The history of King Philip's war ; also of expeditions against the French and Indians in the eastern parts of New-England, in the years 1689, 1690, 1692, 1696 and 1704. With some account of the divine providence towards Col. Benjamin Church

flPyCfcg'SI

"

THE LIBRARY

OF

THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA

GIFT OF

Lewis F. Lang f eld

THE

OF

KING PHILIP'S WAR;

ALSO OF

EXPEDITIONS

AGAINST THE FRENCH AND INDIANS IN TITIf EASTERN

PARTS OF NEW-ENGLAND, IN THE YEARS irtSO, Ib9<V

1692, i696 AND 1704. WITH SOME ACCOUNT OF

THE DIVINE PROVIDENCE TOWARDS

COL. BENJAMIN CHURCH.

BY HIS SON, THOMAS CHURCH, ESQ.

TO WHICH IS NOW ADDED,

AN INDEX, COPIOUS NOTES AND
CORRECTIONS.

ALSO,

AN APPENDIX,

CONTAINING A SKETCH OF THE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA, LAND

ING OF THE PILGRIMS AT PLYMOUTH, TOGETHER WITH

THE MOST IMPORTANT INDIAN WARS TO THE

TIME OF THE CREEK WAR.

BY SAMUEL G. DRAKE.

Hi&ton :

HOWE & NORTON, PRINTERS, 14, STATE-STREET.'

1825.

District of JHasfitocftttBctt*-- to wit :

DISTRICT CLERK'S OFFICE.

BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the eighth day of August, A. D.
1825, in the fiftieth year of the Independence of the United States of Amerl
im, Samuel G. Drake, of the said District, has deposited in this Office the
Title of a Book the Right whereof he claim as Proprietor, in the Word:
following, to wit:

" The History of King Philip's War; also of Expeditions against the
French and Indians in the Eastern parts of New-England, in the years 1689,
1690, 1692, 1696, and 1704; with some account of the divine providence
towards Col. Benjamin Church. By his son, Thomas Church, Esq. To
which is now added, an Index, copious Noies and Correction?, Also an
Appendix, containing a sketch of the Discovery of America; Landing of
the Pilgrims at Plymouth, together with the most important Indian Wars to
the time of the Creek War. By SAMUEL G. DRAKE/'

In Conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United States, entitled
•c An Act for the Encouragement of Learning, by secuiing the Copies of
Maps, Charts and Books, to the Auihors and Proprietors of such Copies,
during the times therein mentioned;" and also to an Act entitled " An Act
•supplementary loan Act, entitled, An Act for the Encouragement of Learn
ing, by securing the Copies of Maps, Charts and Books to the Authors and
Proprietors of such Copies during the times therein mentioned; and extern1
.•!£ the Benefits thereof to the Arts of Designing, Engraving and Etchb
Imiorical and other Prints."

JNO. W. DAVIS, Clerk of the District of MazsacJ, useits.

'

KOTO PHIL-IP.

.67

''.

INDEX.

Addington, Isaac, Biography of, Note, 175.

Agawom, situation of, 95, 116, 275.

Akkompoin, Philip's Uncle, killed, 87.

Alden, William, Mr. procures Pilot, 191.

Alden, John, Capt. 193, 199, 202.

Alderman, deserts Weetamore, 35. Kills Philip, 101.

America, Discovery of, 265 to 268.

Amrascoggin, Fort, 153. Taken, 154.

Andros, Capt. 161, 168.

Andros, Edmund, Sir, Biography of, Note, 121. Sent out
of the country, 140.

ANNAWON, Mr. B. Rodman's opinion of writing the word,
Note, 99, 255. Is pursued by Capt. Church, 102. His
camp described, Note., 110. Is taken, 111. Makes a
speech to Capt. Church, 1 14. Presents him with Philip's
royal robe, 115. Is sent to Plymouth, ib. Put to
death, 117.

Awashonks, entertains Philip's men, 16. Makes war dance
and invites Mr. Church, ib. Mr. Church's advice to her,
19. Wishes to join the English, ib. Is visited again by
Mr. Church, 58. Agrees on terms of peace, 61. Makes
a great dance and entertain's Mr. Church, 71. Her
men's manner of becoming soldiers, ib. Volunteer to
fight Philip, 72.

Ashumequin, Philip's father, 115.

Autose Towns, destroyed, 301.

B.

Baker, an English captive, escapes, 157.

Barker, Lt. pursues the enemy at Menis, 239. Killed, 240.

Barrow, Sam, executed, 95.

Beasely Major, killed in the massacre at Fort Mims, 300.

Belcher,«Andrew, Capt. relieves the army after the great
Swamp Fight, 46.

Belcher, Mr. wounded, 24.

Boon, Capt. his adventures, 294, 295.

Bracket, Anthony, 159, 190, 200, 201.

Braddock, General, his defeat, 292, 293.

Brodford, Major, 22, 64, 75.

M890799

srv INDEX.

Rradstreet, Gov. Biography of, Note, 122.

Braton, Stephen, assists Mr. Church, 164.

*Hdgway, Jarman, 193, 194, 195.

.Brown, Capt. 216, 245.

.Brown, James, Rev. sent to treat with Philip, 21.

Brunswick burned, 288.

Butler, Gen. killed, 297,

C.

("Jabots, John. Sebastian, discoveries of, 268.

Canso, destroyed, 289.

Canton, Corporal, wounded and taken, 198.

•rape Sable, 196.

( \ rver, John, first Gov. of New England, 272.

t'tisco, distresses of, 139 to 140. Destroyed, 143, 255.

f'astine, Baron, 132, 143, 190, 192, 225.

Cawiey, Robert, Pilot, 191, 193.

Chatahouchie, battle of, 302.

Chubb, Capt. surrenders Pemaquid Fort, 255 to 257.

Church, Benjamin, Mr. attends Awashonks' war dance, 16.
Hears of Philip's war dance, 20. Visits Awashonks, 21.
Joins Maj. Bradford's army, 22. Goes with Capt. Fuk
kr into Pocasset to treat with the Indians, 27. His ex
traordinary escape from the battle of the Peasfield, 28
to 34. Visits, Weetamore's camp, 37. Accompanies
Gov. Winslow, 39. An exploit, 40. Wounded in the
battle of the great Swamp, 44. Goes into the Nipmuck
country, 47. His encounter with a Mohegan Indian, 48.
Kemoves to Rhode Island, 52. Meets some Indians at
SogkonatG point, 54, 55, 56. Meets Awashonks, 57.
Her men join the English, 62. Meets Awashonks again,
70. Is commissioned Captain, 72. Surprises the enemy
at Middleboro', 73 Takes the Mumponsets, 74. At
tacks the enemy in a Swamp, 76. Ambushed by Philip,
84. Takes Philip's wife and son, 87. Philip escapes
him, 90. Fights him in a Swamp, 92. Escapes Totoson
93. Takes 173 prisoners, ib. Surprises Phiiip, 99.
Goes in pursuit of Annawon, 102. Takes him, 111.
Entraps Tispaquin, 117. Is commissioned Major, 123.
His first eastern expedition, 131. Drives ofi'the Indians
from Casco, 134. Returns home, 139. Is treated ill,
143. Goes on a second expedition east, 144. Takes
Amrascoggin Fort, 154. Engages the enemy at Winter
Harbour, 157. Attacked at Perpodack, 160. Returns
to Boston, 163. Is ill treated by the Government, ib.

INDEX. V

H"is sacrifices, 164. Goes on his third expedition, 173.
His fourth eastern expedition, 182. A skirmish at St.
John's River, 198. Takes St. John's "Fort, ib. Is su-
perceded, 202. His last eastern expedition, 207. Re
quests the Governor to be sent against Port Royal, 217.
Takes Penobscot, 225. Takes the town of Menis, 238.
Threatens Port Royal, 241. Returns home, 250. Sketch
of his life, 259. His death, 262.

Church, Caleb, 164,259.

Church, Edward, Captain, 216, 245, 239.

Church, Constant, Capt. 216, 222, 239, 245.

Clark's garrison destroyed, 53, 253.

Coffee, General, defeats the Indians, 300.

Cole, James, Capt. 216, 228, 245.

Columbus, life of, -Vote, 265 to 267.

Converse, Capt. 159.

Cook, John, Capt. 216, 222, 245.

Creek War, 300 to 302.

Cut worth, Major, 22.

D.

Davenport, Capt. killed, JVote, 41.
Davis, Sylvanus, Capt. JVote, 130.
Deerfield, destroyed, 207, 287, 288.
Dillano, Mr. 80 to 83.
Doney, Old, 154, 157.
Dover, situation of, JVbte, 155.
Drake, Col. wounded, 297.
Dudley, Joseph, Gov. 214,221,250,
Dyer, John, Capt. 216, 245.

E.

Earl, Ralph, Capt. remonstrates against selling Indians as

slaves out of the Colony, 38.
Edee, Sergeant, 233.
Edmunds, Capt. meets Philip, 39.
Eels, Capt, remonstrates against selling Indians as slaves

out of the Colony, 38.
Eldriges, their exploits, 40.
Eliot, Capt. his exploit, 289:
Enotachopco, battle of, 301.

F.

Fellows, Mr. Pilot, 221,235.
Floyd, Gen. defeats the Indians, 302,
Fobes, William, 79, 176, 181, 182.
1*

VI INDEX.

Francis, Prophet, 301.

Frenchtown, Massacre at, 209.

Fuller, Capt. 26.-. His escape from Pocasset, 27, 253.

G.

Gallop, Captain, 219.

Gardner, Capt. killed, 41.

George, sent by Awashonks to invite Mr. Church to her

Avar dance, 16. His conference with Mr. Church on Sog-

koiifite point, 55.
Gidney, Col. 187.

Giles, Lieut, sent to demand the surrender of Menis, 236.
(•rill, Quartermaster, wounded, 24.
Gokling, Capt. relieves Mr. Church from the battle of the

Peasfield, 34. At, the taking of Philip, 97.
Gorham, Col. 219, 227, 235, 237, 245.
Gorton, Samuel, Mr. Biography of, JVote, 20. Sent to treat

with Philip, 21.

Gosnold, Bartholomew, discovers New-England, 268.
Gourdan, Monsieur, 223, 228, 229, 231, 235.

H.

Ilakins, Capt. 155, 157, 161.

Hall, Capt. 137.

Harmer, Gen. his expedition and defeat, 296.

Fiarmlon, Capt. 221, 245.

Harrison, Gov. and Gen. defeats Indians at Tippecanoe,297.
Defeats Proctor and Tecumseh at Moravian Town, 299.

Hathorne, Col. 202 to 206.

Havens, Jack, 66, 70.

Hazelton, Charles, Interpreter, 16.

Hilton, Major, 221, 227, 235, 237, 238, 239, 244, 245.

Hinkley, Gov. 146.

Horse-Shoe-Bend, battle of, 302.

Howlandj Isaac, 91.

Rowland, Jabez, 66,70.

Hubbard, Mr. his defence of the government, Ao/e, 118.
Takes notice of Mr. Church's exploit, ./Vote, 35. Errone
ous, ./Vote, 118. Biography of, Note, 261.

Huckings, Capt. his wife, 155, 156.

Hunter, Capt. his expedition and exploit, 37.

Hutchinson's observations on. the superceding of Col
Church, Abfo, 202.

INDEX. VII

I.

Ibberville takes Pemaquid Fort, 255 to 257.

Indians, mortality among, 281. Threaten the destruction

of Boston, 254.
Ipswich, called Agawom, 95.

J.

Jackson, Gen. defeats the Indians, 301.

Jacobs, Lieut, falls upon the Indians at Sudbury, 257.

Jarvis, Capt. 235.

Johnson, Capt. killed, JVbfe, 44.

Johnson, Col. kills Tecumseh, 299.

John's River, St. 192, 196, 197, 198, 202, 204, 205.

Jones, Capt. brings the Pilgrims to Plymouth, 269.

K.

Keekamuit, situation of, 25.

Kennebeck, 138. Battle at the river of, 181.

Kittery, situation of, JYbte, 209.

L.

Lafaure, taken, 222.

Lahane, 193, 197.

Lake, in command, at battle of the Peasfield, 2$.

Lamb, Capt. 216, 245.

Lateril, Mr. 200.

Lee, Mrs. 132. Gives information of the enemy, ib.

Le Faver, 228.

Leveret, Gov. Biography of, JVbfe, 117.

Lightfoot, 78, 83, 103, 105, 134.

Little-Eyes, his ill intentions, 18. Taken, 77.

Losing-Fort, 35.

Lovewell's Fight, 290, 291.

Low, Anthony, takes Mr. Church to N. Port, 63,

Lucus, killed at Swamp Fight, 92.

M.

Machias, 200, 220, 226.

Mason, Capt. defeats Pequots, 285.

Massasoit, visits the Pilgrims, 282.

Matapoiset, men killed, 23. Situation of, Note, 105

Maxfield, Mr. 144.

Mayr-Point, 158.

Menis, taking of, 236 to 239.

Merrymeeting-Bay, destroyed, 288.

Mile's Garrison, 23.

Mirns; Fort, Massacre at; 300.

Vlll INDEX.

Mohawks, JVbfc, 50.

Mohegan, a story of, 47 to 50.

Montinicus, 219.

Montreal, destruction of, 286.

Moravian Town, battle of, 299.

Morse, Dr. erroneous, Note v. 254.

Morton, supplied Indians with arms, Sec. JVofe, 18.

Moulton, Capt. expedition, 289. Takes Norridgewook, 290,

Mount Desart, 186, 220, 225, 246.

Mount Hope, situation of, JVofc, 17.

Myrick, Capt. 216, 228, 245.

N.

Narragansets, suspected, 39. Join Philip, 50.
Naskeag, 200.

Mathaniel, his expedition with Light Foot, 100.
Nipmucks, join Philip, 50.

Norridgewock, 201. Visited, 288. Taken, 289.
Numposh, Capt. of Seconet Indians, 138.

0.

Oldham, Mr. murdered by Pequots, 285.
Oyster river, situation of, 155.

P.

Page, Col. 121.

Paine, John, Lieut. 193.

Passernaquaddy, 200, 220, 224, 226, 241, 247.

Patuxet, burning of, 54.

Peasefield, battle of, 28 to 34. Situation of, 30. Date of
battle, 253.

Pejepscot, Fort, taken, 144, 232.

Pemaquid, situation of, 181, taking of, 255.

Penobscot, 201, 205, 220, 224, 225, 227.

Pequots, war with, 285.

Peter, Awashonks7 son, 56. Goes with Mr. Church to New
port, 63. Is sent express to Plymouth, 64. At the tak
ing of Philip, 99.

Philip, King of Mount-Hope, sends to Awashonks to engage
her against the English, 16, 17. Suffers his men to fall
upon Swansey, 22. Is pursued by the Army, 25. His
escape, 38. Flees his country, 39. Is annoyed by the
Mohawks, 50. Capt. Turner makes spoil upon him, ib.
Destroys Sudbury, ib. Ambushes and kills Capt. Wads-
worth and 50 men, JVc/'f , ib. At the destroying of Clark's
Garrison, 75. Lays in Ambush for Capt. Church, 84.

INDEX. *

A narrow escape, 87. His wife and son taken, ib. Kil*

led, 99.

Phips, Gov. Biography of, JVbte, 173.
Pike, Maj. 151, 152.
Plymouth, settlement of, 268 to 270.
Poeahontas, story of, 283, 284.
Pocasset, situation of, 20. Fort, 39.
Ponaganset, JVbfe, 38.
Popasquash, situation of, JVo/e, 102.

Port-Royal, 213,216, 217, 220 to 222, 235, 236, 241, 244v
Portsmouth, situation of, JVbfe, 131.
Proctor, Gen. Defeated, 280.
Providence, burning of, 54, 254.
Pumham's escape, 40.
Punkateese, (supposed to be the Pease Field,) 67.

Q

Quebeck, 190, 241, 255.
Quinnapin, 81, 87.

R.

Ralle, French Priest, killed, 290.

Rasiri, River, Massacree at, 298.

Rehoboth, burning of, 254.

Reynolds, Capt. deceives Plymouth settlers, 269.

Rogers, Capt. 222, 246.

Roundhead, Indian Chief, 298.

Russell's Garrison, JVbfe, 38.

S.

Sabin, Mr. Church's Pilot, 67.
Sassarnon, sent by Awashonks to invite Mr. Church to her

dance, 16. Is murdered by Philip's men, 20.
Savage, Ensign, wounded, 25.
Scattacook, Philip's quarters, 50.
Schenectady, destruction of, 236.
Scottaway, Capt. 139.
Sharkee, Monsieur, 223, 233, 234, 24T.
Signecto, 220, 223, 246.
Sippican, situation of, 84, 116.
Smith, John, Capt. surveys the coast of New-England, 268.

Story of, 283, 284.
Smith. Thomas, Capt. 221, 222, 246.
Southack, Capt. 219, 235, 246.
Southworth, B. in the battle of the Peas Field, 32.
Southworth, Capt. 138, 160,

Xil INTRODUCTION;

It has by many been solicited, that the old history should
be given them entire; that is, in the same language and
style of the old; others-, that it should appear in a more
modern style. But it will be recollected, that in the pro
posals issued for its republication, it was particularly ex
pressed, to publish it " without alteration." By so doing,
it was thought, we should best comply with the wishes of
the majority of our patrons. And in the language of the
author, to let it "go down to posterity with its own inter
nal marks of originality."

It is therefore presented with no material alteration in
style; it being plain and simple, and that always becomes a
narrative.

A multitude of literal errors have been detected, inas^-
much, as the nature of the work would admit.

Much care and attention have been taken in preparing an
Index to the whole work. This very essential companion
was not added to the former editions, nor was it so neces
sary as to the present; but it is too much neglected by the
generality of Book Makers. In a book of three or four
hundred pages, unless a person be very well acquainted
with it, he will soon lose as much time in searching for par
ticulars, as would be required to make an Index. This
among two or three thousand people is no small sum to lose,
for " time is money." In short, a book without an Index,
" is as a man deprived of the faculty of speech."

Nearly all the'Notes have been added to this edition; all,
excepting at page 20, 23, 25, 30, the last at 35, that at 40,
the first' at 46, the one at 47, the second and third at 50,
that at 64, the two at 65, the one at 69, the one at 77, that
at 83, the first at 95, that at 102, the first at 105, that at
107, the first at 116.

With regard to the Appendix, great pains have been
taken to collect the most important facts, and to dispose
and treat them in the best manner. And no pains nor ex
penses have been spared to render the whole work, as good
as possible, in its execution.

The publisher takes this opportunity of returning his
grateful respects to all who have patronized him in his un
dertaking, and with pleasure subscribes himself, their much
obliged, and very humble servant.

SAMUEL G. DRAKE.

fotlon, June 17, 1825.

THE subject of this following narrative, offering itself to
your friendi y perusal, relates to thf former and later wars of
New-England, which I myself was not a little concerned in:
For in the year 1675, that unhappy arid bloody Indian war
broke ont in Plymouth colony, where I was then building,
and beginning a plantation at a place called by the Indians
Sogkonate, and since by the English Little-Compton. I
was the first Englishman that built upon that neck, which
was full of Indians. My head and hands were full about
settling a new plantation where nothing was brought to;
no preparation of dwelling-house, or out-houses, or fencing
made. Horses and cattle were to be provided, ground to
be cleared and broken up; and the utmost caution to be
used, to keep myself free from offending my Indian neigh
bours all round about me. While I was thus busily employ
ed, and all my time and strength laid out in this laborious
undertaking, I received a commission from the government
to engage in their defence: and with my commission I re
ceived another heart, inclining me to put forth my strength
in military service: and through the grace of God I wras
spirited for that work, and direction in it was renewed to
me day by day. And although many of the actions that I
was concerned in were very difficult and dangerous, yet my
self, and those who went with me voluntarily in the ser
vice, had our lives, for the most part, wonderfully preserv
ed, by the overruling hand of the Almighty, from first to
last; which doth aloud bespeak our praises: and to declare
his wonderful works is our indispensable duty. I was ever

2

X INDEX.

Southworth, Nathaniel, 68.

Splitlog, Indian Chief, 298.

Squanto, visits the pilgrims, 282.

St. Clair's defeat, 296.

Sudbury, burned, 50, 257.

Swarizey, Philip's men begin the war at, 22.-

T.

Taconnock, Fort, taken, 181.

Talcot, Maj. 94.

Tallapoose Towns, destroyed, 391.

Talledga, battle of, 301.

Tallushalches, battle of, 300.

Tecumseh, death of, 299.

Tippecano-e, battle of, 297.

Tispaquin, Capt. 75. Is beset by Church in a swamp, 91.

Delivers himself up, 118. Is put to death, ib.
Toby, 68, his mother taken, ib.

Totoson, attacked in a swamp, 91. Escapes, 92. Dies, 95.
Turner, Capt. makes spoil upon Philip, 50.
Tyask's wife taken, 84.

V.

Vilboon, 196, 199.
Villeau, taken, 203.

W.

Waldron, Maj. his daughter, 131. Biography of, JVb/e, 155.

Walley, Maj. 131, l44, 173, 182.

Warwick, desolation of, 54, 254.

Washington's expedition, 291, 292.

Wayne, Gen. defeats the Indians, 297.

Weetamore, 35.

Westbrook, Col. his expedition, 289.

Wetuset-Hills, Philip's quarters, 50.

Whale-Boats, effects of, 206, 242.

White, Gen. defeats the Indians, 301.

Wllcox, Daniel, 57. *

Williams, Mr. Rev. and family captivated, 207, 287, 2E8.

Williams, Roger, 50.

Williamson, Capt. 216, 245.

Winslow, Josiah, Gov. 39, 118.

y.

York, Joseph, Pilot, 189.

BY THE EDITOR.

THE first edition of this history was printed at Boston,
in 1716, in a quarto form. It was reprinted in Newport,
in 1772, and being the most minute, as well as most authen
tic account of Philip's war, it has always beer, sought after
by all who have known of its existence. And notwithstand
ing the style, &c. in which it was written, it was read With
eagerness until it almost entirely disappeared. Its repub-
lication has often been suggested, and by a number of dif
ferent persons; but for want of exertion, or energy, or both,
it did not appear. The present publisher was induced to
undertake it from a conviction, that, " every particle of his
torical truth is precious," but more especially, when relating
to such an early period of our history. Therefore, he flat
ters himself, that this will be taken as a sufficient apolojrf
for his appearance before the public at this time, and begs
ercuse from the fashionable task of the present day, of
making apologies about apologies, &c. &c.

It has often been mentioned, and by those supposed to be
considerably well acquainted with the history of our coun
try, that Mr. Church's history is all comprised in other
works; to such, I will only observe, that some authors have
taken up parts of it, but no one, nor all of them, have taken
up the whole. Even Hutchinson, who generally went into
particulars, professes not to go into the particulars of Phil
ip's war; yet, he takes notice of the particular questions
and answers of the witch affairs of Salem. Hubbard is
more particular than most authors on that war, but the ac
counts do not exactly agree with those of Mr. Church,
whose correctness has never been doubted, nor does he en
ter into all the particulars.

Some who have pretended to treat particularly of Phil
ip's war, have entirely omitted the* extraordinary enter
prise of Capt. Church, in the surprise and capture of ANNA-
WON. To omit which in this history, is what it would be to
omit the capture of Lord Cornwallis in a history of the
Revolution.

XIV TO THE READER.

very sensible of my own littleness, and unfitness to be em
ployed in such great services; but calling to mind that God
is strong, I endeavoured to put all my confidence in him,
•and by his almighty power was carried through every diffi
cult action: and my desire is that his name may have the
praise.

It was ever my intent, having laid myself under a solemn
promise, that the many and repeated favours of God to my
self, and those with me in the service, might be published
for generations to come. And now my great age requiring
•my dismission from service in the militia, and to put off my
armour, I am willing that the great and glorious works of
Almighty God, to us children of men, should appear to the
world; and having my minutes by me, my son has taken
the care and pains to collect from them the ensuing narra
tive of many passages relating to the former and latter
wars; which I have had the perusal of, and find nothing
amiss as to the truth of it; and with as little reflection upon
any particular person as might be, either alive or dead.

And seeing every particle of historical truth is precious;
I hope the reader will pass a favourable censure upon an
old soldier, telling of the many rencounters he has had, and
yet is come off alive. It is a pleasure to remember what
a great number of families, in this and the neighbouring
provinces in New-England, did, during the war, enjoy a
great measure of liberty and peace by the hazardous sta
tions and marches of those engaged in military exercises,
who were a wall unto them on this side and on that side.

I desire prayers, that I may be enabled well to accom
plish my spiritual warfare, and that I may be more than
conqueror through Jusus Christ loving of rne.

BENJAMIN CHURCH

THE

HISTORY

OF

KING PHILIP'S -WAR, &C.

IN the year 1674 Mr. Benjamin Church, of
Duxbury, being providentially at Plymouth, in
the time of the court, fell into acquaintance with
Capt. John Akny, of Rhode-Island. Capt. Al-
my, with great importunity, invited him to ride
with him, and view that part of Plymouth Colony
that lay next to Rhode-Island, known then by
their Indian names of Pocasset and Sogkomite.
Among other arguments to persuade him, he told
him the soil was very rich, and the situation pleas
ant: persuades him by all means to purchase of
the company some of the court grant rights. He
accepted his invitation, views the country, and
was pleased with it; makes a purchase, settled a
farm, found the gentlemen of the Island very civil
and obliging. And being himself a person of un
common activity and industry, he soon erected two
buildings upon his farm, and gained a good ac
quaintance with the natives; got much into their
favour, and was in a little time in great esteem

among them.

16 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

The next spring advancing, while Mr. Church
was diligent!)/ settling his new farm, stocking, leas
ing and disposing of his affairs, and had a fine pros
pect of doing no small things; and hoping that his
good success would be inviting to other good men to
become his neighbours: Behold! the rumour of a
war between the English and the natives gave check
to his projects. People began to be very jealous
of the Indians, and indeed they had no small rea
son to suspect, that they had formed a design of war
upon the English. Mr. Church had it daily sug
gested to him that the Indians were plotting a
bloody design. That Philip, the great Mount-
Hope Sachem, was leader therein; and so it prov
ed, he was sending his messengers to all the neigh
bouring Sachems, to engage them into a confede
racy with him in the war.

Among the rest he sent six men to Awashonks,
Squaw Sachem of the Sogkonate Indians, to en
gage her in his interest: Awashonks so far listen
ed unto them, as to call her subjects together, to
make a great dance, which is the custom of that
nation when they advise about momentous affairs.
But what does Awashonks do, but sends away
< wo of her men that well understood the English
language, Sassamon and George by name, to in
vite Mr. Church to the dance. Mr. Church upon
?he invitation, immediately takes with him Charles
Hazelton, his tenant's son, who well understood
the Indian language, and rode down to the place
appointed; where they found hundreds of Indians
gathered together from all parts of her dominion.
Awashonks herself, in a foaming sweat, was lead
ing the dance; but she was no sooner sensible of
Mr. Church's arrival, but she broke off, sat down.

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 17

calls her nobles round her, orders Mr. Church to
be invited into her presence; compliments being
past, and each one taking seats, she told him,
King Philip had sent six men of his, with two of
her people, that had been over at Mount-Hope,*
to draw her into a confederacy with him, in a war
with the English, desiring him to give her his advice
in the case, and to tell her the truth, whether the
Uupame men, as Philip had told her, were gath
ering a great army to invade Philip's country?
He assured her he would tell her the truth, and
give her his best advice; then he told her it was
but a few days since he came from Plymouth, and
the English were then making no preparations for
war; that he was in company with the principal
gentlemen of the government, who bad no dis
course at all. about war; and he believed no thoughts
about it. He asked her, whether she thought he
would have brought up his goods to settle in that
place, if he apprehended an entering into war with
so near a neighbour? [She seemed to be somewhat
convinced by his talk, and said she believed he
spoke the truth.

Then she called for the Mount-Hope men,'
who . made a formidable appearance, with their
faces painted, and their hair trimmed up in comb-
fashion, with their powder-horns and shot-bags at
their backs ; which among that nation is the pos-

* Or Mont-Hanp, a mountain in Bristol.

This eminence is about two miles norteasterly from the
village of Bristol. It is very steep on all sides. Its sumii
is a large rock, apparently composed of small pebbles, on
which is now standing a small octagonal building, 8 or 10
feet in diameter, and proportionally high. About this
mount was the residence of King Philip, which renders it '
famous.

18 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

ture and figure of preparednes for war. She told
Mr. Church these were the persons that had
brought her the report of the English prepara
tions for war, and then told them what Mr.
Church had said in answer to it.

Upon this began a warm talk among the In
dians, but it was SOOR silenced, and Awashonks
r>ofteded to tell Mr. Church, that Philip's mes-
W to \*zr was, that unless she would forthwith
•* T into a confederacy with him, in a war against
, the English, he would send his men over private
ly, 1o kill the English cattle, and burn their hous
es on that side the river, which would provoke
the English to fall upon her, whom they would
without doubt suppose the author of the mischief.
Mr. Church told her he was sorry to see so
threatning an aspect of affairs ; and stepping to
the Mount-Hopes, he felt of their bags, and find
ing them filled with bullets, asked them what
those bullets were for? They scoflingly replied,
to shoot Pigeons with.*

Then Mr. Church turned to Awashonks, and
told her if Philip was resolved to make war, her
best way would be to knock those six Mount-
Hopes on the head, and shelter herself under
the protection of the English ; upon which the
Mount- Hopes were for the present dumb. But
those two of Awashonk's men, who had been at
Mount- Hope, expressed themselves in a furious
manner against his advice. And Little-Eyes,
one of the Queen's council, joined with them,

* A man by the name of Morton, who came over soon
after the first settlers, is said to have been the first that
supplied the Indians with arms and ammunition in these
parts.

