Journal of the Settlements of Massachusets and Other Colonies, Journal (2 of 8)

Journal of the Settlements of Massachusets and Other Colonies · Journal (2 of 8)

p. 38The congregation of Boston wrote to the elders and brethren of the churches of Plimouth, Salem, &c. for their advice in three questions. 1. Whether one person might be a civil magistrate and a ruling elder at the same time? 2. If not, then what should be best done? 3. Whether there might be divers pastors in the same church. The 1 was agreed by all negatively; the 2 doubtful, the 3. doubtful also.—

The strife in Watertown congregation continued still, but at length they gave the separatists a day to come in, or all to be proceeded against. 5. At the day they all came in and submitted, except John Masters, who, tho he was advised by divers ministers and others, that he had offended in turning his back upon the sacrament, and departing out of the assembly, &c. because he had then admitted a member whom he judged unfit, &c. He persisted, so the congregation (being loth to proceed against him), gave him a further day, a… which time, he continuing obstinate, they excommunicated him, but about a fortnight after he submitted himself and was received in again.

At Watertown there was, in the view of divers witnesses, a great combat between a mouse and a snake, and after a long fight the mouse prevailed and killed the snake. The minister of Boston, Mr. Wilson, a very sincere holy man, hearing of it, gave this interpretation:—That the snake was the devil, the mouse was a poor contemptible people which God had brought hither, which should over-come satan here, and dispossess him of his kingdom. Upon the same occasion he told the Governor, that before he was resolved to come into the country, he dreamed he was here, and that he saw a church arise out of the earth, which grew up and became a marvellous goodly church.

After many importunings and days of humiliation by those of Boston and Roxbury, to seek the Lord for Mr. Wilde his disposing, and the advice of those of Plimouth being taken, &c. at length h… resolved to sit down with them of Roxbury.

Aug. 3.The deputy, Mr. Thomas Dudley being still discontented with the Governor, partly for that the Governor had removed the frame of his house which he had set up at Newtown, and partly for that he took too much authority upon him (as …e conceived) renewed his complaints to Mr. Wilson and Mr. Wilde, who acquainting the Governor therewith, a meeting was agreed upon at Charlestown, where were present, the Governor and deputy, Mr. Noell, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Wilde, Mr. Maverick, and Mr. Warham. The conferrence being begun with calling upon the Lord, the deputy begun,—that however he had some public grievances, yet seeing he was advised by those p. 39present, and divers of the assistants, to be silent in them, he would let them pass, and so come first to complain of the breach of promise, both in the Governor and others, in not building at Newtown. The Governor answered that he had performed the words of the promise, for he had a house up, and seven or eight servants abiding in it by the day appointed; and for the removing of his house he alledged, that seeing that the rest of the assistants went not about to build, and that his neighbours of Boston had been discouraged from a moving thither by Mr. Deputy himself, and thereupon had, under all their hands, petitioned him; according to the promise he had made to them when they first sat down with him at Boston, (viz) that he would not remove except they went with him, he would not leave them: which was the occasion that he removed his house. Upon these and other speeches to this purpose, the ministers went apart for one hour, then returning, they delivered their opinion, that the Governor was in fault for removing his house so suddenly without confering with the deputy and the rest of the assistants; but if the deputy were the occasion of discouraging Boston-men from removing, it would excuse the Governor a quanto but not a tanto. The Governor professing himself willing to submit his opinion to the judgment of so many wise and Godly friends, acknowledged himself faulty. After dinner the deputy proceeded in his complaint, yet with this protestation, that what he should charge the Governor with, was in love, and out of his care of the public, and that the things he should produce were but for his own satisfaction, and not by way of accusation. Then he demanded of him the ground and limits of his authority, whether by the patent or otherwise? The Governor answered, that he was willing to stand to that which he propounded, and would challenge no greater authority than he might by the patent. The deputy replied, that then he had no more authority than every assistant (except power to call courts and proceedings for honor and order). The Governor answered he had more, for the patent making him a Governor, gave him whatsoever power belonged to a Governor by common law or the statutes, and desired him to shew wherein he had exceeded, &c. Speaking this somewhat apprehensively, the deputy began to be in a passion, and told the Governor that if he was so round, he would be round too. The Governor bad him be round if he would, so the deputy rose up in great passion and fury, and the Governor grew very hot also, so as they both fell into bitterness, but by mediation of the mediators they were both soon pacified; then the deputy proceeded to particulars▪ as followeth: 1st By what authority the Governor removed the ordinance and erected a fort at Boston? The Governor answered, that the ordinance lying upon the beach in danger of spoiling, and having often complained of it in the court,August. and nothing done, with the help of divers of the assistants, they were mounted upon their carriages and removed where they might be of some use: and for the fort, it had been agreed above a year before, that it should be erected there, and all this was done without any penny charge to the public. 2d. By what authority he lent 28lb. powder to those of Plimouth? Governor's answer —It was of his own powder, and upon their urgent distress, their own powder proving naught when they were to send to the rest of their men at Sowamsett. 3d. By what authority he had licensed Edward Johnson to set down at Merrimack? Governor's answer. That he had licensed him only to go forth on trading as he had divers others) as belonging to his place. 4. By what authority he had given them at Watertown leave to erect a wear upon Charles-river, and had disposed of lands to divers? Governor's answer. The people of Watertown fallin very short of corn the last year, for want of fish, did complain, and desired leave to erect a wear, and upon this the Governor told them, that he could not give them leave, but they must seek it of the court, but because it would be long before the courts began again, and if they deferred till then, the season would be lost, wished them to do it, and there was no doubt, but being for so general a good, the court would allow of it, and for his part he would employ all his power in the court, so as he should sink under it, if it were not allowed; and besides, those of Roxbury had erected a wear without any license from the court: and for lands, he had not disposed any, otherwise than the deputy and other of the assistants had done, he had only given his consent, and refered them to the court: But the deputy had taken more upon him, in that, without order of the court, he had impaled at Newtown above 1000 acres, and had assigned lands to some there. 5th. By what authority he had given license to Ratcliff and Grey (being banished men) to stay within our limits? Governor's answer. He did it by that authority which was granted him in court, viz. That upon any sentence in criminal causes, the Governor might, upon cause, stay the execution till the next court,— now the cause was, that being in the winter they must otherwise have perished. 6th. Why the fines were not levied? Governor's answer. It belonged to the secretary and not to him, he never refused to sign any that were brought to him; nay, he had called upon the secretary for it; yet he confessed that it p. 41was his judgment, that it were not fit in the infancy of a Commonwealth to be too strict in levying fines, tho severe in other punishments.

The deputy having made an end, the Governor desired the mediators to consider, whether he had exceeded his authority or not, and how little cause the deputy had to charge him with it; for if he had made some slips in two or three years government, he ought rather to have covered them, seeing he could not be charged that he had taken advantage of his authority to oppress or wrong any man, or to benefit himself, but for want of a stock had disbursed all common charges out of his own estate, whereas the deputy would never lay out one penny; and besides that he could shew him, under his hand, that would convince him of a greater exceeding his authority, than all that the deputy could charge him with, viz. That whereas Binks and Johnson were bound in open court, to appear at next court to account to &c. he had out of court, discharged them of their appearance. The deputy answered, that the party to whom they were to account, came to him and confessed that he was satisfied, and that the parties were to go to Virginia, so he thought he might discharge them. Though the Governor might justly have refused to answer these 7 articles wherewith the deputy had charged him, both for that he had no knowledge of them before (the meeting being only for the deputy his personal grievances) and also for that the Governor was not to give account of his actions to any but the court, yet out of his desire of the public peace, and to clear his reputation with those to whom the deputy had accused him, he was willing to give him satisfaction, to the end he might free him from such jealosies as he had conceived that the Governor intended to make himself popular, that he might gain absolute power, and bring all the assistants under his subjection; which was very improbable, seeing the Governor had propounded in court to have an order established for limiting the Governor's authority, and had himself drawn articles for that end which had been approved and established by the whole court; neither could he justly be charged to have transgressed any of them. So the meeting breaking up without any other conclusion but the commending the success of it by prayer to the Lord; the Governor brought the deputy onward his way, and every man went to his own ho….

The Sachem who was joined with Canonicus the great sachem of Naragansett called Mecumeh, after Miantonomoh,August 5. being at Boston where he had lodged two nights with his squaw and about 12 sannops, being present at the sermon, three of p. 42his sannops went in the meantime and broke into a neighbouring house, &c. complaint being made thereof to the Governor,August. after evening exercise he told the sachem of it, and with some difficulty, caused him to make one of his san…ps to beat them, and then sent them out of the town, but brought the sachem and the rest of the company to his house, and made much of them (as he had done before) which they seemed to be well pleased with, but that evening he departed.

At a court not long before, two of Chicka…abotts men were convened and convicted for assaulting some English of Dorchester in their houses &c. They were put in the bilboes, and Chickatabot required to beat them, which he did.

The congregation of Boston and Charlestown begun the meeting house at Boston, for which, and Mr. Wilson's house they had made a voluntary contribution of about 120l.

