clearly proved by Mr. Lamberton's relation, and by other testimony upon oath, but this was sent before with commission.

About this time our Governor received letters from Philip Bell, Esq. Governor of Barbadoes, complaining of p. 312the distracted condition of that island in regard of divers sorts of familists sprung up there, and their turbulent practices, which had forced him to proceed against some of them by banishment, and others of mean quality by whipping; and earnestly desiring us to send them some godly ministers and other good people. The Governor imparted the letter to the court and elders but none of our ministers would go thither, and the Governor returned answer accordingly.

(8) 12.The New sachem of Naragansett. Miantonamoh's brother called Pesecus▪ a young man about 20. sent a present to our Governor, viz. an ot…er coat and girdle of wampom, and some other wampom▪ in all worth about £1… and desired peace and friendship with us, and withal that we would not aid Onkus against him, whom he intended to make war upon in revenge of his brother's death. Our Governor answered the messengers that we were willing to have peace and friendship with him, and to that end had sent messengers to Canonicus (whom it seemed they met with by the way) but we desired withal that there might be peace with all indians, also both Onkus and others, and that we had also sent to Oufamekin to that end; therefore except their sachem would agree to it▪ we could not receive his present. They replied that they had no instructions about that matter, but would return back and acquaint their sachem with it, and return to us again, and desired to leave their present with ou… Governor in the mean time, which he agreed unto.

13Capt. Cook and his company which were sent out against Gorton returned to Boston, and the captives, being nine, were brought to the Governor his house in a military order, viz. the soldiers being in two files, and after every five or six soldiers a prisoner: so being before his door, the commissioners came in, after the Governor had saluted them he went forth with them, and passing thro' the files, welcomed them home, blessing God for preserving and prospering them, and gave them all thanks for their pains and good carriage, and desired of the captain a list of their names, that the court &c. might know them if hereafter there should be occasion to make use of such men. This good acceptance and commendation of their service gave many of them more content than their wages (which yet was very liberal per week and they to victual themselves, and it is needful in all such commonwealths where the state desires to be served by volunteers) p. 313Then having conferred privately with the commissioners, he caused the prisoners to be brought before him in his hall, where was a great assembly, and there laid before them their contemptuous carriage towards us, and their obstinacy against all the fair means and moderation we had used to reform them and bring them to do right to those of ours whom they had wronged, and how the Lord had now justly delivered them into our hands. They pleaded in their excuse that they were not of our jurisdiction, and that though they had now yielded themselves to come and answer before us, yet they yielded not as prisoners. The Governor replied, they were brought to him as taken in war, and so our commissioners had informed, but if they could plead any other quarter or agreement our commissioners had made with them, we must and would perform it; to which they made no answer—So the Governor committed them to the marshall to convey to the common prison, and gave order they should be well provided for both for lodging and diet. Then he went forth again with the captain, and the soldiers gave him three vollies of shot and so departed to the inn, where the Governor had appointed some refreshing to be provided for them above their wages.

The next Lord's day in the forenoon the prisoners would not come to the meeting, so as the magistrate determined they should be compelled. They agreed to come, so as they they might have liberty after sermon to speak if they had occasion. The magistrates answer was, that they did leave the ordering of things in the church to the elders, but there was no doubt but they might have leave to speak so as they spake the words of truth and sobriety. So in the afternoon they came and were placed in the fourth seat right before the elders. Mr. Cotton (in his ordinary text) taught them out of Acts 19. of Demetrius pleading for Diana's silver shrines or temples &c. After sermon Gordon desired leave to speak, which being granted, he repeated the points of Mr. Cotton's sermon, and coming to that of the silver shrines, he said that in the church there was nothing now but Christ, so that all our ordinances, ministers, sacraments &c. were but men's inventions for shew and pomp and no other than those silver shrines of Diana. He said also that if Christ lived eternally, then he died eternally; and it appeared both by his letters and examinations that he held that Christ was incarnate in Adam, and that he was that image p. 314of God wherein Adam was created, and that th… chi… work and merit was in that his incarnation in that he became such a thing, so mean &c. and that his being born after of the Virgin Mary and suffering &c. was but a manifestation of his sufferings &c. in Adam. Likewise in his letters he condemned and reviled magistracy calling it an idol, alledging that a man might … well be a slave to his belly as to his own species: yet being examined he would acknowledge magistracy to be an ordinance of God in the world as marriage was, viz. to other magistracy but what was natural, as the father over his wife and children, and an hereditary prince over his subjects.