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 19

and urged Mr. Church to go aside with him
among the bushes, that he might have some pri
vate discourse with him, which other Indians im
mediately forbid, being sensible of his evil design.
But the Indians began to side and grow very
warm. Mr. Church, with undaunted courage,
told the Mount-Hopes they were bloody wretch
es, and thirsted after the blood of their English
neighbours, who had never injured them, but had
always abounded in their kindness to them ; that
for his own part, though he desired nothing more
than peace, yet, if nothing but war would satisfy
them, he believed he should prove a sharp thorn
in their sides ; bid the company observe those
men that were of such bloody dispositions, wheth
er Providence would suffer them to live to see the
event of the war, which others, more peaceably
disposed, might do.

Then he told Awashonks he thought it might
be most advisable for her to send to the Governor
of Plymouth, and shelter herself and people under
his protection. She liked his advice, and desired
him to go on her behalf to the Plymouth govern
ment, which he consented to : and at parting ad
vised her. whatever she did, not to desert the En
glish interest, and join with her neighbors in a
rebellion which would certainly prove fatal to her.
He moved none of his goods from his house, that
there might not be the least umbrage from such
an action. She thanked him for his advice, and
sent two of her men to guard him to his house ;
which when they came there, urged him to take
care to secure his goods, which he refused for the
reasons before mentioned ; but desired the Indians,
that if what they feared should happen, that they

1 20 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

would take care of what he left, and directed
them to a place in the woods where they should
dispose of them ; which they faithfully observed.
He took his leave of his guard and bid them
tell their mistress, that if she continued steady in
her depcndance on the English, and kept within
her own limits of Sogkonate, he would see her
again quickly ; and then hastened away to Pocas-
et,* where he met with Peter Nunnuit, the bus-
land of the Queen of Poeasset, who was just
then come over in a canoe from Mount -Hope.
{(Peter told him that there would certainly be war ;
'for Philip had held a dance of several weeks con-
• tinuance, and had entertained the young men
from all parts of the country ; and added, that
Philip expected to be sent for to Plymouth; to be
examined about Sassamon's death, who was mur
dered at Assawomset Ponds,| knowing himself
guilty of contriving that murder. The same
Peter told him that he saw Mr. James Brown of
Swanzey, and Mr. Samuel Gorton,J who was an

* Tiverton shore, over against the north end of Rhode-
Island.

| Mi ddlebo rough.

j This appears to be the same Mr. Gorton, a sectarian,
who was accused of " causing much noise in New England,"
in supporting his religous tenets. lie came to Boston in.
1636 from London. He was thought to be an heretic, but
from examination it was not certain. He soon went to
Plymouth, but did not stay long before he went to Rhode-
Island ; here it is said his offence was such, that he was im
prisoned, and afterwards whipped. He went to Providence
in 1640, where he was very humanely treated by Mr. Roger
Williams. He settled at Patuxet, and here he was accused of
seizing on the estates of people. The governor of Massa
chusetts ordered him to answer to the same, which he re
fused, treating the messenger with contempt. But he was
arrested, carried to Boston, and had his trial, and a cruel

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 21

interpreter, and two other mm, who brought a
letter from the Governor of Plymouth to Philip.
He observed to him further, that the young men
wrere very eager to begin the war, and would fain
have killed Mr. Brown, but Philip prevented it ;
telling them that his father had charged him to
show kindness to Mr. Brown. In short, Philip
was forced to promise them, that on the next
Lord's Day, when the English were gone to
meeting, they should rifle their houses, and from
that time forward kill their cattle.

Peter desired Mr. Church to go and see his
wife, who was but just up the hill ; he went and
found but few of her people with her. She said
they were all gone against her will, to the dances;
and she much feared there would be a war. Mr.
Church advised her to go to the island and secure
herself, and those that were with her ; and send
to the Governor of Plymouth, who she knew was
her friend ; and so left her, resolving to hasten to
Plymouth, and wait on the Governor. And he
was so expeditious that he was with the Governor
early next morning, though he waited on some of
the magistrates by the wray, who were of the
council of war, and also met him at the Gover
nor's. He gave them an account of his observa
tions and discoveries, which confirmed their for
mer intelligences, and hastened their preparation
for defence.

Philip, according to his promise to his people,

sentence was passed on him ; being confined a whole winter
at Charles town in heavy irons, then banished out of the
colony. At length he was permitted to enjoy quiet posses
sion of his estate at Fatuxet, where he lived to an ad
vanced age.

22 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

permitted them to march out of the neck on the
next Lord's Day, when they plundered the near
est houses that the inhabitants had deserted : hut
as yet offered no violence to the people, at least
none were killed.* However the alarm was giv
en by their numbers and hostile equipage, and by
the prey they made of what they could find in
the forsaken houses.

An express came the same day to the Gover
nor, who immediately gave orders to the captains
of the towns to march the greatest part of their
companies, and to rendezvous at Taunton, on
Monday night, where Major Bradford was to re
ceive them, and dispose them under Capt. (now
made Major) Cutwrorth,f of Scituate. The Gov
ernor desired Mr. Church to give them his com
pany, and to use his interest in their behalf, with
the gentlemen of Rhode-Island. He complied
with it, and they marched the next day. Major
Bradford desired Mr. Church, with a commanded
party, consisting of English and some friendly
Indians, to march in the front, at some distance
from the main body. Their orders were to keep
so far before as not to be in sight of the army.
And so they did, for by the way they killed a
deer, fleed, roasted, and eat the most of him, be
fore the army came up with them ; but the Ply
mouth forces soon arrived at Swanzey, and were
chiefly posted at Major Brown's and Mr. Mile's|

* On the 24th of June, in the morning, one of the inhab
itants of Rehoboth was fired upon by a party of Indians,
and the hilt of his sword shot off. The same day several
were killed at S\vanzey. — HUTCHI.VSON.

t Cudworth. — HUTCHINSON, HUBBARD.

J The house of Mr. Miles, Minister of Swanzey, was
converted into a garrison.

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 2i3

garrisons ; and were there soon joined with those
that came from Massachusetts, who had entered
into a confederacy with their Plymouth brethren,
against the perfidious heathens.

The enemy, who began their hostilities with
plundering, and destroying cattle, did not long
content themselves with that game ; they thirsted
for English blood, and they soon broached it ;
killing two men in the way not far from Mr.
Mile's garrison ; and soon after, eight more at
Mattapoiset ;* upon whose bodies they exercised
more than brutish barbarities ; beheading, dis
membering and mangling them, and exposing them
in the most inhuman manner ; which gashed and
ghostly objects struck a damp on all beholders.

The enemy, flushed with these exploits, grew
yet bolder, and skulking every where in the bush
es, shot at all passengers, and killed many that
ventured abroad. They came so near as to shoot
down two sentinels at Mr. Mile's garrison, under
the very noses of most of our forces. These
provocations drew out the resentment of some of
Capt. Prentice's troops, who desired they might
have liberty to go out and seek the enemy in their
own quarters. Quarter Masters Gill and Belcher
commanded the parties drawn out, who earnestly
desired Mr. Church's company. They provided
him a horse and furniture, his own being out of
the way ; he readily complied with their' desires,
and was soon mounted.

This party was no sooner .over Mile's bridge,
but were fired upon by an ambuscade of about a
dozen Indians, as they were afterwards discover-

* In Swanzey4

24 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

ed to be. When they drew off, the pilot was
mortally wounded Mr. Belcher received a shot
in his knee, and his horse was killed under him.
Mr. Gill was struck with a musket ball on the
side of his belly ; but being clad with a buff coat,
and some thickness of paper under it, it never
broke his skin. The troopers were surprised to
see both their commanders wounded, and wheeled
off; but Mr. Church persuaded, at length storm
ed and stamped, and told them it was a shame to
run, and leave a wounded man there to become a
prey to the barbarous enemy ; for the pilot yet
sat on his horse, though so mazed with the shot,
as not to have sense to guide him ; Mr. Gill se
conded him, and offered, though much disabled, to
assist in bringing him off. Mr. Church asked a
stranger, who gave him his company in that action,
if he would go with him and fetch off the wounded
man. He readily consented, and they, with Mr.
Gill, went ; but the wounded man fainted and fell
dead from his horse before they came to him ; but
Mr. Church and the stranger dismounted, took
up the man, and laid him before Mr. Gill on his
horse. Mr. Church told the other two, if they
would take care of the dead man, he would go
and fetch his horse back, which was going off the
causey toward the enemy ; but before he got over
the causey he saw the enemy run to the right into
the neck. He brought back the horse, and called
earnestly and repeatedly to the army to come over
and fight the enemy ; and while he stood calling
and persuading, the skulking enemy returned to
their old stand, and all discharged their guns at
him, though every shot missed him ; yet one of
the army, on the other side of the river, received

KING PHILIP'S WAK, 25

one of the balls in his foot. Mr. Church now
•Hfegan (no succour coming to him) to think in time
to retreat; saying, "the Lord have mercy on us,"
if such a handful of Indians shall thus dare such
an army !

Upon this it was immediately resolved, and or
ders were given to march doAvn into the neck,
and having passed the bridge and causeway, the
direction was to extend both wings, which being
not well heeded by those that remained in the
centre, some of them mistook their friends for
their enemies, and made a fire upon them in the
right wing, and wounded that noble heroic youth,
Ensign Savage, in the thigh, but it happily proved
but a flesh wound. They marched until they
came to the narrow of the neck, at a place called
Keekamuit,* where they took down the heads of
eight Englishmen that were killed at the head of
Mattapoiset neck, and set upon poles, after the
barbarous manner of those savages. There Philip
had staved ail his drums, and conveyed all his
canoes to the east side of Mattapoiset river ;
hence it was concluded, by those that were ac
quainted with the motions of those people, that
they had quitted the neck. Mr. Church told
them that Philip was doubtless gone ovsr to Po-
casset side, to engage those Indians in rebellion
with him ; which they soon found to be true.
The enemy were not really beaten out of Mount-
Hope neck, though it was true they fled from
thence ; yet it was before any pursued them. It
was only to strengthen themselves, and to gain a
more advantageous post. However, some, and

* Upper part of Bristol.

3

£6 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

not a few, pleased themselves with the fancy of a
mighty conquest.

A grand council was held, and a resolve passed
to build a fort there, to maintain the first ground
they had gained, by the Indians leaving it to
them ; and to speak the truth, it must be said,
that as they gained not that field by their sword,
nor by their bow, so it was rather their fear than
their courage, that obliged them to set up the
marks of their conquest, Mr. Church looked
upon it, and talked of it with contempt, and urged
hard the pursuing of the enemy on Pocasset side,
and with the greater earnestness, because of his
promise made to Awashonks, before mentioned.
The council adjourned themselves from Mount-
Hope to llehoboth, where Mr. Treasurer South-
worth, being weary of his charge of Commissary
General, (provision being scarce and difficult to
be obtained for the army, that now lay still to
cover the people from no body, while they were
building a fort for nothing) retired, nnd th« power
and trouble of that post was left with Mr. Church,
who still urged the commanding officers to move
over to Pocasset side, to pursue the enemy, arid
kill Philip, which would in his opinion, be more
probable to keep possession of the neck, than to
tarry to build a fort. He was still restless on
that side of the river, and the rather because of
his promise to the Squaw Sachem of Sogkonate;
and Capt. Fuller aiso urged the same, until at
length there came further orders concerning the
fort; and withal an order for Capt. Fuller with
six files to cross the river to the side so much in
sisted on, and to try if he could get speech with
any of the Pocasset or Sogkonate Indians, and

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 27

that Mr. Church should be his second. Upon
the Captain's receiving his orders, he asked Mr.
Church whether he was willing to engage in this
enterprise ; to whom it was indeed too agreeable
to be declined ; though he thought the enterprise
was hazardous enough for them to have more men
assigned them. Capt. Fuller told him, that for
his own part he was grown ancient and heavy, he
feared the travel and fatigue would be too much
for him ; but Mr. Church urged him, and told
him he would cheerfully excuse him his hardship
and travel, and take that part to himself, if he
might but go ; for he had rather do any thing in
the world than to stay there to build the fort.

Then they drew out the number assigned them,
and marched the same night to the ferry, and
were transported to Rhode-Island, from whence,
the next night, they got passage over to Pocasset
side, in Rhode-Island boats, and concluded there
to dispose themselves into two ambuscades before
day, hoping to surprise some of the enemy by
their falling into one or other of their ambush-
ments. But Capt. Fuller's party, being troubled
with the epidemical plague, lust after tobacco, must
needs strike fire to smoke it ; and thereby discov
ered themselves to a party of the enemy coming
up to them, who immediately fled with great pre
cipitation.

This ambuscade drew off about break of day,
perceiving they were discovered, the other contin
ued in their post until the time assigned them,
and the light and heat of the sun rendered their
station both insignificant and troublesome, and
then returned to the place of rendezvous, where
they were acquainted with the other party's dis~

KING PHILIPS WAR.

appointment, and the occasion of it. Mr. Church
calls for the breakfast he had ordered to be
brought over in the boat ; but the man that had
the charge of it confessed that he was asleep
when the boats-men called him, and in haste came
itway, and never thought of it. It happened that
Mr. Church had a few cakes of rusk in his pock-
t't, that Madam Cranston (the governor of Rhode
Island's lady) gave him when he came off the
island, which he divided among the company,
which was all the provisions they had.

Mr. Church, after their slender breakfast, pro
posed to Capt Fuller, that he would march in
quest of the enemy, with such of the company as
would be willing to march with him, which he
complied with, though with a great deal of scru
ple, because of his small number, and the extreme
hazard he foresaw must attend them.

But some of the company reflected upon Mr.
Church, that notwithstanding his talk on the oth
er side of the river, he had not shown them any
Indians since they came over. Which now mov
ed him to tell them, that if it was their desire to
*ee Indians, he believed he should now soon show
them what they should say was enough.

T-he number allowed him soon drew off to him,
which could not be many, because their whole
company consisted of no more than thirty-six.
They moved towards Sogkonate, until they came
to the brook that runs into Numaquahqat neck,
where they discovered a fresh and plain track,
which they concluded to be from the great pine
swamp, about a mile from the road that leads to
Sogkonate. Now, says Mr. Church to his men,
if we follow this track, no doubt but we shall

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 29

soon see Indians enough. They expressed their
willingness to follow the track, and moved in it,
but had not gone far before one of them narrowly
escaped being bit with a rattle-snake; and the
woods that the track led them through was haunt
ed much with those snakes, which the little com
pany seemed more to be afraid of than the black
serpents they were in quest of, and therefore bent
their course another way, to a place where they
thought it probable to find some of the enemy.
Had they kept the track to the pine swamp, they
had been certain of meeting Indians enough ; but
not so certain that any of them would have return
ed to give an account how many.

Now they passed down into Punkatees neck ;
and in their march discovered a large wigwam
full of Indian stuff, which the soldiers were for
loading themselves with, until Mr. Church forbid
it, telling them they might expect soon to have
their hands full, and business without caring for
plunder. Then crossing the head of the creek
into the neck, they again discovered fresh Indian
tracks very lately passed before them into the
neck. They then got privately and undiscovered
to the fence of Capt. Almy's peas field, and di
vided into two parties, Mr. Church keeping the
one party with himself, sent the other with Lake,
who was acquainted with the ground on the other
side. Two Indians were soon discovered coming
out of the peas field towards them ; when Mr.
Church and those that were with him concealed
themselves from them, by falling flat on the ground;
but the other division not using the same caution,
were seen hy the enemy, which occasioned them
to run ; which, when Mr. Church perceived, he

:30 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

showed himself to them, and called, telling them
he desired but to speak with them, and would not
hurt them ; but they ran, and Church pursued.
The Indians climbed over a fence, and one of
them facing about discharged his piece, but with
out effect, on the English. One of the English
soldiers ran up to the fence and fired upon him
that had discharged his piece ; and they concluded
by the yelling they heard, that the Indian was
wounded ; but the Indians soon got into the
^xiekets, whence they saw them no more for the
present.

Mr. Church then marching over a plain piece
of ground, where the woods were very thick on
one side ; ordered his little company to march at
a double distance, to make as big a show, if they
should be discovered, as might be ; but before
tht y saw any body, they were saluted with a vol
ley of fifty or sixty guns ; some bullets came sur
prisingly near Mr. Church, who starting, looked
behind him, to see what was become of his men,
expecting to have seen half of them dead, but
seeing them all upon their legs, and briskly firing
at the smokes of the enemies guns, for that was
all that was then to be seen, he blessed God, and
called to his men not to discharge all their guns at
once, lest the enemy should take the advantage of
such an opportunity to run upon them with their
hatchets.

Their next motion was immediately into the
peas field.* When they came to the fence, Mr.
Church bid as many as had not discharged their
guns, to clap under the fence, and lie close, while

* Tiverton, about half a mile above Fogland ferry.

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 31

the other at some distance in the field, stood to
charge; hoping that if the enemy should creep to
the fence, to gain a shot at those that were charg
ing their guns, they might be surprised by those
that lay under the fence; but casting his eyes to
the side of the hill above them, the hill seemed to
move, being covered over with Indians, with their
bright guns glittering in the sun, and running in a
circumference with a design to surround them.

Seeing such multitudes surrounding him and his
little company, it put him upon thinking what was
become of the boats that were ordered to attend
him; and looking up he spied them ashore at San
dy-Point, on the island side of the river, with a
number of horse and foot by them, and wondered
what should be the occasion, until he was after
wards informed, that the boats had been over that
morning from the island, and had landed a party
of men at Fogland, that were designed in Punka-
tee's neck, to fetch off some cattle and horses,
but were ambuscaded, and many of them wounded
by the enemy.

Now our gentleman's courage and conduct were
both put to the test; he encourages his men, and
orders some to run and take a wall for shelter be
fore the enemy gained it. It was time for them
now to think of escaping if they knew which way.
Mr. Church orders his men to strip to their white
shirts, that the islanders might discover them to
be Englishmen; and then orders three guns to be
fired distinct, hoping it might be observed by their
friends on the opposite shore. The men that
were ordered to take the wall, being very hungry,
Stopped ;*«,vh\le among the pease to gather a few,
beii^ abjut four rods from the wall; the enemy

32 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

from behind hailed them with a shower of bullets;
but soon all but one came tumbling over an old
hedge down the bank, where Mr. Church and the
rest were, and told him that his brother, B. South-
worth, who was the man that was missing, was
killed, that they saw him fall; and so they did in
deed see him fall, but it was without a shot, and
lay no longer than till he had an opportunity to
clap a bullet into one of the enemy's forehead, and
then came running to his company. The mean
ness of the English powder was now their greatest
misfortune; when they were immediately beset
with multitudes of Indians who possessed them
selves of every rock, stump, tree or fence that was
in sight, firing upon them without ceasing; while
they had no other shelter but a small bank and bit
of a water fence.* And yet, to add to the disad
vantage of this little handful of distressed men, the
Indians also possessed themselves of the ruins of
a stone house that overlooked them; so that now
they had no way to prevent lying quite open to
some or other of the enemy, but to heap up stones
before them, as they did, and still bravely and
wonderfully defended themselves against all the
numbers of the enemy. At length came over one
of the boats from the island shore, but the enemy
plied their shot so warmly to her as made her keep
at some distance ; Mr. Church desired them to
send their canoe ashore and fetch them on board;
but no persuasions nor arguments could prevail
with them to bring their canoe to shore; which
some of Mr. Church's men perceiving, began to

* This indeed will compare in the beginning, with Love-
welPs Fight. See Appendix.

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 33

cry out, " For God's sake to take them off, for
their amunition was spent," &c. Mr. Church
being sensible of the danger of the enemy's hear
ing their complaints, and being' made acquainted
with the weakness and scantiness of their amuni
tion, fiercely called to the boat's master, and bid
him either send his canoe ashore, or else be gone
presently, or he would fire upon him.

Away goes the boat, and leaves them still to
shift for themselves; but then another difficulty
arose, the enemy seeing the boat leave them, were
reanimated, and fired thicker and faster than ever;
upon which some of the men that were lightest of
foot, began to talk of attempting an escape by
flight, until Mr. Church solidly convinced them
of the impracticableness of it; and encouraged them
by telling them, " That he had observed so much
of the remarkable and wonderful providence of
God in hitherto preserving them, that it encour
aged him to believe, with much confidence, that
God would yet preserve them; that not a hair of
their head should fall to the ground; bid them be
patient, courageous and prudently sparing of their
amunition, and he made no doubt but they should
come well oif yet," &,c. until his little army again
resolved, one and all, to stay with, and stick by
him. One of them, by Mr. Church's order, was
pitching a flat stone up on end before him in the
sand, when a bullet from the enemy, with a full
force, struck the stone, while he was pitching it
on end; which put the poor fellow in a miserable
fright, till Mr. Church called upon him to observe
" how God directed the bullets, that the enemy
could not hit him when in the same place, yet
could hit the stone as it was erected."

34 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

While they were thus making the best defence
they could against their numerous enemies, that
made the woods ring with their constant yelling
and shouting, and night coming on, somebody told
Mr. Church, they spied a sloop up the river as far
as Gold Island, that seemed to be coming down
towards them. He looked up and told them " suc
cour was now coming, for he believed it was Capt.
Golding, whom he knew to be a man for buisness,
and would certainly fetch them off, if he came.55
The wind being fair, the vessel was soon with
them; and Capt. Golding it was. Mr. Church,
as soon as they came to speak with one another,
desired hi.n "to come to anchor at such a dis
tance from the shore, that he might veer out his
cable and ride afloat, and let slip his canoe, that
it might drive ashore;55 which direction Captain
Golding observed; but the enemy gave him such
a warm salute, that his sails, colour and stern
were full of bullet holes.

The canoe came ashore, but was so small that
she would not bear above two men at a time; and
when two were got aboard, they turned her loose
to drive ashore for two more, and the sloop's com
pany kept the Indians in play the while; but when
at last it came to Mr. Church's turn to go aboard,
he had left his hat and cutlass at the well where
he went to drink, when he first came down; he
told his company, u he would never go off and
leave his hat and cutlass for the Indians; they
should never have that to reflect upon him:55
though he was much dissuaded from it, yet he
would go and fetch them. He put all the powder
he had left into his gun, and a poor charge it was,
and went presenting his gun to the enemy, until

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 35

he took up what he went for; at his return he dis
charged his gun at the enemy to bid them farewell
for that time; but had not powder enough to carry
the bullet half way to them.

Two bullets from the enemy struck the canoe
as he went on board, one grazed the hair of his
head a little before; another stuck in a small
stake that stood right against the middle of his
breast.

Now this gentleman with his army, making in
all 20 men,* himself and his pilot being numbered
with them, got all safe on board after six hours
engagement with 300 Indians; of whose number
we were told afterwards by themselves; a de-
liverence which that good gentleman often men
tions to the glory of God and his protecting provi
dence. The next day meeting with the rest of
his little company, whom he had left at Pocasset,
that had also a small skirmish with the Indians,
and had two men wounded, they returned to the
Mount-Hope garrison; which Mr. Church used to
call the loosing fort. Mr. Church then return
ing to the island, to seek provision for the army,
meets with Alderman, a noted Indian, that was
just come over from the Squaw Sachem's cape of
Pocasset, having deserted from her, and brought
over his family; who gave him an account of the
state of the Indians, aud where each of the Saga
more's head quarters were. Mr. Church then
discoursed with some who knew the spot well
where the Indians said Weetamore'sf head quar-

* Although some of these had scarce courage enough for
themselves, yet their Captain had enough for himself, and
some to spare for his friends. — HUBBARD.

f Squaw Sachem of Pocasset.

36 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

ters were, and offered their service to pilot him.
With this news he hastened to the Mount- Hope
garrison. The army expressed their readiness to
embrace such an opportunity.

All the ablest soldiers were now immediately
drawn off, equipped and despatched upon this de
sign, under the command of a certain officer; and
having marched about two miles, viz. until they
came to the cove that lies southwest from the
Mount, where orders were given for a halt, the
commander in chief told them he thought it prop
er to take advice before he went any further; call
ed Mr. Church and the pilot, and asked them,
" How they knew that Philip and all his men
were not by that time got to Weetamore's camp;
or that all her own men were not by that time re
turned to her again?" with many more frightful
questions. Mr. Church told him, " they had ac
quainted him with as much as they knew, and
that for his part he could discover nothing that
need to discourage them from proceeding; that he
thought it so practicable, that he, with the pilot,
would willingly lead the way to the spot, and
hazard the brunt. But the chief commander in
sisted on this, " that the enemies' number were
so great, and he did not know what numbers more
might be added to them by that time, and his
company so small, that he could not think it prac
ticable to attack them;" added moreover, cc that
if he was sure of killing all the enemy, and knew
that he must lose the life of one of his men in the
action, he would not attempt it." " Pray Sir,,
then," replied Mr. Church, "please to lead your
company to yonder windmill, on Rhode- Island,
and there they will be out of danger of being killed

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 37

by the enemy, and we shall have less trouble to
supply them with provisions." But return he
would, and did, unto the garrison, until more,
strength came to them, and a sloop to transport
them to Fall river, in order to visit Weetamore's
camp. Mr. Church, one Baxter, and Capt. Hun
ter, an Indian, proffered to go out on a discovery
on the left wing, which was accepted. They had
not marched above a quarter of a mile before they
started three of the enemy. Capt. Hunter wound
ed one of them in his knee, whom, when he came
up, he discovered to be his near kinsman; the cap
tive desired favour for his squaw, if she should fall
into their hands, but asked none for himself, ex
cepting the liberty of taking a whiff of tobacco;
and while he was taking his whiff, his kinsman
with one blow of his hatchet despatched him.
Proceeding to Weetamore's camp, they were dis
covered by one of the enemy, who ran in and gave
information, upon which a lusty young fellow left
his meat upon his spit, running hastily out, told
his companions, he would kill an Englishman be
fore he eat his dinner; but failed of his design,
being no sooner out than shot down. The enc-
iny's fires, and what shelter they had was by the
edge of a thick cedar swamp, into which, on this
alarm, they betook themselves, and the English as
nimbly pursued; but were soon commanded back
by their chieftain*, after they were come within
hearing of the cries of their women and children,
and so ended that exploit; but returning to their
sloop the enemy pursued them, and wounded two
of their men. The next day they returned to the
Mounl Hope garrison.
4

38 KING PHILIP'S WAH.

Soon after this, was Philip's head quarters
visited by some other English forces; but Philip
and his gang had the very fortune to escape what
Weetamore and her's had; they took into a
swamp, and their pursuers were commanded back.
After this Dartmouth's distresses required suc
cour, a great part of the town being laid desolate,
and many of the inhabitants killed; the most of
Plymouth forces were ordered thither; and coming
to Kussel's garrison at Ponaganset,* they met
with a number of the enemy that had surrendered
themselves prisoners on terms promised by Capt.
Eels, of the garrison, and Ralph Earl, who per
suaded them, by a friendly Indian he had employ
ed, to come in. And had their promises to the
Indians been kept, and the Indians fairly treated,
it is probable that most, if not all the Indians in
those parts had soon followed the example of those
who had now surrendered themselves; which would
have been a good step towards finishing the war.

* Or Aponaganset, a river of Dartmouth. Whether this
word ought to be written with or without the first A, is tin-
certain; nor do I think it of much consequence; yet we
ought to conform to the ancient manner, as most conducive
to uniformity; for that is preferable in most cases. On
the north side of this river, about a mile from its mouth, is
to be seen the cellars of the old garrison;*opposite to which
was an Indian fort. Tradition informs us, that some con
siderable manoeuvering went on here in those days. A story
is handed down of an Indian who was shot on the opposite
shore on turning his back side in defiance. A similar one
is related by the people of Middleboro', with considerable
plausibility. But, whether it was possible for one man to
shoot another at the distance mentioned there I cannot say,
but should not hesitate to dispute that it could be done at
the present day. "Whether a circumstance of this kind o\>
curred at both these places too, is a doubt.

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 39

But in spite of all that Capt. Eels, Church, or
Earl, could say, argue, plead, or beg, somebody
else that had more power in their hands improved
it; and without any regard to the promises made
them on their surrendering themselves, they were
carried away to Plymouth, there sold, and trans
ported out of the country, being about 160 per
sons. An action so hateful to Mr. Church, that
he opposed it to the loss of the good will and re
spect of some that before were his good friends.
But while these things were acting at Dartmouth,
Philip made his escape, leaving his country, fled
over T aim ton river, and Rehoboth plain, and
Pautuxet river, where Capt. Edmunds, of Provi
dence, made some spoil upon him, and had prob
ably done more, but was prevented by the com
ing of a superior officer, that put him by. And
now another fort was built at Pocasset,* that
proved as troublesome and chargeable as that at
Mount Hope; and the remainder of the summer
was improved in providing for the forts and forces
there maintained, while our enemies were lied
some hundreds of miles into the country, nearly as
far as Albany. And now strong suspicions be
gan to arise of the Narraganset Indians, that they
were ill affected, and designed mischief; and so
the event soon discovered. The next winter they
began their hostilities upon the English. Th'>
united colonies then agreed to send an army to
suppress them. Gov. Winslow was appointed to
command the army. He, undertaking the expedi
tion, invited Mr. Church to command a company

* The main land against the easterly end of Rhode-Island,
now Tiverton, \vas called Pocasset.- — HUBBARD,

40 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

in the expedition, which he declined, asking ex
cuse from taking commission, he promised to wait
upon him as a Reformado through the expedition.
Having rode with the General to Boston, and
from thence to Rehoboth, upon the General's
request he went thence the nearest way over the
ferries, with Major Smith, to his garrison in the
Narraganset country, to prepare and provide for
the coming of Gen. Winslow; who marched round
through the country with his army, proposing by
night to surprise Pumham,* a certain Narragan
set Sachem, and his town; but being aware of the
approach of our army, they made their escape into
the desarts; but Mr. Church meeting with fair
winds arrived safe at the Major's garrison in the
evening, and soon began to inquire after the ene
my's resorts, wigwams, or sleeping places; and
having gained some intelligence, he proposed to
the Eldridges, and some other brisk hands that he
met with, to attempt the surprising of some of the
enemy, to make a present of to the General, when
he should arrive, which might advantage his de
sign. Being brisk blades, they readily complied
with the motion, and were soon upon their march.
The night was very cold, but blessed with the
moon. Before the day broke they effected their ex
ploit, and by the rising of the sun arrived at the
Major's garrison, where they met the General,
and presented him with eighteen of the enemy
which they had captured. The General, pleased
with the exploit, gave them thanks, particularly
to Mr. Church, the mover and chief actor of the
business; and sending two of them, likely boys, a

* Sacliem of Shawomet, or Warwick.