14Fair weather and small wind, and N. E. at Boston, and at the same time such a tempest of wind a little without the bay, as no boat could bear sail, and one had her mast torn by the board. So again when there hath a very tempest at N. W. or W. in the bay, there hath been a stark calm one league or two off shore. This summer was very wet and cold, except now and then a hot▪ day or two, which caused a great store of musketoes and rattle-snakes. The corn in dry sandy ground was much better than other years, but in the flatter ground much worse; and in Boston &c. much shorn down close by the ground with worms. The windmill was brought down to Boston, because when it stood near Watertown it would not grind but with a westerly wind.

Mr. Pelham had a small house near the wear at Watertown, made all of clapboards, burnt down by making a fire in it when it had no chimney.

This week they harvested in barley and oats at Sagus above 20 acres good corn, and strove with the plough.

Great store of eels and lobsters in the bay; two or three boys have brought in a bushel of great eels at a time, and 60 great lobsters.

The Braintree company which had began to sit down at Mount Woolas…on by order of court, removed to Newtown. These were Mr. Hooker's company.

20The Governor's wife was delivered of a son who was baptized by the name of William, the Governor himself held the child to baptize, as others in the congregation did use. William signifies a common man.

30Notice being given of ten Sagamores and many Indians assembled at Muddy River, the Governor sent Capt. C— p. 43with 20 musketeers to discover, &c. but at Roxbury they heard they were broke up.

One Hopkins of Watertown was convicted for selling a piece and pistol with powder and shot to James Sagamore,Sept. 4. for which he had sentence to be whipped and branded on the check. It was discovered by an Indian one of James's men, upon promise of concealing him, for otherwise he was sure to be killed.

The ministers afterward, for an end of the difference between the Governor and deputy, ordered that the Governor should procure them a minister at Newtown, and contribute some towards his maintenance for a time, or if he could not by the spring effect that, then to give the deputy towards his charges in building there 20l. The Governor accepted this order, and promised to perform it in one of the kinds. But the deputy having received one part of the order, returned the same to the governor, with his reason to Mr. Wilson, that he was so well persuaded of the Governor's love to him and did prize it so much, as if he had given him 100l. instead of 20l. he would not have taken it. Notwithstanding the heat of contention which had been between the governornor and deputy, yet they peaceably met about their affairs, and that without any appearance of any breach or discontent, and ever after kept peace and good correspondency together in love and friendship.

One Jenkins late an inhabitant at Dorchester, and now removed to Cape Porpus, went with an Indian up into the country with store of goods to truck, and being a sleep in a wigwam with one of Pasaconamy's men, was killed in the night by an Indian, dwelling near the Mohawk country, who made away with his goods, but was fetched back by Passaconamy's company. There was much suspicion that the Indians had some plot against the English, both for that many Naragansett men, &c. gathered together, who, with those of these parts pretended to make war upon the Mipsett men, and divers insolent speeches were used by some of them, and they did not frequent our houses as they were wont, and one of their pawawes told us that there was a conspiracy to cut us off to get our victuals and other substance. Upon this there was a camp pitched at Boston in the night, to exercise the soldiers against need might be; and Captain Underhill, to try how they would behave themselves, caused an alarm to be given upon the quarters, which discovered the weakness of our people, who like men amazed, knew not how to behave themselves, so as the officers could not draw them into any order. All the rest of the plantations took the alarm and answered it, but it caused p. 44much fear and distraction among the common sort, so as some which knew of it before, yet through fear had forgotten, and believed the Indians had been upon us.Sept. We doubled our guards and watched each day and night.

14The rumour still increasing, the three next sagamores were sent for, who came presently to the Governor.

16Being the Lord's day, in the evening Mr. Pierce, in the ship Lyon, arrived, and came to an anchor before Boston. He brought 123 passengers, whereof 50 children, all in health and lest not one person by the way, save his carpenter, who fell overboard as he was caulking a port. They had been twelve weeks aboard, and eight weeks from the lands end. He had 5 days E. wind and thick fog, so as he was forced to come all that time by his lead, and the first land he made was Cape Anne.

22The Barnstable ship, went out at Helens point to Marble Harbour.

27A day of thanksgiving at Boston for the good news of the prosperous succession of the King of Sweeden, &c. and for the safe arrival of the last ship and all the passengers.

Oct. 18.Captain Camock and one Mr. Godfry, a merchant came from Piscataquack in Captain Neale his pinnac… and brought 16 hogsheads of corn to the mill. They went away November.

25The Governor with Mr. Wilson, pastor of Boston, and the two Captains, &c. went aboard the Lyon, and from thence Mr. Pierce carried them in his shallop to Massagascus. The next morning Mr. Pierce returned to his ship, and the Governor and his company went on foot to Plimouth, and came thither within the evening. The Governor of Plimouth, Mr. William Bradford (a very discreet grave man) with Mr. Brewster the Elder, and some others, came forth and met them without the town, and conducted them to the Governor's house, where they were kindly entertained, and feasted every day at several houses. On the Lord's day was a sacrament which they did partake in; and in the afternoon Mr. Roger Williams (according to their cas…om) propounded a question, to which the pastor, Mr. Smith spake briefly, then Mr. Williams prophesied, and after the Governor of Plimouth spake to the question: after him the elder, then some two or three more of the congregation. Then the elder desired the Governor of Massachusetts and Mr. Wilson to speak to it, which they did. When this was ended, the deacon, Mr. Fuller, put the congregation in mind of their duty of contribution, upon which p. 45the Governor and all the rest went down to the deacon's seat and put into the …ag, and then returned.

The wind N. W. … set sail for Virginia.Oct. 27.

Being Wednesday, about … in the morning,31 the Governor and his company came out of Plimouth; the Governor of Plimouth with the pastor and elder, &c. accompanying them near half a mile out of town in the dark. The Lieutenant Holmes with two others and the Governor's man, came along with them to the great swamp about 10 miles. When they came to the great river they were carried over by one Luddham their guide (as they had been …hen they came) the stream being very strong and up to the crotch, so the Governor called that passage Luddham's ford. Then they came to a place called Hue's cross, the Governor being displeased at the name, in respect that such things might hereafter give the papists occasion to say that their religion was first planted in these parts, changed the name, and called it Hue's folly: so they came that evening to Massagascus where they were bountifully entertained, as before with store of turkies, geese, ducks, &c. and the next day came safe to Boston.

About this time Mr. Dudley his house at Watertown was preserved from burning down, and all his family from being distroyed by gun-powder, by a marvellous deliverance: The hearth of the hall chimney burning all night upon a principal and store of powder being near, and not discovered till they arose in the morning, and then it began to flame out.

Mr. Jo. Eliot, a member of Boston congregation, and one whom the company intended presently to call to the office of teacher, was called to be a teacher to the company at Roxbury, and tho Boston laboured all they could, both with the congregation of Roxbury and with Mr. Eliot himself, alledging their want of him,Nov 5. and the covenant between them &c. yet he could not be diverted from accepting the call of Roxbury, so he was dismissed. About a fortnight before this, those of Charlestown who had formerly been joined to Boston congregation; now in regard of the difficulty of passage in the winter, and having opportunity of a pastor,, one Mr. James who came over at this time, were dismissed from the congregation of Boston. The congregation of Watertown discharged their elder, Richard Brown, of his office for his unfitness in regard of his passion and distemper in speech, having been often admonished and declared his repentance for it.

The Governor received a letter from Capt. Neale,21 that D. Bull and 15 more of the English who kept about the east, were turned pirates and had taken divers boats, and rifled Pennaquid, p. 46&c. Hereupon the Governor called a council, and it was agreed to send his bark with 20 me… …o join with those of Piscataquack for the taking of the said pirates.

Nov. 23.A fast was held by the congregation of Boston and Mr. Wilson (formerly their teacher), was chosen pastor, and — Oliver a ruling elder, and both were ordained by imposition of hands, first by the teacher, and then two deacons (in the name of the congregation) upon the elder, and then by the elder and the deacons upon the pastor.

Dec. 4.At a meeting of all the assistants, it was agreed, in regard that the extremity of the season and frost had hindered the making ready of the bark, and that they had certain intelligence that those of Piscataq. had sent ou… two pinnaces and two shallops above a fortnight before, to defer any further expedition against the pirates till they heard what was done by those; and for that end it was agreed to send presently a shallop to Piscataq. to learn news,5 &c. Accordingly the Governor dispatched away Jo. Gallopp with his shallop, the wind being very great at S. W. he could reach no farther than Cape Anne harbour that night, and the wind blowing Northerly he was kept there so long that it was Jan. the 2d, before he returned. By letters from Capt. Neale, and Mr. Hilton, &c. it was certified that they had sent out all the forces they could make against the pirates, viz. four pinnaces and shallops, and about 40 men, who coming to Pemaquid, were there wind bound about 3 weeks. It was further advertised by some that came from Penobscott, that the pirates had lost one of their chief men by a musket shot from Pemaquid, and that there remained but 15, whereof four or five were detained against their wills, and that they had been at some English plantations, and taken nothing from them but what they paid for, and that they had given another pinnace in exchance for that of Mr. Maverick, and as much beaver and otter as it was worth more, &c.—and that they had made a law against excessive drinking, and that their order was, at such times as other ships use to have prayer, they would assemble upon the deck, and one sing a song or speak a few senseless sentences, &c. They also sent a writing directed to all the Governors, signifying their intent not to do harm to any more of their countrymen, but to go to the southward and advise them not to send against them, for they were resolved to strike themselves rather than be taken: Signed underneath fortune le garde, and …o more to it.