When the general court was assembled, Gorton and his company were brought forth upon the lecture day at Boston, and there before a great assembly, the Governor declared the cause and manner of our proceeding against them, and their letters were openly read, and all objections answered. As 1. That they were not within our jurisdiction. To this was answered. 1. That they were either within Plimouth or Mr. Fenwick, and they had yielded their power to us in this cause. 2. If they were under no jurisdiction then had we none to complain unto for redress of our injuries, and then we must either right ourselves and our subjects by force of arms, or else we most set still under all their reproaches and injuries, among which they had this insolent passage.— We do more disdain that you should send for us to come to you, than you could do if we should send for the chiefest among you to come up to us and be employed according to our pleasure in such works as we should appoint you.

As for their opinions we did not meddle with them for those, otherwise than they had given us occasion by their letters to … and by their free and open publishing them amongst us for we wrote to them only about civil controversies between them and our people, and gave them no occasion to …ent their blasphemings and revilings &c. And for their title …o the indians land, we had divers tim…s desired them to make it appear, but they always refused, even to our commissioners whom we sent last to them, and since they were in prison we offered to send for any witnesses they would desire, but still they ref…sed, so that our title appearing good, and we having now regained our possession, we need not question them any more about that. Their letters being read, they were demanded sever…lly p. 315if they would maintain those things which were contained therein. They answered they would in that … wherein they wrote them.

After this they were brought before the court severally to be examin…d (divers of the elders being desired to be present) and because they had said they could give a good interpretation of all they had written, they were examined upon the particular passages, but the interpretation they gave being contradictory to their expressions, they were demanded then if they would retract those expressions, but that they refused, and said still that they should then deny the truth. For instance in one or two; their letters were directed one to their neighbours of the Massachusetts, and the other of them to the great honored idol gentleman of the Massachusetts, and by a messenger of their own delivered to our Governor, and many passages in both letters particularly applied to our courts, our magistrates, our elders &c. yet in their examinations about their reproachful passages, they answered, that they meant them of the corrupt estate of mankind in general and not of us &c. So whereas in their letters they impute it to us as an error, that we teach that Christ died actually only when he suffered under Pontius Pilate, and before only in types: upon their examination they say that their meaning was, that his death was actu… to the faith of the fathers under the law, which is in effect no other than we hold, yet they account it an error in us, and would not retract that charge. One of the elders had been in the prison with them, and had conferred with them about their opinions, and they expressed their agreement with him in every point, so as he intended to move for favor for them, but when he heard their answer upon their examination, he found how he had been deluded by them, for they excel the jesuits in the act of equivocation, and regard not how false they speak to all other men's apprehensions, so they keep to the rules of their own meaning. Gorton maintained that the image of God wherein Adam was created was Christ, and so the loss of that image was the death of Christ, and the restoring of it in generation was Christ's resurrection, and so the death of him that was born of the Virgin Mary was but a manifestation of the former. In their letters &c. they condemned all ordinances in the church, calling baptism an abomination, and the Lord's supp…r the juice of a poor silly grape turned into the blood of Christ p. 316by the skill of our magicians &c. ye… upon examination they would say they did allow them to be the ordinances of Christ; but their meaning was that they were to continue no longer than the infancy of the church lasted (and but to novices then) for after the revelation was written they were to cease, for there is no mention of them, say they, in that book.

They were all illiterate men, the ablest of them could not write true english, no not common words, yet they would take upon them the interpretation of the most difficult places of scripture, and wrest them any way to serve their own turns: as to give one instance for many. Mr. Cotton pressing them with that in Acts 10. Who can forbid water why these should not be baptized—so he commanded them to be baptized they interpret thus. Who can deny but these have been baptized, seeing they have received the Holy Ghost &c. so he allowed them to have been baptized. This shift they were put to that they might maintain their former opinion, That such as have been baptized with the Holy Ghost need not the outward baptism.