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 41

present to Boston; smiling on Mr. Church, told
him, " That he made no doubt but his faculty
would supply them with Indian boys enough be
fore the war was ended."

Their next move was to a swamp, which the
Indians had fortified with a fort. Mr. Church/'
rode in the General's guard when the bloody
engagement began; but being impatient of being
out of the heat of the action, importunately beg
ged leave of the General that he might run down
to the assistance of his friends. The Genera!
yielded to his request, provided he could ra%
some hands to go with him. Thirty men imme
diately drew out and followed him. They enter
ed the swamp, and passed over the log, which was
the passage into the fort, where they saw in any
men and several valiant captainsf lie slain. Mr
Church espying Capt. Gardiner, of Salem, amidst
the wigwams in the east end of the fort, made to
wards him; but on a sudden, while they were
looking each other in the face, Captain Gardiner
settled down. Mr. Church stepped to him, and
seeing the blood run down his cheek, lifted up his
cap and called him by his name. He looked up
in his face, but spoke not a word, being mortally
shot through the head; and observing his wound,
Mr. Church found the ball entered his head on
the side that was next the upland, where the
English entered the swamp; upon which, having
ordered some care to be taken of the Captain, he

* Notwithstanding Mr, Church so distinguished himself
in this great batt , hi.s -name is riot mentioned in our most
authentic histories of these times.

I Captains Johr.^on and Davenport of Massachusetts^
who led the van, and many more.

43 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

despatched information to the General, that the
best and most forward of his army, that hazarded
iheir lives to enter the fort, upon the muzzle of
the enemys' guns, were shot in their backs, and
killed by them that lay behind. Mr. Church,
with his small company, hastened out of the fort
that the English were now possessed of, to get a
shot at the Indians that were in the swamp, -and
"kept firing upon them. He soon met with a
broad and bloody track, where the enemy had fled
with their wounded men. Following hard in the
track, he soon discovered one of the enemy, who,
clapping his gun across his breast, made towards
Mr. Church, and beckoned to him with his hand.
Mr. Church immediately commanded no man to
hurt him, hoping by him to have gained some in
telligence of the enemy which might be of advan
tage; but it unhappily fell out that a fellow who
had lagged behind coming up, shot the Indian, to
Mr. Church's great grief and disappointment.
Immediately they heard a great shout of the
enemy, which seemed to be behind them, or be
tween them and the fort, and discovered them
running from tree to tree to gain advantages of
firing upon the English that were in the fort. Mr.
Church's great difficulty now was how to discover
liimself to his friends in the fort, using several in
ventions, till at length he gained an opportunity to
call to, and informed a Sergeant in the fort, that
he was there, and might be exposed to their
shots, unless they observed it. By this time he
discovered a number of the enemy almost within
shot of him, making towards the fort. Mr.
Church and his company were favoured by a heap
of brush that was between them and the enemy,

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 43

and prevented their being discovered by them.
Mr. Church had given his men their particular
orders for firing upon the enemy; and as they
were rising up to make their shot the afore-men
tioned sergeant called out to them, for God's
sake not to fire, for he believed they were some
of their friendly Indians. They clapped down
again, but were soon sensible of the sergeant's
mistake. The enemy got to the top of the tree,
the body whereof the sergeant stood upon, and
there clapped down out of sight of the fort, but
all this while never discovered Mr. Church, who
observed them to keep gathering unto that place,
until there seemed to be a formidable black heap
of them. " Now, brave boys," said Mr. Church
to his men, " if we mind our hits we may have a
brave shot, and let our sign for firing on them be
their rising to fire into the fort." It was not
long before the Indians rising up as one body, de
signing to pour a volley into the fort, when our
Church nimbly started up and gave them such a
round volley, and unexpected clap on their backs,
that they, who escaped with their lives, were so
surprised that they scampered, they knew not
whither themselves. About a dozen of them ran
over the log into the fort, and took into a sort of
hovel that was built with poles, after the manner
of a corn crib. Mr. Church's men having their
cartridges fixed were soon ready to obey his or
der, which was immediately to charge and run
upon the hovel and overset it, calling, as he ran,
to some that were in the fort, to assist him in
oversetting it. They no sooner came to face the
enemj's shelter, than Mr. Church discovered that
one of them had found a hole to point his gun

44 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

through, directly at him; but he encouraged his
company, and ran on till he was struck with three
bullets, one in his thigh, which was near half cut
off as it glanced on the joint of his hip bone; an
other through the gathering of his breeches and
drawers, with a small flesh wound; a third pierced
his pocket and wounded a pair of mittens that lie
had borrowed of Capt. Prentice, being wrapped
together had the misfortune of having many holes
cut through them with one bullet; but, however,
he made a shift to keep on his legs, and nimbly
discharged his gun at them that had wounded him.
Being disabled now to go a step, his men would
have carried him off, but he forbid their touching
him, until they had perfected their project of
oversetting the enemy's shelter; bid them run,
for now the Indians had no guns charged. While
he was urging them to run on, the Indians began
to shoot arrows, one of which pierced through the
arm of an Englishman that had hold of the arm of
Mr. Church to support him.

The English, in short, were discouraged, and
drew back; and by this time the English people
in the fort had began to set fire to the wigwams
and houses in the fort, which Mr. Church labour
ed hard to prevent; they told him, they had orders
from the General to burn them; he begged them
to forbear until he had discoursed the General;
and hastening to him, he begged to spare the wig
wams, &c. in the fort from lire 5 told him, the
wigwams were musket-proof, being ajl lined with
baskets and tubs of grain, and other provisions,
sufficient to supply the whole army, until the spring
of the year; and every wounded man might have
a good warm house to lodge in, who otherwuys

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 45

would necessarily perish with the storms and cold;
and moreover, that the army had no other provis
ion to trust to, or depend upon; that he knew that
the Plymouth forces had not so much as one bis-
cuite left, for he had seen their last dealt out,"
&c. The General advising a few words with the
gentlemen that were about him, moved towards
the fort, designing to ride in himself, and bring in
the whole army; but just as he was entering the
swamp, one of his Captains met him, and asked
him, whither he was going? He told him into the
fort. The Captain laid hold of his horse, and told
him, " His life was worth an hundred of theirs,
and he should not expose himself." The Gene
ral told him, " That he supposed the brunt was
over, and that Mr. Church had informed him
that the fort was taken, &LC. and as the case was
circumstanced he was of the mind, that it was
most practicable for him, and his army to shelter
themselves in the fort." The Captain in a great
heat replied, that Church lied ; and told the
General, that if he moved another step towards
the fort he would shoot his horse under him..
Then brusled up another gentleman, a certain
docter, .and opposed Mr. Church's advice, and
said, " If it were complied with, it would kill more
men than the enemy had killed; for, said he, by
to-morrow the wounded men will be so stiff that
there will be no moving of them; and looking upon
Mr. Church, and seeing the blood flow apace from
his wounds, told him, that if he gave such advice
as that was, he should bleed to death like a dog
before he would endeavour to stanch his blood;
though after they had prevailed against his advic\^,
they were sufficiently kind to him. And burning

46 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

up all the houses and provisions in the fort, the
army returned the same night in the storm and
cold. And I suppose that every one who was ac
quainted with that night's march, deeply laments
the miseries that attended them, especially the
wounded and dying men. But it mercifully came
to pass, that Capt. Andrew Belcher, arrived at
Mr. Smith's that very night from Boston, with a
vessel laden with provisions for the army, who
must otherwise have perished for want. Some of
the enemy that were then in the fort have since
informed us, that near a third of the Indians be
longing to all the Narraganset country were kill
ed by the English, and by the cold of that night;
that they fled out of their fort so hastily, that they
carried nothing with them; and that if the English
had kept in the fort, the Indians would certainly
have been necessitated, either to surrender them
selves to them, or to have perished by hunger, and
the severity of the season.* Some time after this
fort fight, a certain Sogkonate Indian, on hearing
Mr. Church relate the manner of his being wound
ed, told him, that he did not know but he himself
was the Indian that wounded him, for that he was

* The swamp fight happened on December 29, 1675, in
which about 50 English were killed in the action, and died
of their wounds; and about 300 or 350 Indians, men, women
and children, were killed, and as many more captivated. It
is said 500 wigwams were burnt with the fort; and 200
more in other parts of Narraganset. The place of the
fort was an elevated ground or piece of upland, of perhaps
three or four acres, in the middle of a hideous swamp; about
seven miles near due west from Narraganset south ferry.

There is a mistake in the date of the swamp fight, either
committed by Church, or a typographical mistake. It
happened the 19th of December, 1GT5.

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 47

of that company of Indians that Mr. Church
made a shot upon, when they were rising to make
a shot into the fort; that they were in number
about sixty or seventy, that had just then came
down from Punham's town, and never before then
fired a gun against the English; that when Mr.
Church fired upon them he killed fourteen dead
upon the spot, and wounded a greater number than
he killed, many of which died afterwards of their
wounds, in the cold and storm the following night.

Mr. Church was moved, with other wounded
men, over to Rhode-Island, where, in about three
months time, he was in some good measure re
covered of his wounds, and the fever that attend
ed them; and then went over to the General to
take his leave of him, with a design to return home.

But the General's great importunity again per
suaded him to accompany him in a long march into
the Nipmuck* country, though he had then tents
in his wounds, and so lame as not able to mount
his horse without two men's assistance.

In this march the first thing remarkable was,
that they came to an Indian town where there
were many wigwams in sight, but an icy swamp,
lying between them and the wigwams, prevent
ed their running at once upon it as they intend
ed. There was much firing upon each side be
fore they passed the swamp. But at length the
enemy all fled, and a certain Mohegaa, that was
a friendly Indian, pursued and seized one of the
enemy that had a small wound in his leg, and
brought him before the General, where he was

* Country about Worcester, Oxford, Grafton, Dudley*
&-c. See Appendix.

48 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

examined. Some were for torturing him to bring
him to a more ample confession of what he knew
eoncerning his countrymen. Mr. Church, verily
believing he had been frank in his confession, in
terceded and prevailed for his escaping torture.
But the army being bound forward in their march,
and the Indian's wound somewhat disenabling him
for travelling, it was concluded he should be knock
ed on the head: accordingly he was brought be^
fore a great fire, and the Mohegan that took him
was allowed, as he desired, to be his executioner.
Mr. Church taking no delight" in the sport, fram
ed an errand at some distance among the baggage
horses, and when he had got ten rods or there
abouts, from the fire, the executioner fetching a
blow with a hatchet at the head of the prisoner,
he being aware of the blow, dodged his head aside
and the executioner missing his stroke, the hatch
et flew out of his hand, and had like to have
dane execution where it was not designed. The
prisoner, upon his narrow escape, broke from them
that held him, and notwithstanding his wound,
made use of his legs and happened to run directly
upon Mr. Church, who laid hold on him, and a
close skuffle they had, but the Indian having no
clothes on slipped from him and ran again, and
Mr. Church pursued him; although being lame
there was no great odds in the race, until the In
dian stumbled and fell, and they closed again,
skuffled and fought pretty smartly, until the In*
dian, by the advantage of his nakedness, slipped
from his hold again and set out on his third race
with Mr. Church close at his heels endeavouring
to lay hold on the hair of his head, which was all
the hold that could be taken of him; and running

KING PHILIP'S WAR. If)

through a swamp that was covered with hollow
ice, it made so loud a noise that Mr. Church ox-
pected, but in vain, that some of his English
friends would follow the noise and come to his as
sistance. But the Indian happened to run athwart
a large tree that lay fallen near breast high, where
he stopped and cryed out aloud for help; but Mr.
Church being soon upon him again, the Indian
seized him fast by the hair of his head, and en
deavoured by twisting to break his neck; but
though Mr. Church's wounds had somewhat weak-
ed him, and the Indian a stout fellow, yet he held
him in play and twisted the Indian's neck as well,
and took the advantage of many opportunities while
they hung by each others hair, gave him notorious
bunts in the face with his head. But in the heat
of this skuffle they heard the ice break with some
body's coming apace to them, which when they
heard, Church concluded there was help for one
or the other of them, but was doubtful which of
them must naw receive the fatal stroke ; anon
somebody comes up to them, who proved to bo the
Indian that had first taken the prisoner. With
out speaking a word, he felt them out, for it was
so dark he could not distinguish them by sight;
the one being clothed and the other naked, he
felt where Mr. Church's hands were fastened in
the Netop's hair, and with one blow settled his
hatchet in between them, and ended the strife.
He then spoke to Mr. Church, and hugged him
in his arms, and thanked him abundantly for
catching his prisoner; and cut off the head of hi?
victim and carried it to the camp; and giving an
account to the rest of the friendly Indians in the
5

50 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

camp, how Mr. Church had seized his prisoner,
&c. they all joined in a mighty shout.

Proceeding in this march, they had the success
of killing many of the enemy; until at length their
provisions failing, they returned home.

King Philip, as was before hinted, was fled to
a place called Scattacook, between York and Al
bany, where the Moohags* made a descent upon
him and killed many of his men, which moved him
from thence.

His next kennelling place was at the falls of
Connecticut river,f where, sometime after, Capt
Turner found him, came upon him by night, killed
a great many of his men, and frightened many
more into the river, that were hurled down the
falls and drowned.

Philip got over the river, and on the back side
of Wetuset hills meets with all the remnants of
the INarraganset and NipmuckJ Indians, that were
there gathered together, and became very nume
rous, and made their descent on Sudbury and the
adjacent parts of the country, where they met with
and swallowed up valiant CaptWadsworth§ and
his company, and many other doleful desolations in
those parts. The news whereof coming to Ply
mouth, and they expecting probably the enemy
would soon return again into their colony, the
council of war were called together, and Mr.

* Mohawks. This name according to Roger Williams,
is derived from the word nioho, which signifies to eat; Or,
Mohawks signified man-eaters, or Cannibals, among the
other trihes of Indians.

| Above Deerfield. J About Rutland.

§ Captain Wadsworth, with about fifty men, in their
inarch to relieve Sudbury, missed their way, and were all
ant off to a man, by faliiug into an ambuscade. — HUTCH,

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 51

Church was sent for to them, being observed by
the whole colony to be a person extraordinarily
qualified for, and adapted to, the affairs of war.
It was proposed in council, that lest the enemy,
in their return, should fall on Rehoboth, or some
other of their out-towns, a company, consisting of
sixty or seventy men, should be sent into those
parts; and Mr. Church invited to take the com
mand of them. He told them, that if the enemy
returned into that colony again, they might rea
sonably expect that they would come very nume
rous, and if he should take the command of men,
he should not lie in any town or garrison with
them, but would lie in the woods as the enemy
did; and that to send out such small companies
against such multitudes of the enemy, which were
now mustered together, would be but to deliver
so many men into their hands to be destroyed, as
the worthy Capt. Wads worth and his company
were. His advice upon the whole was, that if
they sent out any forces, to send no less than 300
soldiers; and that the other colonies shotild be
asked to send out their quotas also; adding, that
if they intended to make an end of the war, by
subduing the enemy, they must make a business
of the war, as the enemy did; and that for his
own part, he had wholly laid aside all his own
private business and concerns, ever since the war
broke out. He told them, that if they would
send forth such forces as he should direct, he
would go with them for six weeks march, which
was long enough for men to be kept in the woods
at once; and if they might be sure of liberty to
return in such a space, men would go out cheer
fully; and he would engage that 150 of the best

KING PHILIP'S WAR.

soldiers should immediately enlist voluntarily to
go with him, if they would please to add fifty
more; and one hundred of the friendly Indians;
and with such an army, he made no doubt, that
he might do much service; but on other terms he
did not incline to be concerned.

Their reply was, that they were already in
debt, and so big an army would bring such
charges upon them, as they would never be able
to pay ; and as for sending out Indians, they
thought it no ways advisable, and in short none of
his advice practicable.

Now Mr. Church's consort, and his then only
son, were till this time remaining at Duxbury, and
his fearing their safety there, unless the war
were more vigorously engaged in, resolved to move
to lihoile-Island, though it was much opposed
both by government and relations. But at length,
the governor considering that he might be no less
serviceable by being on that side of the colony,
gave his permit, and wished he had twenty more
as good men to send with him.

Then preparing for his removal, he went with
his small family to Plymouth, to take leave of
their friends, where they met with his wife's pa
rents, who much persuaded that she might be left
at Mr. Clark's garrison, which they supposed
to be a mighty safe place, or at least that she
might be there until her soon expected lyingrin
was over, being near her time. Mr. Church
no ways inclining to venture her any longer in
those parts, and no arguments prevailing with
him, he resolutely set out for Taunton, and many
of their friends accompanied them. There they
found Captain Pierce, with a commanded party,

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 53

who offered Mr. Church to send a relation of his
with some others to guard him to Rhode-Island.
Mr. Church thanked him for his respectful oifer,
but for some good reasons refused to accept it,
In short they got safe to Capt. John Almy's
house upon Rhode-Island, where they met with
friends and good entertainment. But, by the way,
let me not forget this remarkable providence, viz.
that within twenty-four hours, or thereabouts,
after their arrival at Rhode- Island, Mr. Clark's
garrison, that Mr. Ch-urch was so much impor
tuned to leave his wife and children at, was de
stroyed by the enemy.

Mr. Church being at present disabled from any
particular service in the war, began to think of
pome other employ; but he no sooner took a tool
to cut a small stick, but he cut off the top of his
fore finger, and the next to it half off; upon which
he smilingly said, that he thought he was out of
his wray to leave the war, and resolved he would
go to the war again. Accordingly, his second son
being born on the twelfth of May, and his wife
and son likely to do well, Mr. Church embraces
the opportunity of a passage in a sloop bound to
Barnstable, which landed him at Sogkonesset, from
whence he rode to Plymouth; arriving there on
the first Tuesday in June. The general court
then sitting welcomed him, and told him they
were glad to see him alive. He replied, he was
as glad to see them alive, for he had seen so many
fires and smokes towards their side of the country
since he left them, that he could scarce eat or
sleep with any comfort, for fear they had all been
destroyed. For all travelling was stopped, and
no news had passed for a long time together. He

54 KING PHILIP'S WAR

gave them an account, that the Indians had made
horrid desolations at Providence, Warwick, Paw-
tuxet, and all over the Narraganset country; and
.that they prevailed daily against the English on that
side of tlie country; told them he longed to hear what
methods they designed in the war. They told him
they were particularly glad that Providence had
brought him there at that juncture; for they had
concluded the very next day to send out an army
of 200 men, two thirds English * and one third
Indians. This was in some measure agreeahle to
his former proposal. And they expected Boston
and Connecticut to join with their quotas. In
short, it was so concluded; and that Mr. Church
should return to the island, and see what he could
muster there of those who had moved from Swan-
zey, Dartmouth, &,c. So he returned the same
way he came. When he came to Sogkonesset,
he had a sham put upon him, about a boat he had
bought to go home in, and was forced to hire two
of the friendly Indians to paddle him in a canoe
from Elizabeth's to Rhode-Island.

It fell out, that as they were in their voyage
passing by Sogkonate-point, some of the enemy
were upon the rocks a fishing. He bid the In
dians that managed the canoe to paddle so near
the rocks as that he might call to those Indians;
told tnem that he had a great mind ever since the
war broke out to speak with some of the Sogko-
nate Indians, and that they were their relations,
and therefore they need not fear their hurting of
them. And he added, that he had a mighty con
ceit, that if he could get a fair opportunity to dis-y
course with them, that he could draw them off
from t Philip ; for he knew they never heartily

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 55

loved him. The enemy hallooed and made signs
for the canoe to come to them; but when they
approached them they skulked and hid in the
clifts of the rocks. Then Mr. Church ordered
the canoe to be paddled off again, lest if he came
too near they should fire upon him. Then the
Indians appearing again, beckoned and called in
the Indian language, and bid them come ashore,
for they wanted to speak with him. The Indians
in the canoe answered them again; but they on
the rocks told them, that the surf made such a
noise against the rocks, they could not hear any
thing they said. Then Mr. Church, by signs
with his hands, gave to understand, that he would
have two of them go down upon the point of the
beach, a place where a man might see who was
near him; accordingly, two of them ran along the
beach, and met him there without their arms, ex
cepting one of them that had a lance in his hand.
They urged Mr. Church to come ashore, for they
had a great desire to have some discourse with
him. He told them, if he that had his weapon
in his hand, would carry it up some distance upon
the beach, and leave it, he would come ashore
and discourse with them. He did so, and Mr.
Church went ashore, hauled up his canoe, ordered
one of his Indians to stay by it, and the other to
walk above on the beach, as a sentinel, to see
that the coasts were clear; and when Mr. Church
came up to the Indians, one of them happened to
be honest George, one of the two that Awash-
onks formerly sent to call him to her dance, and
was so careful to guard him back to his house
again, and the last Sogkonate Indian that he
spoke with before the war broke out. He spoke

56 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

English very well. Mr. Church asked him where
Awashonks was? He told him in a swamp, about
three miles off. Mr. Church asked him what he
wanted, that he hallooed and called him ashore?
He answered, that he took him for Church as
soon as he heard his voice in the canoe, and that
he was very glad to see him alive; and he believ
ed his mistress would be as glad to see him and
speak with him. He told him further, that he
believed she was not fond of maintaining a war
with the English; and that she had left Philip,
and did not intend to return to him any more.
He was mighty earnest for Mr. Church to tarry
there, while he would run and call her; but he
told him no, for he did not know but the Indians
would come down and kill him before he could
get back again. He said, if Mount-Hope or
Pocasset Indians could catch him, he believed
they would knock him on the head, but all Sog-
konate Indians knew him very well, and he be
lieved none of them would hurt him. In short
Mr. Church refused then to tarry, but promised
that he would come over again, and speak with
Awashonks, and some other Indians that he had
a mind to talk with.

Accordingly he appointed him to notify Awa
shonks, her son Peter, their chief Captain, and
one Nompash, an Indian that Mr. Church had
formerly a particular respect for, to meet him two
days after, at a rock at the lower end of Capt.
Richmond's farm, which was a very rioted place;
and if that day should prove stormy, or windy,
they were to expect him the next moderate day.
Mr. Church told George, that he would have
him come with the persons mentioned, and no

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 57

more. They giving each other their hand upon
it, parted, and Mr. Church went home; and the
next morning to Newport, and informed the gov
ernment of what had passed between him and the
Sogkonate Indians, and desired their permit for
him, arid Daniel Wilcox, a man who well under
stood the Indian language, to go over to them.
They told him that they thought he was mad, af
ter such service as he had done, and such dangers
as he had escaped, now to throw away his life;
for the rogues would as certainly kill him as he
went over; and utterly refused to grant his permit,
or to be willing that he should run the risk.

Mr. Church told them, " That it had ever been
in his thoughts since the war broke out, that if he
could discourse with the Sogkonate Indians, he
could draw them off from Philip and employ them
against him; but could not, till now, ever have an
opportunity to speak with any of them, and was
very loath to loose it," &c. At length they told
him if he would go it should be only with the two
Indians that came with him; but they would give
him no permit under their hands. He took his
leave of them, resolving to prosecute his design.
They told him they were sorry to see him so res
olute; for if he went they never expected to sere
his face again.

•He bought a bottle of rum and a small roll of
tobacco, to carry with him, and returned to his
family. The next day, being the day appointed
for the meeting, he prepared two light canoes for
the design, and his own man, with the two In
dians for his company. He used such arguments
with his tender and now almost broken hearted
wife, from the experience of former preservations

58 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

and the prospect of the great service he might do
should it please God to succeed his design, &c.
that he obtained her consent to his attempt. And
committing her, the babes and himself to Heaven's
protection, he set out. They had from the shore
about a league to paddle. Drawing near the
place they saw the Indians setting on the bank
•waiting for their coming. Mr. Church sent one
of his Indians ashore in one of the canoes, to see
whether they were the same Indians whom he had
appointed to meet him, and no more; and if so to
stay ashore and send George to fetch him; ac
cordingly George came and fetched Mr. Church
ashore, while the other canoe played off to see
the event, and to carry tidings if the Indians
should prove false.

Mr. Church asked George whether Awashonks
and the other Indians he appointed to meet him,
were there? He answered, They were. He then
asked him if there were no more than those
whom he appointed to be there? To which he
would give him no direct answer. However, he
went ashore, where he was no sooner landed but
Awashonks, and the rest that he had appointed to
meet them there, rose up and came down to meet
him; and each of them successively gave him
their hands, and expressed themselves glad to see
him, and gave him thanks for exposing himself to
visit them. They walked together about a gun
shot from the water, to a convenient place to sit
down, when at once rose up a great body of In
dians, who had lain hid in the grass, which was as
high as a man's waist, and gathered round them,
till they had enclosed them in. Being fiH armed
with guns, spears, hatchets, &,c. witU their hair

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 59

brimmed and faces painted in their warlike appear^
ance. It was doubtless somewhat surprising to
our gentleman at first, but without any visible dis
covery of it. After a small silent pause on each
side, he spoke to Awashonks, and told her that
George had informed him that she had a desire to
see him, and discourse about making peace with
the English. She answered, Yes. Then, said Mr.
Church, it is customary when people meet to treat
of peace to lay aside their arms, and not appear
in such a hostile form as your people do; and de
sired her that if they might talk about peace,
which he desired they might, her men might lay
aside their arms and appear more tre-atable. Up
on which there began a considerable noise and
murmur among them, in their own language, till
Awashonks asked him what arms they should lay
down, and where? He, perceiving the Indians
looked very surly and much displeased, replied,
"Only their guns, at some small distance, for for
mality's sake.3' Upon which, with one consent,
they laid aside their guns, and came and sat down.
Mr. Church pulled out his calabash, and asked
Awashonks, whether she had lived so long at We-
tuset as to forget to drink Occapeches; and then
drinking to her, he perceived that she watched
him very diligently, to see, as he thought, whether
he swallowed any of the rum. He offered her
the shell; but she desired him to drink again first.
He then told her there was no poison in it; and
pouring some into the palm of his hand, sipped it
up, and took the shell and drank to her again,
and took a good draught, which indeed was no
more than he needed. Then, they all standing
up, he said to Awashouks, " You won't drink for

60 KING PHILIP'S WAR,

fear there should be poison in it." He then
handed it to a little ill-looking fellow, who catch-
ed it readily enough, and as greedily would have
swallowed the liquor when he had it at his mouth;
but Mr. Church catched him by the throat and
took it from him, asking him whether he intended
to swallow shell and all? He then handed it to
Awashonks, who ventured to take a good hearty
dram, and passed it among her attendants.

The shell being emptied he pulled out his to
bacco, and having distributed it, they began to
talk.

Awashonks demanded of him the reason why
he had not, agreeably to his promise when she
saw him last, been down to Sogkonate before now,
saying, that probably if he had come then, accord
ing to his promise, they had never joined with
Philip against the English.

He told her he was prevented by the wars
breaking out so suddenly; and yet he was after
wards coming down, and came as far as Punka-
teese, where a great many Indians set upon him,
and fought him a whole afternoon, though he did
not come prepared to fight. He had but nine
teen men with him, whose chief design was to gain
an opportunity to discourse some Sogkonate In
dians. Upon this there arose a mighty murmur,
confused noise and talk among the fierce looking
creatures; and all rising up in a hubbub, a great
surly looking fellow took up his tomhog, orwood-
•en cutlass, to kill Mr. Church; but some others
preveated him.

The interpreter asked Mr. Church if he un
derstood what it was that the great fellow, which
they had hold of, said? He answered him, No.

KING PHILIP'S WAR. Gl

Why, said the interpreter, he says you killed his
brother at Punkateese, and therefore he thirsts
for your blood. Mr. Church hid the interpreter
tell him that his brother began first; that if he
had kept at Sogkonate, according to his desire
and order, he should not have hurt him.

Then the chief Captain commanded silence,
and told them, that they should talk no more
about old things, &,c. and quelled the tumult, .so
that they sat down again, and began a discourse of
making peace with the English. Mr. Church asked
them what proposals they would make, and on what
terms they would break their league with Philip?
Desired them to make some proposal that he
might carry to his masters, telling them that it
was not in his power to conclude a peace with
them, but that he knew that if their proposals
were reasonable, the government would not he
unreasonable; and that he would use his interest
with the government for them. And to encour
age them to proceed, lie put them in mind that
the Pequots once made war with the English,
and that after they subjected themselves to the
English, the English became their protectors,
and defended them against other nations that
would otherwise have destroyed them, &c. Af
ter some further discourse and debate, he brought
them at length to consent, that if the government
of Plymouth would firmly engage to them, that
they and all of them, and their wives and children
should have their lives spared, and none of them
transported out of the country, they would sub
ject themselves to them, and serve them in what
they were able.

Then Mr. Church told them, that he was well
6

U2 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

satisfied the government of Plymouth would readi
ly concur with what they proposed, and would
sign their articles; and complimenting them upon
it, how pleased he was with the thoughts of their
return, and of the former friendship that had exist-
between (hem, &,c.

The chief Captain rose up, and expressed the
great value and respect he had for Mr. Church;
and bowing to him, said, 4t Sir, if you will please
to accept of me and my men, and will head us,
we will fight for you, and will help you to Philip's
head before the Indian corn be ripe." And when
he had ended, they all expressed their consent to
what he said, and told Mr. Church they loved
him, and were willing to go with him, and fight
for him, as long as the Knglish had one enemy
left in the country.

Mr. Church assured them, that if they proved
as good as their word, they should find him their
and their children's fast friend. And, by the
way, the friendship is maintained between them
to this day.

Then he proposed to them, that they should
choose five men to go straight with him to Ply
mouth. They told him no; they world not choose,
but he should take which five he pleaded. Some
compliments passed about it, at length it was
agreed, that they should choose three, and he two.
Then he agreed, that he would go back to the
island that night, and would come to them the
next morning, and go through the woods to Ply
mouth. But they afterwards objected, for his
travelling through the woods would not- be safe
for him; said the enemy might meet with him,
rmd kiH.. him, and then they should lose their

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 63

friend, and the whole design ruined beside. And
therefore proposed, that he should come in an
English vessel, and they would meet him, and
come on board at Sogkonate-point, and sail from
thence to Sandwich, which, in fine, was concluded
upon.