1633Mr. Oliver a right godly man and elde… of the church of Boston,Jan. 9. having three or four of his sons, all … young, cutting down wood upon the rocks, one of them▪ being about p. 4715 years old,1633. had his brains beaten out with the fall of a tree which he had felled.—The good old father having the news of it in as fearful a manner as might be,January. by another boy his brother, called his wife (being also a very godly woman) and went to prayer; and bore it with much patience and honor.

The Governor having intelligence from the East,17 that the French had bought the Scottish plantation near Cape Sable, and that the sort and all the ammunition were delivered to them, and that the Cardinall having the managing thereof, had sent some companies already, and preparations was made to send many more the next year, and divers priest and Jesuits among them, called the assistants to Boston, and the ministers and captains and some other chiefmen, to advise what was fit to be done for our safety, in the regard the French were like to prove ill neighbours (being papists) at which meeting it was agreed, that a plantation and a fort should forthwith be begun at Natascott, partly to be stone block in an enemie's way, tho it could not bar their entrance, and especially to prevent an enemy from taking that passage from us, and also that the fort begun at Boston should be finished. Also that a plantation should be begun at Agawam (being the best place in the land for tillage and cattle) lest an enemy finding it void, should possess and take it from us. The Governor's son (being one of the assistants) was to undertake this, and to take no more out of the bay than twelve men, the re… to be supplied at the coming of the next ships.

A maid servant of Mr. Skelton of Salem, going towards Sagus was lost seven days, and at length came home to Salem. All that time she was in the woods, having no kind of food, the snow being very deep, and as cold as at any time that winter. She was so frozen into the snow some mornings as she was one hour before she could get up, yet she soon recovered and did well through the Lord's wonderful providence.

About the beginning of this month of January, the pinnaces which went after the pirates returned; the cold being so great as they could not pursue them, but in their return they hanged up at Richman's-isle and Indian, one Black Will, one of those who had there murdered Walter Bagnall. Three of the pirates company ran from them and came home.

Mr. Edward Winslow chosen Governor of Plimouth,21 Mr. Bradford having been governor about ten years, and now by importunity got off.Feb. 21

The Governor and four of the assistants, with three of the ministers and others, about 26 in all, went in three boats to p. 48view Natascott, the wind W. fair weather, but the wind arose at N. W. so strong, and extreme cold that they were kept there two nights,February. being forced to lodge upon the ground in an open cottage upon a little old straw, which they pulled from the thatch. Their victuals also grew short, so as they were forced to eat muskles; yet they were very merry and came all safe home the 3d day after, thro the Lord's special providence. Upon view of the place it was agreed by all, that to build a fort there, would be of too great charge, and of little use, whereupon the planting of that place was deferred.

22Or thereabouts, the ship William Mr. Trevere, master, arrived at Plimouth with some passengers and goods for the Massachusetts Bay, but she came to set up a fishing at Scituate, and so to go to trade at Hudson's river. By this ship we had intelligence from ou… …ends in England, that Sir Ferdinand Georges and Capt. Mason, upon the instigation of Sir Christopher Gardiner, Morton and Ratcliff, had preferred a petition to the Lords of the Privy Council, against us, charging us with many false accusations, but thro the Lord's good providence, and the care of our friends in England, especially Mr. Downing, who had married the Governors sister, and the good testimony given on our behalf by one Capt. Wiggin, who dwelt at Piscat▪ and had been divers times among us, their malicious practice took not effect. The principal matter they had against us, was the letters of some indiscreet persons among us, who had written against the church government, &c. which had been intercepted by occasion of the death of Capt. Levett, who carried them and died at sea.

26Two little girls of the Governor's family were sitting under a great heap of logs, plucking of birds, and the wind driving the feathers into the house, the Governor's wife caused them to remove away; they were no sooner gone, but the whole heap of logs fell down in the place, and had crushed them to death, if the Lord, in his special providence, had not delivered them.

MarchThe Governor's son Jo. Winthrop went with twelve men to begin a plantation at Agawam, after called Ipswich.

One John Edye a Godly man of Watertown congregation, fell distracted, and getting out one evening, could not be found, but eight days after, he came again of himself. He had kept his strength and colour, yet had eaten nothing (as must needs be conceived) all that time. He recovered hi… understanding again in good measure, and lived very orderly, but would now and then be a little distempered.

April 10.There arrived Mr. Hodges one of Mr. Pierce his Mate. He came from Virginia in a shollop, and brought news that p. 49Mr. Pierce his ship was cast away upon a shoal four miles from Feake Isle, ten leagues to the N. of the mouth of Virginia bay, November 2d. about one in the morning,April. the wind S. W. thro the negligence of one of his mates who had the watch and kept not his lead as he was appointed. They had a shallop and their ship's boat aboard. All that went into the shallop came safe on shore, but the ship's boat was sunk by the ship's side and men drowned in her, and ten of them were taken up alive … the shallop. There were in the ship 28 seamen and 10 p…sengers, of those were drowned 7 seamen and 5 passengers, and all the goods were lost except one hogshead of beaver, and most of the letters were saved, and some other small things which were driven on shore the next day when the ship was broken in pieces. They were 9 days in much distress before they found any English. Plimouth men lost four**£900 Hhds. of beaver and 200 otter skins. The Governor of Massachusetts lost in beaver and fish which he sent to Virginia, &c. near 100l. many others lost skins, and Mr. Humphry fish.

The William and James Mr. Bradock master arrived with 30 passengers and ten cows, one mare;May. she came in six weeks from London.

The Mary and James arrived, Mr. Rose master, she came from London in seven weeks, and brought 196 passengers (only two children died). Mr. Coddington one of the assistants, and his wife, came in her. In her return she was cast away upon Isle Sable, but men were saved. By these ships we understood that Sir Christopher Gardiner and Thomas Morton and Philip Ratcliffe (who had been punished here for their misdemeanors) had petitioned to the King and Council against us, being set on by Sir Ferdinand Gorges and Captain Mason, who had began a plantation at Piscat. and aimed at the general government of N. England for their agent here Captain Neale. The petitions was of many sheets of paper and contained many false accusations (and among some, truths misreprepresented) accusing us to intend rebellion to have cast off our allegiance, and to be wholly separate from the church and laws of England. That our ministers and people did continually rail against the state, church and bishops there, &c. Upon which such of our company as were then in England (viz) Sir Richard Saltonstall, Mr. Humphry, and Mr. Cradock, were called before a committee of the council to whom they delivered in an answer in writing. Upon reading whereof, it pleased the Lord, our gracious God and protector, so to work with the Lord's, and after with the King's majesty, when the whole matter was reported to him by Sir Thomas Fermin p. 50one of the council (but not of the committe who had been present at the three days of hearing, and spake much in the commendation of the Governor both to the Lord's and after to his Majesty) that he said he would have them severely punished who did abuse this government and the plantations,May. that the defendants were dismissed with a favorable order,—for their en…couragement being assured from some of the council that his Majesty did not intend to impose the ceremonies of the church of England upon us; for that it was considered that it was the freedom from such things that made people come over to us; and it was credibly informed to the council that this country would in time, be very beneficial to England for masts, cordage, &c. if the sound should be debarred.

We sent forth a pinnace after the pirate Bull, but after she had been forth two months, she came home having not found him. After, we heard he was gone to the French. A Dutch pink arrived here which had been to the Southward a trading.

Junc 2.Captain Stone arrived with a small ship with cows and some salt. The Governor of Plimouth sent Captain Standish to prosecute against him for piracy. The cause was began at▪ the Dutch plantation, where a pinnace of Plimouth coming, and Captain Stone and the Dutch Governor having been drinking together, Capt Stone, upon pretence that those of Plimouth had reproached them of Virginia from whence he came (with the Governor's consent) seized upon their pinnace, and offered to carry her away, but the Dutchmen wrested her, and the next day the Governor and Captain Stone intreated the master of th… pinnace (being one of the council of Plimouth) to pass it by which he promised by a solemn instrument under his hand; yet upon his earnest prosecution at court, we bound over Captain Stone, with two sureties, to appear in the admiralty court in England. But after, those of Plimouth being persuaded that it would turn to their reproach, and that it would be no piracy, with their consent, we withdrew the recognizancy.

Mr. Graves in the ship Eliz. bonadventure from Yarmouth, arrived with 95 passengers,15 and 34 Dutch sheep, and two mares. They came from Yarmouth in six weeks, lost not one person but above 40 sheep.

19A day of thanksgiving was kept in all the congregations for our delivery from the plots of our enemies, and for the safe arrival of our friends, &c.

July 2.At a court it was agreed, that the Governor, John Winthrop, should have towards his charges this year, 150l. and the money which he had disbursed in public business, a… officers wages▪ p. 51&c. being between two and three hundred pounds, should be further paid.