The court and the elders spent near a whole day in discovery of Gorton's deep mysteries which he had boasted of in his letters, and to bring him to conviction, but all was in vain. Much pains was also taken with the rest, but to as little effect. They would accknowledge no error or fault in their writings, and yet would seem sometimes to consent with us in the truth.

After all these examinations the court began to consult about their sentence. The judgment of the elders also had been demanded about their blaspemous speeches and opinions, what punishment was due by the word of God. Their answer was first in writing, that if they should maintain them as expressed in their writings, their offence deserved death by the law of God. The same some of them declared after in open court. But before the court would proceed to determine of their sentence, they agreed first upon their charge, and then calling them all publickly they declared to them what they had to charge them with out of their letter and speeches. Their charge was this, viz. They were charged to be blasphemous enemies of the true religion of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of all his holy ordinances, and likewise of all civil government among his people, and particularly within this jurisdiction. Then they were demanded whether they did p. 317acknowledge this charge to be just, and did submit to it, or what exceptions they had against it. They answered they did not acknowledge it to be just, but they took no particular exceptions to it, but fell into some cavilling speeches, so they were returned to prison again. Being in prison they behaved insolently towards their keeper, and spake evil of the magistrates—Whereupon some of the magistrates were very earnest to have irons presently put upon them. Others thought it better to forbear all such severity 'till their sentence were passed. This latter opinion prevailed. After divers means had been used both in public and private to reclaim them, and all proving fruitless, the court proceeded to consider of their sentence: in which the court was much divided. All the magistrates, save three, were of opinion that Gorton ought to die, but the greatest number of the deputies dissenting, that vote did not pass. In the end all agreed upon this sentence—for seven of them, viz. that they should be dispersed into seven several towns, and there kept to work for their living, and wear irons upon one leg, and not to depart the limits of the town, nor by word or writing maintain any of their blasphemous or wicked errors upon pain of death, only the exception for speech with any of the elders, or any other licensed by any magistrate to confer with them; this censure to continue during the pleasure of the court. There were three more taken in the house with them, but because they had not their hands to the letters they were dismissed, two of them upon a small ransom, as captives taken in war, and the third freely, for that he was but in his master's house &c. A fourth being found to be an ignorant young man was only enjoined to abide in Watertown upon pain of the court's displeasure only.

About a week after we sent men to fetch so many of their cattle as might defray our charges, both of the soldiers and of the court, which spent many days about them, and for their expences in prison. It came to in all about £160. There were three who escaped out of the house; these being sent for to come in, two of them did so, and one of them, because his hand was not to the letters, was freely discharged, the other was sent home upon his own bond to appear at the next court (only some of his cattle were taken towards the charges) There was a fourth who had his hand to the first letter, but he died before our soldiers went, and we left his whole estate to p. 318his wife and children. Their arms were all taken from them, and of their guns, the court gave one fowling piece to Pumham and another to Saconoco, and liberty granted them to have powder as being now within our jurisdiction.

The Lord Bartemore being owner of much land near Virginia▪ being himself a papist, and his brother Mr. Calcourt the governor there a papist also, but the colony consisted both of protestants and papists: he wrote a letter to Capt. Gibbons of Boston, and sent him a commission, wherein he made tender of land in Maryland to any of ours that would transport themselves thither, with free liberty of religion, and all other privileges which the place afforded, paying such annual rent as should be agreed upon; but our Captain had no mind to further his desire herein, nor had any of our people temptation that way.