So Mr. Church promised to come as soon as
he could possibly obtain a vessel, and then they
parted. He returned to the island, and was at
great pains and charge to get a vessel; but with
unaccountable disappointments, sometimes by the
falseness, and sometimes by the faint-heartedness
of men that he bargained with, arid something by
wind and weather, &c.; until at length, Mr. An
thony Low put into the harbour with a loaded
vessel bound to the westward, and being made
acquainted with Mr. Church's case, told him,
that he had so much kindness for him, and was so
pleased with the business he was engaged in, that
he would run the venture of his vessel and cargo,
to wait upon him. Accordingly, next morning
they set sail with a wind that soon brought them
to Sogkonate-point; but coming there they met
with a contrary wind, and a great swelling sea.

The Indians were there waiting upon the rocks,
but had nothing but a miserable broken canoe to
get aboard in; yet Peter Awrashonks ventured off
in it, and with a great deal of difficulty and dan
ger got aboard. And by this time it began to
rain and blow exceedingly, and forced them up
the Sound; and then went away through Bristol
ferry, round the island to Newport, carrying
Peter with them.

Then Mr. Church dismissed Mr. Low, and
told him. that inasmuch as Providence opposed

KING PHILIP'S WAR.

his going by water, and he expected that the.
army would be up in a few days, and probably if
he should be gone at that juncture, it might ruin
the whole design; he would therefore yield his

voyage.

Then he wrote the account of his trasactions
•with the Indians, and drew up the proposals, and
articles of peace, and despatched Peter with
them to Plymouth, that his Honor, the Governor,
if he saw cause, might sign them.

Peter was sent over to Sogkonatc on the Lord's
day morning, with orders to take those men that
were chosen to go down, or some of them at least
with him. The time being expired that was ap
pointed for the English army to come, there was
freat looking for them. Mr. Church on the
londay morning, partly to divert himself after
his fatigue, and partly to listen for the army, rode
out with his wife, and some of his friends to Ports
mouth, under a pretence of cherrying; but came
home without any news from the army. But by
midnight, or sooner, he was roused with an ex
press from Major Bradford, who was arrived with
the army at Pocasset; to whom he forthwith re
paired, and informed him of the whole of his pro
ceedings with the Sogkonate Indians. With the
Major's consent and advice, he returned again
next morning to the island, in order to go over
th ;t way to Awashonks, to inform her that the
army was arrived, &c. Accordingly from Sa-
chueeset-neck,* he went in a canoe to Sogkonate;
told her that Major Bradford was arrived at Po
casset, with a great army, whom he had informed

* The south-east corner of Rhode-Island

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 60

of all his proceedings with her; that if she would
be advised and observe order, she nor her people
need not fear being hurt by them; told her, she
should call all her people down into the neck, lest
if they should be found straggling about, mischief
might light on them; that on the morrow they
would come down and receive her, and give her
further orders. She promised to get as many of
her people together as possibly she could; desir
ing Mr. Church to consider that it would be diffi
cult for to get them together at such short warn
ing. Mr. Church returned to the island, and to
the ariny the same night. The next morning the
whole army marched towards Sogkonate, as far
as Punkatees; and Mr. Church with a few men
went down to Sogkonate to call Awashonks, and
her people to come up to the English camp. As
he was going down, they met with a Pocasset In
dian, who had killed a cow, and got a quarter of
her on his back, and her tongue in his pocket.
He gave them an account, that he came from
Pocasset two days since in company with his
mother, and several other Indians, now hid in the
swamp above Nomquid.* Disarming him, he
sent him with two men to Major Bradford, and
proceeded to Sogkonate. They saw several In
dians by the way skulking about, but let them
pass. Arriving at Awashonks' camp, he told her
he was come to invite her and her people up to
Punkateese,f where Major Bradford now was
with the Plymouth army, expecting her and her
subjects to receive orders, until further order
could be had from the government. She complied,

* In Tiverton. | Adjoining Fogland Ferry,

6*

66 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

and soon sent out orders for such of her subjects
as were not with her, immediately to come in;
and by twelve o'clock the next day, she, with
most of her number, appeared before the English
camp at Punkateese. Mr. Church tendered the
Major to serve under his commission, provided
the Indians might be accepted with him, to fight
the enemy. The Major told him, his orders
were to improve him, if he pleased, but as for the
Indians he would not be concerned with them.
And presently gave forth orders for Awashonks,
and all her subjects, both men, women and chil
dren, to repair to Sandwich, and to be there upon
peril, in six days. Awashonks and her chiefs
gathered round Mr. Church, where he was walk
ed off from the rest, expressed themselves con
cerned, that they could not be confided in, nor
improved. He told them, it was best to obey
Borders, and that if he could not accompany them
to Sandwich, it should not be above a week be
fore he would meet them there; that he was con
fident the governor would commission him to im
prove them. The Major hastened to send them
away with Jack" Havens, an Indian who had
never been in the wars, in the front, with a flag of
truce in his hand. They being gone, Mr. Church,
by the help of his man Toby, the Indian whom
he had taken prisoner, as he was going down to
Sogkonate, took said Toby's mother, and those
that were with her, prisoners. Next morning
the whole army moved back to Pocasset. This
Toby informed them, that there were a great
many Indians gone down to Wepoiset to eat
clams, other provisions being very scarce with
them; that Philip himself was expected within

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 67

three or four days at tlie same place. Being
asked what Indians they were? he answered,
some Weetemore Indians, some Mount-Hope
Indians, some Narranganset Indians, and some
other Upland Indians, in all about 300.

The Rhode-Island boats, by the Major's order,
meeting them at Pocasset, they were soon em
barked. It being just in the dusk of the evening,
they could plainly discover the enemy's fires at
the place the Indian directed ta; and the army
concluded no other but they were bound directly
thither, until they came to the north end of the
island, and heard the word of command for the
boats to bare away. Mr. Church was very fond
of having this probable opportunity of surprising
that whole company of Indians embraced; but
orders, it was said, must be obeyed, which was to
go to Mount-Hope, and there to fight Philip.
This, with some other good opportunities of doing
spoil upon the enemy, being unhappily missed,
Mr. Church obtained the Major's consent to
meet the Sogkonate Indians, according to his
promise. He was offered a guard to Plymouth,
but chose to go with one man only, who was a
good pilot. About sun-set, he, with Sabin his
pilot, mounted their horses at Rehoboth, where
the army now was, and by two hours sun next
morning arrived safe at Plymouth; and by the
time they had refreshed themselves, the governor
and treasurer came to town. Mr. Church giving
them a short account of the affairs of the army,
&c. his Honor was pleased to give tym thanks
for the good and great service he had done at
Sogkonate, told him he had confirmed all that he
had promised Awashonks, and had sent the In-

68 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

dians back again that brought his letter. He
asked his Honor whether he had any thing later
from Awashonks? He told him he had not.
Whereupon he gave his Honor an account of the
Major's orders relating to her and hers, and what
discourse had passed pro and con, about them;
and that he had promised to meet them, and that
he had encouraged them that he thought he
might obtain of his Honor a commission to lead
them forth to fight Philip. His Honor smilingly
told him, that he should not want commission if
he would accept it; nor yet good Englishmen
enough to make up a good army. But in short
he told his Honor the time had expired that he
was appointed to meet the Sogkonates at Sand
wich. The governor asked him, when he would
go? He told him that afternoon, by his Honor's
leave. The governor asked him how many men
he would have with him? He answered, not
above half a dozen, with an order to take more at
Sandwich, if he saw cause, and horses provided.
He no sooner moved it, but had his number of
men tendering to go with him, among whom were
Mr. Jabez Howland and Nathaniel Southworth.*
They went to Sandwich that night, where Mr.
Church, with need enough, took a nap of sleep.
The next morning, with about sixteen or eighteen
men, he proceeded as far as Agawom, where they
had great expectation of meeting the Indians, but
met them not. His men being discouraged, about
half of them returned; only half a dozen stuck by
him, and promised so to do until they should

* Both these gortlemen contributed not a little to the
greet . pfoi aances of those days, and are mentioned by
(. ( ;vs -\ ith the greatest respect.

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 69

meet with the Indians. When they came to
Sippican river,f Mr. Howland began to tire,
upon which Mr. Church left him and two more,
for a reserve at the river, that if he should meet
with enemies and be forced back, they might be
ready to assist them in getting over the river.
Proceeding in their march, they crossed another
river, and opened a great bay, where they might
see many miles along shore, where were sands
and flats; and hearing a great noise below them
towards the sea, they dismounted their horses,
left them and creeped among the bushes, until
they came near the bank, and saw a vast company
of Indians, of all ages and sexes, some on horse
back running races, some at foot-ball, some catch
ing eels and flat fish, some clamming, &,c. But
which way with safety to find out what Indians
they were, they were at a loss. But at length,
retiring into a thicket, Mr. Church hallooed to
them; they soon answered him, arid a couple of
smart young fellows, well mounted, came upon a
full career to see who it might be that called,
and came just upon Mr. Church before they dis
covered him; but when they perceived themselves
so near Englishmen, and armed, were much sur
prised, and tacked short about to run as fast back
as they came forward, until one of the men in the
bushes called to them, and told them his name
was Church, and need not fear his hurting of
them. Upon which, after a small pause, they
turned about their horses, and came up to him.
One of them that could speak English, Mr.
Church took aside and examined, who informed
him, that the Indians below were Awashonks and

t Rochester, «*

70 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

her company, and that Jack Havens was among
them; whom Mr. Church immediately sent for, to
come to him, and ordered the messenger to inform
Awashonks, that he was come to meet her.
Jack Havens soon came, and by the time Mr.
Church had asked him a few questions, and had
been satisfied by him, that it was Awashonks and
her company that were below, and that Jack had
been kindly treated by them, a company of In
dians, all mounted on horse back and well armed,
came riding up to Mr. Church, but treated him
with all due respects. He then ordered Jack to
go and tell Awashonks, that he designed to sup
with her in the evening, and to lodge in her camp
that night. Then taking some of the Indians
with him, he went back to the river to take care
of Mr. Howland. Mr. Church having a mind to
try what metal he was made of, imparted his no
tion to the Indians that were with him, and gave
them directions how to act their parts. When he
came pretty near the place, he and his English
men pretendediy fled, firing on their retreat towards
the Indians that pursued them, and they firing as
fast after them. Mr. Howland being upon his
guard, hearing the guns, and by the by seeing the
motion both of the English and Indians, concluded
his friends were distressed, was soon on the full
career on horseback to meet them, and until per
ceiving their laughing, did not mistrust the joke.
As soon as Mr. Church had given him the news,
they hastened away to Awashonks. Upon their
arrival, they were immediately conducted to a
shelter, open on one side, whither Awashonks
and her chiefs soon came and paid their respects;
and the multitudes gave shouts, that made the
woods ring.

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 71

It being now about sun-setting, or near the
dusk of the evening, the Nctops came running
from all quarters, loaded with the tops of dry
pines, and the like combustible matter, making a
huge pile thereof, near Mr. Church's shelter, on
the open side. And by this time supper was
brought in, in three dishes, viz. a carious young
bass in one dish, eels and flat fish in a second,
and shell fish in a third; but neither bread nor
salt to be seen at table. When supper was over,
the mighty pile of pine knots and tops, &,c. was
fired, and all the Indians, great and small, gath
ered in a ring around it. Awashonks, 'with the
oldest of her people, men and women mixed,
kneeling down, made the first ring next the fire,
and all the lusty stout men standing up made the
next, and then all the rabble in a confused crew
surrounded on the outside. Then the chief
Captain stepped in between the rings and the fire,
with a spear in one hand, and a hatchet in the
other, danced round the fire, and began to fight
with it; making mention of all the several nations
and companies of Indians in the country that
were enemies to the English; and at the naming
of every particular tribe of Indians, he would
draw out and fight a new fire-brand, and at finish
ing his fight with each particular fire-brand, would
bow to him and thank him. And when he had
named all the several nations and tribes, and
fought them all, he stuck down his spear and
hatchet, and came out; and another stepped in and
acted over the same dance, with more fury, if
possible, than the first. And when about half a
dozen of their chiefs had thus acted their parts,
the Capt. of the guard stepped up to Mr. Church

12 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

and told him, they were making soldiers for him,
and what they had been doing was all one as
swearing them, and having in that manner en
gaged all the stout lusty men. Awashonks and
her chiefs came to Mr. Church, and told him that
now they were all engaged to fight for the En
glish, and he might call forth. all, or any of them,
at any time as he saw occasion, to fight the enemy,
and presented him with a very fine firelock. Mr.
Church accepts their offer, drew out a number of
them, and set out next morning before day for
Plymouth, where they arrived the same day.

The governor being informed of it, came early
to town next morning, and by that time he had
Englishmen enough to make up a good company,
when joined with Mr. Church's Indians, that
offered their voluntary service, to go under his
command in quest of the enemy. The governor
then gave him a commission, which is as follows:

Capt. BENJAMIN CHURCH, you are hereby
nominated, ordered, commissioned, and em
powered to raise a company of volunteers of about
200 men, English and Indians; the English not
exceeding the number of sixty; of which company
or so many of them as you can obtain, or shall
see cause at present to improve, you are to take
the command and conduct, and to lead them forth
novv and hereafter^ at such time, and unto such
pi ices within this colony, or elsewhere, within the
confederate colonies, as you shall think fit; to
discover, pursue, fight, surprise, destroy, or sub-
jdue our Indian enemies, or any part or parties of
them that by the providence of God you may
meet with; or them, or any of them, by treaty

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 73

and composition to receive to mercy, if you see
reason, provided they be not murderous rogues,
or such as have been principal actors in those
villanies. And forasmuch as your company may
be uncertain, and the persons often changed, you
are also hereby empowered; with the advice of
your company, to choose arid commission a Lieu
tenant, and to establish Serjeants and Corporals
as you see cause. And you herein improving
your best judgment and discretion, and utmost
ability, faithfully to serve the interest of God, his
Majesty's interest, and the interest of the colony;
and carefully governing your said company at
home and abroad. These shall be unto you full
and ample commission, warrant and discharge.
Given under the public seal, this 24th day of
July, 1676.

Per JOS. WINSLOW, Governor.

Receiving his commission, he marched the
same night into the woods, got to Middleborough
before day, and as soon as the light appeared,
took into the woods and swampy thickets, towards
a place where they had some reason to expect to
meet with a parcel of Narraganset Indians, with
some others that belonged to Mount- Hope.
Coming near where they expected them, Capt.
Church's Indian scout discovered the enemy, and
well observing their fires and postures, returned
with the intelligence to their Captain; who gave
such directions for the surrounding of them, as
had the desired effect; surprising them on every
side so unexpectedly, that they were all taken;
not so much as one escaped. And upon a strict ex
amination, they gave intelligence of another parcel
7

74 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

of the enemy, at a place called Munponset-pond.
Capt. Church hastening with his prisoners through
the woods to Plymouth, disposed of them all, ex
cepting one Jeffrey, who proving very ingenuous
and faithful to him, by informing him where other
parcels of Indians harboured. Capt. Church
promised him, that if he continued to be faithful
to him, he should not be sold out of the country,
but should be his waiting man, to take care of
his horse, &c. and accordingly he served him
faithfully as long as he lived.

But Capt. Church was forthwith sent out
again, and the terms for his encouragement being
concluded on, viz. that the country should find
them ammunition and provision, and half the
prisoners and arms they took. The Captain and
his English soldiers to have the other half of the
prisoners and arms, and the Indian soldiers the
loose plunder. Poor encouragement ! But after
some time it wras mended.

They soon captivated the Munponsets, and
brought them in, not one escaping. This stroke
he held several weeks, never returning empty
handed. When he wanted intelligence of their
kennelling places, he would march to some place
likely to meet some travellers or ramblers, and
scattering his company would lie close; and sel
dom lay above a day or two, at the most, before
some of them would fall into their hands, whom
he would compel to inform where their company
was; and so by this method of secret and sudden
surprises took great numbers of them.

The government observing his extraordinary
courage and conduct, and the success from heaven
added to it, saw cause to enlarge his commission:

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 75

gave him power to raise and dismiss his forces,
as he should see occasion; to commission officers
under him, and to march as far as he should see
cause, within the limits of the three united colo
nies;* to receive to mercy, give quarter, or not;
excepting some particular and noted murderers;
viz. Philip and all that were at the destroying of
Mr. Clark's garrison, and some few others.

Major Bradford being now at Taunton with
his army, and wanting provisions, some carts
were ordered from Plymouth for their supply, and
Capt. Church to guard them; but he obtaining
oilier guards for the carts, as far as Middlebor-
ough, ran before with a small company, hoping to
meet with some of the enemy; appointing the
carts and their guards to meet with them at Ne-
mascut,t about an hour after sun's rising next
morning. He arrived there about the breaking
of the day-light, and discovered a company of the
enemy; but his time was too short to wait for
gaining advantage, arid therefore ran right in up
on them, surprised and captivated about sixteen of
them, who, upon examination, informed him that
Tispaquin, a very famous Captain among the
enemy, was at Assawompset,| with a numerous
company.

But the carts must now be guarded, and the
opportunity of visiting Tispaquin must now be laid
aside. The carts are to be faithfully guarded,
lest Tispaquin should attack them.

* Massachusetts. Rhode-Island & Connecticut. — HUTCH.

| Near Raynham. The north and west part of Middle-
borough was so called.

J I.i Middieborough. The country for considerable ex
tent arouud Assawompset porids> bore this name.

7(5 KING PHILIP S WAR.

Coming towards Taimton, Capt. Church taking
two men with him, made all speed to the town;
and coming to the river side, he hallooed, and in
quiring of them that came to the river, for Major
Bradford or his Captains, he was informed they
were in the town, at the tavern. He told them
of the carts that were coming, that he had the
cumber of guarding them, which had already pre
vented his improving opportunities of doing ser
vice. Prayed therefore that a guard might He
sent over to receive the carts, that he might be at
liberty; refusing all invitations arid persuasions to
go over to the tavern to visit the Major. He at
length obtained a guard to receive the carts; by
whom also he sent his prisoners, to be conveyed
with the carts to Plymouth, directing them not to
return by the way they came, but by Bridgwater.

Hastening back, he proposed to encamp that
night at Assawompset-neck. But as soon as they
came to the river that runs into the great pond
through the thick swamp, at the entering of the
neck, the enemy fired upon them, but hurt not a
man. Capt. Church's Indians ran right into the
swamp, and fired upon them, but it being in the
dusk of the evening, the enemy made their es
cape in the thickets. The Capt. then moving
about a mile into the neck, took the advantage of
a small valley to feed his horses ; some held
the horses by the bridles, the rest on the guard
looked out sharp for the enemy, within hearing on
every side, and some very near; but in the dead of
the night, the enemy being out of hearing, or stiil^,
Capt. Church moved out of the neck, (not the
same way he came in, lest he should be ambus-

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 77

caded) towards Cushnel.* Here all the houses
were burnt. And crossing Cushnet river, being
extremely fatigued with two nights and one day's
ramble without rest or sleep; and observing good
forage for their horses, the Captain concluded
upon baiting, and taking a nap. Setting six men
to watch the passage of the river, two to watch
at a time, wrhile the others slept, and so to take
their turns, while the rest of the company went
into a thicket, to sleep under the guard of two
sentinels more. But the whole company being
very drowsy, soon forgot their danger, and were
fast asleep, sentinels and all. The Captain first
awakes, looks up, and judges he had slept four
hours, which being longer than he designed, im
mediately rouses his company, and sends away a
file to see what was become of the watch at the
passage of the river, but they no sooner opened
the river in sight, but they discovered a company
of the enemy viewing their tracks, where they
came into the neck. Captain Church, and those
with him, soon dispersed into the brush on each
side of the way, while the file that were sent got
undiscovered to the passage of the river, and
found their watch all fast asleep. But these
tidings thoroughly awakened the whole company.
But the enemy giving them no present disturb
ance, they examined their knapsacks, and taking
a little refreshment, the Captain orders one party
to guard the horses, and the other to scout, who
soon met with a track, and following it, they
were brought to a small company of Indians, who
proved to be Little Eyes, and family, and near

* In Dartmouth.

78 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

relations, who were of Sogkonate, but had for
saken their countrymen, upon their making peace
with the English. Some of Capt. Church's In
dians asked him, if he did not know this fellow?
Told him, this is the rogue that would have killed
you at Awashonks' dance. And signified to hitn
that now he had an opportunity to be revenged on
him. But the Captain told them, it was not
Englishmen's fashion to seek revenge; and that
he should have the same quarter the rest had.
Moving to the river side, they found an old canoe,
with which the Captain ordered Little Eyes and
his company to be carried over to an island.
Telling him he would leave him on that island
until he returned; and lest the English should
light on them, and kill them, he would leave 1m
cousin Lightfoot, whom the English knew to be
their friend, to be his guard. Little Eyes ex
pressed himself very thankful to the Captain.
He leaving his orders with Lightfoot, returns to
the river side, towards Poneganset, to Russell's
orchard.* On coming near the orchard, they
clapped into a thicket, and there lodged the rest
of the night without any fire. And upon the
morning light appearing, moving towards the or
chard, discovered some of the enemy, who had
been there the day before, and had beat down all
the apples, and carried them away ; discovered
also where they had lodged that night, and saw
the ground where they set their baskets bloody,
being as they supposed, and as it was afterwards
discovered to be, with the flesh of swine, &,c.

* The remains of this orchard, was to be seen within
the age of some now living. It stood adjoining the old
garrison.

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 79

which they had killed that day. They had lain
under the fences without any fires, arid seemed,
by the marks they left behind them, to be very
numerous ; perceived also, by the dew on the
grass, that they had not been long gone; and
therefore moved apace in pursuit of them. Trav
elling three miles or more, they came into the
country road where the track parted, one parcel
steering toward the west end of the great cedar
swamp, and the other to the east end. The Cap
tain halted, and told his Indian soldiers that they
had heard, as well as he, what some men had said
at Plymouth, about them, &c.; that now was a
good opportunity for each party to prove them
selves. The track having divided, they should
follow one and the English the other, being equal
in number. The Indians declined the motion,
and were not willing to move any where without
him, saying they should not be safe without him.
But the Captain insisting upon it, they submitted.
He gave the Indians their choice to follow which
track they pleased. They replied, they were
light and able to travel, therefore, if he pleased,
they would take the west track. And appointing
the ruins of John Cook's house at Cushnet for
the place to meet, each party set out briskly to
try their fortunes. Capt. Church, with his Eng
lish soldiers, followed their track till they came
near entering a miry swamp, when the Captain
heard a whistle in the rear, which was a note for
a halt. Looking behind him, he saw William
Fobes start out of the company and make toward
him. The Captain hastened to meet him. Fobes
told him they had discovered abundance of In
dians, and if he pleased to go a few steps back he

80 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

might see them himself. He did so, and saw
them across the swamp. Observing them, he per
ceived they were gathering whortle-berries, and
that they had no apprehension of their being so
near them. The Captain supposed them to be
chiefly women, and therefore calling one Mr.
Dillano, who was acquainted with the ground,
and the Indian language, and another named Mr.
Barns, with these two men he takes right through
the swamp as fast as he could, and orders the rest
to hasten after them. Capt. Church, with Dilla
no and Barns, having good horses, spurred on,
and were soon among the thickest of the Indians,
and out of sight of their own men. Among the
enemy was an Indian woman, who with her hus
band had been driven off from Rhode-Island, not
withstanding they had a house on Mr. Sanford's
land, and had planted an orchard before the war;
yet, the inhabitants would not be satisfied till they
were sent off. And Capt. Church with his fami
ly living then at the said Sanford's, came acquaint
ed with them, who thought it very hard to turn
off such old quiet people. But in the end it
proved a providence and an advantage to him and
his family, as you may see afterwards. This In
dian woman knew Captain Church, and as soon
as she knew him, held up both her hands, and
came running towards him, crying aloud, Church,
Church, Church. Capt. Church bid her stop the
rest of the Indians, and tell them, the way to save
their lives was not to run, but yield themselves
prisoners, and he would not kill them; so with her
help and Dillano's, who could call to them in
their own language, many of them stopped and
surrendered themselves, others scampering and

KING PHILIP?S WAR. 81

casting away their baskets, &,c. betook them
selves to the thickets, but Capt. Church being on
horse-back soon came up with them, and laid hold
of a gun of one of the foremost of the com
pany, pulled it from him, and told him he must
go back. And when he had turned them, he be
gan to look about him to see whe*e he was, and
what was become of his company, hoping they
might be all as well employed as himself, but could
find none but Dillano, who was very busy in gath
ering up prisoners. The Captain drove his that
he had stopped to the rest, inquiring of Dillano
for their company, but could have no news of them;
but moving back picked up now and then a skulk
ing prisoner by the way. When they came near
the place where they first started the Indians, they
discovered their company standing in a body to
gether, and had taken some few prisoners; when
they saw their Captain they hastened to meet him.
They told him they found it difficult getting
through the swamp, and neither seeing nor hear
ing any thing of him, they concluded the enemy
had killed him, and were at a great loss what to do.
Having brought their prisoners together they
found they had taken and killed sixty-six of the
enemy. Capt. Church then asked the old squaw
what company they belonged to? She said they
belonged partly to Philip and partly to Qunnap-
pin and the Narraganset Sachem. He discov
ered also, upon her declaration, that both Philip
and Q,unnapptO were about two miles off, in the
great Cedar swamp. He inquired of her what
company they had with them? She answered,
Abundance of Indians. The swamp, she said,
was full of Indians from one end unto the other.

S2 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

that were settled there; that there were near an
hundred men come from the swamp with them,
and left them upon that plain to gather whortle
berries, and promised to call them as they came
back out of Sconticut-neck, whither they went to
kill cattle and horses for provision for the compa
ny. She perceiving Capt. Church move towards
the neck, told him if they went that way they
would all be killed. He asked her where they
crossed the river? She painted to the upper pass
ing place. Accordingly Capt. Church passed so
low down that he thought it not probable they
should meet with his track in their return, and
hastened towards the island where he left Little
Eyes with Lightfoot. Finding a convenient place
by the river side for securing his prisoners, Capt.
Church and Mr. Dillano went down to see what
was become of Capt. Lightfoot, and the prisoners
left in his charge. Lightfoot, seeing and know
ing them, soon came over with his broken canoe,
and informed them that he had seen that day about
an hundred of the enemy go down into Sconticut-
neck, and that they were now returning again.
Upon which they three ran down immediately to
a meadow where Lightfoot said the Indians had
passed, where they not only saw their tracks but
them also. Whereupon they lay close until the
enemy came into the said meadow, and the fore
most set down his load and halted, until all the
company came up; they then took up their loads
and inarched again the same way that they came
down into the neck, which was the nearest way
to their camp. Had they gone the other wuy
along the river, they could not have missed Capt.
Church's track, which would doubtl-ss have ex-

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 83

posed them to the loss of their prisoners, if not of
their lives. But as soon as the coast was clear
of them, the Captain sends his Lightfoot to fetch
his prisoners from the island, while he and Mr.
Dillano returns to the company, and sends part of
them to conduct Lightfoot and his company to the
aforesaid meadow, where Capt. Church and his
company met them. Crossing the enemies5 track
they made all haste until they got over Mattapoi-
set-river,* about four miles beyond the ruins of
Cook's house, where he appointed to meet his In
dian company, whither he sent Dillano with two
more to meet them ; ordering them, that if the In
dians were not arrived to wait for them. Accord
ingly, finding no Indians there, they waited until
late in the night, when they arrived with their
booty. They despatched a post to their Captain,
to give him an account of their success ; but the
day broke before they came to him; and when
they had compared successes, they very remarka
bly found that the number that each company had
taken and slain, was equal. The Indians had killed
three of the enemy, and taken sixty three prison
ers, as the English had done before them. Both
English and Indians were surprised at this remark
able providence, and were both parties rejoicing
at it; being both before afraid of what might have
been the unequal success of the parties ; but the
Indians had the fortune to take more arms than
the English. They told the Captain, that they
had missed a brave opportunity by parting; they
came upon a great town of the enemy, viz. Cap
tain Tyasks' company. Tyasks was the next man

* In Rochester.

84 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

to Philip. They fired upon the enemy before
they were discovered, and ran upon them with a
shout; the men ran and left their wives and chil
dren, and many of them their guns. They took
Tyasks5 wife and son, and thought that if their
Captain and the English company had been with
them they might have taken some hundreds of
them; and now they determined not to part any
more.

That night Philip sent, as afterwards they
found out, a great army to waylay Capt. Church
at entering of Assawompset-neck; expecting he
would have returned the same way he went in;
but that was never his method to return the same
way that he came; and at this time going another
way, he escaped falling into the hands of his ene
mies. The next day they went home by Scipican,*
and got well with their prisoners to Plymouth.

He soon went out again, and this stroke he
drove many weeks ; and when he took any num
ber of prisoners, he would pick out some that he
took a fancy to, and would tell them, he took a
particular fancy to them, and had chose them for
himself to make soldiers of; and if any would be
have themselves well, he would do well by them,
and they should be his men, and not sold out of
the country. If he perceived they looked surly,
and his Indian soldiers called them treacherous
dogs, as some of them would sometimes do, all the
notice he would take of it, would only be to clap
them on the back, and tell them, " Come, come,
you look wild and surly, and mutter, but that sig-

* In Rochester, about two miles to the eastward of
Matapoiset, on the Shove.

KING PHILIP'S WAR, 85

nifies nothing, these my best soldiers were a little
while ago as wild and surly as you are now; by
the time you have been but one day with me, you
will love me too, and be as brisk as any of them.1"
And it proved so; for there was none of them but,
after they had been a little while with him, and
seen his behaviour, and how cheerful and success
ful his men were, would be as ready to pilot him
to any place where the Indians dwelt, or haunted,
though their own fathers or nearest relations
should be among them, or to fight for him, as any
of his own men.