Mr. Edward Winslow, Governor of Plimouth,July 12. and Mr. Bradford came into the bay, and went away the 18th. They came partly to confer about joining in a trade to Connecticut, for beaver and hemp: The…e was a motion to set up a trading house there, to prevent the Dutch who were about to build one, but in regard the place was not fit for plantation, there being three or four thousand warlike Indians, and the river not to be gone into but by small pinnaces, having a barr affording but six feet at high water, and for that no vessels can get in for 7 months in the year, partly by reason of the ice …nd then the violent stream, &c. we thought not fit to meddle with it.

A ship arrived from Waymouth,24 with about eighty passengers and 12 kine, which set down at Dorchester; they were 12 weeks coming, being forced into the Western Islands by a leak, where they stayed three weeks, and were very courteously used by the Portuguese, but the extremity of the heat there, and the continual rain, brought sickness upon them, so as died. Much sickness at Plimouth, and above twenty died of pestilent fevers. Mr. Graves returned and carried a freight of fish from hence and Plimouth. By him the Governor and assistants sent an answer to the petition of Sir Christopher Gardiner, and withal a certificate from the old planters concerning the carriage of affairs, &c.

Two men servants to one Moodye, of Roxbury,August 6. returning in a boat from the Windmill, struck upon the oyster bank. They went out to gather oysters, and not making fast their boat when the flood came it floated away, and they were both drowned, altho they might have waded out on either side, but it was an evident judgment of God upon them, for they were wicked persons: One of them a little before being reproved for his lewdness, and put in mind of hell, answered that if hell were ten times hotter, he had rather be there than he would serve his master, &c. The occasion was because he had bound himself for divers years, and saw that if he had been at liberty he might have had greater wages, tho otherwise his master used him very well.

Mr. Graves returned, he carried between five and six thousand weight of beaver, and about thirty passengers. Captain Walter Neale of Piscat. and some eight of his company, went with him. He had been in the bay about ten days and came not all this time to see the Governor, being persuaded by divers of his friends. His answer was, he was not well entertained the first time he came thither and besides he had some p. 52letters opened in the Bay Government; except he were invited he would not go see him. The 13th day he wrote to the Governor,August. to excuse his not coming to see him, upon the same reasons. The Governor returned him answer, that his entertainment was such as time and place could afford (being at their first coming, before they were housed, &c.) and retorted the discourtesy upon him, in that he would thrust himself with such a company (he had five or six gentlemen with him) upon a strangers entertainment at such an unseasonable time, and having no need so to do; and for his letters he protested his innocency, as he might well, for the letters were opened before they came into the bay, and so concluded courteously, yet with plain demonstration of his error. And indeed if he courteously should have invited him, standing upon these terms, he had blemished his reputation.

There is mention made before of the answer, which was returned to Sir Christopher Gardiner his accusations, to which the Governor and all the assistants subscribed, only the deputy refused. He made three exceptions: 1st. For that we termed the bishops reverend bishops, which was only in repeating the accusations made.

2d. For that we professed to believe all the articles of the gospel faith according to the scriptures and the common received tenets of all the churches of England. This he refused, because we differed from them in matter of discipline, and about the meaning of Christs descent into hell,—that the faithful in England (whom we account the churches) expound it as we do, and not of a local descent as some of the bishops do. 3d. For that we gave the King the title of sacred Majesty, which is the most proper title of princes, and the word a mere civil word and ne…r applied in scripture to any divine things, but sanctus used always. Mr. Knox called the In. of S—by the same title; yet by no reasons could he be drawn to yield to these things, altho they were allowed by divers of th… ministers and the chief of Plimouth.

There was great scarcity of corn by reason of the spoil ou… … had made at harvest, and the great quantity they had … in the winter (there being no acorns) yet people lived well with fish and the fruit of their gardens.

Sept. 4.The G…iss…n, a ship of 300 tons arrived, having been eight weeks from the Downes, she brought about 200 passengers, having lost some four. In this ship came Mr. Cotton, Mr. Hooker and Mr. Stone, ministers, and Mr. Haynes (a gentleman of great estate), Mr. Goffe and many other men of good …. They g…t out of England with much difficulty, all p. 53places being belaid to have taken Mr. Cotton and Hooker, who had been long sought for to have been brought into the High Commission,Sept. but the master being bound to touch at the Wight, the pursuants attended there, and the mean time the said ministers were taken in at the Downes. Mr. Hooker and Mr. Stone went presently to Newtown, where they were to be entertained, and Mr. Cotton stayed at Boston.—One Sunday evening the Congregation met in their ordinary exercise, and Mr. Cotton being desired to speak to the question (which was of the church) he shewed out of the canticles 6. that some churches were as queens, some as concubines, some as damsels and some as doves, &c. he was then, with his wife propounded to be admitted a member the Lord's day following; he exercised in the afternoon, and being to be admitted, he signified his desire and readiness to make his confession according to order, which he said might be sufficient in declaring his faith about baptism, which he then desired for his child born in their passage, and therefore named Seaborn. He gave two reasons w…y he did not baptise it at sea (not for want of fresh water, for he h…ld, sea water would have served). 1. Because they had no settled congregation there. 2. Because a minister hath no power to give the seals but in his own congregation. He desired his wife might also be admitted a member, and gave a modest testimony of her, but withal requested she might not be put to make open confession, &c. which he said was against the Apostles rule, and not fit for women's modesty, but that the elders might examine her in private. So she was asked if she did consent in the confession of faith made by her husband, and if she did desire to be admitted, &c. whereto she answered affirmatively, and so both were admitted, and their child baptised, the father presenting it, the child's baptism being, as he did then affirm in another case, the fathers instruction for the help of his faith, &c.

The said 4th of September, came in also the ship called the Bird, Mr. Yates, master, she brought — passengers, having lost —, and — cows, and four mares; she had been twelve weeks at sea, being at her first coming out, driven Notherly to 53.

About ten days before this time a bark was set forth to Connecticut and those parts to trade.

John Oldham and three with him went over land to Connecticut to trade; the Sachem used them kindly, and gave them some beaver. They bought of him the hemp that grew there in great abundance, and is much better than the English. p. 54He accounted it to be about 160 miles; **From Boston to Connecticut River, in a direct line, is not more than half that distance. EDIT.he brought some black lead, whereof the Indians told him there was a whole rock. He lodged at Indian towns all the way.

Sept.Captain John Stone, of whom mention is made before, carried himself very dissolutely in drawing company to drink, &c. being found upon the bed in the night with one Barcroft's wife, he was brought before the Governor, &c. and tho it appeared he was in drink, and no act to be proved, yet it was thought he should abide his trial, for which a warrant was sent out to stay his pinnace which was ready to set sail, whereupon he went to Mr. Ludlow, one of the assistants, and used — and threatning speeches against him, for which he raised some company and apprehended him, and brought him to the Governor, who put him in irons, and kept a guard upon him till the court, but his irons were taken off the same day. At the court his indictment was framed for adultery, but found ignoramus by the grand jury; but for his other misdemeanors he was fined 100l. which yet was not levied of him, and ordered upon pain of death to come here no more without license of the court, and the woman was bound to her good behaviour.

The Governor and council met at Boston and called the ministers and elders of all the churches …o consider about Mr. Cotton,17 his sitting down. He was desired to div…rs places, and those who came with him desired he might sit down where they might keep store of cattle; but it was agreed by full consent, that the fittest place for him was Boston, and in that respect those of Boston might take farms in any part of the Bay not belonging to other towns, and that (keeping a lecturer) he should have some maintenance out of the treasury. But divers of the council, upon second thought, did after refuse this contribution.

The bark Blessing which was sent to the Southward, returned,Oct. 2. she had been at an Island over against Connecticut, called Long-Island, because it is near 50 leagues long, the East part about 10 leagues from the main, but the West end not one mile, there they had store of the best wampampeague both white and blue. The Indians there are very treacherous people; they have many canoes so great as one will carry 80 men. They were also in the river of Connecticut, which is barred at the entrance, so as they could not find above one fathom water. They were also at the Dutch plantation upon Hudson's p. 55river (called New Netherlands) where they were very kindly entertained, and had some beaver and other things for such commodities as they put off.Oct. They shewed the Governor (called Gwalter Van Twilly) their commission, which was to signify to them, that the King of England had granted the river and country of Connecticut to his own subjects, and therefore desired them to forbear to build there. The Dutch Governor wrote back to our Governor (his letter was very courteous and respectful as it had been to a very honorable person) whereby he signified that the Lords the states had also granted the same parts to the West India company, and therefore requested that he would forbear the same till the matter were decided between the King of England and the said Lords.

The said bark did pass and repass over the shoals of Cape Cod, about three or four leagues from Natucket Isle, where the breaches are very terrible, yet they had three fathom water all over.

The company of Plimouth sent a bark to Connecticut at this time to erect a trading house there; when they came they found the Dutch had built there, and did forbid the Plimouth men to proceed, but they sat up their house notwithstanding about a mile above the Dutch. This river runs so far Northward that it comes within a days journey of a part of Merrimack called and runs thence N. W. so near the great lake as the Indians do pass their canoes into it over land. From this lake and the hideous swamps about it came most of the beaver which is traded between Virginia and Canada, which runs forth of this lake;—and Patomack river in Virginia comes likewise out of it or very near, so as from this lake there comes yearly to the Dutch about 10,000 skins which might easily be diverted by Merrimack, if a course of trade were settled above in that river.