(5) 13.One Capt. Jo. Chaddock son of him that was Governor of Bermuda, a godly gentleman, but late removing from them with his family and about 100 more to Trinidado where himself and wife and most of his company died; arrived here in a man of war of about 100 tons, set forth by the Earl of Warwick. He came hither for planters for Trinidado (Mr. Humphry having told the Earl that he might be supplied from hence) but here was not any that would enter upon that voyage &c. So La Tour having a pinnace here at the same time, they hired Capt. Chaddock for two months at £200 the month, partly to convey the pinnace home from the danger of D'Aulnay his vessels, and partly for other service against D'Aulnay there, but when they came they found D'Aulnay gone into France and a new fort raised at Port Royal, and a pinnace ready to go forth to trade, so they kept her in so long 'till the season was over and his two months out, and then he returned to Boston. When he was come in near the town his men going up upon the main yard to hand in the sail, the main tie brake, and the yard falling down shook off five men into the sea, and tho' it were calm and smooth water, yet not having their boat out three of them were drowned. One of these had taken some things out of the deserted castle as they went out. Notwithstanding this sad accident, yet so soon as they came on shore they fell to drinking &c. and that evening the captain and his master being at supper, and having drank too much, the captain began to speak evil of the p. 319country, swearing fearfully, that we were a base heathen people. His master answered that he had no reason to say so, for it was the best place that ever he came in. Upon these and other speeches the Capt. arose and drew his sword, and the master drew forth his pistol, but the company staying them from doing any mischief, the Captain sware blood and wounds he would kill him. For this they were brought before the court, and the Captain fined £20 and committed to the marshall 'till he gave security for it. The master for that he was in drink, as he ingeniously acknowledged &c. was fined only 10s. but was set at liberty from the captain, who had formerly misused other of his men, and was a very proud and intemperate man. But because the ship was the Earl of Warwick's who had always been forward to do good to our colony, we wrote to him that the fine should be reserved to be at his lordship's disposing when he should please to command or call for it. See the next page.

By order of the general court all the magistrates and the teaching elders of the six nearest churches were appointed to be forever governors of the college,(10) 27. and this day they met at Cambridge and considered of the officers of the college, and chose a treasurer, H. Pelham Esq. being the first in that office.

This day five ships set sail from Boston; three of them were built here, two of 300 tons and the other of 160. One of them was bound for London with many passengers, men of chief rank in the country, and great store of beaver. Their adventure was very great, considering the doubtful estate of the affairs of England, but many prayers of the churches went with them and followed after them.

Capt.(11) 2. Chaddock having brought from the French a pinnace of about 30 tons (which La Tour sold him for and was the same which was taken before from D'Aulnay) he had manned and fitted her to go in her to Trinidado, and riding before Boston ready to depart, and eight men aboard her, one striking fire with a pistol, two barrels of powder took fire and blew her up; five of the men being in the cabbin were destroyed, and the other three being in the other part were much scorched and hurt, but got into their boat and were saved. The captain himself was then on shore at Boston. It is observable that these men making no use of the sudden loss of p. 320three of their company, but falling to drinking &c. that very evening this judgment came thus upon them.6143. It is also to be observed that two vessels have thus been blown up in our harbour, and both belonging to such as despised us and the ordinance of God amongst us. See more page.

About this time Capt. Daniel Patrick was killed at Stamford by a dutchman who shot him dead with a pistol. This captain was entertained by us out of Holland (where he was a common soldier of the Prince's guard) to exercise our men. We made him a captain, and maintained him. After, he was admitted a member of the church of Watertown and a freeman; but he grew very proud and vicious, for though he had a wife of his own a good dutchwoman and comely, yet he despised her and followed after other women, and perceiving that he was discovered, and that such evil courses would not be endured here, and being withal of a vain and unsettled disposition, he went from us, and sat within twenty miles of the dutch, and put himself under their protection, and joined to their church, without being dismissed from Watertown: but when the indians arose in those parts he fled to Stamford and there was slain. The dutchman who killed him was apprehended but made an escape; and this was the first of his wicked course and breach of covenant with his wife, with the church, and with that state who had called him and maintained him, and he found his death from that hand where he sought protection. It is observable that he was killed upon the Lord's day in the time of afternoon exercise (for he seldom went to the public assemblies) It was in Capt. Underhill's house the dutchman had charged him with treachery for causing 120 men to come to him upon his promise to direct them to the indians &c. but deluded them. Whereupon the captain gave him ill language and spit in his face, and turning to go out, the dutchman shot him behind in the head, so he fell down dead and never spake. The murderer escaped out of custody.