Capt. Church was in two particulars much ad
vantaged by the great English army that was now
abroad. One was, that they drove the enemy
down to that part of the country, viz. to the east
ward of Taunton river, by which his business was
nearer home. The other was, that when he fell on
with a push upon any body of the enemy, were they
ever so many, they lied, expecting the great army.
And their manner of marching through the woods
was such, that, if they were discovered, they ap
peared to be more than they really were; for they
always marched at a wide distance one from the
other, for their safety; and this was an Indian cus
tom to march thin and scattered. Capt. Church
inquired of some of the Indians that were become
his soldiers, how they got such advantage often of
the English in their marches through the woods?
They told him that the Indians gained great ad
vantage of the English by two things; the Indians
always took care, in their marches and fights, not
to come too thick together; but the English al
ways kept in a heap together, that it was as easy
to hit them as to hit a house. The other was.
8

86 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

that if at any time they discovered a company of
English soldiers in the woods, they knew that
there were all, for the English never scattered, but
the Indians always divided and scattered.

Capt. Church was now at Plymouth, and some
thing happened that kept him at home a few days,
until a post came to Marshfield on a Lord's cUiy
morning, informing the Governor that a great
army of Indians were discovered, who, it was
supposed, were designing to get over the river to
wards Taunton or Bridgwater, to attack those
towns that lay on that side the river. The Gov
ernor hastened to Plymouth, raised what men
he could by the way, arrived there in the be
ginning of the forenoon exercise; sent for Capt.
Church out of the meeting-house, gave him the
news, and desired him immediately to rally what
of his men he could; and what men he had raised
should join them. The Captain bestirs himself, but
found no bread in the store-house, and so was
forced to run from house to house to get household
bread for their march; neither this nor any thing
else prevented his marching by the beginning of the
afternoon exercise. Marching with what men were
ready, he took with him the post that came from
Bridgwater to pilot him to the place, where he
thought he might meet with the enemy. In the
evening they heard a smart firing at a distance
from them; but it being near night, and the firing
but of short, continuance, they missed the place, and
went into Bridgwater town. It seems the occasion
of the firing was, that Philip finding that Capt
Church made that side of the country too hot for
him, designed to return to the other side of the coun
try that he came last from. And coming to Taun

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 87

ton river with his company, they felled a great
tree across the river, for a bridge to pass over on;
and just as Philip's old uncle Akkompoin, and
some other of his chiefs were passing over the
tree, some brisk Bridgwater lads had ambushed
them, fired upon them, and killed the old man and
several others, which put a stop to their coming
over the river that night.

Next morning Capt. Church moved very early
with his company, which was increased by many
of Bridgwater, that enlisted under him for that
expedition, and, by their piloting, soon came very
still to the top of the great tree which the enemy
had fallen across the river. The Captain espied
an Indian sitting on the stump of it on the other
side of the river, and he clapped his gun up, and
had doubtless despatched him, but one of his
own Indians called hastily to him, not to fire, for
he believed it was one of their own men. Upon
which the Indian upon the stump looked about,
and Capt. Church's Indian seeing his face per
ceived his mistake, for he knew him to be Philip;
clapped up his gun and fired, but it was too late;
for Philip immediately threw himself off the stump,
leaped down a bank on the side of the river, and made
his escape. Capt. Church, as soon as possible, got
over the river, and scattered in quest of PhiJip
and his company ; but the enemy scattered and
fled every way. He picked up a considerable
many of their women and children, among whom
was Philip's wife, and son about nine years old.
Discovering a considerable new track along the
river, and examining the prisoners, found it was
Q,unnappin and the Narragansets, that were
drawing off from those parts towards the Narra-

KING PHILIP'S WAR.

ganset country. He inquired of the prisoners,
whether Philip was gone in the same track ?
They told him they did not know, for he tied in
a great fright when the first English gun was fir
ed, and they had none of them seen or heard any
thing of him since. Capt. Church left part of
his company there to secure the prisoners, and to
pick up what more they could find ; and with
the rest of his company hastened in the track of
the enemy, to overtake them, if possible, be
fore they got over the river. So he ran some miles
along the river, until he came to a place where
the Indians had waded over ; and he with his
company waded over after them up to their arms;
being almost as wet before with sweat as the riv
er could make them. Following about a mile
further, and not overtaking them, and the Captain
being under necessity to return that night to the
army, came to a halt; told his company, he must
return to his other men. His Indian soldiers
moved for leave to pursue the enemy, though he
returned; they said, the Narragansetts were great
rogues, and they wanted to be revenged on them
for killing some of their relations; named Tock-
amona, Awashonk's brother, and some others.
Capt. Churcft bid them go and prosper, made
Lightfoot their chief, gave him the title of Cap
tain, and bid them go and acquit themselves likg
men. And away they scampered like so many
horses. Next morning early they returned to
their Captain, and informed him, that they had
come up with the enemy, and killed several of
them, and brought him thirteen of them prisoners;
were mighty proud of their exploit, and rejoiced
much at the opportunity of avenging themselves.

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 89

Capt. Church sent the prisoners to Bridgwater,
and sent out his scouts to see what enemies or
tracks they could find; discovering some small
tracks, he follows them, found where the enemy
had kindled some fires, and roasted some ilesh, &,c.
but had put out their fires and were gone. The
Captain followed them by the track, putting his
Indians in the front; some of which were such
as he had newly taken from the enemy, and add
ed to his company. Gave them orders to march
softly, and upon hearing a whistle in the rear, to
sit down till further orders; or, upon discovering
any of the enemy, to stop, for his design was,
if he could discover where the enemy were, not
to fall upon them, unless necessitated to it, until
next morning. The Indians in the front came
up with many women and children, and others that
were faint and tired, and so not able to keep up
with the company; these gave them an account
that Phillip, with a great number of the enemy,
were a little before. Captain Church's Indians
told the others, they were their prisoners, but if
they would submit to order, and be still, no one
should hurt them; they being their old acquaint
ance, were easily persuaded to conform. A little
before sunset there was a halt in the front, until
the Captain came up. They told him that they dis
covered the enemy. He ordered them to dog
them, and watch their motion till it was dark.
But Philip soon came to a stop, and fell to break
ing and chopping wood, to make fires ; and a
great noise they made. Captain Church draws
his company up in a ring, and sat down in the
swamp without any noise or fire. The Indian
prisoners were much surprised to see the English

90 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

soldiers; but the Captain told them, if they would
be quiet and not make any disturbance or noise,
they should meet with civil treatment; but if they
made any disturbance, or offered to run, or make
their escape, he would immediately kill them all;
so they were very submissive and obsequious.
When the day broke, Captain Church told his
prisoners, that his expedition ,was such at this
lime that he could not afford them any guard :
told them, they would find it to be their interest
to attend the orders he was now about to give
them, which was, that when the fight was over,
which they now expected, or as soon as the
firing ceased, they must follow the track of his
company, arid come to them. An Indian is
next to a blood-hound to follow a track. He
said to them, it would be in vain for them to
think of disobedience, or to gain any thing by it,
Tor he had taken and killed a great many of the
Indian rebels, and should in a liltle time kill and
take all the rest, &c. By this time it began to
>) .' so light, as the time that he usually chose to
Uiuke his onset. So he moved, sending two soldiers
before, to try if they could privately discover the
enemies' postures. But very unhappily it fell out,
that the very same time Philip had sent two of
his as a scout upon his own track, to see if none
dogge 1 them, who espyed the two Indian men,
and turned short about, and fled with all speed to
their camp, and Captain Church pursued as fast
as he could. The two Indians set a yelling and
howling, and made the most hideous noise they
could invent, soon gave the alarm to Philip and
his camp, who all fled at the first tidings, left
their kettles boiling, and meat roasting upon their

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 91

wooden spits; and ran into a swamp with no other
breakfast than what Captain Church afterwards
treated them with. Captain Church pursuing,
sent Mr. Isaac Howland with a party on one side
)f the swamp, while himself with the rest, ran on
the other side, agreeing to run on each side, until
they met on the further end, placing some men in
secure stands at that end of the swamp where
Philip entered, concluding that if they headed him
and beat him back, that he would take back in his
own track. Captain Church and Mr. Howland
soon met at the further end of the swamp, it not
being a great one, where they met with a great
number of the enemy, well armed, coming out of
the swamp; but, on sight of the English, they
seemed very much surprised, and tacked short.
Captain Church called hastily to them, and said,
If they fired one gun they were all dead men; for
he would have them to know that he had them
hemmed in, with a force sufficient to command
them, but if they peaceably surrendered they
should have good quarters, &c. They, seeing
both Indians and English come so thick upon
them, were so surprised that many of them stood
still and let the English come and take the guns
out of their hands, when they were both charged
and cocked.

Many, both men, women and children of the
enemy, were imprisoned at this time, while Philip,
Tispaquin, Totoson, &,c. concluded that the Eng
lish would pursue them upon their tracks, so were
waylaying their tracks at the first end of the
swamp, hoping thereby to gain a shot upon Cap
tain Church, who was now better employed in tak
ing prisoners, and running them into a valley, in

92 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

form something shaped like a punch-bowl, and ap
pointing a guard of two files, treble armed with
guns taken from the enemy. But Philip having
waited all this while in vain, now moves on after
the rest of his company to see what had become
of them; and by this time, Capt. Church had got
into the swamp ready to meet him; and as it hap
pened made the first discovery, clapped behind a
tree, until Philip's company came pretty near,
and then fired upon them, killed many of them,
and a close skirmish followed. Upon this, Philip
having grounds sufficient to suspect the event of
his company that went before them, fled back up
on his own track; and coining to the place where
the ambush lay, they fired on each other, and one
Lucus of Plymouth, not being so careful as he
might have been about his stand, was killed by
the Indians. In this swamp skirmish, Captain
Church with his two men, who always run by his
side as his guard, met with three of the enemy,
two of which surrendered themselves, and the
Captain's guard seized them; but the other, being
a great stout surly fellow, with his two locks tied
up with red, and a great rattle snake skin hanging
to the back part of his head, whom Captain
Church concluded to be Totoson, ran from them
into the swamp. Captain Church, in person, pur
sued him close, till coming pretty near up with
him, presented his gun Between his shoulders, but
it missing fire, the Indian perceiving it, turned
and presented at Captain Church, and missing
fire also, their guns taking wet with the fog and
dew of the morn 'tig; but the Indian turning short
for another run, his foot tripped in a small grape
vine, and he fell flat on his face. Capt. Church

KING PHILIP'S WAR.

was by this time up with him, and struck the muz
zle of his gun an inch and an half into the back
part of his head, which despatched him without
another blow. But Captain Church looking
behind him saw Totoson, the Indian whom he
thought he had killed, come flying at him like a
dragon; but this happened to be fair in sight of
the guard that were set to keep the prisoners, who,
espying Totoson, and others that were following
him, in this very seasonable juncture made a shot
upon them and rescued their Captain, though he
was in no small danger from his friends bullets,
for some of them came so near him that he thought
he felt the wind of them. The skirmish being
over, they gathered their prisoners together, and
found the number that they had killed and taken
was 173, the prisoners which they took over night
included, who after the skirmish came to them as
they were ordered.

Now having no provisions but what they took
from the enemy, they hastened to Bridgwater,
sending an express before to provide for them,
their company being now very numerous. The
gentlemen of Bridgwater met Capt. Church with
great expressions of honour and thanks, and re
ceived him and his army with all due respect and
kind treatment.

Capt. Church drove his prisoners that night in
to Bridgwater pound, and set his Indian soldiers
to guard them. They being well treated with
victuals and drink, had a merry night; and the
prisoners laughed as loud as the soldiers, not be
ing so treated a long time before.

Some of the Indians now said to Capt. Church,
." Sir, you have now made Philip ready to die, for

94 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

you have made him as poor and miserable as he
used to make the English; you have now kill
ed or taken all his relations. That they believed
he would now soon have his head, and that this
bout had almost broke his heart."

The next day Capt. Church moved and arrived
with all his prisoners safe at Plymouth. The
great English army was now at Taunton, and
Major Talcot with the Connecticut forces, being
in these parts of the country, did considerable
spoil upon the enemy.

Now Capt. Church being arrived at Plymouth,,
received thanks from the government for his good
service, &LC. Many of his soldiers were disbanded;
and he thought to rest himself a while, being
much fatigued, and his health impaired, by exces
sive heats and colds, and wading through rivers,
&c. But it was not long before he was called
upon to rally, upon advice that some of the enemy
were discovered in Dartmouth woods. He took
his Indians, and as many English volunteers as
presented, to go with him; and scattering into
small parcels, Mr. Jabez Howland, who was now.
and often, his Lieutenant, arfd a worthy good sol
dier, had the fortune to discover and imprison a
parcel of the enemy. In the evening they met
together at an appointed place, and by examining
the prisoners, they gained intelligence of Toto-
son's haunt; and being brisk in the morning, they
soon gained an advantage of Totoson's compa
ny, though he himself, with his son about eight
years old, made their escape, and one old squaw
with them, to Agawom, his own country. One
Sam Barrow, as noted a rogue as any among the
enemy, fell into the hands of the English at this

KING PHILIP5S WAR. 95

time. Capt. Church told him, that, because of
his inhuman murders and barbarities, the Court
had allowed him no quarter, but was to be forth
with put to death, and therefore he was to pre
pare ikr it. Barrow replied, that the sentence of
death against him was just, and that indeed he
was ashamed to live any longer, and desired no
more favour than to smoke a whiff of tobacco be
fore his execution. When he had taken a few
whiffs he said, " I am ready." Upon which one
of Capt. Church's Indians sunk his hatchet into
his brains. The famous Totoson arriving at Aga-
"wom,*f his son, the last that was left of the fami
ly, Captain Church having destroyed all the rest,
fell sick. The wretch reflecting upon the mise-
raljfcle condition he had brought himself into, his
heart became a stone within him, and he died.
The old squaw laid a few leaves and brush over
him, and came to Sandwich, and gave this account
of his death, and offered to show them where she
left his body; but never had an opportunity, for
she immediately fell sick and died also.

Capt. Church being now at Plymouth again,
weary and worn, would have gorre home to his
wife and family, but the Government being solic
itous to engage him in the service until Philip was
slain, and promising him satisfaction and redress
for some mistreatment that he had met with; he
fixes for another expedition, He had soon vol
unteers enough to make up the company he de
sired, and marched through the woods until he
came to Pocasset; and not seeing or hearing cf

* Several places were called Agawom, as at Ipswich and
Springfield. This Agawom lies in Wareham.
I Formerly called Angawom, — JV, E, Memorial.

96 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

any of the enemy, they went over the ferry to
Rhode- Island, to refresh themselves. The Cap
tain, with about half a dozen in his company, took
horses and rode about eight miles down the Island,
to Mr. Sandford's, where he had left his wife.
She no sooner saw him but fainted with surprise;
and by the time she was a little revived, they es
pied two horsemen coming on a great pace.
Capt. Church told his company that those men,"
by their riding, came with tidings. When they
came up they proved to be Major Sandford and
Capt. Golding; who immediately asked Capt.
Church what he would give to hear some news of
Philip? He replied, that was what he wanted.
They told him they had rode hard with some hopes
of overtaking him, and were now come on purpose
to inform him, that there was just now tidings
from Mount-Hope; an Indian came down from
thence, where Philip's camp now is, on to Sandy-
point, over against Trip's, and hallooed, and made
signs to be brought over; and being brought, he
reported, that he was fled from Philip, who, said
he, has killed my brother just before I came away,
for giving some advice that displeased him. And
said he was fled for fear of meeting with the same
fate his brother had met with. He told them also
that Philip was then in Mount-Hope neck. Capt.
Church thanked- them for their good news, and
said he hoped by to-morrow morning to have the
rogue's head. The horses that he and his com
pany came on, standing at the door, for they had
not been unsaddled, his wife must content herself
with a short visit when such game was ahead.
They immediately mounted, set spurs to their
horses, and away.

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 97

The two gentlemen that brought him the tid
ings, told him, they would gladly wait upon him
to see the event of the expedition; he thanked
them, and told them, he should be as fond of their
company as any men's; and in short, they went
with him. And they were soon at Tripp's ferry,
with Captain Church's company, where the de
serter was. He was a fellow of good sense, and
told his story handsomely. He offered Captain
Church to pilot him to Philip, and to help kill
him, that he might revenge his brother's death.
Told him, that Philip was now upon a little spot
of upland, that was in the south end of the miry
swamp, just at the foot of the mount, which was
a spot of ground that Captain Church was well
acquainted with. By the time they were got
over the ferry and come near the ground, half the
night was spent. The Captain commanded a
halt, and brought the company together. He asked
Major Sandford and Captain Golding's advice,
what method was best to be taken in making the
onset, but they declined giving him any advice,
telling him, that his great experience and success
forbid .their taking upon them to give advice.
Then Captain CImrch offered Captain Golding
the honor, if he would please to accept it, of beat
ing up Philip's head quarters. He accepted the
oifer, and had his allotted number drawn out to
him, and the pilot. Captain Church's instruc
tions to him were, to be very careful in his ap
proach to the enemy, and be sure not to show
himself, until by day light they might see and dis
cern their own men from the enemy; told him
also, that his custom in the like cases was, to creep
with his company, on their bellies, until they

08 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

came ns near as they could; and that as soon as
the enemy discovered them, they would cry out;
and that was the word for his men to fire and fall
on. Directed him when the enemy should start,
and take into the swamp, they should pursue with
speed, every man shouting and making what noise
he could; for he would give orders to his ambus
cade to fire on any that should come silently.

Captain Church knowing that it was Philip's
custom to be foremost in the flight, went down to
the swamp, and gave Captain Williams of Scitu-
ate, the command of the right wing of the am
bush, and placed an Englishman and an Indian
together, behind such shelters of trees, &,c. as he
could find, and took care to place them at such
a distance, that none might pass, undiscovered be
tween them. He charged them to be careful of
themselves, and of hurting their friends, and to
fire at any that should conic silently through the
swamp; but it being somewhat further through
the swamp than he was aware of, he wanted men
to make up his ambuscade. Having placed what
men he had, he took Major Sandford by the
hand, and said, " Sir, I have so placed them, that
it is scarce possible Philip can escape. The same
moment a shot whistled over their heads, and then
the noise of a gun towards Philip's camp. Capt.
Church at first thought it might be some gun fired
by accident; but before he could speak, a whole
volley followed, which was earlier than he expect
ed. One of Philip's gang going forth by himself,
looked round him. Captain Golding thought the
Indian looked directly at him, though probably it
was only his conceit, so fired at Ijim, and upon
his firing, tjie whole company that were with him

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 99

fired upon the enemy's shelter, before the Indians
had time to rise from their sleep, and so overshot
them. But their shelter was open on that side
next the swamp, and built so on purpose for the
convenience of flight on occasion. They were
soon in the swamp, and Philip the foremost, who
starting at the first gun, threw his petunk and
powder-horn over his head, catched up his gun,
and ran as fast as he could scamper, without any
more clothes than his small breeches and stockings,
and ran directly on two of Captain Church's
ambush. They let him come fair within shot, and
the Englishman's gun missing fire, he bid the In
dian fire away, and he did so to purpose, sent one
musket bullet through his heart, and another not
over two inches from it. He fell upon his face
in the mud arid water, with his gun under him,
By this time the enemy perceiving they were way-
laid on the east side of the swamp, tacked short
about. One of the enemy, who seemed to be a
great surly old fellow, hallooed with a loud voice,
and often called out, lootash, lootash. Captain
Church called to his Indian Peter, and asked him
who that was that called so? He answered, it
was old Annawon,* Philip's great Captain, calling

* In regard to the writing of this word, a diversity of
opinions have arisen. Some urge that its termination
ought to be written wan, others won. Mr. Benjaman Rod
man, of New Bedford, has adopted that of it-cm, in naming a
vessel and marmfactoring company. He says li it is more
agreeable to analogy." Deference ought to be had to the
opinion of this learned gentleman. No doubt, as this word
is commonly understood, wan is more proper: but we, who
never heard the native tongue, cannot tell but that they
pronounced it as if written wun, allowing this to have been
the case, it is certainly more proper to write wan. Hub-
bard writes wan, and I am for uniformity.

100 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

on his soldiers to stand to it, and fight stoutly.
Now the enemy finding that place of the swamp
wuich was not ambushed, many of them made
their escape in the English tracks. The man
that had shot down Philip, ran with all speed to
Captain Church, and informed him of his exploit,
who commanded him to be silent about it, and let
no man know it, until they had driven the swamp
clear. When they had driven the swamp through
and found the enemy had escaped, or at least the
most of them, and the sun now up, and so the dew
gone, that they could not easily track them,
the whole company met together at the place
where the enemy's night shelter was. Then
Captain Church gave them the news of Philip's
death, upon which the whole army gave three
loud huzzas. Captain Church ordered his body
to be pulled out of the mire on the upland. So
some of Captain Church's Indians took hold of
him by his stockings, and some by his small
breeches, being otherwise naked, and drew him
through the mud to the upland; and a doleful,
great, naked, dirty beast he looked like. Captain
Church then said, forasmuch as he had caus
ed many an Englishman's body to be unburied,
and to rot above ground, that not one of his
bones should be buried. And calling his old In
dian executioner, bid him behead and quarter
him. Accordingly he came with his hatchet, and
stood over him, but before he struck, he made a
small speech, directing it to Philip, and said,
t; He had been a very great man, and had made
many a man afraid of him, but so big as he was
he would now chop his a — e for him." And so
he went to work, and did as he was ordered.

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 101

Philip having one very remarkable hand, being
much scarred, occasioned by the splitting of a pis
tol in it formerly, Captain Church gave the head
and that hand to Alderman, the Indian who shot
him, to show to such gentlemen as would bestow
gratuities upon him; and accordingly he got many
a penny by it.

This being on the last day of the week, the
Captain with his company returned to the Island,
tarried there until Tuesday, and then went off
and ranged through all the woods to Plymouth,
and received their premium, which was thirty
shillings per head, for the enemies which they had
killed or taken, instead of all wages; and Philip's
head went at the same price. Methinks it was
scanty reward and poor encouragement; though
it was better than it had been for some time be
fore. For this march they received four shillings
and sixpence a man, which was all the reward
they had, except the honor of killing Philip.
This was in the latter end of August, 1676.*

Capt. Church had been but a little while at
Plymouth, before a post from Rehoboth came to
inform the government that old Annawon, Philip's
chief Captain,f was, with his company, ranging

* The fall of King Philip, according to Hutchinson, took
place on the 12th August, 1676. And this history clearly
indicates that it happened early in the morning of a certain
day, therefore, we are able to give the date of this memo
rable event, with that exactness, which adds lustre to thq
pages of history.

t It will be recollected, that in a preceding page, Tyasks
was mentioned as Philip's chief Captain; or, " the next man
to Philip." See page 83.

H'ibbard says, " Tispequin was next to Philip." Page
230, late edition.

9*

102 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

about their woods, and was very offensive and per
nicious to Rehoboth and Swansey. Capt. Church
was immediately sent for again, and treated with
to engage in one expedition more. He told them,
" Their encouragement was so poor, he feared his
soldiers would be dull about going again.'5 But
being a hearty friend to the cause, he rallies again;
goes to Mr. Jabez Rowland, his old Lieutenant,
and some of his soldiers that used to go out with
him. Told them how the case was circumstanc
ed, and that he had intelligence of old Annawon's
walk and haunt, and wanted hands to hunt him.
They did not want much entreating, but told him,
they would go with him as long as there was an
Indian in the woods. He moved and ranged

through the woods to Pocasset.

o

It being the latter end of the week, he proposed
to go on to Rhode-Island, and rest until Monday;
but on the Lord's day morning, there' came a post
to inform the Captain, that early the same morn
ing a canoe with several Indians in it passed from
Prudence-Island to Poppasquash neck.* Capt.
Church thought if he could possibly surprise them
be might probably gain some intelligence of more
game; therefore he made all possible speed after
them. The ferry-boat being out of the way, he
made use of canoes; but by the time they had
made two freights, and got over the Captain, and
about fifteen or sixteen of his Indians, the wind
sprung up with such violence, that canoes could
not pass. The Captain seeing it was impossible
for any more of his soldiers to come to him, he told
his Indians, If they were willing to go with him,

* On the west side of Bristol.

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 103

he would go to Poppa squash, and see if they could
catch some of the enemy Indians. They were
willing to go, but were sorry they had no English
soldiers. So they marched through the thickets
that they might not be discovered, until they came
to the salt meadow, to the northward of Bristol
town, that now is. Then they heard a gun. The
Captain looked about, not knowing but it might
be some of his own company in the rear. So
halting till they all came up, he found it was none
of his own company that fired. Now, though he
had but a few men, was minded to send some of
them out on a scout. He moved it to Capt.
Lightfoot to go with three more on a scout; he
said he was willing, provided the Captain's man,
Nathaniel, which was an Indian they had lately
taken, might be one of them; because he was well
acquainted with the neck, and coming lately
from among them, knew how to call them. The
Captain bid him choose his three companions, and
go; and if they came across any of the enemy, not
to kill them if they could possibly take them alive,
that they might gain intelligence concerning An-
nawon. The Captain with the rest of his com
pany moved but a little way further towards Pop-
pasquash, before they heard another gun, which
seemed to be the same way with the other, but
further off. They made no halt until they came
into the narrow of Poppasquash neck. Here
Capt. Church left three men to watch and see if
any* should come out of the neck, and to inform
the scout, when they returned, which way he was
gone.

* Meaning the enemy.

10i KING PHILIP'S WAR.

He parted the remainder of his company, half
on one side of the neck, and the other with him
self went on the other side of the neck, until they
met; and meeting neither with Indians nor canoes,
returned big with expectations of tidings by their
scout. But when they came back to the three
men at the narrow of the neck, they told their
Captain the scout had not returned, and they had
not heard nor seen any tiling of them. This filled
them with thoughts of what had become of them.

When they had waited an hour longer, it was
very dark, and they despaired of their returning
to them. Some of the Indians told their Captain,
" They feared his new man, Nathaniel, had met
with his old Mount- Hope friends, and had turned
rogue.'5 They concluded to make no fires that
night, and indeed they had no great need of any,
for they had no victuals to cook, not so much as a
morsel of bread with them.

They took up their lodgings scattering, that if
possibly their scout should come in the night, and
whistle, which was their sign, some of them might
hear them. They had a very solitary, hungry
night. As soon as the day broke they drew off
through the brush to a hill without the neck, and
looking about them they espied one Indian man
come running somewhat towards them. The
Captain ordered one man to step out and show
himself. Upon this the Indian ran directly to
him, and who should it be but Capt. Liglitfoot, to
their great joy. Capt. Church asb d him what
news? He answered, Good new H- said that
u They were all well, and had caught ten Indians,
and that they guarded U.em all night jn one of the
flankers of the old E ^lisn garrison; tLat their

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 105

prisoners were part of Annawon's company, and
that they had left their families in a swamp above
Mattapoiset neck.*f" And as they were march
ing towards the old garrison, Lightfoot gave
Capt. Church a particular account of their exploit,
viz. " That presently after they left him, they
heard another gun, which seemed towards the In
dian burying place, and moving that way, they
discovered two of the enemy flaying a horse. The
scout clapping into the brush, Nathaniel bid them
sit down, and he would presently call all the In
dians thereabout unto him. They hid, and he
went a little distance back from them, and set up
his note, and howled like a wolfe. One of the
two immediately left his horse and came running
to see who was there; and Nathaniel howling
lower and lower drew him in between those that
lay in wait for him, who seized him; continuing
the same note, the other left the horse also, fol
lowing his mate, and met with the same fate.
When they had caught these two they examined
them apart, and found them to agree in their story,
that there were eight more come down into the
neck to get provisions, and had agreed to meet at
the burying place that evening. These two be
ing some of Nathaniel's old acquaintance, he had
great influence upon them, and with his enticing
story, telling them what a brave Captain they had,
how bravely he had lived since he had been with
him, and how much they might better their con-

* In Swanzey. There is another Mattapoiset in Roch
ester.

t A small neck of land in the bottom of Taunton bay, in
the midway between Mount Hope, and Pocasset neck.

HUBBARD.

106 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

dition by turning to him, &c. so persuaded and
engaged them to be on his side, which indeed now
began to be the better side of the hedge. They
waited but a little while before they espied the
rest of theirs coming up to the burying place, and
Nathaniel soon howled them in, as he had done
their mates before.