A fast was kept at Boston,10 and Mr. Leverett an ancient sincere professor of Mr. Cotton's congregation in England was chosen a ruling elder, and Mr. Fermin a godly man an apothecary of Sudbury in England was chosen deacon by imposition of hands, and Mr. Cotton was then chosen teacher of the congregation of Boston, and ordained by imposition of hands. Then Mr. Wilson the pastor demanded of him if he did except of that call; he paused, and then spoke to this effect. That however he knew himself unworthy and insufficient for that place, yet having observed all the passages of God's providence (which he recorded up in particular) in calling him to it, he could not but except it. Then the pastor and the two elders laid their hands upon his head and the pastor prayed, and then p. 56taking off their hands laid them on again, and speaking to him by his name, they did thereby design him to the said office in the name of the Holy Ghost, and did give him the charge of the congregation, and did thereby (as by a sign from God) endue him with the gifts fit for his office, and lastly did bless him. Then the neighbouring ministers which were present did, at the pastor's notice, give him the right hand of fellowship, and the pastor made a stipulation between him and the congregation. When Mr. Cotton accepted of the office, he commended to the congregation such as were to come over who were of his charge in England, that they might be com…ortably provided for.

The same day Mr. Grant in the ship James arrived at Salem, having been but eight weeks between Gravesend and Salem; he brought Captain Wiggin and about 30, with one Mr. L— a godly minister to Piscataq. (which the Lord Say and the Lord Brook had purchased of the Bristol men) and about 30 for Virginia, and about 20 for that place and some 60 cattle. He brought news that the Richard a bark of 50 tons which came forth with the Griffin, being come above 300 leagues, sprang such a leak as she was forced to bear up and put into Waymouth.

Oct. 11.A fast at Newtown where Mr. Hooker was chosen pastor and Mr. Stone teacher in such a manner as before at Boston. The wolves continued to do much hurt among our cattle—and this month by Mr. Grant there came over sour Irish grey hounds which were sent to the Governor by Mr. Downing his brother-in-law.

Nov.A great mortality among the Indians, Chickatabot the Sagamore of Naponsett died, and many of his people. The disease was the small pox. Some of them were cured by such means as they had from us; many of their children escaped and were kept by the English. Capt. Wiggin of Piscataq. wrote to the Governor that one of his people had stabbed another, and desired he might be tried in the Bay, if the party desired. The Governor answered that if Piscataq. lay within their limit… (as it was supposed) they would try him.

A small ship of about 60 tons was built at Meadford, and called the Rebecca. This year a water mill was built at Roxbury, by Mr. Dummer.

The scarcity of workmen had caused them to raise their wages to an excessive rate, so as a carpenter would have three shillings the day, a laborer two shillings and six-pence, &c. and accordingly those who had commodities to sell, advanced their prices sometime double to that they cost in England, so as it p. 57grew to a general complaint, which the court taking knowledge of, as also of some further evils which were springing out of the excessive rates of wages.Nov. They made an order that carpenters, masters &c. should take but 2s. the day, and labourers but 18d,—and that no commodity should be sold at above four pence in the shilling more than it cost for ready money in England, oil, wine, &c. and cheese in regard of the hazard of bringing, &c. The evils which were springing, were, 1. Many spent much time idly, because they could get as much in four days as would keep them a week. 2. They spent much in tobacco and strong waters **Rum or Spirits, EDIT.which was a great waste to the Commonwealth, which by reason of so many scarce commodities expended could not have subsisted to this time, but that it was supplied by the cattle and corn which were sold to new comers at very dear rates, viz. corn at 6s. the bushel; a cow at 20l.—yea some at 24l. some 26l. a mare at 35l. an ewe goat at 3 or 4l. and yet many cattle were every year brought out of England, and some from Virginia. Soon after an order was taken for prices of commodities, viz. not to exceed the rate of four pence in the shilling above the price in England, except cheese and liquors, &c.

The ministers in the Bay and Sagus did meet once a fortnight at one of their houses by commission, where some question of moment was debated. Mr. Skelton the pastor of Salem, and Mr. Williams who was removed from Plimouth thither, but not in any office, tho he exercised by way of prophecy, took some exceptions against it, as fearing it might grow in time to a presbytery or superintendency, to the prejudice of the churches liberties, but this fear was without cause, for they were all clear in that point, that no church o… person can have power over another church, neither did they in their meetings exercise any such jurisdiction.

News of the taking of Machias by the French.12 Mr. Allerton of Plimouth and some others had set up a trading wigwam there, and lost in it five men and store of commodities. La-Tour, Governor of the French in those parts, making claim to the place, came to displant them, and finding resistance, killed two of the men, and carried away the other three, and the goods.

Some differences fell out still now and then, between the Governor and deputy, which were soon healed. It had been ordered in court, that all hands should help to the finishing of the fort at Boston, and all the towns in the Bay had gone once p. 58over, and most the second time; but those of Newtown being warned, the deputy would not suffer them to come, neither did acquaint the Governor with the cause,Nov. which was, for that Salem and Sagus had not brought in money for their parts. The Governor hearing of it, wrote friendly to him, shewing him that the intent of the court was, that the work should be done by those in the Bay, and that after the others should pay a proportionable sum for the house, &c. which must be done by money, and therefore desired him that he would send in his neighbours. Upon this Mr. Haynes and Mr. Hooker came to the Governor to treat with him about it, and brought a letter from the deputy full of bitterness and resolution not to send till Salem, &c. The Governor told them it should rest till the court, and withal gave the letter to Mr. Hooker with this speech: I am not willing to keep such an occasion of provocation by me; and soon after he wrote to the deputy (who had before desired to buy a fat hog or two of him, being somewhat short of provisions) to desire him to send for one, which he would have sent him if he had known when his occasion had been to have made use of it, and to accept it as a testimony of his good will, and lest he should make any scruple of it, he made Mr. Haynes and Mr. Hooker (who both so-journed in his house) partakers with him. Upon this the deputy returned this answer:— Your overcoming yourself hath overcome me, Mr. Haynes, Mr. Hooker, and myself do most kindly accept the good will, but we desire, without offence, to refuse the offer, and that I may only trade with you for two hogs, and so very lovingly concluded.—The court being two days after, ordered that Newtown should do their work as others had done, and then Salem, &c. should pay for three days at 18d. a man.

13The congregation of Boston m…t to take order for Mr. Cotton's pursage and house, and his and Mr. Wilson's maintenance. Mr. Cotton had disbursed eighty pounds for his pursage and towards his house which he would not have again, so there was about 60l. raised by voluntary contribution, toward… the finishing of his house, and about 100l. towards their maintenance. At this meeting there arose some difference between the Governor and Mr. Cottington, who charged the Governor, that he took away the liberty of the rest, because at the request of the rest, he had named some men to set out minister's lands, &c. which grew to some heat of words, but the next Lord's day they both acknowledged openly their failings▪ and declared that they had been reconciled the next day.

p. 59Mr. Wilson, by leave of the congregation of Boston (whereof he was pastor) went to Agawam to teach the people of that plantation, because they had yet no minister;Nov. 26. while he was there, there fell such a snow (knee deep) as he could not come back for days,Dec. 4. and a boat which went thither was frozen up in the river.

John Sagamore died of the small pox and almost all his people,5 about 30 buried by Mr. Maverick of Winesemett i… one day. The towns in the bay took away many of the children, but most of them died soon after. James Sagamore of Sagus died also and most of his folks. John Sagamore desired to be brought among the English, so he agreed and promised, if he recovered, to live with the English and serve their God. He left one son which he disposed to Mr. Wilson the pastor of Boston to be brought up by him. He gave to the Governor a good quantity of wampampeague, and to divers others of the English he gave gifts and took order for the payment of his own debts and his men's; he died in a persuasion that he should go to the Englishmen's God. Divers of them in their sickness confessed that the Englishmen's God was a good God, and that if they recovered they would serve him. It wrought much with them that when their own people forsook them, yet the English came daily and ministered to them, and yet few took any instructions by it. Among others Mr. Maverick of Winesemett is worthy of special remembrance; himself, his wife and servants went daily to them, ministered to their necessities, and buried their dead, and took home many of their children; so did other of the neighbours. This infectious disease spread to Piscataq. where all the Indians except one or two, died.—

One Couper of Piscataq. going to an Island upon the Lord's day to fetch some sack to be drank at the great house, he and a boy coming back in a canoe (being both drunk) were driven to sea and never heard of after. At the same plantation a company having made a fire at a tree, one of them said, this tree will fall, and accordingly it fell upon him and killed him.