(10) 3.The Hopewell a ship of Boston about 60 tons arrived; the freight was wines, pitch, sugar, ginger &c. She had her lading at Palma an island near Teneriffe. The Spaniards used our people courteously, but put them to give security to some english merchants residing there to discharge their cargoes at Boston, for they would not have the Portugals of the to have any goods from them. p. 321She performed her voyage in four months.1643. She went a second voyage thither soon after, but was never heard of, her lading was corn in bulk.

At this time came over Thomas Morton our professed old adversary, who had set forth a book against us, and written reproachful and menacing letters to some of us.

Some of Watertown began a plantation at Martin's vineyard beyond Cape Cod, and divers families going thither, they procured a young man one Mr. Green a scholar to be their minister, in hopes soon to gather a church there. He went not.

Others of the same town began also a plantation at Nashaway some 15 miles N.W. from Sudbury.

About midnight three men coming in a boat to Boston saw two lights arise out of the water near the north point of the town cove, in form like a man,(11) 18. and went at a small distance to the town, and so to the south point, and there vanished away. They saw them about ¼ of an hour, being between the town and the Governor's garden. The like was seen by many, a week after, arising about Castle Island and in 1…5 of an hour came to Jo. Gallop's point.

The country being weary of the charge of maintaining Castle Island, the last general court made an order to have it deserted and the ordonance fetched away; but Boston and other towns in the bay finding that thereupon the masters of some ships which came from England took occasion to slight us and to offer injury to our people, having liberty to ride and go out under no command, and considering also how easily any of our towns in the bay might be surprized, we having no strength without to stop them or to give notice of an enemy; they chose certa… men out of the several towns who met at Boston to co…sider of some course of repairing and maintaining it at their proper charge: but the difficulty was, how to do it without offence to the general court who had ordered the deserting of it &c.

The 18th of this month two lights were seen near Boston (as is before mentioned) and a week after the like was seen again. A light like the moon arose about the N.E. point in Boston and met the former at Nottles Island, and there they closed in one and then parted, and closed and parted divers times, and so went over the hill in the island and vanished. Sometimes they shot out flames and sometimes sparkles. This was about 8 of the clock in the evening, and was seen by many. About the p. 322same time a voice was heard upon the water between Boston and Dorchester, calling out in a most dreadful manner, boy, boy, come away, come away: and it suddenly shifted from one place to another a great distance about twenty times. It was heard by divers godly persons. About 14 days after, the same voice in the same dreadful manner was heard by others on the other side of the town toward Nottles Island.

These proceedings having some reference to the place where Capt. Chaddock's pinnace was blown up a little before gave occasion of speech of that man who was the cause of it, who professed himself to have skill in necromancy, and to have done some strange things in his way from Virginia hither, and was suspected to have murdered his master there, but the magistrates here had no notice of him 'till after he was blown up. This is to be observed that his fellows were all found, and others who were blown up in the former ship were also found, and others also who have miscarried by drowning &c. have usually been found, but this man was never found.

(12) 5.Cutshamekin and Agawam, and Josias, Chickatabot his heir came to the Governor, and in their own name and the names of all the sachems of Watchamsett, and all the indians from Merrimack to Tecticutt tender'd themselves to our government, and gave the Governor a present of 30 fathom of wampom, and offered to come to the next court to make their acknowledgment &c. The Governor received their present to keep it 'till the court &c. and if the court and they did agree, then to accept it. We now began to conceive hope that the Lord's time was at hand for opening a door of light and grace to those indians, and some fruit appeared of our kind dealing with Pumham and Sacoconoco, protecting them against the Naragansett, and righting them against Gorton &c. who had taken away their land: for this example gave encouragement to all these indians to come in and submit to our government, in expectation of the like protection and benefit.

16Pesacus the Naragansett sachem sent again a message to the Governor with another present by Washose a sachem who came before, and his errand was, that seeing they, at our request, had sitten still this year, that now this next year we would grant their request, and suffer them to fight with Onkus, with many arguments. The Governor refused his present, and told him that if they sent us 1000 p. 323fathom of wampom and 1000 skins, yet we would not do that which we judged to be unjust, viz. to desert Onkus▪ but our resolution was, and that they must rest upon, that if they made war upon Onkus, the english would all fall upon them.