When Capt. Church came to the garrison, he
met his Lieutenant and the rest of his company;
and then making up good fires they fell to roast
ing their horse-beef, enough to last them the
whole day, but had not a morsel of bread; though
salt they had, which they always carried in their
pockets, and which, at this time, was very accept
able to them. Their next motion was towards
the place where the prisoners told them they had
left their women and children, and surprised them
all, and some others that were newly come to
them. And upon examiation they held to one
story, that it was hard to tell where to find An
na won, for he never roosted twice in a place.
Now a certain Indian soldier that Capt. Church
had gained over to be on his side, prayed that he
might have liberty to go and fetch in his father,
who, he said, was about four miles from that
place, in a swamp, with no other than a young
squaw. Capt. Church inclined to go with him,
thinking it might be in his way to gain some in
telligence of Annawon; so taking one English-

O ^ ^

man and a few Indians with him, leaving the rest
there, he went with his new soldier to look for
his father. When he came to the swamp he bid
the Indian go and see if he could find his father.
He was no sooner gone but Capt. Church discov
ered a track coming down out of the woods; upon

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 107

which he and his little company lay close, some
on one side of the track and some on the other.
They heard the Indian soldier make a howling
for his father; and at length somebody answered
him; but while they were listening, they thought
they heard somebody coming towards them. They
presently saw an old man coming up with a gun
on his shoulder, and a young woman following, in
a track which they lay by. They let them come
up between them, and then started up and laid
hold of them both. Capt Church immediately ex
amined them apart, telling them what they must
trust to if they told false stories. He asked the
young woman what company they came from last?
She said from Capt. Annawon's. He asked her
how many were in company with him when she
left him? She said, fifty or sixty. He asked her
liowT many miles it was to the place where she left
him? She said she did not understand mil^s, but
he was up in Squannaconk swamp.* The old
man, who had been one of Philip's council, upon
examination, gave exactly the same account.
Capt. Church asked him if they could get there
that night? He said, if they went presently, and
travelled stoutly, they might get there by sunset.
He asked whither he was going? He answered^
tlmt Annawon had sent, him down to look for
some Indians, that wrere gone down into Mount-
Hope neck to kill provisions. Capt. Church let
him know that those Indians were all his prison
ers. By this time came the Indian soldier, and
brought his father and one Indian more. The
Captain was now in a great strait of mind what

* Southeasterly part of Rehoboth,

108 KING PHILIP'S WAR,

to do next. He had a mind to give Anna won a
visit, as he knew now where to find him; hut his
company was very small, only half a dozen men
beside himself, and was under the necessity of
sending somebody back to acquaint his Lieu
tenant and company with his proceedings.. How
ever, he asked his small company, whether
they would willingly go with him, and give
Annawon a visit? They told him they were al
ways ready to obey his commands, &,c. But
withal, told him that they knew this Capt. Anna-
won was a great soldier, that he had been a val
iant Captain under Asuhmequin, Philip's father,
and that he had been Philip's chieftain all this
war; a very subtle man, and of great resolution,
and had often said, that he would never be taken
alive by the English. And moreover, they knew
that the men that were with him, were resolute
fellows, some of Philip's chief soldiers, and there
fore feared whether it was practicable to make an
attempt upon him with so small a handful of as
sistants as were now with him. Told him fur
ther, that it would be a pity that after all the
great things he had done, he should throw away
his life at last. Upon which he replied, That he
doubted not Annawon was a subtle and valiant
man; that he had a long time but in vain sought
for him, and never till now could find his quar
ters, and he was very loath to miss of the oppor
tunity, and doubted not but that if they would
cheerfully go with him, the same Almighty Prov
idence that had hitherto protected and befriended
them would do so still, &c. Upon this with one
consent they said, they would go. Capt. Church
then turned to one Cook of Plymouth, the only

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 109

Englishman then with him, and asked him, What
he thought of it? He replied, " Sir, I am never
afraid of going any where when you are with me.r5
Then Captain Church asked the old Indian, if he
could take his horse with him? for he conveyed
a horse thus far with him. He replied, that it was
impossible for a horse to pass the swamps. There
fore he sent away his new Indian soldier with his
father and the Captain's horse to his Lieutenant,
and orders for him to move to Taunton with the
prisoners, to secure them there, and to come out
in the morning, in the Rehoboth road, in which
he might expect to meet him, if he were alive and
had success.

The Captain then asked the old fellow, if he
would pilot him to Annawon? He answered, that
he having given him his life, he was obliged to
serve him. He bid him move on then, and they
followed. The old man would out-travel them so
far sometimes that they were almost out of sight,
but looking over his shoulder, and seeing them
behind, he would halt. Just as the sun was set
ting, the old man made a full stop, and sat down;
the company coming up also sat down, being all
weary. Captain Church asked, what news? He
answered, that about that time in the evening,
Captain Annawon sent out his scouts to see if the
coast was clear, and as soon as it began to grow
dark the scouts returned. And then, said he, we
may move again securely. When it began to
grow dark the old man stood up again. Captain
Church asked him, if he would take a gun and
fight for him? He bowed very low, and prayed
him not to impose such a thing upon him, as to
fight against Captain Annawon his old friend.
10

110 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

But says he, I will go along with you, and be
helpful to you, and will lay hands on any man
that shall offer to hurt you. It being now pretty
dark, they moved close together; anon they heard
a noise. The Captain stayed the old man with
his hand, and asked his own men what noise they
thought it might be? They concluded it to be the
pounding of a mortar. The old man had given
Captain Church a description of the place* where
Annawon now lay, and of the difficulty of getting
at him. Being sensible that they were pretty
near them, with two of his Indians he creeps to
the edge of the rocks, from whence he could see
their camps. He saw three companies of Indians
at a little distance from each other, being easy to
be discovered by the light of their fires. He saw
also the great Annawon and his company, who
had formed his camp or kennelling-place, by fall
ing a tree under the side of the great clefts of
rocks, and setting a row of birch bushes up against
it, where himself, his son, and some of his chiefs
had taken up their lodging, and made great fires
without them, and had their pots and kettles boil
ing, and spits roasting. Their arms also he dis
covered, all set together in a place fitted for the
purpose, standing upon end against a stick lodged
in two crotches, and a. mat placed over them, to

* This solitary retreat is in Rehoboth, but so near Taun-
lon line, that many, in telling this story, report it to be in
the latter. It is in a swamp, and being a small rising ground,
is at certain seasons almost surrounded by water. On this
rise is a great rock, or rather ledge of rocks, rising up to con
siderable height, and on the southeast side is an opening of
an angular shape, in which was Annawon's tent. It appears
that the reason of their not attacking him in front was, its
r»pen situation, consequently must have been discovered.

KING PHILIP'S WAR. Ill

keep them from the wet or dew. The old Anna-
won' s feet and his son's head were so near the
arms, as almost to touch them; but the rocks
were so steep that it was impossible to get down,
only as they lowered themselves down by the
bows, and the bushes that grew in the cracks of
the rocks. Captain Church creeping back again
to the old man, asked him if there was no possibil
ity of getting at them some other way? He an
swered no; that he and all that belonged to An-
nawon were ordered to come that way, and none
could come any other way without difficulty or
danger of being shot.

Captain Church then ordered the old man and
his daughter to go down foremost, with their bas
kets at their backs, that when Annawon saw them
with their baskets he should not mistrust the in
trigue. Captain Church and his handful of sol
diers crept down also under the shadow of these
two and their baskets, and the Captain himself
crept close behind the old man, with his hatchet
in his hand, and stepped over the young man's
head to the arms. The young Annawon discovering
him, wrapped his blanket over>his head and shrunk
up in a heap. The old Captain Annawon start
ed up on his breech, and cried out Ilowoh! and
despairing of escape, threw himself back again,
and lay silent until Captain Church had secured
all the arms, &LC. And having secured that com
pany, he sent his Indian soldiers to the other fires
and companies, giving them instructions what to
do and say. Accordingly, they went into the
midst of them. When they discovered themselves
who they were, told them that their Captain An
na won was taken, and it would be best for them

112 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

quietly and peaceably to surrender themselves,
which would procure good quarters for them; for if
they should pretend to resist or make their escape,
it would be in vain, and they could expect no
other but that Captain Church with his great army
who had now entrapped them, would cut them to
pieces; told them also, if they would submit them
selves, and deliver up all their arms unto them,
and keep every man his place until it was day,
they would assure them that their Captain, who
had been so kind to themselves when they surren
dered to him, would be as kind to them. Now
they being old acquaintance, and many of them
relations, did much the readier give heed to what
they said, and surrendered up their arms to them,
both their guns and their hatchet, and were forth
with carried to Captain Church.

Things being so far settled, Captain Church
asked Annawon, what he had for supper? for,
said he, I am come to sup with you. Taubot,
said Annawon, with a big voice, and looking
about upon his women, bid them hasten and get
Captain Church and his company some supper.
Then turned to Captain Church and asked him,
whether he would eat cow-beef or horse-beef? The
Captain told him cow-beef would be most accept
able. It was soon got ready, and pulling his lit
tle bag of salt out of his pocket, which was all
the provision he brought with him, he season
ed his cow-beef, so that with it and the dried green
corn, which the old squaw was pounding in the
mortar, while they were sliding down the rocks,
he made a very hearty supper. And this pound
ing in the mortar proved lucky for Capt, Church's
getting down the rocks; for when the old squaw

KING PHILIP'S WAR.

pounded, they moved, and when she ceased, to
turn the corn, they ceased creeping; the noise of
the mortar prevented the enemy's hearing their
creeping, and the corn being now dressed, sup
plied the want of bread, and gave a fine relish
with the cow-beef. Supper being over, Captain
Church sent two of his own men to inform the
other companies, that he had killed Philip, and
had taken their friends in Mount-Hope neck, but
had spared their livns, and that he had subdued
now all the enemy, he supposed, excepting this
company of Annawon's. And now if they would
be orderly and keep their places until morning,
they should have good quarters, and that he would
carry them to Taunton, where they might see
their friends again.

The messengers returned, that the Indians
yielded to his proposals. Capt. Church thought
it was now time for him to take a nap, having
had no sleep in two days and one night before;
told his men if they would let him sleep two
hours, they should sleep all the rest of the night.
He laid himself down and endeavoured to sleep,
but all disposition to sleep departed from him.
After he had layed a little while he looked up to
see how his watch managed, but found them all
fast asleep. Now Capt. Church had told Capt.
Annawon's company, as he had ordered his In
dians to tell the others, that their lives should all
be spared, excepting Capt. Annawon's, and it
was not in his power to promise him his life, but
he must carry him to his masters at Plymouth,
and he would entreat them for his life. Now
when Capt. Church found not only his own men,
but all the Indians fast asleep, Aanawon only ex-

114 KING PHILIP'S WAR,

cepted, whom he perceived was as broad awake
as himself; and so they lay looking one upon the
other perhaps an hour. Capt. Church said noth
ing to him, for he could not speak Indian, and
thought Annawon could not speak English; at
length Annawon raised himself up, cast off his
blanket, and with no more clothes than his small
breeches, walked a little way back from the com
pany. Capt. Church thought no other but that he
had occasion to ease himself, and so walked to
some distance rather than offend him. But by
and by he was gone out of sight and hearing, and
then Capt. Church began to suspect some ill de
sign in him, and got all the guns close to him,
and crouded himself close under young Annawon,
that if he should any where get a gun he should
not make a shot at him without endangering his
son. Lying very still awhile, waiting the event,
at length he heard somebody coming the same
way that Annawon went. The moon now shin
ing bright, he saw him at a distance coming with
something in his hands, and coming up to Capt.
Church, he fell upon his knees before him, and
offered him what he had brought, and speaking in
plain English, said, u Great Captain, you have
killed Philip, and conquered his country; for I
believe that 1 and my company are the last that
war against the English, so suppose the war is
ended by your means; and therefore these things
belong unto you." Then opening his pack, he
pulled out Philip's belt curiously wrought with
wompom, being nine inches broad, wrought with
black and white, in various figures and flowers,
and pictures of many birds and beasts. This,
when hung upon Mr. Church's shoulders, reach-

KING PHILIP?S WAR. 115

ed bis ancles; and another belt of wompom he
presented him, wrought after the former manner,
which Philip was wont to put upon his head. It
had two flags on the back part, wrhich hung down
on his back, and another small belt with a star
upon the end of it, which he used to hang on his
breast; and they were all edged with red hair,
which Annawon <said they got in the Mahog's
country. Then he pulled out two horns of glaz
ed 'powder, and a red cloth blanket. He told
Capt. Church these were Philip's royalties, which
he was wont to adorn himself with when he sat in
state. That he thought himself happy that he
had an opportunity to present them to Capt,
Church, who had won them, &c. So they spent
the remainder of the night in discourse; and he
gave an account of what mighty success he had
formerly in wars against many nations of Indians,
when he served Asuhmequin, Philip's father, &,c.
In the morning, as soon as it was light, the Cap
tain matched with his prisoners out of that swam
py country towards Taunton, met his Lieutenant
and company about four miles out of town, who
expressed a great deal of joy to see him again,
and said, it was more than ever he expected.
They went into Taunton, were civilly and kindly
treated by the inhabitants; refreshed and rested
themselves that night. Early next morning, the
Captain took old Annawon, and half a dozen of
his Indian soldiers, and his own man, and went to
Rhode- Island, sending the rest of his company
and his prisoners by his Lieutenant, to Plymouth.
Tarrying two or three days upon the Island, he
then went to Plymouth, and carried his wife and
his two children with him.

116 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

Capt. Church had been but a little while at
Plymouth, when he was informed of a parcel of
Indians who had haunted the woods between
Plymouth and Sippican, that did great damage to
the English, in killing their cattle, horses and
swine; the Captain was soon in pursuit of them.
Went out from Plymouth the next Monday in the
afternoon, and next morning early they discover
ed a tract. The Captain sent two Indians on the
track to see what they could discover, while he
and his company followed gently after; but the
two Indians soon returned with tidings that they
discovered the enemy sitting round their fires, in
a thick place of brush. When they came pretty
near the place, the Captain ordered every man to
creep as he did, and surround them by creeping
as near as they could, till they should be discov
ered, and then to run on upon them and take them
alive, if possible, for their prisoners were their
pay. They did so, and took every one that was
at the fires, not one escaping. Upon examina
tion they agreed in their stories; that they belong
ed to Tispaquin, who was gone with John Bump,
and one more, to Agawom* and Sippican, f to kill
horses, and were not expected back in two or
three days.

This same Tispaquin had been a great Captain,
and the Indians reported that he was such a great
Pauivau, that no bullet could enter him. Capt.
Church said he would not have him killed, for
there was a war broken out in the eastern part of
the country, and he would have him saved to go

* Wareham.

| Rochester, two miles east of Matapoiset.

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 117

with him to fight the eastern Indians. Agreea
bly he left two old squaws, of the prisoners, and
bid them tarry there until their Capt. Tispaquin
returned, and to tell him that Church had been
there, and had taken his wife and children, and
company, and carried them down to Plymouth;
and would spare all their lives, and his too, if he
would come down to them, and bring the other
two that were with him, and they should be his
soldiers, &c. Capt. Church then returned to
Plymouth, leaving the old squaws well provided
for, and buisket for Tispaquin when he returned.
Telling his soldiers that he doubted not but he
had laid a trap that would take him. Captain
Church two days after, went to Boston, the Com
missioners then sitting, and waited upon the hon
orable Gov. Leverett,* who then lay sick. He
requested Capt. Church to give him some account
of the war, who readily obliged his honor therein,
to his great satisfaction, as he was pleased to ex
press himself; taking him by the hand, and tell
ing him, if it pleased God that he lived, he would
make it a brace of a hundred pounds advantage to
him out of the Massachusetts colony; and would
endeavour that the rest of the colonies should do
proportionably. But he died within a fortnight
after, and so nothing was done of that nature.
The same day Tispaquin came in, and those that
were with him; but when Capt. Church returned
from Boston, he found to his grief, the heads of

;* Gov. John Leverett was a very distinguished man, both
as a warrior and statesman. He was universally beloved
in his life time, and. at his death, as deeply lamented. He
died March 16th, 1678.

118 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

Annawon, Tispaquin,* &c. cut off, which were
the last of Philip's friends. The General Court
of Plymouth, then sitting, sent for Capt. Church,
who waited upon them accordingly, and received
their thanks for his good service, which they unan
imously voted, which was all that Capt. Church
had for his aforesaid service.

Afterwards, in the year 1676,f in the month of
January, Capt. Church received a commission
from Gov. Winslow, to scour the woods of some
of the lurking enemy, which they were well in
formed were there. Which commission is as
follows.

Being well informed that there are certain par
ties of our Indian enemies, remains of the people
or allies of Philip, late Sachem of Mount-Hope,
our . mortal enemy, that are still lurking in the

* Hubbard, in defence of this conduct of the Court of
Plymouth, says that Tispaquin was to become a Captain
under Church, if (as he pretended and made his followers
believe) he proved impenetrable to a ball; but he fell dead
the first fire, which they thought a just reward for his de
ception and cruelty while with Philip. The same author
does not fail to find excuses for every inhuman act on the
part of the English. Nothing can justify this hasty meas
ure but cowardice; for it has too much the appearance of
hanging a man after he is dead. Annawon was accused of
torturing and murdering the English, which " he did not
deny;" therefore, enough was found against him, so he was
immediately put to death.

The taking of Tispaquin is placed before that of Annawon
by Hubbard; who must we charge with a blunder?

| It is observable that Mr. Church is erroneous in his
mention of Gov. Leverett, for by his account above, " An
nawon, Tispaquin, &c." were put to death about the time
the Governor died. But they were put to death soon after
Philip was killed, in 1676, almost two years before the
death of the Governor.

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 119

woods, near some of our plantations, that go on
to disturb the peace/of his Majesty's subjects in
this and the neighbouring colonies, by their fre
quent robberies, and other insolences. Captain
Benjamin Church is therefore hereby nominated,
ordered, commissioned, and empowered to raise a
company of volunteers, consisting of English and
Indians, so many as he shall judge necessary to
improve in the present expedition, and can obtain.
And of them to take the command and conduct,
and to lead them forth unto such place or places
within this or the neigbouring colonies, as he
shall think fit, and as the providence of God, and
his intelligence shall lead him; to discover, pur
sue, fight, surprise, destroy, and subdue our said
Indian enemies, or any party or parties of them,
that, by the providence of God, they may meet
with. Or them, or any of them, to receive to
mercy, if he see cause; provided they be not mur
derous rogues, or such as have been principal ac
tors in those villanies. And, for the prosecution
of this design, liberty is hereby granted to the
said Capt. Church, and others, to arm and set
out such of our friendly Indians, as he is willing
to entertain. And for as much as all these our
enemies that have been taken, or at any time may
be taken, by our forces, have, by our Courts and
Councils, been rendered lawful captives of war,
and condemned to perpetual servitude; this Coun
cil do also determine and hereby declare, that all
such prisoners, as, by the blessing of God,
the said Captain and company, or any of them,
shall take, together with their arms and other
plunder, shall be their own, and be distributed
>among themselves, according to such agreement

120 KING PHILIP'S WAR.

as they may make one with the other. And it
shall be lawful, and is hereby warrantable, for
him and them, to make sale of such prisoners as
their perpetual slaves; or otherwise to retain them
as they think meet, (they being such as the law
allows to be kept.) Finally, the said Capt.
Church, herein improving his best judgment and
discretion, and utmost ability, faithfully to serve
God, his Majesty's interest, and the interest of
the Colony; and carefully governing his said com
pany at home and abroad. These shall be unto
him a full and complete commission, warrant and
discharge. Given under the public Seal, Jan.
15th, 1676.

Per JOSIAH WINSLOW, Gov.

Accordingly Capt. Church, accompanied with
several gentlemen and others, went out and took
divers parties of Indians, in one of which there
was a certain old man, whom Capt. Church seem
ed to take particular notice of, and asking him
where he belonged, he told him at Swanzey; the
Captain asked his name, he replied, Conscience.
Conscience, said the Captain smiling, then the
war is over; for that was what they were search
ing for, it being much wanted; and then returned
the said Conscience to his post again at Swanzey,
to a certain person the said Indian desired to be
sold to, and then returned home.

W AR

WITH THE EASTERN INDIANS,

IN FIVE EXPEDITIONS,

4

In the lime of Sir Edmund Andross'* govern
ment, began that bloody war in the eastern parts
of New-England; so that immediately Sir Ed
mund sent an express for Capt. Church; who,
then being at Little Compton, received it on a
Lord's day in the afternoon meeting. Going home
after meeting, took his horse and set out for Bos
ton, as ordered; and by sunrise next morning got
to Braintree, where he met with Col. Page, on
horseback, going to Weymouth and Hingham, to
raise forces to go East, who said he was glad to

* Andross came over as Governor of New-York, in 1674.
Was appointed Governor of New-England, and arrived in
Boston, 29th December, 1686. He is spoken of by all our
historians, as a quarrelsome and oppressive man, possessing
strong prejudicies against the people of Massachusetts.
Having considerable power, did not fail to exert it. He
was checked, however, on the accession of William and Ma
ry; at the news of which in Boston, the people in transports
of joy rose up in arms. Sir Edmund retired to the fort but
surrendered soon after. He was confined in the fort for
some time. In 1692, after matters were settled, he was ap
pointed Governor of Virginia, and arrived there in Februa
ry. He died in London, Feb. 24, 1713.
11

122 WAR WITH THE

see him, and that his Excellency would be as glad
to see him in Boston so early. So parting he
soon got to Boston and waited upon his Excel
lency. He informed him of an- unhappy war
broken out in the Eastern parts; and said, he was
going himself in person, and that he wanted his
company with him. But Capt. Church not find
ing himself in the same spirit he used to have, said,
he hoped his Excellency would give him time to
consider of it. He told him he might; and also
said that he must come and dine with him. Capt.
Church having many acquaintances in Boston, who
made it their buisness, some to encourage, and oth
ers to discourage him from going with his Excel
lency. So after dinner his Excellency took him
into his room and discoursed freely; saying, that
he had knowledge of his former actions and
successes; and that he must go with him, and be
his second, with other encouragements. But in
short, the said Church did not accept; so was dis
missed and wrent home. Soon after this was the
revolution, and the other government reassumed;
and then Gov. Bradstreet* sent for Capt. Church
to come to Boston, as soon as his buisness would
permit, whereupon he went to Boston and waited
upon his Honour, who told him he was requested
by the Council to send for him, to see if he could
be prevailed with to raise volunteers both English
and Indians to go East, for the Eastward Indians
had done great spoil upon the English in those
parts; giving him an account of the miseries and

* " One of the Fathers of Massachusetts;" yet he did not.
pass without sensure and difficulty, but he passed on calmly
in his duty, and was a worthy example of rectitude. He
at Salem, 27th March, 1697, aged 95 years.

EASTERN INDIANS. 123

sufferings of the people there. Capt. Church's
spirits being affected, said, if he could do any ser
vice for his Honour, the country, and their relief,
he was ready and willing. He was asked how he
would act? He said he would take with him as
many of his old soldiers as he could get, both
English and Indians, &,c. The gentlemen of
Boston requested him to go to Rhode-Island Gov
ernment to ask their assistance. 80 giving him
their letter, and about forty shillings in money, he
took leave, and went home to Bristol on a Satur
day, and the next Monday morning he went over
to Rhode-Island, and waited upon their Governor,
delivering the letter as ordered; prayed his Hon
our for a speedy answer. Who said, they could
not give an answer presently; so he waited on
them till he had their answer; and when he had
obtained it, he carried it to Boston gentlemen,
who desired him to raise what volunteers he could
in Plymouth colony, and Rhode-Island Govern
ment, and what was wanting they would make up
out of theirs, that were already out in the Eastern
parts. The summer being far spent, Capt. Church
made what despatch he could, and raised about
250 volunteers, and received his commission from
Gov. Hinkley, which is as followeth, viz.

" The Council of War of their Majesties9 Colony
of New-Plymouth, in New-England; to Maj.
Benjamin Church, Commander in Chief.

" WHEREAS the Kennebeck and Eastern In
dians with their confederates, have openly made
war upon their Majesties' subjects of the prov
inces of Maine, New-Hampshire, and of the Mas
sachusetts Colony; having committed many bar-

124 WAR WITH THE

barons murders, spoils and rapines upon their per
sons and estates. And whereas there are some
forces of soldiers, English and Indians, now raised
and detached out of the several regiments and
places within this Colony of New-Plymouth, to
go forth to the assistance of our neighbours and
friends, of the aforesaid provinces and colony of
the Massachusetts, subjects of one and the same
crown; and to join with their forces for the repel
ling and destruction of the common enemy. And
whereas you, Benjamin Church, are appointed to
be Major and Commander in Chief, of all the
forces, English and Indians, detached within this
colony, for the service of their Majesties aforesaid,
these are in their Majesties' name to authorize and
require you, to take into your care and conduct,
all the said forces, English and Indians, and dili
gently to attend that service, by the leading and
exercising of your inferiour officers and soldiers,
Commanding them to obey you as their chief com
mander; and to pursue, fight, take, kill, or destroy
the said enemies, their aiders and abettors, by all
the ways and means you can, as you shall have
opportunity. And you are to observe and obey
ail such orders and instructions, as from time to
time you shall receive from the Commissioners of
the Colonies, the Council of War of this Colony,
or the Governor and Council of the Massachusetts
Colony. In testimony whereof the public seal of
the said Colony of New-Plymouth, is hereunto
affixed. Dated in Plymouth, the sixth day of Sep
tember, Anno Domini 1689. Jlnnoque regni
'Regis ct Regince Willielmi et Marioe Jlii
4r Primo.

THOMAS HINKLEY, Pres"

EASTERN INDIANS. 125

And now marching them all down to Boston,
then received his further orders and instructions,
which were as folio weth.

« Boston, Sept. 16, 1689.
" To all Sheriffs, Marshalls, Constables, and oth
er Officers military and civil, in their Majesties'
province of Maine.

"WHEREAS, pursuant to an agreement of the
Commissioners of the United Colonies, Major
Benjamin Church is commissioned Commander
in Chief over that part of their Majesties' forces,
levied for the present expedition against the com
mon enemy, whose head quarters are appointed to
be at Falmouth, in Casco Bay. In their Majes
ties' names, you, and every of you are required to
be aiding and assisting to the said Major Church
in his pursuit of the enemy, as any emergency
shall require; and so impress boats, or other ves
sels, carts, carriages, horses, oxen, provision and
ammunition, and men for guides, &,c. as you shall
receive warrants from the said Chief Commander,
or his Lieutenant so to do. You may not fail to
do the same speedily and effectually, as you will
answer your neglect and contempt of their Majes-^
lies' authority and service, at your uttermost peril.
Given under my hand and seal, the day and year
above written. Jinnoque Regni Regis et Regi-
nee Willielmi and Mario3 Pri/no.

"By THOMAS DANFORTH,
Pres. of the province o
11*

126 WAR WITH THE

By the Governor and Council of the Massachu
setts Colony. To Major Benjamin Church.

"WHEREAS, you are appointed and commis
sioned by the Council of War, of the colony of
New-Plymouth, Commander in Chief of the forces
raised within the said colony, against the com
mon Indian enemy, now ordered into the Eastern
parts, to join with some of the forces of this colo
ny; for the prosecution, repelling and subduing of
the said enemy. It is therefore ordered that
Capt. Simon Willard, and Capt. Nathaniel Hall,
with the two companies of soldiers under their sev
eral command, belonging to this colony, now in
or about Casco Bay, be, and are hereby put under
you, as their Commander in Chief for this pres
ent expedition. And in pursuance of the com
missions severally given to either of them, they
are ordered to observe and obey your orders and
directions, as their Commander in Chief, until
further order from the Governor and Council, or
the Commissioners of the colonies. Dated in
Boston, September 17, Anno Domini 1689.
.Innoque Regni Regis et Regince Guilielmi ct
.Mar ice, Jlnglw, fyc. Primo.

«S. BRADSTREET, Gov.
" Passed in Council,
fittest. ISAAC ADDINGTON, Sec'ry."

EASTERN INDIANS. V

By the Commissioners of the colonies of the Mas
sachusetts, Plymouth and Connecticut, for
managing the present war against the common
enemy.

" Instructions for Major Benjamin Church, Com
mander in Chief of the Plymouth forces, with
others of the Massachusetts, put under his com
mand.

" IN pursuance of the commission given you,
for their Majesties9 service in the present expedi
tion against the common Indian enemy, their aid
ers and abettors; reposing confidence in your
wisdom, prudence and fidelity in the trust com
mitted to you, for the honour of God, good of his
people, and the security of the interest of Christ
and his churches, expecting and praying that in
your dependence upon him, you may be helped
and assisted with all that grace and wisdom which
is requisite for carrying you on with success in
this difficult service; and though much is and must
be left to your discretion, as Providence and op
portunity may present from time to time in places
of attendance; yet, the following instructions are
commended unto your observation, and to be at
tended to so far as the state of matters with you
in such a transaction will admit. You are with
oil possible speed to take care that the Plymouth
forces, both English and Indians, under your com
mand, be fixed and ready, and the first opportuni
ty of wind and weather, to go on board such ves
sels as are provided to transport you and them to
Casco, where, if it shall please God you arrive, you
are to take under your care and command the com
panies of Capt. Nathaniel Hall, and Capt. Simon

128 WAR WITH THE

Willard, who are ordered to attend your com
mand, whom, together with the Plymouth forces,
and such as from time to time may be added unto
you, you are to improve in such way as you shall
see meet; for the discovering, pursuing, and subdu
ing and destroying the said common enemy, by all
opportunities you are capable of ; always intend
ing the preserving of any of the near towns from
incursions, and destruction of the enemy, yet chiefly
improving your men for the finding and following
the said enemy abroad, and if possible to find out
and attack their head quarters and principal ren
dezvous, if you find you are in a rational capaci
ty of so doing. The better to enable you there*
to, we have ordered two men of war sloops, and
other small vessels for transportation to attend you,
for some consiberable time. You are to see that
your soldiers' arms be always fixed, and that they
be furnished with ammunition, provisions and oth
er necessaries, that so they may be in a readiness
to repel and attack the enemy. In your pursuit
you are to take special care to avoid danger by
ambushments, or being drawn under any disad
vantage by the enemy in your marches, keeping
out scouts and a forlorn hope before your main
body, and by all possible means endeavouring to
surprise some of the enemy, that so you may gain
intelligence. You are to suppress all mutinies
and disorders among your soldiers, as much as in
you lies, and to punish such as disobey your offi
cers, according to the rules of war herewith given
you.

" You are, according to your opportunity, or
any occasion, more than ordinary occurring, to
hold correspondence with Major Swaine, and to

EASTERN INDIANS.

yield mutual assistance when, as you are capable
of it, and you may have reason to judge it will be
of most public service; and it will be meet you
and he should agree of some signal whereby your
Indians may be known from the enemy. You are
to encourage your soldiers to be industrious, vig
orous, and venturous in their service, to search
and destroy the enemy, acquainting them, it is
agreed by the several colonies, that they shall
have the benefit of the captives, and all lawful
plunder, and the reward of eight pounds per head,
for every fighting Indian man slain by them, over
and above their stated wages; the same being
made appear to the Commander in Chief, or such
as shall be appointed to take care therein. If
your Commission Officers, or any of them should
be slain, or otherwise uncapable of service, and
for such dismissed, you are to appoint others in
their room, who shall have the like wages, and a
commission sent upon notice given, you to give
them commissions in the mean time. You are to
take effectual care that the worship of God be
kept up in the army, morning and evening prayer
attended as far as may be, and as the emergen
cies of your affairs will admit, to see that the Holy
Sabbath be duly sanctified. You are to take care as
much as may be, to prevent or punish drunkenness,
swearing, cursing, or such other sins, as do pro
voke the anger of God. You are to advise with
your chief Officers in any matters of moment, as
you shall have opportunity. You are from time
to time to give intelligence and advice to the Gov
ernor and Council of the Massachusetts or Com
missioners of the colonies, of your proceedings
and occurrences that may happen, and how it shall

130 WAR WITH THE

please the Lord to deal with you in this present
expedition.