It pleased the Lord to give special testimony of his presence in the church of Boston after Mr. Cotton was called to office there, more were converted and added to that church than to all the other churches in the bay (or rather the lake, for so it were more principally termed, the bay being that part of sea between the two capes, Cape Cod and Cape Anne). Divers profane and notorious evil persons came and confessed their sins, and were comfortably received into the bosom of the p. 60church. Yea the Lord gave witness to the exercise of prophecy, so as thereby some were converted and others much edified.Dec. Also the Lord pleased greatly to bless the practice of discipline wherein he gave the pastor Mr. Wilson a singular gift, to the great benefit of the church. After much deliberation and serious advice, the Lord directed the teacher Mr. Cotton to make it clear by the scripture, that the minister's maintenance, as well as all other charges of the church, should be defrayed out of a chest or treasury, which was to be raised out of the weekly contribution, which accordingly was agreed upon.

27The Governor and assistants met at Boston, and took into consideration a treatise which Mr. Williams (then of Salem) had sent to them, and which he had formerly written to the Governor and council of Plimouth, wherein among other things, he disputes their right to the lands they possessed here, and concluded that claiming by the King's grant, they could have no title, nor otherwise except they compounded with the natives.—For this, taking advice with some of the most judicious ministers, who much condemned Mr. Williams's error and presumption, they gave order that he should be convented at the next court, to be censured, &c. There were three passages chiefly whereat they were much offended. 1st. For that he chargeth King James to have told a solemn, public lie, because in his patent he blessed God that he was the first christian prince that had discovered this land. 2d. For that he chargeth him and others with blasphemy for calling Europe Christendom or the church world. 3d. For that he did personally apply to our present King Charles those 3 places in the revelations viz.

Mr. Endicott being absent the Governor wrote to him to let him know what was done, and withal added divers arguments to confute the said errors, wishing him to deal with Mr. Williams to retract the same and whereto he returned a very modest and discreet answer. Mr. Williams also wrote to the Governor and also to him and the rest of the council very submissively, professing his intent to have been only to have written for the private satisfaction of the gentlemen &. cof Plimouth, without any purpose to have stirred any further in it, if the Governor there had not required a copy of him, withal offering his book or any part of it to be burnt. At the next court he appeared privately, and gave satisfaction of his intention and gilt, so it was left and nothing done in it.

1634.News come from Plimouth that Capt. Stone who this last summer went out of the bay or lake,Jan. 21. and so to Aquawatic… where he took in Capt. Norton, putting in at the mouth of p. 61Connecticut in his way to Virginia where the pequins inhabit,1634. was there cut off by them with all his company being eight. The manner was thus, [See after Nov. 6, 1634.January. 22]

Hall and the two others who went to Connecticut, Nov. 3d. came now home, having lost themselves and endured much misery. They assured us that the small pox was gone as far as any Indian plantation was known to the west, and much people dead of it, by reason whereof they could have no trade. At Naragansett, by the Indian report, there died 700, but beyond Piscataq. none to the eastward.

The Governor and council met again at Boston to consider of Mr. William's letter,2… &c. when with the …vice of Mr. Cotton and Mr. Wilson, and weighing his letter, and further considering of the aforesaid offensive passages in his book (which being written in very obscure and implicative phrazes might well admit of doubtful interpretation) they found the matters not to be so evil as at first they seemed. Whereupon they agreed that upon his retraction, &c. and taking an oath of allegiance to the King, &c. it should be passed over.

An Englishman of Sacoe, travelling into the country to trade was killed by the Indians.

John Scales who ran from his master to the Indians came here again; he was at a place twelve miles off,30 where were seven Indians. Four died of the pox while he was there.

Mr. Craddock's house at Marblehead was burnt down about midnight,Feb. 1. there being then in it Mr. Allerton and many fishermen whom he employed that season, who all were preserved by a special providence of God, with most of the goods therein, by a taylor who set up that night at work in the house, and hearing a noise looked out and saw the house on fire above the oven in the thatch.

This winter was very mild, little wind, and most S. and S. W. but after snows and great. One snow of the 15th of this month was near two feet deep all over.

Such of the Indians children as were left, were taken by the English, most whereof did die of the pox **The small pox, which proved fatal to many of the natives.soon after, three only remaining, whereof one which the Governor kept was called Knows God, (the Indians usual answer being, when they were put in mind of God, me no knows God).

The Gramposs came up towards Charlestown by the tide of ebb.22 By this time 17 fishing ships were come to Richman's Isle and the Isles of Shoals.

p. 62By order of court a market was erected at Boston to be kept upon Thursday the 5th day of the week, being the lecture day. Samuel Cole set up the first house for common entertainment,March 4. and John Cogan merchant the first shop. Upon offer of some new comers to give liberally towards the building of a galley for defence of the bay, and upon consultation with divers experienced seamen and others, it was thought fitter for our condition to build a vessel 40 feet in length and 21 in breadth, to be cannon proof, and the upper deck musket proof, to have one sail, and to carry whole culverin and other smaller pieces, eight in all. This was found to be so chargeable and so long time ere it could be finished, that it was given over. At this court all swamps above 100 acres were made common, &c. Also Robert Cole, having been often punished for drunkenness, was now ordered to wear a red D about his neck for a year.

7At the lecture at Boston a question was propounded about veils, Mr. Cotton concluded that where by the custom of the place, they were not a sign of a woman's sobriety, they were not commanded by the apostle. Mr. Endicott opposed, and did maintain it by the general arguments brought by the apostle. After some debate, the Governor perceiving it to grow to some earnestness, interposed and so it brake off.

Among other testimonies of the Lord's gracious presen… with his own ordinances, there was a youth of 14 years of age (being the son of one of the magistrates) so wrought upon by the ministry of the word, as for divers months he was held under such affliction of mind, as he could not be brought to apprehend any comfort in God, being much humbled and broken for his sins (tho he had been a dutiful child, and not given up to the lusts of youth) and especially for his blasphemous and wicked thoughts, whereby satan buffeted him, so as he went mourning and languishing daily, yet attending to the mea… and not giving over prayer, and seeking counsel, &c. he ca… at length to be freed from his temptation and to find comfort in God's promises, and so being received into the congregation upon good proof of his understanding in the things of God, he went on cheerfully in a christian course, falling daily to labor, as a servant, and as a younger brother of his did, who was no whit short of him in the knowledge of God's will, tho his youth kept him from daring to offer himself to the congregation. Upon this occasion it is not impertinent (tho no credit nor regard to be had of dreams in these days) to report a dream which the father of these children had at the same time, viz. That coming into his chamber he found his wife (she was a very gracious p. 63woman) in bed, and three or four of their children lying by her, with most sweet and smiling countenances with crowns upon their heads, and when he awoke,March. he told his wife his dream, and made this interpretation of it, that God would take of her children to make them fellow heirs with Christ in his kingdom.

Satan bestirred himself to hinder the progress of the gospel as among other practices, appeared by this. He stirred up a spirit of jealousy between Mr. James the p…stor of Charlestown and many of his people, so as Mr. Noel, and some others who had been dismissed from Boston began to question the fact of Breaking from Boston, and it grew to such a principle of conscience among them, as the advice of the other ministers was taken in it, who after two meetings could not agree about their continuance or return.

One Mr. Morris, Ensign to Capt. Underhill, taking some distaste in his office, requested the magistrates that he might be discharged of it, and so was, whereby he gave offence to the congregation of B. so as being questioned and convinced of sin in forsaking his calling, he did acknowledge his fault, and at the request of the people, was by the magistrates chosen lieutenant to the same company, for he was a very stout man and an experienced soldier.April 1.

Order was taken for ministering an oath to all house keepers and sojourners being 20 years of age and not freemen, and for making a survey of the houses and lands of all freemen.

Notice being sent out to the general court to be holden the 14th day of the 3d month called May, the freemen deputed two of each town to meet and consider of such matters as they were to take order in at the same general court; who having met desired a sight of the patent, and conceiving thereby that all their laws should be made at the general court, repaired to the Governor to advise with him about it, and about the abrogating of some orders formerly made; as for killing of swine in corn, &c. He told them that when the patent was granted, the number of freemen was supposed to be (as in like corporations) so few, as they might well join in making laws, but now they were grown to so great a body as it was not possible for them to make or execute laws, but they must choose others for that purpose and that howsoever it would be necessary hereafter to have a select company to intend that work, yet for the present they were not furnished with a sufficient number of men qualified for such a business, neither could the commonwealth bear the loss of time of so many as must intend it, yet this they might do at present, viz. They might at the general p. 64court make an order that once in the year a certain number should be appointed upon summons from the Governor, to revise all laws,April. &c. and to reform what they found amiss therein, but not to make any new laws, but prefer their grievances to the court of assistants, and that no assessment should be laid upon the country without the consent of such a committee, … any lands disposed of.3

The Gov. went on foot to Agawam, and because the people there wanted a minister, spent the sabbath with them, and excercised by way of prophecy,20 and returned home the 10th.

John Coggeshall gentleman, being dismissed from the church of Roxbury to Boston, tho he were well known and approved of the church, yet was not received but by confession of his faith,May. 3 &c.