The Trial (the first ship built in Boston) being about 160 tons,(1) 23. Mr. Thomas Graves an able and a godly man master of her, was sent to Bilboa in the 4th month last, with fish, which she sold there at a good rate, and from thence she freighted to Malaga, and arrived here this day laden with wine, fruit, oil, iron and wool, which was a great advantage to the country, and gave encouragement to trade. So soon as she was fitted she was set forth again to trade with La Tour,(3) and so along the eastern coast towards Canada.

One Mr. Rigby a lawyer and a parliament man, wealthy and religious, had purchased the Plough Patent lying at Sagadahock, and had given commission to one Mr. Cleaves as his deputy, to govern the people there &c. He landing at Boston and knowing how distasteful this would be to the Governor of Sir Ferdinand Gorges' province of New Somersetshire, who challenged jurisdiction in a great part of Ligonia or the plough patent, petitioned the general court to write to them on his behalf, but the court thought not fit so to do, but rather that the Governor should write in his own name only, which he did accordingly▪ But when Mr. Cleaves …ame to set his commission on foot, and called a court at Casco, Mr. Richard Vines and other of Sir Ferdinand Gorges' commissioners opposed, & called another court at Saco the same time: whereupon the inhabitants were divided; those of Casco &c. wrote to Mr. Vines that they would stand to the judgment of the magistrates of the Bay 'till it were decided in England, to which government they should belong, and sent this letter by one Tunker. Mr. Vines imprisoned him, and the next day took his bond for his appearance at Saco and his good behaviour. Upon this Mr. Cleaves and the rest, about thirty persons, wrote to our Governor for assistance against Mr. Vines, and tendered themselves to the consociation of the United Colonies; and beside, they had an order not to receive any but such as were in a church way &c.

Not long after, viz. (2) 24. Mr. Vines came to Boston with a letter from himself and the other of Sir F. Gorges' p. 324commissioners and other inhabitants of the province, between 20 and 30.

Three fishermen of a boat belonging to Isle of Shoals were very profane men, and scorners of religion, and were drinking all the Lord's day, and the next week their boat was cast upon the rocks at the Isle of Shoals, and they drowned.

There was little rain this winter, and no snow 'till the 3d of the 1st month, the wind continuing W. and N.W. near six weeks, which was an occasion that very many houses were burned down, and many cattle (in some of them) to a greater value than in 14 years before.

(1) 7.Boston, Charlestown, Roxbury, Dorchester, Cambridge and Watertown conceiving that the want of fortification at Castle Island would leave them open to an enemy, appointed a committee to consider how it might be fortified, and coming to some conclusion about it, they advised with the Governor and some other of the magistrates who encouraged them in it, as the elders also did in their sermons, but because the general court had given order for fetching off the ordonance &c. it was thought fit not to attempt any thing without the advice of the same. It fell out also that five of the neighbouring indian sachems came at the same time to the Governor with a present of wampom about 30 fathom, worth some £8 and desired to come under our government as Pumham and Sacononoco had done. For these two occasions the Governor summoned a general court to be held at Boston this day (the court of assistants being to begin the 5th day before) where the committees of the said six towns exhibited a petition for fortifying of the said island, craving help also from the country, tho' they had agreed to do it at their own charge rather than fail. The court refusing to undertake it, they gave in certain propositions whereby they craved some aid, at least, for maintaining of the garrison, and some privileges and immunities. These coming to be debated in the court, some opposition there was, which had almost discouraged the committee. The arguments brought against it were chiefly these. 1. The great charge. 2. The little help it could afford against a strong enemy. 3. The opportunity left of another passage by Bird Island. But these objections were so far removed, as after much debate, the court voted for the forfortification, and granted £100 pay for the maintenance of it, when it should be in defence and a garrison of 20 p. 325men residing there; and £50 towards the securing the other passage. And a committee was appointed to draw up a commission for him who should have command in chief &c. But this allowance was yielded rather out of a willingness to gratify these six towns (being near one half of the commonwealth for number of people and substance) and to keep living correspondency among all the towns, rather than out of any confidence of safety by it. Many also of good judgment did conceive that the fortifications would not be accomplished according to the dimensions propounded, nor so great a garrison maintained, for the people were known generally to be more willing and forward in such public engagements, than able, upon trial, to perform them: for in such cases, the major part, which carries the vote, is of such as can afford least help to the work.