" If you find the vessels are not likely to be
serviceable to you, dismiss them as soon as you
may.

'^Captain Sylvanus Davis* is a prudent man,
and well acquainted with the affairs of those parts,
and is written unto to advise and inform you all he
can.

" Such further instructions as we shall see rea
son to send unto you, you are carefully to attend
and observe, and in the absence of the Commis
sioners, you shall observe the orders and instruc
tions directed unto you from the Governor and
Council of the Massachusetts.

" Given under our hands in Boston, Sept. 18,
1689."

THOMAS DANFORTH, Pres.
ELISHA COOK,
SAMUEL MASON,
WILLIAM PITKIN,
THOMAS HINKLEY,
JOHN WALLEY.

* This is the Captain Davis, who, in the year 1676, made
his escape so narrowly with his life from the fort at Arrow-
sick island. The Indians in the night had concealed them
selves under the walls of the fort, and at day-light, as the
sentinel retired from the gate, they rushed in and fired on
every one they saw. Captain Davis with Captain Lake
escaped out of the back door of *a house, ran down to the
water and crossed over. Capt. Lake was shot down as
he landed, and Captain Davis escaped with a wound. He
was afterwards a member of the Council of Massachusetts.
In and about the fort 52 persons were killed and taken.

HUTCHINSON.

EASTERN INDIANS. 131

FIRST EXPEDITION EAST.

BEING ready, Major Church embarked with
his forces on board the vessels provided to trans
port them to Casco, having a brave gale at S. W.
and on Friday about three o'clock they got in
sight of Casco harbour; and discovering two or
three small ships there, not knowing whether they
were friends or enemies; whereupon the said Com
mander, Major Church, gave orders for every
man that was able to make ready, and all lie
close, giving orders how they should act in case
they were enemies. He, in the Mary sloop, to
gether with the Resolution, went in first, being
both well fitted with guns and men. On coming
to the first, he hailed them, who said they were
friends, and presently manned their boat, brought
to, and so came along side of them. They gave
the said Church an account, that yesterday there
were a very great army of Indians and French
with them, upon the island, at the going out of
the harbour; and that they were come on pur
pose to take Casco fort and town; likewise in
formed him that they had got a captive woman on
board, Major Walden's daughter, of Piscataqua,*
that could give him a full account of their number
and intentions. He bid them give his service to
their Captain, and tell him he would wait upon
him after he had been on shore, and given some
orders and directions. Being come pretty near,
he ordered all the men still to keep close, giving

* A considerable river in New-Hampshire, on which
stands Portsmouth, the largest town in the state.

132 WAR WITH THE

account of the news he had received, and then
went ashore. Several of the chief men of the
town came out to meet him, being glad that he
had come so happily to their relief. They told
him the news which Mrs. Lee had before, being
the woman aforesaid. He went to Captain Da-
vis's, to get some refreshment, not having eaten
a morsel since he came by Boston castle. Now
having inquired into the state of the town, found
them in a poor condition to defend themselves
against such a number of enemies. He gave them
an account of his orders and instructions, and told
them what forces he had brought, and that when
it was dark they should all land, and not before,
lest the enemy should discover them. And then
he went on board the privateer, which was a
Dutchman; but as he went he called on board
every vessel, and ordered the officers to take care
that their men might be all fitted and provided to
fight, for the people of the town expected the en
emy to fall upon them every minute, but withal,
charging them to keep undiscovered. Then com
ing on board said privateer, he was kindly treat
ed, discoursed with Mrs. Lee, who informed him
that the company she came writh had fourscore ca
noes, and that there were more of them, whom
she had not seen, which came from other places;
and that they told her, when they came all to
gether, should make up 700 men. He asked her
whether Casteen* was with them? She answered
that there were several French men with them,
but did not know whether Casteen was there or

* Castine. A French Baron, who lived among the Indians
at Penobscot. He supplied the Indians with articles for
the war. — HUTCHINSOAT.

EASTERN INDIANS. 133

not. He having got what intelligence she could
give him, went ashore, viewed the fort and town,
and discoursed with the gentlemen there according
to his instructions. And when it began to grow
dark, he ordered the vessels to come as near the
fort as might be, and land the soldiers with as lit
tle noise as possible; ordering them as they land
ed to go into the fort, and houses that stood near;
that so they might be ready upon occasion. Hav
ing ordered provisions for them, he went to every
company, and ordered them to get every thing
ready; they that had no powder-horns, or shot-
bags, should immediately make them; ordered the
officers to take special care that they were ready
to march into the woods an hour before day; and
also, directing the watch to call him two hours
before day; so he hastened to bed to get some
rest.

At the time prefixed he was called, and pres
ently ordered the companies to make ready, and
about half an hour before day they moved. Sev
eral of the town's people went with them into a
thick place of brush, about half a mile from the
town. Now ordering them to send out their
scouts, as they used to do, and seeing them all
settled at their work, he went into town by sun
rise again, and desired the inhabitants to take care
of themselves, till his men had fitted themselves
with some necessaries, for his Indians, most of
them, wanted both bags and horns; so he ordered
them to make bags like wallets, to put powder in.
one end, and shot in the other. So most of them
were ready for action, viz. the Seconet Indians;
but the Cape Indians wrere very bare, lying so
long at Boston before they embarked, that they
12

134 WAR WITH THE

had sold every thing they could make a penny of,
some tying shot and powder in the corners of their
blankets. He being in town, just going to break
fast, there was an alarm; so he ordered all the sol
diers in town to move away as fast as they could,
where the firing was. And he, with what men
were with him of his soldiers, moved immediately.
They met with Capt. Bracket's sons, who told
him their father was taken, and that they saw a
great army of Indians in their father's orchard, &LC.
By this time our Indians that wanted bags and
horns were fitted, but wanted more ammunition.
Presently came a messenger to him from the town
and informed him, that they had knocked out the
heads of several casks of bullets, and they were all
too big being musket bullets, and would not fit
their guns; and that if he did not go back himself
a great part of the army would be kept back from
service for want of suitable bullets.

He ran back and ordered every vessel to send
ashore all their casks of bullets; being brought
knocked out their heads, and turned them all out
upon the green, by the fort, and set all the people
in the town, that were able, to make slugs; being
most of them too large for their use, which had
like to have been the overthrow of their whole
army. He finding some small bullets, and what
slugs were made, and three knapsacks of powder,
went immediately to the army, who were very hotly
engaged; but coming to the river the tide was up;
he called to his men that were engaged, en
couraging them, and told them he had brought
more ammunition for them. An Indian called
Capt. Lightfoot, laid down his gun, and came
over the river, taking the powder upon his head,

EASTERN INDIANS. 135

and a kettle of bullets in each hand, and got safe
to his fellow soldiers. He perceiving great firing
upon that side he was on, went to see who they
were, and found them to be two of Major Church's
companies, one of English and the other of Indians,
being in all about four score men, that had not got
over the river, but lay firing over our men's heads
at the enemy. He presently ordered them to
rally, and come all together; and gave the word
for a Casco man; so one Swarton, a Jersey man,
appearing, whom he could hardly understand; he
asked him how far it was to the head of the river,
or whether there was any place to get over? He
said there was a bridge about three quarters of a
mile up, where they might get over. So he call
ing to his soldiers engaged on the other side, that
he would soon be with them over the bridge, and
come upon the backs of the enemy, which put new
courage into them. So they immediately moved
up towards the bridge, marching very thin, being
willing to make what show they could, and shout
ing as they marched. They saw the enemy running
from the river- side, where they had made stands
with wood to prevent any body from coming over
the river; and coming to the bridge, they saw on
the other side, that the enemy had laid logs, and
stuck birch brush along to hide themselves from
our view.

He, ordered the company to come altogether,
bidding them all to run after him, that would go
first, and that as soon as they got over the bridge
to scatter, that so they might not be all shot down
together; expecting the enemy to be at their stands.
So running up to the stands, found none there,
but were just gone, the ground being much turn-

136

WAR WITH THE

bled with them behind the said stands. He or
dered the Captain with his company of English to
march down to our men engaged, and that they
should keep along upon the edge of the marsh,
and himself with his Indian soldiers would march
down through the brush. And coming to a parcel
of low ground, which had been formerly burnt,
the old brush being fallen down, lay very thick,
and the young brush being grown up, made it bad
travelling; but coming near the back of the enemy,
one of the men called to the commander, and said
that the enemy run westward to get between us
and the bridge, and he looking that way saw
men running, and making a small stop, heard no
firing, but a great choping with hatchets. So con
cluding the fight was over, made the best of their
way to the bridge again, lest the enemy should
get over the bridge into the town. The men
being most of them out, our ammunition lay ex
posed, coming to the bridge, where he left six
Indians for an ambuscade on the other side of the
river, that if any enemy offered to come over, they
should fire at them, which would give him notice,
so he would come to their assistance. But in the
way, having heard no firing nor shouting, conclud
ed the enemy were drawn off. He asked the
ambuscade, whether they saw any Indians? They
said yes, abundance. He asked them where?
They answered, that they ran over the head of the
river by the cedar swamp, and were running into
the neck towards the town.

There being but one Englishman with him, he
bid his Indian soldiers scatter and run very thin,
to preserve themselves, and be the better able to
make a discovery of the enemy. And soon coin-

EASTERN INDIANS.

137

ing to Lieut. Clark's field, on the south side of
the neck, and seeing the cattle feeding quietly,
and perceiving no track, concluded the ambuscade
had told them a falsehood. They hastily returned
back to the said bridge, perceiving there was no
noise of the enemy. He hearing several great
guns at the town, concluded that they were either
assaulted, or that they had discovered the enemy;
having ordered that in case such should be, that
they should fire some of their great guns, to give
him notice. He being a stranger to the country,
concluded the enemy had by some other way got
to the town; whereupon he sent his men to the
town, and himself going to the river, near where
the fight had been, asked them how they did, and
what was become of the enemy? who informed
him that the enemy drew off in less than an hour
after he left them, and had not fired a gun at them
since. He told them he had been within little
more than a gun shot of the back of the enemy,
and had been upon them had it not been for thick
brushy ground, &c. Now some of his men re
turning from the town, gave him the account, that
they went while they saw the colours standing,
and men walking about as not molested. He
presently ordered that all his army should pursue
the enemy; but they told him that most of them
had spent their ammunition, and that if the enemy
had engaged them a little longer they might have
come and knocked them on the head; and that
some of their bullets were so unsizable that some
of them were forced to make slugs while they
were engaged. He then ordered them to get
over all the wounded and dead men, and to leave
none behind; which was done. Capt. Hall and
12*

138 WAR WITH THE

his men being first engaged did great service, and
suffered the greatest loss; but Capt. Southworth
with his company, and Capt. Numposh with the
Seconet Indians, and the most of the men belong
ing to the town, all coming suddenly to his relief,
prevented him and his whole company from being
cut off.

By this time the day was far spent, and march
ing into town about sunset, carried in all their
wounded and dead men, being all sensible of God's
goodness to them, in giving them the victory, and
causing the enemy to fly with shame, who never
gave one shout at their drawing off. The poor
inhabitants wonderfully rejoiced that the Almighty
had favoured them so much; saying, that if Maj.
Church, with his forces, had not come at that
juncture, they had been all cut off; and said fur
ther, that it was the first time that the Eastward
Indians had been- put to flight, and the said Church
with his volunteers were wonderfully preserved,
Laving never a man killed outright, and but one
Indian mortally wounded, several more being badly
wounded, but recovered.

After this engagement, Maj. Church, with his
forces, ranging all the country thereabout, in pur-
v.fjit of the enemy; and visiting all the garrisons at
Black-Point, Spurwink, and Blue-Point, and
went up Iveimebeck river, but to little effect.
And now winter drawing near, he received orders
from the Government of the Massachusetts-Bay,
to settle ail the garrisons, and put in suitable offi
cers according to his best discretion, and to send
home all his soldiers, volunteers and transports;
which orders he presently obeyed. Being obliged
to buy him a horse to go home by land, that so he

EASTERN INDIANS. 139

might the better comply with his orders. The
poor people, the inhabitants of Casco, and places
adjacent, when they saw he was going away from
them, lamented sadly, and begged earnestly that
he would suffer them to come away in the trans
ports; saying that, if he left them there, in the
spring of the year, the enemy would come and des
troy them, and their families. So by their earnest
request the said Maj. Church promised them, that
if the governments that had now sent him, would
send him the next spring, he would certainly
come with his volunteers and Indians to their relief.
And that as soon as he had been home, and taken
a little care of his own buisness, he would cer
tainly wait upon the gentlemen of Boston, and in
form them of the premise he had made to them;
and if they did not see cause to send them relief,
to entreat their honours seasonably to draw them
off, that they might not be a prey to the barbarous
enemy.

Taking his leave of those poor inhabitants, some
of the chief men there waited upon him to Black-
Point, to Capt. Scottaway's garrison. Coming
there, they prevailed with the said Capt. Scotta-
way, to go with him to Boston, provided the said
Church would put another in, to command the
garrison; which being done, and taking their leave
one of another, they set out and travelled through
all the country, home to Boston. Having em
ployed himself to the utmost, to fulfil his instruc
tions last received from Boston gentlemen, which
cost him about a month's service over and above
what he had pay for, from the Plymouth gentle
men. And in his travel homeward, several gen
tlemen waited upon the said Maj. Church, who

110 WAR WITH THE

was obliged to bear their expenses. When he
came to Boston gentlemen, he informed them of
the miseries which those poor people were in by
having their provisions taken from them by order
of the President, &LC. then went home. He
staid not long there before he returned to Boston,
where Capt. Scottaway waited for his coming,
that he might have the determination of the gov
ernment of Boston, to carry home with him. It
being the time of the small-pox there, and Maj.
Church not having had it, taking up his lodging
near the Court- House, took the first opportunity
to inform the Court of his buisness. They said
they were very busy in sending home Sir Edmund,*
the ship being ready to sail. Maj. Church still
waiting upon them, and at every opportunity en
treating those gentlemen in behalf of the poor peo
ple of Casco, urging the necessity of taking care
of them, either by sending them relief early in the
spring, or suffering them to draw off, otherwise
they would certainly be destroyed. Their answer
was, they could do nothing till Sir Edmund was
gone. Waiting there three weeks on great ex
pense, he concluded to draw up some of the cir
cumstances of Casco, and places adjacent, and to
leave it upon the Council Board, before the Gov
ernor and Council. Having got it done, he ob
tained liberty to go up where the Governor and
Council were sitting, and informed their honours,
that he had waited till his patience was worn out,
so had drawn up the matter, to leave upon the
Board before them. Which is as follows.

* Sir Edmund Andros.

EASTERN INDIANS. 141

*:c To the honoured Governor and Council of the
Massachusetts.

" GENTLEMEN,

" Whereas by virtue of yours, with Plym
outh's desires and commands, I went Eastward in
the last expedition against the common Indian
enemy, where Providence so ordered that we at
tacked their greatest body of forces, coming then
for the destruction of Falmouth, which we know
marched off repulsed with considerable damage,
Jeaving the ground, and have never since been
seen there, or in any place adjacent. The time
of the year being then too late to prosecute any
further design, and other accidents falling out
contrary to my expectation, impeded the desired
success. Upon my then removal from the prov
ince of Maine, the inhabitants were very solicit
ous that this enemy might be further prosecuted,
willing to venture their lives and fortunes in the
said enterprise, wherein they might serve God,
their King, and country, and enjoy quiet and
peaceable habitations. Upon which I promised
to signify the same to yourselves, and willing to
venture that little which Providence hath betrust-
ed me with, on the said account. The season of
the year being such, if some speedy action be not
performed in attacking them, they will certainly
be upon us in our out-towns, God knows where,
and the inhabitants there, not being able to defend
themselves, without doubt many souls will be cut
off, as our last year's experience wofully hath de
clared. The inhabitants there trust to your pro
tection, having undertaken government and your
propriety; if nothing be performed on the said ac-

142 WAR WITH THE

count, the best way, under correction, is to demol
ish the garrison, and draw off the inhabitants, that
they may not be left to a merciless enemy; and
that the arms and ammunition may not be there
for the strengthening of the enemy, who without
doubt have need enough, having exhausted their
greatest store in this winter season. I have per
formed my promise to them, and acquitted myself
in specifying the same to yourselves. Not that I
desire to be in any action, although willing to
serve my King and country, and may pass under
the censure of scandalous tongues in the last ex
pedition, which I hope they will amend on the first
opportunity of service. I leare to mature consid
eration, the loss of trade and fishery; the war
brought to the doors. What a triumph it will be
to the enemy, derision to our neighbours, besides
dishonour to God and our nation, and grounds of
frowns from our Prince, the frustration of those
whose eyes are upon you for help; who might have
otherwise applied themselves to their King. Gen
tlemen, this I thought humbly to propose unto you,
that I might discharge myself in my trust from
yourselves, and promise to the inhabitants of the
province, but especially my duty to God, her
Majesty, and my nation, praying for your honours
prosperity, subscribe,

" Your servant,

-BENJAMIN CHURCH.
" A true copy given in at Boston, this
6th of February, 1689, at the Coun
cil Board. Attest. T, S."

EASTERN INDIANS. 143

Major Church said, moreover, that in thus do
ing he had complied with his promise to those
poor people of Casco, and should be acquitted
from the guilt of their blood* The Governor was
pleased to thank him for his care and pains taken,
then taking his leave of them went home, and left
Captain Scottavvay in a very sorrowful condition,
who returned home sometime after with only a
copy of what was left on the board by the said
Church. Maj. Church not hearing any thing till
May following, and then was informed, that those
poor people of Casco were cut off by the barba
rous enemy; and that although they made their
terms with Monsieur Casteen, who was com
mander of those enemies, yet he suffered those
merciless savages to massacre and destroy the
most of them. To conclude this first expedition
East, I shall just give you a hint how Major
Church was treated, although he was Commander
in Chief of all the forces out of Plymouth and
Boston government* After he came home, Plym
outh gentlemen paid him but forty-two pounds;
telling him, he must go to Boston Gentlemen for
the rest, who were his employers as well as they.
Of whom he never had one penny, for all travel
and expenses in raising volunteers, and services
done; except forty shillings or thereabout, for
going from Boston to Rhode-Island on their bu
siness, and back to Boston again; also for send
ing a man to Providence, after Captain Edmunds,
who raised a company in those parts, and went
East with them.

144 WAR WITH THE

SECOND EXPEDITION EAST.

IN the year 1690 was the expedition to Cana
da, and Major W alley* often requested Major
Church that if he would not go himself in that
expedition, that he would not hinder others. He
told the said Walley, that he should hinder none
but his old soldiers, that used to go along with
him. And the said Church going down to
Charlestown, to take his leave of some of his re
lations and friends, who were going into that ex
pedition, promised his wife and family, not to go
into Boston, the small-pox being very rife there.
Coming to Charlestown, several of his friends in
Boston came over to see him; and the next day
after the said Church came there, Major Walley
came to him, and informed him, that the Gover
nor and Council wanted to speak with him. He
told him, that he had promised his wife and fami
ly not to go into Boston; saying, if they had any
business, they could write to him, and that he
would send them his answer. Soon after came
over two other gentlemen with a message, that
the Governor and Council wanted to have some
discourse with him. The answer returned was,
that he intended to lodge that night at the Gray-
hound in Roxbury, and that in the morning would

* Major John Walley had the command of the land forces
in this expedition to Canada, under the direction of Sir
William Phipps. They took Port Royal without much op
position, but were obliged to retire from Quebeck with loss
On their return to Boston the government had made no
preparation for paying the men, relying on plunder to defray
the expense; bills of credit, therefore, wrere resorted to,
which were the first ever used in this country.

EASTERN INDIANS. 145

come to Pollard's at the south end of Boston;
which accordingly he did. Soon after he came
thither, he received a letler from the honorable
Captain Sewall, to request him to come to the
Council. The answer he returned by the bearer
was, that he thought there was no need of his
hazarding himself so much as to come and speak
with them; not that he was afraid of his life, but
because he had no mind to be concerned; and fur
ther, because they would not hearken to him
about the poor people of Casco. But immediate
ly came Mr. Maxfield to him, saying, that the
Council bid him tell the said Church, that if he
would take his horse and ride along the middle of
the street, there might be no danger, they were
then sitting in Council. He bid them go and
tell his masters, not to trouble themselves, wheth
er he came upon his head or feet, he was coming.
However, thinking the return was something
rude, called him back to drink a glass of wine,
and then went along with him. So coming to
the Council, they were very thankful to him for
his corning; and told him that the occasion of
their sending for him was, that there was a cap
tive come in, who gave them an account, that the
Indians were come down, and had taken posses
sion of the stone fort at Pejepscot, so that they
wanted his advice and thoughts about the matter,
whether they would tarry and keep in the fort
or not; and whether it was not expedient to
send some forces to do some spoil upon them; and
further to know whether he could not be prevail
ed with to raise some volunteers and go and do
some spoil upon them. He answered them, he
was unwilling to be concerned any more; it being
1*3

146 WAR WITH THE

very difficult and chargeable to raise volunteers,
as he found by experience in the last expedition.
But they using many arguments prevailed so far
with him, he said, that if the Government of
Plymouth saw cause to send him, he would go,
thinking the expedition would be short; so he
took his leave of them and went home. And in
a short time after, there came an express from
Governor Hinkley, to request Major Church to
come to Barnstable to him. He having received
a letter from the Government of Boston to raise
some forces to go East. Whereupon the ^ said
Major Church went the next day to Barnstable,
as ordered; finding the Governor and some of the
Council of War there. They discoursed with
him, and concluded that he should take his Indian
soldiers, and two English Captains, with what
volunteers could be raised; and that one Captain
should go out of Plymouth and Barnstable coun
ty, and the other out of Bristol county, with what
forces he could raise, concluding to have but few
officers, to save charge. The said Church was
at great charge and expense in raising forces.
Governor Hinkley promised that he would take
care to provide vessels to transport the said army
with ammunition and provisions, by the time pre
fixed by himself; for the Government of Boston
had obliged themselves by their letter, to provide
any thing that was wanting. So at the time pre
fixed Major Church marched down all his soldiers
out of Bristol County to Plymouth, as ordered;
and being come, found it not as he expected, for
there were neither provisions, ammunition nor
transports; so he immediately sent an express to
the Governor who was at Barnstable, to give him

EASTERN INDIANS. 14-7

an account that he with the men were come to
Plymouth, and found nothing ready. In his re
turn to the said Church, gave him an account of
his disappointments; and sent John Lathrop of
Barnstable in a vessel with some ammunition and
provision to him, at Plymouth; also sent him
word that there were more on board of Samuel
Ailing, of Barnstable, who was to go as a trans
port, and that he himself would be at Plymouth
next day; but Ailing never came near him, but
we.nt to Billings-gate, at Cape Cod, as he was in
formed. The Governor being come, told Major
Church, that he must take some of the open
sloops, and make spar decks to them, and lay
platforms for the soldiers to lie upon. These de
lays were very expensive to the said Church.
His soldiers being all volunteers, daily expected
to be treated by him, and the Indians always beg
ging for money to get drink. But he using his
utmost diligence, made what despatch he could to
be gone, being ready to embark, received his
commission and instructions from Governor Hink-
ley, which are as followeth, viz.

" The Council of War of their Majesties' Colony
of New Plymouth, in New-England, to Major
Benjamin Church, Commander in Chief, £,c.

"WHEREAS the Kennebeck and Eastward In
dians, with the French their confederates, have
openly made war upon their Majesties' subjects of
the Provinces of Maine, New-Hampshire, ^ud of
the Massachusetts Colony, having committed
many barbarous murders, spoils and rapines upon
their persons and estates. And whereas there are
some forces of soldiers, English and Indians, now

148 WAR WITH THE

raised and detached out of the severel regiments
and places within this Colony of New-Plymouth,
to go forth to the assistance of our neighbours
and friends of the aforesaid provinces and colony
of the Massachusetts, subjects of one and the
same crown. And whereas you, Benjamin
Church, are appointed to be Major and Com
mander 'in Chief of all the forces, English and In
dians, attached within this colony, together with
such other of their Majesties9 subjects as elsewhere
shall enlist themselves, or shall be orderly put under
your command for the service of their Majesties,
as aforesaid. These are in their Majesties' names
to authorise and require you to take into your
care and conduct all the said forces, English and
Indians, and diligently to intend that service, by
leading and exercising your inferior officers and
soldiers, commanding them to obey you as their
chief Commander. And to pursue, fight, take,
kill or destroy the said enemies, their aiders and
abetters by all the ways and means you can, as
you shall have opportunity, and to accept to mer
cy* or grant quarter and favor to such, or so many
of said enemies as you shall find needful for pro
moting the design aforesaid. And you are to ob
serve and obey ail such orders and instructions, as
from time to time you shall receive from the Com
missioners of the colonies, or the Council of War
of the said colony of New-Plymouth, or from the
Governor and C^mncil of the Massachusetts. In.
testimony whereof is affixed the public seal of this
colony. Dated in Plymouth the second day of
September, Anno Dom. 1690, Jlnnoqiie Itcgni
Regis et 'Reginw Willielmi et Maria, fyc. tie-
cundQ. TUG. HINKLEY, Pres"

EASTERN INDIANS. 149

Instructions for Major Benjamin Church, Com
mander in Chief of the Plymouth forces, with
other of the Massachusetts put under his com
mand.

" IN pursuance of the commission given you
for their Majesties' service, in the present expe
dition against the common enemy, Indian and
French, their aiders and abetters, on the request
of our brethren and friends of the Massachusetts
colony, subjects of one and the same crown of
England; for our assistance of them therein.
Reposing confidence in your wisdom, prudence,
proneness and faithfulness in the trust under God
committed to you for the honour of his name, the
interest of Christ in these churches, and the good
of the whole people, praying and expecting that
in your dependance on him, you may be helped
and assisted with all that grace, wisdom and cour
age necessary for the carrying of you on with sue- :
cess in this difficult service; and though much is
and must be left to your discretion, with your Coun
cil of Officers, as Providence and opportunity may
present from time to time in places of action;
yet the following instructions are commended to
you to be observed and attended to by you, so
far as the state and circumstances of that affair
will admit.

" You are with all possible speed to take care
that the Plymouth forces, both English and In
dians, under your command, be fixed and ready
on the first opportunity of wind and weather, to
go on board such vessels, as are provided to trans
port you to Piscataqua; and there to take under
your care and command such companies of the

150 WAR WITH Tll£.

Massachusetts colony, as shall by them be order
ed and added to you there, or elsewhere from time
to time; all which you are lo improve in such
way, and from place to place, as with the advice
of your Council, consisting of the Commissioned
Officers of the Massachusetts colony, and Ply
mouth, under your conduct, shall seem meet, for
the finding out, pursuing, taking or destroying of
the said common enemy, on all opportunities, ac
cording to commission, and such further orders
and instructions as you have or may receive from
the Governor and Council of the Massachusetts,
the Commissioners for the United Colonies, or
the Governor and Council of Plymouth; so far
as you may be capable, intending what you can
the preserving of the near towns from the incur
sions and destructions of the enemy; but chiefly
tp intend the finding out, pursuing, taking and de-
s|roying the enemy abroad, and if possible to at-
Jack them in their head quarters and principal
Rendezvous, if you are in a rational capacity of so
doing; and for the better enabling you thereunto,
we have appointed the vessels that transport you,
and the provisions, &LC. to attend your motion and
order until you shall see cause to dismiss them,
or any of them, which is desired to be done the
first opportunity the service will admit. You are
to see that your soldiers5 arms be always fixed,
and they provided with ammunition, and other ne
cessaries, that they may be always ready to repel
and attack the enemy. You are to take special
eare to avoid danger in the pursuit of the enemy,
"by keeping out scouts, and a forlorn, to prevent
the ambushmoiits of the enemy on your main body
in their inarches. And by all possible means to

EASTERN INDIANS. 151

surprise some of the enemy, that so you may gain
better intelligence.

" You are to take effectual care that the wor
ship of God be kept up in the army, that morning
and evening prayer be attended, and the Holy
Sabbath duly sanctified, as the emergency of your
affairs will admit.

" You are to take strict care to prevent or
punish drunkenness, cursing, swearing, and all oth
er vices, lest the anger of God be hereby provok
ed to fight against you. You are, from time to
time, to give intelligence and advice to the Gov
ernor of the Massachusetts, and to us, of your
proceedings and occurrences that may attend you.
And in case of a failure of any commissioned offi
cers, you are to appoint others in their stead.
And when, with the advice of your Council afore
said, you shall, after some trial, see your service
not like to be advantageous to the accomplishment
of the public end aforesaid; that then you return
home with the forces; especially if you shall re
ceive any orders or directions so to do from the
Massachusetts, or from us. Given under my
hand, at Plymouth, the 2d of September, Anno
Domini 1690.

THOMAS HINKLEY, Gov. and Pres"

Now having a fair wind Maj. Church soon got
to Piscataqua, who was to apply himself to Maj.
Pike, a worthy gentleman, who said, he had ad
vice of his coming from Boston gentlemen; also
he had received directions that what men the said
Church should want must be raised out of Hamp
shire from the several towns and garrisons. Maj.
Pike asked him, how many men he should want?

152 WAR WITH THE

he said enough to make up his forces that he
brought with him, three hundred at least, and not
more than three hundred and fifty. And so in
about nine days time he was supplyed with two
companies of soldiers. He having been at about
twenty shillings a day charge in expences while
there. Now he received Maj. Pike's instructions,
which are as followeth:

"Portsmouth, JV. //. Sept. 9, 1690.
"To Major Benj. Church, Commander in Chief
of their Majesties' forces now designed upon
the present expedition Eastward, and now resi
dent at Portsmouth.