News came of the death of Hoskin and the Plimouth man at Kenebeck, and of the arrival of the ship at Pemaquid which brought 30 passengers for this pla…e. The occasion of the death of those men at Kenebeck was this. The Plimouth men had a grant from the grand patentees of N. E. of Kenebeck, with liberty of sole trade, &c. The said Hoskin came in a pinnace belonging to the Lord Say and Lord Brook at Piscataqua to trade at Kenebeck; two of the magistrates at Plimouth being there, forbad him, yet he went up the river, and because he would not come down again, they sent▪ three men in a canoe to cut his cables, having …ut one, Hoskin presented a piece, and swore he would kill him that went up to cut the other; they told him do if he durst, and went on to cut it, thereupon he killed one of them, and instantly one in the Plimouth pinnace (which rode by them and wherein five or six men stood with their pieces ready charged) shot and killed Hoskin. At the general court at Boston, upon the complaint of a kinsman of the said Hoskin. John Alden, one of the said magistrates of Plimouth, who was present when Hoskin was slain, being then at Boston, was called and bound with sureties not to depart out of our jurisdiction without leave, &c. and withal we wrote to Plimouth to certify them what we had done, and to know whether they would do justice in the cause (as belonging to their jurisdiction) and to have a speedy answer, &c. This we did that notice might be taken that we did disavow the said action which was much condemned of all men, and which was feared would give occasion to the King to send a general Governor over, and beside, had brought us all, and the gospel under a common reproach of cutting one another's throats for beaver.

By this time the fort at Boston was in defence, and divers pieces of ordinance mounted in it.

p. 65Those of Newtown complained of straitness for want of land, especially meadow, and desired leave of the council to look out either for enlargement or removal,May. which was granted; whereupon they sent men to see Agawam and Merimack, and gave out they would remove.

At the general Court Mr. Cotton preached and delivered this doctrine, that a magistrate ought not to be turned into the condition of a private man without just cause, and to be publicly convict,—no more than the magistrates may not turn a private man out of his freehold, &c. without like public trial. This falling in question in the court, and the opinion of the rest of the ministers being asked, it was referred to further consideration.

The court chose a new Governor chosen by papers.viz. Thomas Dudley, Esq. the former deputy, and Mr. Ludlow was chosen deputy, and John Haynes, Esq. an assistant, and all the rest of the assistants chosen again.

At this court it was ordered that four general courts should be kept every year, and that the whole body of freemen should be present only at the court of election of magistrates,Mr. Cottington chosen Treasurer and that at the other three, every town should send their deputies who should assist in making laws, disposing lands, &c. Many good orders were made this court, it held three days, and all things were carried very peaceably, notwithstanding that some of the assistants were questioned by the freemen for some errors in their government, and some sines imposed, but remitted again before the court broke up. The court was kept in the meetinghouse at Boston. The week the court was, there came in six ships with store of passengers and cattle.

Mr. Parker a minister and a company with him being about one hundred, went to sit down at Agawam and divers others of the new comers.

One —, a Godly minister, upon conscience of his oath and care of the common W. discovered to the magistrates some seditious speeches of his son delivered in private to himself, but the court thought not fit to call the party in question then, being loth to have the father come in as public accuser of his own son, but rather desired to find other matters, or other witnesses against him.

Mr. Fleming,24 master of a ship of Barnstable went hence to the Eastward to cut masts there, and so to return to England; there returned with him ensign Motham and another.

These ships, by reason of their short passage had store of provisions left, which they put off at easy rate…, viz. biscuit at 20…. the C. beef at 6l. the hoshead, &c.

p. 66Newtown men being straitened for ground sent some to Merimack to find a fit place to transplant themselves.

The Thunder which went to Bermuda the 17th of October, now returned, bringing corn and goats from Virginia (for the weavils had taken the corn at Bermuda before they came there) ensign Jenyson went in her for a pilot, and related at his return, that there was a very great change in Bermuda since he dwelt there, divers lewd persons having become good christians. They have three ministers, one a Scotchman who took great pains among them, and had lately, by prayer and fasting dispossessed one possessed of a devil: They obtained his recovery while the congregation were assembled. He brought news also of a great ship arrived in Patomack river in Virginia, with a Governor and colony sent by the Lord Bartimore who was expected there …ortly himself, and that they resisted those of Virginia, who came to trade in that river.

It appeared after that the King had written to Sir Jo. Harvy Kings Governor of Virginia to give all assistance to that new plantation which was called Maryland by the Queen of England, and those that came over were many of them papists, and did set up mass openly.

July.The Hercules of Dover returned by St. Georges to cut mast… to carry to England.

The last month arrived here 14 great ships and one at Salem, Mr. Humphry and the lady Susan his wife one of the Earl of Lincoln's sisters arrived here. He brought more ordn…ce, muskets and powder bought for the public for monies given to that end; for godly people in England began now to apprehend an especial hand of God in raising this plantation, and their hearts were generally stirred to come to us. Among others we received letters from a godly preacher Mr. Leviston a Scotchman in the North of Ireland, whereby he signified that there were many good christians in those parts resolved … come hither if they might receive satisfaction concerning some questions and propositions which they sent over. Likewise Mr. Humphry brought certain propositions from some persons of great quality and estate (and of special note for piety) whereby they discovered their intentions to join with us if they might receive satisfaction therein. It appeared further by many private letters that the departure of so many of the best, both ministers and christians had bred sad thoughts in those behind of the Lord's intentions in this work, and an apprehension of some evil days to come upon England; yea it began now to be apprehended by the Arch-Bishop and others of the council as a master of state, so as they sent out warrants to stay the ships, p. 67and to call in our patent: but upon petition of the ship masters (alledging how beneficial this plantation was to England) in regard of the Newfoundland fishing which they took in their way homeward, the ships were at that time released:July. But Mr. Cradock (who had been Governor in England before the government was sent over) had strict charge to deliver in the patent; whereupon he wrote to us to send it home upon receipt of his letter. The Governor and council consulted about it, and resolved to answer Mr. Cradock's letter, but not to return any answer or excuse to the council at that time.

Divers of the ships lost many cattle, but the two which came from Ipswich, of more than 120, lost but 7. None of the ships lost any passengers, but the E. Dorcas which having a long passage, and being hurt upon a rock at Silly, and very ill victualled, she lost 60 passengers at sea, and divers came sick on shore, who all recovered (through the mercy of God) except

Mr. Humphry brought 16 hiefers given by a private friend, viz. Mr. Richard Andrews, to the plantation, viz. To every of the ministers one, and the rest to the poor, and one half of the increase of the ministers to be reserved for other ministers. Mr. Wilson so soon as he had his, gave it to Mr. Cotton. By Mr. Humphry's means much money was procured, and divers promised yearly pensions.

Six of Newtown went in the Blessing (being bound to the Dutch plantation) to discover Connecticut river, intending to remove their town thither.

Mr. Bradford and Mr. Winslow two of the magistrates of Plimouth, with Mr. Smith their pastor,9 came to Boston by water to confer with some of our magistrates and ministers about their case of Kenebeck. There met thereabout, Mr. Winthrop, Mr. Cotton and Mr. Wilson, and after they had sought the Lord, they fell first upon some passages which they had taken some offence at, but those were soon cleared. Then for the matter itself it fell into these points. 1st. Whether their right of trade there were such as they might lawfully hinder others from coming there. 2d. Admitting that, whether in point of conscience they might so far stand upon their right as to take away or hazard any man's life in defence of it. For the 1st. Their right appeared to be good, for that besides the King's grant, they had taken up that place as vacuum domicilium, and so had continued without interruption or claim of any of the natives for divers years, and also had by their own charge and providence drawn down thither, the greatest part of the trade by carrying wampampeague thither, which none p. 68of the English had known the use of before. For the 2d. They allowed that their servant did kill Hoskin to save other of their men whom he was ready to have shot,July.—yet they acknowledged that they did hold themselves under guilt of the breach of the 6th commandment, in that they did hazard men's lives for such a cause, and did not rather wait to preserve their right by other means, which they rather acknowledged because they wished it were not done, and hereafter they would be careful to prevent the like.

The Governor and Mr. Winthrop wrote their letters into England to mediate their peace, and sent them by Mr. Wilson, Sir Ferdinand Gorges and Capt. Mason sent … to Piscat. and Aquawaticus, with 2 saw-mills to be erected, in each place one.

Mr. Cradock wrote to the Governor and assistants, and sent a copy of the council's order, whereby we were required to send over our patent. Upon long consultation whether we should return answer or not, we agreed, and returned answer to Mr. Cradock, excusing that it could not be done but by a general court which was to be holden in September next.

Mr. Winthrop the late Gov. received a letter from the Earl of Warwick, wherein he congratulated the prosperity of our plantation, and encouraged our proceedings, and offered his help to further us in it.

29The Governor and council and divers of the ministers and others, met at Castle Island, and there agreed upon erecting two platforms and one small fortification to sec…re the city, and for the present furtherance of it, they agreed to lay out five pounds a man till a rule might be made at the next general court. The deputy Roger Ludlow was chosen overseer of the work.

August 2.Mr. Samuel Skelton pastor of Salem died.

4At the court, the new town at Agawam was named Ipswich, in acknowledgement of the great honour and kindness done to our people which took shipping there, &c. and a day of thanksgiving appointed a fortnight after for the particular revival of the times, &c.