The court finding that Gorton and his company did harm in the towns where they were confined, and not knowing what to do with them, at length agreed to set them at liberty, and gave them 14 days to depart out of our jurisdiction in all parts, and no more to come into it upon pain of death. This censure was thought too light and favorable, but we knew not how in justice we could inflict any punishment upon them, the sentence of the court being already passed &c.

At this court Cutshamekin and Squasushen, Masconono…o, Nashacowam and Wassamagoin, two sachems near the great hill to the west called Warehassett, came into the court, and according to their former tender to the Governor, desired to be received under our protection and government upon the same terms that Pumham and Sacononoco were; so we causing them to understand the articles, and all the ten commandments of God, and they freely assenting to all, they were solemnly received, and then presented the court with 26 fathom more of wampom, and the court gave each of them a coat of two yards of cloth, and their dinner; and to them and their men every of them a cup of sack at their departure, so they took leave and went away ve… joyful.

At this court came letters from Newhaven, and withal an answer from the Swedes and Dutch to the letters of the commissioners of the union, sent in the 7th month last. The dutch still maintained their right to the land at Hartford, and their complaint of injuries. The Swedes denied what they had been charged with, and sent copies p. 326of divers examinations upon oath taken in the cause, with a copy of all the proceeding between them and our friends of Newhaven from the first, and in their letters used large expressions of their respect to the English, and particularly to our colony; and Mr. Eaton desired a copy of our patent to shew the Swedish Governor (at his request) and a new commission from the commissioners of the union, allowing them to go on with their plantation and trade in Delaware river and bay (for the Governor had told their agent that upon such a commission they should have liberty &c.) This coming at the setting of the general court, the commissioners advised with the court about it, who granted both, but the commission with a salvo jure: we were then informed also of a dutch ship lately arrived at Hudson's river sent to the free boors at fort Orange, which brought them 4▪000 weight of powder, and 700 pieces to trade with the natives, which the dutch Governor having notice of, did seize and confiscate to the use of the company.

We had the news also that the dutch had entertained Capt. Underhill, who with 120 men, dutch and english, had killed 120 indians upon Long Island, and 300 more upon the main, which was found to be a plot of the dutch Governor to engage the english in that quarrel with the indians, which we had wholly declined, as doubting of the justice of the cause.

At this court of assistants one James Britton a man ill affected both to our church discipline and civil government, and one Mary Latham a promp young woman about 18 years of age, whose father was a godly man and had brought her up well, were condemned to die for adultery, upon a law formerly made and published in print. It was thus occasioned and discovered. This woman being rejected by a young man whom she had an affection unto, vowed she would marry the next that came to her, and accordingly, against her friends minds, she matched with an ancient man who had neither honesty nor ability, and one whom she had no affection unto: whereupon soon after she was married, divers young men solicited her chastity, and drawing her into bad company, and giving her wine and other gifts, easily prevailed with her, and among others this Britton, but God smiting him with a dead palsey and fearful horror of conscience withal, he could not keep secret, but discovered this, and other the like with other women, and was forced to acknowledge p. 327the justice of God in that having often called others fools &c. for confessing against themselves, he was now forced to do the like. The woman dwelt now in Plimouth patent, and one of the magistrates there hearing she was detected &c. sent her to us. Upon her examination she confessed he did attempt the fact, but did not commit it, and witness was produced that testified (which they both confessed) that in the evening of a day of humiliation thro' the country for England &c. a company met at Brittons' and there continued drinking sack &c. 'till late in the night, and then Britton and the woman were seen upon the ground together, a little from the house. It was reported also that she did frequently abuse her husband, setting a knife to his breast and threatening to kill him, calling him old rogue and cuckold, and said she would make him wear horns as big as a bull; and yet some of the magistrases thought the evidence not sufficient against her, because there were not two direct witnesses, but the jury cast her, and then she confessed the fact, and accused 12 others, whereof two were married men. Five of these were apprehended and comitted (the rest were gone) but denying it, and there being no other witness against them than the testimony of a condemned person, there could be no proceeding against them. The woman proved very penitent, and had deep apprehension of the foulness of her sin, and at length attained to hope of pardon by the blood of Christ, and was willing to die in satisfaction to justice. The man also was very much cast down for his sins but was loth to die, and petitioned the general court for his life, but they would not grant it, tho' some of the magistrates spake much for it, and questioned the letter, whether adultery was death by God's law now. This Britton had been a professor in England, but coming hither he opposed our church government &c. and grew dissolute, losing both power and profession of godliness.