A letter to Mr. Winthrop by Mr. Jeffery an old planter, written to him from Moreton, wherein he related how he had obtained his long suit, and that a commission was granted for a general Governor to be sent over, with many railing speeches and threats against this plantation, and Mr. Winthrop in particular. Mr. Winthrop acquainted the Governor and council with it, and some of the ministers.

This summer was hotter than many before.

p. 69About midnight one Craford (who came this summer) with his brother and servant, having put many goods in a small boat in Charles River, over against Richard Brown his house,Aug. 12 overset the boat with the weight of some hhds. (as was supposed) so as they were all three drowned, yet one of them could swim well, and tho the neighbours came running forth instantly upon their cry, yet none could be saved.

Our neighbours of Plimouth and we had often traded with the Dutch at Hudson's River (called New Netherlands). We had from them about 40 sheep and beaver, and brass pieces and sugar, &c. for sack, strong waters, linen cloth and other commodities. They have a great trade of beaver, about 9 or 10,000 skins in a year. Our neighbours of Plimouth had great trade also this year at Kenebeck, so as Mr. Winslow carried with him into England this year about 20 hhds. of beaver, the greatest part whereof was traded for wampampeague.

One pleasant passage happened which was acted by the Indians. Mr. Winslow coming in his bark from Connecticut to Naragansett, and left her there, and intending to return by land, he went to Osamekin the Sagamore, his old ally, who offered to conduct him home to Plimouth, but before they took their journey Osamekin sent one of his men to Plimouth to tell them that Mr. Winslow was dead, and directed him to shew how and where he was killed, whereupon there was much fear and sorrow at Plimouth. The next day when Osamekin brought him home they asked him why he sent such word, &c. he answered, that it was their manner to do so that they might be more welcome when they came home.

Mr. Bradford and Mr. Collier of Plimouth came to Boston,19 having appointed a meeting there the week before, but by reason of foul weather were driven back. They had written to Captain Wiggin of Piscat. about the meeting for hearing the cause of Hoskins death.

Corn was this year at 4s. the bushel and some at 3s. and some cheaper.

The D—,29 a pinnace of about 50 tons came from Maryland upon Patomack River with corn to exchange for fish and other commodities. The Governor Leonard Calcourt and two of the commissioners wrote to the Governor here to make offer of trade of corn, &c. and the Governor of Virginia wrote also on their behalf, and one Capt. Young wrote to make offer to deliver cattle here. Near all their company came sick hither, and the merchant died within one week after.

The general court began at Newtown and continued a week,Sept. 4 and then was adjourned eleven days. Many things were p. 70there agitated and concluded, as fortifying in Castle Island, Dorchester and Charlestown; also against tobacco and costly apparel,Sept. and immodest fashions, and committees appointed for setting out the bounds of towns, with divers other matters, which do appear upon record. But the main business which spent the most time, and caused the adjourning of the court, was about the removal of Newtown. They had leave the last general court to look out some place for enlargement or removal, with promise of having it confirmed to them if it were not prejudicial to any other plantation; and now they moved that they might have leave to remove to Connecticut. This matter was debated divers days, and many reasons alledged pro and con. The principal reasons for their removal, were, 1. Their want of accommodation for their cattle, so as they were not able to maintain their minister, nor could receive any more of their friends to help them; and here it was alledged by Mr. Hooker, as a fundamental error, that towns were set so near each to other. 2. The fruitfulness and commodiousness of Connecticut, and the danger of having it possessed by other Dutch or English. 3. The strong bent of their spirits to remove thither.

Against these, it was said, 1. That in poit of conscience they ought not to depart from us, being knit to us in one body, and bound by oath to seek the welfare of this Commonwealth. 2. That in point of state and civil policy, we ought not to give them leave to depart. 1. Being new, were now weak and in danger to be assailed. 2. The departure of Mr. Hooker would not only draw many from us, but also divert other friends that would come to us. 3. We should expose them to evident peril both from the Dutch who made claim to the same river and had already built a sort there, and from the Indians, and also from our own state at home, who would not endure they should sit down without a patent in any place which our King lays claim unto.

3. They might be accommodated at home by some enlargement which other towns offered. 4. They might remove to Merimack or any other place within our patent. 5. The removing of a candlestick is a great judgment which is early to be avoided. Upon these and other arguments the court being divided, it was put to vote, and of the deputies 15 were for their departure, and 10 against it. The Governor and two assistants were for it, and the deputy and all the rest of the assistants were against it, except the secretary who gave no vote, whereupon no record was entered because there were not six assistants in the vote, as the patent requires. Upon this grew p. 71a great difference between the governor and assistants, and the deputies: They would not yield the assistants a negative voice,Sept. and the other (considering how dangerous it might be to the commonwealth if they should not keep that strength to ballance the greater number of deputies) thought it safe to stand upon it; so when they could proceed no further, the whole court agreed to keep a day of humiliation to seek the Lord, which accordingly was done in all the congregations the 18th day of this month, and the 24th the court met again. Before they began Mr. Cotton preached (being desired by all the court, upon Mr. Hooker's instant excuse of his unfitness for that occasion) he took his text out of Hag. 2.4. and out of which he laid down the nature or strength (as he term'd it) of the magistracy, ministry and people. viz. The strength of the magistracy to be their authority,—of the people their liberty, and of the ministry their purity; and shewed how all of those had a negative voice, and that yet the ultimate resolution ought to be in the whole body of the people, &c. with answer to all objections, and a declaration of the peoples duty and right to maintain their true liberties against any unjust violence, &c. which gave great satisfaction to the company. And it pleased the Lord so to assist him and to bless his own ordinance, that the affairs of the court went on cheerfully, and altho all were not satisfied about the negative voice to be left to the magistrate, yet no man moved aught about it, and the congregation of Newtown came and accepted of such enlargement as had formerly been offered them by Boston and Watertown, and so the fear of their removal to Connecticut was removed.

At this court Mr. Goodwin a very revered and godly man being the elder of the congregation of Newton, having in heat of argument, used some unreverend speech to one of the assistants, and being reproved for the same in the open court, did gravely and humbly acknowledge his fault, &c.

At this court were many laws made against tobacco and immodest fashions and costly apparel, &c. as appears▪ 18by the records. And 600l. raised towards fortifications and other charges, which were the more hastened, because the Griffin and another ship, now arriving with about 200 passengers and 100 cattle (Mr. Lathrop and Mr. Simes, two godly ministers coming in the same ship) there came over a copy of the commission granted to the two Arch-Bishops and ten others of the council, to regulate all plantations, and power given them or any five of them, to call in all patents, to make laws, to raise tythes and portions for ministers, to remove and punish Governors, and to hear and determine all causes, and inflict all p. 72punishments, even death itself, &c. This being advised from our friends to be intended specially for us, and that there were ships and soldiers provided, given out as for the carrying the new Governor, Capt. Woodhouse to Virginia, but suspected to be against us, to compel us by force to receive a new Governor, and the discipline of the church of England, and the laws of the Commissioners,—occasioned the magistrates and deputies to hasten our fortifications, and to discover our minds each to other, which grew to this conclusion, viz.

Oct. 5.At this court as before the assistants had their dues at the Governors at Newtown, and the first day all the deputies. He had 100l. allowed him for his charges, and 500l. more was raised towards fortifications, &c.

About this time one Alderman of Bear Cove, being about 50 years old, lost his way between Dorchester and Wessagasus, and wandered in the woods and swamps three days and two nights without taking any food, and being near spent, God brought him to Scituate, but he had torn his legs much, other harm he had none.

It being found that the four lectures did spend too much time, and proved very burdensome to the ministers and people, the ministers, with the advice of the magistrates, and with consent of their congregations, did agree to reduce them to two days, viz. Mr. Cotton at Boston one Thursday or the 5th day of the week, and Mr. Hooker at Newtown the next 5th day, and Mr. Warham at Dorchester one 4th day of the week▪ and Mr. Wilde at Roxbury the next 4th day.

Mr. Lathrop who had been pastor of a private congregation in London, and for the same kept long time in prison (upon refusal of the oath ex-officio) being at Boston upon a sacrament day, after the sermon, desired leave of the congregation to be present at the administration, but said that he durst not desire to partake in it, because he was not then in order, (being dismissed from his former congregation) and he thought it not fit to be suddenly admitted into any other for example sake, and because of the deceitfulness of man's heart. He went to Scituate, being desired to be their pastor.

14It was informed the Governor that some of our people being aboard the bark of Maryland, the sailors did revile them, calling them holy brethren, the members, &c. and withal did curse and swear most horribly, and used threatning speeches against us. The Governor wrote to some of the assistants about it▪ and upon advice with the ministers, it was agreed to call them in question; and to this end, (because we knew not how to get them out of their bark) we apprehended the merchant of p. 73the ship, being one Store, and committed him to the marshall, till Mr. Maverick came and undertook that the offender should be forthcoming.Oct. The next day (the Governor not being well) we examined the witnesses and found them fall short of the matter of threatning, and not to agree about the reviling speeches, beside, not being able to design certainly the men that had so offended, whereupon (the bark staying only for this) the bail was discharged, and a letter written to the master, that in regard such disorders were committed aboard his ship, it was his duty to inquire out the offenders and punish them, and withal to desire him to bring no more such disordered persons among us.