They were both executed, they both died very penitently especially the woman who had some comfortable hope of pardon of her sin,(1) 21. and gave good exhortation to all young maids to be obedient to their parents and to take heed of evil company &c.

The Earl of Warwick and other Lords &c. being appointed by the parliament, commissioners for regulating the West-Indies and all other english plantations in America, sent commission to Virginia to free them from all p. 328former taxations and all other charges but such as should be needful for their own occasions,1644. and gave them liberty to choose their own Governor; and sent command to all english ships there (which were then to the number of 16, most of them great ships) to assist them if need were. But the King sending a countermand to G. R. Berkley the Governor, he withstood the parliament's commissioners and drew most of the other magistrates to take oath upon the sacrament, to maintain the King's authority &c. so that the whole country was like to rise in parties, some for the King, and others for the parliament.

A proposition was made this court for all the english within the united colonies to enter into a civil government for the maintenance of religion and our civil liberties, and for yielding some more of the freeman's privileges to such as were no church members that should join in this government, but nothing was concluded, but referred to next court, and in the mean time that letters should be written to the other colonies to advise with them about it: nothing was effected for want of opportunity of meeting &c.

At the same court in the 1st month, upon the motion of the deputies, it was ordered that the court should be divided in their consultations, the magistrates by themselves, and the deputies by themselves, what the one agreed upon they should send to the other, and if both agreed, then to pass &c. This order determined the great contention about the negative voice.

Divers of the merchants of Boston being desirous to discover the great lake, supposing it to lie in the N.W. part of our patent, and finding that the great trade of beaver which came to all the eastern and southern parts, came from thence, petitioned the court to be a company for that design, and to have the trade which they should discover, to themselves for 21 years. The court was very unwilling to grant any monopoly, but perceiving that without it they would not proceed, granted their desire: whereupon, having also commission granted them under the public seal,(3) and letters from the Governor to the Dutch and Swedish Governors, they sent out a pinnace well manned and furnished with provisions and trading stuff, which was to sail up Delaware river so high as they could go, and then some of the company, under the conduct of Mr. William Aspenwall, a good artist, and one who had been in those parts, to pass by small ski…s or canoes up the river so far as they could.

p. 329Many of Watertown and other towns joined in the plantation at Nashaway, and having called a young man, an universal scholar, one Mr. Nocroff, to be their minister, seven of them who were no members of any churches, were desirous to gather into a church estate; but the magistrates and elders advised them first to go and build them habitations &c. (for there was yet no house there) and then to take some that were members of oth…r churches, with the consent of such churches, as formerly had been done, and so proceed orderly. But the persons interested in this plantation, being most of them poor men, and some of them corrupt in judgment, and others profane, it went on very slowly, so as that in two years they had not three houses built there, and he whom they had called to be their minister left them for their delays.

One Dalkin and his wife dwelling near Meadford coming from Cambridge, where they had spent their sabbath, and being to pass over the river at a ford, the tide not being fallen enough, the husband adventured over, and finding it too deep, persuaded his wife to stay a while, but it raining very sore, she would needs adventure over, and was carried away with the stream past her depth, her husband not daring to go help her, cried out, and thereupon his dog, being at his house near by, came forth, and seeing something in the water, swam to her and she caught hold on the dog's tail so he drew her to the shore and saved her life.

At the general court (8) 4. there came a letter to the Governor from Mr. Wheelwright (who was now carried from Exeter to Wells near Cape Porpoise where he was pastor of a church) the contents whereof were as followeth.