4 'The Governor and Council of the Massa
chusetts Colony reposing great trust and confi
dence in your loyalty and valour, from experience
of your former actions, and of God's presence
with you in the same, in pursuance of an order,
received from them, commanding it; These are,
in their Majesties' names, to empower and require
you as Commander in Chief, to take into your
care and conduct these forces now here present
at their rendezvous at Portsmouth; and they are
alike required to obey you. And with them to
sail Eastward by the first opportunity to Casco,
or places adjacent, that may be most commodious
for landing with safety and secresy. And to visit
the French and Indians at their head-quarters at
Ameras-cogen, Pejepscot, or any other place, ac
cording as you may have hope or intelligence of
the residence of the enemy; using always your
utmost endeavour for the preservation of your own
men, and the killing, destroying, and utterly root
ing out of the enemy, wheresoevei they may be

EASTERN INDIANS. 153

ibund; and also as much as may possibly be done
for the redeeming or recovering of our captives in
any places.

" You being there arrived, and understanding
your way, to take your journey back again either
by land or water, as you shall judge most conven
ient for the accomplishing of the end intended \
and to give intelligence always of your motions
whensoever you can with safety and convenience.

Lastly, In all to consult your council, the com
manders or commissioned officers of your several
companies, when it may be obtained, the greater
part of whom to determine. And so the Lord of
hosts, the God of armies, go along with you, and
be your conductor. Given under my hand the
day and year above said.

Per ROBERT PIKE.55

Being ready, they took the first opportunity,
and made the best of their way to Pejepscot fort,
where they found nothing. From thence they
marched to Ameras-cogen.* And when they
came near the fort, Maj. Church made a halt, or
dering the Captains to draw out of their several
companies sixty of their meanest men, to be a
guard to the Doctor and knapsacks, being not a
mile from said fort; and then moving towards the
fort, they saw young Doney and his wife, with
two English captives. The said Doney made his
escape to the fort: his wife was shot down, and so
the poor captives were released out of their bon-

* A fine river of New-Hampshire, which flows eastward,
and after entering Maine, falls into the Kennebeck. There
are different ways of writing this word; as, Ameriscoggen,
Androscoggin, Amoscoggan, &.c. but it is generally pro
nounced in New-Hampshire, Amrascoggin.

154 WAR WITH THE

dage. Maj. Church and Capt. Walton made no
stop, making the best of their way to the fort,
with some of the army, in hopes of getting to the
fort before young Doney; but the river, through
which they must pass, was as deep as their arm
pits; however Maj. Church, as soon as he had
got over, stripped to his shirt and jacket, leaving
his breeches behind, ran directly to the fort, hav
ing an eye to see if young Doney, who ran on the
other side of the river, should get there before him.
The wind now blowing very hard in their faces,
as they ran, was some help to them; for several of
our men fired guns, which they in the fort did not
hear, so that we had taken all in the fort, had it
not been for young Doney, who got to the fort
just before we did, who ran into the south gate,
and out at the north, all the men following him,
except one, and all ran directly down to the great
river and falls.* The said Church, and his forces,
being come pretty near, he ordered Capt. Walton
to run directly, with some forces, into the fort,
and himself, with the rest, ran down to the river
after the enemy, who ran some of them into the
river, and the rest under the great falls. Those
who ran into the river were killed, for he saw but
one man get over, and he only crept up the bank,
and there lay in open sight. Those that run under
the falls they made no discovery of, notwithstand
ing several of his men went in under the said falls,
and were gone some conquerable time, could not
fiiid them. So leaving a watch there, returned
to the fort, where he found but one man taken,
and several women and children, among whom

* A beautiful fall in the Amrascoggin.

EASTERN INDIANS. 155

were Capt. Hakins and Worumbos' wives and
children. Worumbos was Sachem of that fort.
Hakins was Sachem of Pennacook, who destroy
ed Maj. Walden* and his family, some time be
fore. The said two women, viz. Hakins and
Worumbos' wives, requested the said Church that
he would spare them and their children's lives,
promising, upon that condition, he should have all
the captives that were taken, and in the Indians
hands. He asked them, how many? they said,
about fourscore. So upon that condition, he
promised them their lives. And in the said fort
there were several English captives, who were in
a miserable condition. Among them was Capt.
Huckings' wife, of Oyster-river. f Maj. Church
proceeded to examine the man taken, who gave
him an account that most of the fighting men were
gone to Winter-harbour, to provide provisions for
the Bay of Fundy Indians, who were to come and
join with them to fight the English. The soldiers
being very rude, would hardly spare the Indian's

* Waldron. This gentleman and his family, on the night
of 27th of June, 1689, were all massacreed. 13 years be
fore, Maj. Waldron had surprised by stratagem, about 200
Indians, who had at times been troublesome. Revenge re
mained in the breasts of the tribes above mentioned, till
that fatal night. When this affair took place, the Major
was 80 years old, yet, he made a gallant defence, at length
overpowered by numbers, was taken and cut in pieces.
In this affair fifty-two persons were killed and made cap
tives. The plan of the Indians to enter the Major's garri
son, was artful. Some squaws pretending illness, were
permitted to lodge within, when all were asleep, they arose,
unlocked the gates and the foes entered. Major Waldron
lived in Dover, N. H. which is about ten miles N. W. of
Portsmouth.

f Formerly Dover was so called. — JV. H, Gaz.

156 WAR WITH THE

life, while in examination, intending when he had
done that he should be executed. But Capt.
Huckings' wife, and another woman fell on their
knees and begged for him, saying that he had
been the means of saving their lives, and a great
many more; and had helped several to opportuni
ties to make their escape; and that never, since
he came among them, had fought against the Eng
lish, but being related to Hakins5 wife, kept at
the fort with them, he having been there two
years; but his living was to the westward of Bos
ton; so, upon their request, his life was spared.
Next day the said Church ordered that all their
corn should be destroyed, being a great quantity,
saving a little for the two old squaws which he
designed to leave at the fort, to give an account
who he was and from whence he came; the rest
being knocked on the head, except the aforemen
tioned, for an example. He ordered them all to
be buried. Having inquired where all their best
beaver were, they said they were carried away to
make a present to the Bay of Fundy Indiand, who
were coming to their assistance.

Now being ready to draw off from thence, he
called the two old squaws to him, and gave each
of them a kettle and some biscuit, bidding them
to tell the Indians when they came home, that
he was known by the name of Capt. Church,
and lived in the westerly part of Plymouth gov
ernment, and that those Indians that came with
him were formerly King Philip's men, and that
he had met with them in Philip's war, and drawn
them off from him, to fight for the English, against
the said Philip and his associates, who then prom
ised him to fight for the English as long as they

EASTERN INDIANS.

15 r

had one enemy left; and said, that they did not
question but before Indian corn was ripe to have
Philip's head, notwithstanding he had twice as
many men as were in their country; and that they
had killed and taken one thousand three hundred
and odd of Philip's men, women and children, and ,
Philip himself, with several other Sachems; and
that they should tell Hakins and Worumbos, that
if they had a mind to see their wives and children
they should come to Wells' garrison, and that
there they might hear of them, SLC. Major
Church having done, moved with all his forces
down to Mequait, where the transports were, but
in the way some of his soldiers threatened the In
dian man prisoner very much, so that in a thick
swamp he gave them the slip and got away, and
when they all got on board the transports, the
wind being fair, made the best of their way for
Winter harbour. And the next morning before
day, or as soon as the day appeared, they discov
ered some smokes rising towards Skaman's garri
son. He immediately sent away a scout of 60
men, and followed presently with the whole body;
the scout coming near a river, discovered the
enemy to be on the other side of it. But three
of the enemy were come over to the same side of
the river which the scout was on. They ran hast
ily down to their canoe, one of which lay at each
end of it, and the third stood up to paddle them
over. The scout fired at them, and he that pad
dled fell down upon the canoe, and broke it in
pieces, so that all three perished. The firing put
the enemy to the rout, who left their canoes and
provisions to our men. Old Doney, and one
Thomas Baker, an Englishman, who was a pris-
14

158 WAR WITH THE

oner among them, were up at the falls, ?md heard
the guns, expected the other Indians had come to
their assistance, so they came down the river in a
canoe; but when they perceived that there were
English as well as Indicins, old Doney ran the
canoe ashore, and ran over Baker's head and fol
lowed the rest, and then Baker came to us. He
gave an account of the beaver hid at Pejepscot
plain. Coming to the place where the plunder
was, the Major sent a scout to Pejepscot fort,
to see if they could make any discovery of the en
emy's tracks, or could discover any coming up the
river, who returned and said they saw nothing
but our old tracks at the fort.

Now having got some plunder, one of the Cap
tains said it was time to go home, and several
others were of the same mind; the Major being
much disturbed at the motion, expecting the ene
my would come, in a very short time, where they
might have a great advantage of them, &,c. Not
withstanding all he could say or do, he was obliged
to call a council, according to his instructions,
wherein he was out-voted. The said Commander
seeing he was put by of his intentions, proffered
if sixty men would stay with him, he would not
embark as yet; but all he could say or do could
not prevail. Then they moved to the vessels and
embarked. As they were going in the vessels,
on the back side of Mayr-point, they discovered
eight or nine canoes, who turned short about, and
went up the river; being the same Indians that
the Major expected, and would have waited for.
The aforesaid Captain being much disturbed at
what the Major had said to him, drew off from
the fleet, and in the night ran aground. In the

EASTERN INDIANS. 159

morning, Anthony Bracket, having been advised
and directed by the Indian that had made his es
cape from our forces, came down near where the
aforesaid vessel lay aground, and got aboard, who
proved a good pilot, and Captain for his country.
The next day being very calm and misty, so that
they were all day getting down from Mequait to
Perpodack; and the masters of the vessels think
ing it not safe putting out in the night, so late in
the year, anchored there. The vessels being
much crowded, the Major ordered that three com
panies should go on shore, and no more, himself
with Capt. Converse went with them to order their
lodging, and find houses convenient for them, viz.
two barns and one house; so seeing them all set
tled and their watches out, the Major and Capt.
Converse returned to go on board, and coming
near where Jflje boat was, it was pretty dark, they
discovered v^rne men, but did not know what or
who they were. The Major ordered those that
were with him all to clap down and cock,
their guns. He called out and asked them who
they were? They said Indians. He asked them
whose men they were. They said, Capt. South-
worth's. He asked them where they intended to
lodge? They said, in those little huts that the en
emy had made when they took that garrison. The
Major told them they must not make any fires;
for if they did, the enemy would be upon them
before day. They laughed, and said, " our Major
is afraid." Having given them their directions, he,
with Capt. Converse, went on board the Mary
sloop; designing to write home, and send away
in the morning, the two sloops which had the
small-pox on board, &,e. But before day our In-

160

WAR WITH THE

(Hans began to make fires, and sing and dance.
The Major called to Capt. Southworth to go
ashore and look after his men, for the enemy
would be upon them by and by. He ordered the
boat to be hauled up to carry him ashore, and
called Capt. Converse to go with him. And just
as the day began to appear, as the Major was get
ting into the boat to go ashore, the enemy fired
upon our men. The Indians, notwithstanding
that one Philip, an Indian of ours, who was out
upon the watch, heard a man cough, and the sticks
crack, and gave the rest an account, that he saw
Indians; yet they would not believe; but said to
him, "You are afraid;" his answer was, that they
might see them come creeping. They laughed,
and said, they were hogs. Ay, said he, and they
will bite you by and by. So presently they did fire
upon our men; but the morning being: misty, their
guns did not go off quick, so that oui''-)ien had all
time to fall down before their guns went off, and
saved themselves from that volley, except one
man, who was killed.

This sudden firing upon our Indian soldiers
so surprised them, that they left their arms, but
soon recovered them again, and got down the
bank, which was but low. The Major, with all
the forces on board, landed as fast as they could,
the enemy firing smartly at them; however all
got safe ashore. The enemy had a great advan
tage of our forces, who were between the sunris-
ing and the enemy, so that if a man put up his
head or hand they could see it, and would fire at
it: However, some, with the Major, got up the
bank behind stumps and rocks, to have the advan
tage of firing at the enemy; but when the sun was

EASTERN INDIANS. 161

risen the Major slipped down the bank again,
where all the forces were ordered to observe his
motion, viz. that he would give three shouts, and
then all of them should run with him up the bank.
So, when he had given the third shout, ran up
the bank, and Capt. Converse with him, but when
the said Converse perceived that the forces did
not follow as' commanded, called to the Major,
and told him the forces did not follow, who, not
withstanding the enemy fired smartly at him, got
safe down the bank again, and rallying the forces
up the bank, soon put the enemy to flight. They
followed them so close, that they took 13 canoes,
and one lusty man, who had Joseph RamsdePs
scalp by his side, who was taken by two of our
Indians, and having his deserts was himself scalp
ed. This being a short and smart fight, some of
our men were killed and several wounded. Some
time after, an Englishman, who was prisoner
among them, gave an account that our forces had
killed and wounded several of the enemy, for they
killed several prisoners according to custom, &,c.
After this action was over our forces embarked
for Piscataqua. The Major went to Wells, and
removed the Captain there, and put in Capt. An-
dros, who had been with him and knew the condi
tions ]eft with the two old squaws at Ameras-co-
gen, for Hakins and Worumbos to come there in
fourteen days, if they had a mind to hear of their
wives and children. They did soon after come
with a flag of truce to said Wells' garrison, and
had leave to come in; and more appearing came
in, to the number of eight, without any terms, be
ing all Chief Sachems; and were very glad to
hear of the women and children, viz. Hakins and
14.*

162 WAR WITH THE

Worumbos' wives and children; who all said
three several times that they would never fight
against the English any more, for the French
made fools of them. They saying as they did,
the said Andros let them go. Maj. Church hav
ing come to Piscataqua, and two of his transports
having the small-pox on board, and several of his
men having got great colds by their hard service,
pretended they were going to have the small-pox,
thinking by that means to be sent home speedily.
The Major being willing to try them, went to the
gentlemen there, and desired them to provide a
house, for some of his men expected they should
have the small-pox; who readily did, and told him,
that the people belonging to it were just recover
ed of the small-pox, and had been all at meeting,
&,c. The Major returning to his Officers order
ed them to draw out all their men that were going
to have the small-pox, for he had provided an hos
pital for them. So they drew out 17 men, that
bad, as they said, all the symptoms of the small
pox; he ordered them all to follow him, and com
ing to the house, he asked them how they liked
it? . They said very well. Then he told them that
the people in the said house had all had the small
pox, and were recovered; .and that if they went
in they must not come out till they all had it.
Whereupon they all presently began to grow bet
ter, and to make excuses, except one man who
desired to stay out till night, before he went in.
The Major went to the gentlemen, told them,
that one thing more would work a perfect cure
upon his men; which was to let them go home.
Which did work a cure upon all, except one, and
4ie had not the small-pox. So he ordered the

EASTERN INDIANS. 163

plunder should be divided forthwith, and sent away
all the Plymouth forces. But the gentlemen there
desired him to stay, and they would be assisting
to him in raising new forces, to the number of
what was sent away; and that they would send to
Boston for provisions; which they did, and sent
Capt. Plaisted to the Governor and Council at
Boston. And in the mean time the Major with
those gentlemen went into all those parts and rais
ed a sufficient number of men, both Officers and
soldiers; who all met at the bank on the same day
that Capt. Plaisted returned from Boston; whose
return from the Boston gentlemen was, that the
Canada expedition had drained them so that they
could do no more. vSo that Maj. Church, not
withstanding he had been at considerable expenses
in raising said forces to serve his King and coun
try, was obliged to give them a treat and dismiss
them. Taking his leave of them came home to
Boston, in the Mary sloop, Mr. Alden master,
and Capt. Converse with him, on a Saturday; and
waiting upon the Governor and some of the men
of Boston, they looked very strange upon them,
which not only troubled them, but put them in
some consternation what the matter should be, that
after so much toil and hard service could not have
so much as one pleasant word, nor any money in
their pockets; for Maj. Church had but eight
pence left, and Capt. Converse none, as he said
afterwards. Maj. Church seeing two gentlemen
which he knew had money, asked them to lend
him forty shillings, telling them his necessity.
Yet they refused. So being bare of money was
obliged to lodge at Mr. Alden's three nights.
The next Tuesday morning Capt. Converse came

164 WAR WITH THE

to him, they not knowing each other's circumstan
ces as yet, and said he would walk with him out
of town. So coming near Pollard's at the south
end, they had some discourse; thought that it was
very hard that they should part with dry lips.
Maj. Church told Capt. Converse that he had but
eight pence left, and could not borrow any money
to carry him home. And the said Converse said,
that he had not a penny left, so they were oblig
ed to part without going to Pollard's. The said
Capt. Converse returned back into town, and the
said Church went over to Roxbury. At the tav
ern he met with Stephen Braton, of Rhode-Isl
and, a drover, who wras glad to see him, and he
as glad to see his neighbour. Whereupon Maj.
Church called for an eight-penny tankard of drink,
and let the said Braton know his circumstances,
asked him whether he would lend him forty shill
ings? He answered, " Yes, forty pounds, if you
want it." So he thanked him, and said, he would
have but forty shillings, which he freely lent him.
And presently after Mr. Church was told that his
brother Caleb Church, of Watertown,was coming
with a spare horse for him, having heard the night
before that his brother was come in; by which
means the said Maj. Church got home. And for
all his travel and expenses in raising soldiers, and
service done, never had but fourteen pounds of
Plymouth gentlemen, and not a p nny of Boston,
notwithstanding he had worn out all his clothes,
and run himself in debt, so that he was obliged to
sell half a share of land in Tiverton, for about
sixty pounds, which is now worth three hundred
pounds more arid above what he had.

EASTERN INDIANS. 165

Having not been at home long before he found
out the reason why Boston gentlemen looked so
disaffected on him; as you may see by the sequel
of two letters Maj. Church sent to the gentlemen
in the Eastward parts; which are as folio weth.

"Bristol, November 27, 1690.
" WORTHY GENTLEMEN,

" According to my promise when with
you last, I waited upon the Governor at Boston
on Saturday, Capt. Converse being with me.
The Governor informed us that the Council were
to meet on the Monday following in the afternoon,
at which time we both there waited upon them,
and gave them an account of the state of your
country, and great necessities. They informed
us, that their General Court was to convene the
Wednesday following, at which time they would
debate and consider of the matter. Myself being
bound home, Capt. Converse was ordered to wait
upon them, and bring you their resolves. I then
took notice of the Council that they looked upon
me with an ill aspect, not judging me worthy to
receive thanks for the service I had done in your
parts; nor as much as asked me whether I wanted
money to bear my expences, or a horse to carry
me home. But I was forced, for want of money,
being far from friends, to go to Roxbury on foot;
but meeting there with a Rhode-Island gentleman,
acquainted him of my wants, who tendered me
ten pounds, whereby I was accommodated for my
journey home. And being come home, I went to
the minister of our town, and gave him an account
of the transactions of the great affairs I had been
employed in, and the great favour God was pleas-

166 WAR WITH THE

ed to show me, and my company, and the benefit
I hoped would accrue to yourselves; and desired
him to return publick thanks; but at the same in
terim of time a paper was presented unto him from
a Court of Plymouth, which was holden before I
came home, to command a day of humiliation
through the whole government, because of the
frown of God upon those forces sent under my
command, and the ill success we had, for want of
good conduct. All which was caused by those
false reports which were posted home by those ill
affected Officers that were under my conduct; es
pecially one, which yourselves very well know,
who had the advantage of being at home a week
before me, being sick of action, and wanting the
advantage to be at the bank, which he was every
day mindful of more than fighting the enemy in
their own country.

" After I came home, being informed of a Gen
eral Court at Plymouth, and not forgetting my
faithful promise to you, and the duty I lay under,
I went thither. Where waiting upon them, I
gave them an account of my Eastward transac
tions, and made them sensible of the falseness of
those reports that were posted to them by ill hands,
and found some small favourable acceptance with
them; so far that I was credited. I presented
your thanks to them for their seasonably sending
those forces to relieve you, of the expense and
charge they had been at; which thanks they grate
fully received; and said a few lines from your
selves would have been well accepted. I then
gave them an account of your great necessities,
by being imprisoned in your garrisons, and the
great mischief that would attend the public con-

EASTERN INDIANS. 167

cerns of this country by the loss of their Majes
ties' interest, and so much good estate of yours
and your neighbours, as doubtless would be, on
the deserting of your town. I then moved for a
free contribution for your relief, which they with
great forwardness promoted; and then ordered a
day of thanksgiving through the government upon
the twenty-sixth day of this instant. Upon which
day a collection was ordered for your relief, and
the places near adjacent, in every respective town
in this government; and for the good management
of it that it might be safely conveyed unto your
hands, they appointed a man in each county for
the receipt and conveyance thereof. The persons
nominated and accepted thereof, are, for the
county of Plymouth, Capt. Nathaniel Thomas, of
Marshfield; for the county of Barnstable, Capt.
Joseph Lathrop, of Barnstable ; and for the
county of Bristol, myself. Which when gathered,
you will have a particular account from each per
son, with orders of advice how it may be disposed
of for your best advantage, with a copy of the
Court's order. The gentlemen the effects are to
be sent to, are yourselves that I now write to,
viz. John Wheelwright, Esq. Capt. John Little-
field, and Lieut. Joseph Story. I deferred writ
ing, expecting every day to hear from you con
cerning the Indians, coming to treat about their
prisoners that we had taken. The discourse I
made with them at Ameras-cogen, I knew would
have that effect as to bring them to a treaty, which
I would have thought myself happy to have been
improved in, knowing that it would have made
much for your good. But no intelligence coming
to me from any gentlemen in your parts, and hear-

168 WAR WITH THE

ing nothing but by accident, and that in the latter
end of the week by some of ours coming from Bos
ton, informed me that the Indians had come into
your town to seek for peace; and that there was
to be a treaty speedily; but the time they knew
not. I took my horse, and upon the Monday set
out for Boston, expecting the treaty had been at
your town, as rationally it should; but on Tues
day night coming to Boston, I there met with
Captain Elisha Andros, who informed me that
the place of treaty was Sacaty-hock,* and that
Capt. Alden was gone from Boston four days be
fore I came there, and had carried all the Indian
prisoners with him; and that all the forces were
drawn away out of your parts, except twelve men
in your town, and twelve in Piscataqua, which
news did so amuse me, to see, that wisdom was
taken from the wise, and such imprudence in
their actions, as to be deluded by Indians. To
have a treaty so far from any English town, and
to draw off the forces upon what pretence soever,
to me looks very ill. My fear i$ that they will
deliver those we have taken, which, if kept, would
have been greatly for your security, in keeping
them in awe, and preventing them from doing any
hostile action or mischief. I knowing that the
English being abroad are very earnest to go home,
and the Indians are very tedious in their discours
es; and by that means will have an advantage to
have their captives at very low rates, to your great
damage. Gentlemen, as to Rhode-Island, I have
not concerned myself as to any relief for you,
having nothing in writing to show to them; yet,

* Sagadehock. On the south side of Kennebeck river,
twenty miles S. W. of Pemmaquid. — HUBBARD.

EASTERN INDIANS. 169

upon discourse with some gentlemen there, they
have signified a great forwardness to promote such
a thing. I lying under great reflections from
some of yours in the Eastward parts, that I was
a very covetuous person, and came there to en
rich myself, and that I killed their cattle and bar
relled them up, and sent them to Boston, and sold
them for plunder, and made money to put into my
own pocket; and the owners of them being poof
people begged for the hides and tallow, with tears
in their eyes; and that I was so cruel as to deny
them! which makes me judge myself incapable to
serve you in that matter ; yet, I do assure you,
that the people are very charitable at the island,
and forward in such good actions; and therefore,
I advise you to desire some good substantial per
son to take the management of it, and write to
the government there, which I know will not be
labour lost. As for what I am accused of, you
all can witness to the contrary, and I should take
it very kindly from you to do me that just right,
as to vindicate my reputation; for the wise man
says, " A good name is as precious ointment. ?*
When I hear of the effects of the treaty, and have
an account of this contribution, I intend again to
write to you, being very desirous, and should think
myself very happy, to be favoured with a few lines
from yourself, or any gentleman in the Eastward
parts. Thus leaving you to the protection and
guidance of the great God of heaven arid earth,
who is able to protect and supply you in your great
difficulties, and to give you deliverance in his own
due time. I remain, Gentlemen, your most as
sured friend, to serve you to my utmost power.
« BENJAMIN CHURCH."

170 WAR WITH THE

"Postscript. Esquire Wheelwright, Sir, I
entreat you, after your, perusal of these lines, to
communicate the same to Capt. John Littlefield,
Lieut. Joseph Story, and to any other gentle
men, as in your judgement you see fit. With the
tenders of my respects to you, &c. and to Maj.
Vaughan, and his good Lady and family. To
Capt. Fryer and good Mrs. Fryer, with hearty
thanks for their kindness whilst in those parts,
and good entertainment from them. My kind
respects to Maj. Frost, Capt. Walton, Lieut.
Honeywel, and my very good friend little Lieut.
Plaisted; with due respects to all gentlemen, my
friends in the Eastward parts, as if particularly
named. Farewell, B. C."

To MAJOR PIKE.

"Bristol, November 21, 1690.
" HONOURED SIR,

"THESE come to wait upon you, to bring
the tenders of my hearty service to yourself and
lady, with due acknowledgment of thankfulness
for all the kindness and favour I received from you
in the Eastward parts, when with you. Since
I came from those parts, I am informed, by Capt.
Andros, that yourself and most all the forces are
drawn off from the Eastward parts. I admire at
it, considering that they had so low esteem of
what was done, that they can apprehend the East
ward parts so safe before the enemy were brought
into better subjection. I was in hopes, when I
came from ther.ce, that those who wrere so desir
ous to have my room would have been very brisk
in my absence, to have gotten themselves some
honour, which they very much gaped after, or eke

EASTERN INDIANS. 171

they would not have spread so many false reports
to defame me, which had I have known, before I
left the bank, I would have had satisfaction of
them. Your honour was pleased to give me some
small account, before I left the bank, of some things
that were ill represented to you, concerning the
Eastward expedition, which being rolled home
like a snow-ball through both colonies, were got to
such a bigness that it overshadowed me from the
influence of all comfort, or good acceptance among
my friends in my journey homeward. But
through God's goodness I am come home, finding-
all well, and myself in good health, hoping that
those reports will do me the favour, to quit me
from all other public actions; that so I may the
more peaceably and quietly wait upon God, and
be a comfort to my own family, in this dark time
of trouble; being as one hid, till his indignation is
overpast. I shall take it as a great favour to hear
of your welfare; subscribing myself, as I am, Sir,
" Your most assured friend and servant,
"BENJAMIN CHURCH."

Maj. Church did receive, after this, answers to
his letters, but hath lost them, except it be a let
ter from several of those gentlemen in those parts,
in June following, which is as followeth.

"Portsmouth, June 29, 1691
"MAJ. BENJ. CHURCH, SIR,

" YOUR former readiness to expose
yourself in the service of the country, against the
common enemy; and particularly the late obliga
tions you have laid upon us, in these Eastern parts,
leaves us under a deep and grateful sense for your
fervour therein. And for as much as you were pleas-

172 WAR WITH THE

ed, when last here, to signify your ready inclina
tion to further service of this kind, if occasion
should call for it : We therefore presume confi
dently to promise ourselves compliance according
ly ; and have sent this messenger on purpose to
you, to let you know, that notwithstanding the
late overture of peace, the enemy have proved
themselves as perfidious as ever, and are almost
daily killing and destroying, upon all our frontiers.
The Governor and Council of the Massachusetts
have been pleased to order the raising of 150 men,
to be forthwith despatched into those parts ; and,
as we understand, have written to your Governor
and Council of Plymouth for further assistance,
which we pray you to promote, hoping if you can
obtain about 200 men, English and Indians, to vi
sit them at some of their head quarters, up Ken-
riebeck river, or elsewhere, which, for want of
necessaries, was omitted last year, it may be of
great advantage to us. We offer nothing of ad
vice as to what methods are most proper to be ta
ken in this affair ; your acquaintance with our cir
cumstances, as well as the enemy's, will direct
you therein. We leave the conduct thereof to
your own discretion ; but that the want of provi
sion, &c. may be no remora to your motion, you
may please to know Mr. Gealford, one of our
principal inhabitants, now residing in Boston, hath
promised to take care to supply, to the value of
two or three hundred pounds, if occasion may re
quire. We pray a few lines by the bearer to give
us a prospect of what we may expect for our fur
ther encouragement; and remain,

" Sir, your obliged friends and servants,
" Will. Vaughan, Richard Martyn, Nathaniel

EASTERN INDIANS. 173

Fryer, William Fernald, Francis Hooke, Charles
Frost, John Wincol, Robert Elliott."

A true copy of the original letter ; which letter
was presented to me by Captain Hatch, who came
express.

Major Church sent them his answer ; the con
tents whereof were, that he had gone often enough
for nothing ; and especially to be ill treated with
scandals and false reports, when last out, which
he could not forget. And signified to them, that
doubtless some among them thought they could
do without him, &,c. And to make short of it,
did go out, and meeting with the enemy at Ma-
quait, were most shamefully beaten, as I have
been informed.

THIRD EXPEDITION EAST.

THIS was in the year 1692. In the time of
Sir William Phip's* government, Maj. Walley

* Governor Phips " was a New-England man," born at
Pernaquid, in 1650 ; being, as we are told, a younger son
among twenty-six children, of whom twenty-one were sons.
By profession he was a shipcarpenter. That business he
soon left, and being an industrious and persevering man,
soon acquired an education competent for the discharge of
common affairs, and then went to sea. On hearing of a
Spanish vessel's being wrecked near the Bahamas, proceeded
to England, and gave so flattering an account of its value,
and the practicability of obtainining it, that he was des
patched in one of the King's ships in search of it ; but re
turned without success. Soon after, the Duke of Albe-
marl sent him with two ships on the same business, and he
succeeded in bringing from the wreck three hundred thou
sand pounds, of which he received for his share sixteen
thousand. The King conferred on him the order of knight
hood, and afterward appointed him Captain General, and

174 WAR WITH THE

being at Boston, was requested by his Excellency
to treat with Maj. Church about going East with
him. 31 aj. W alley coming home, did as desired ;
and to encourage the said Maj. Church, told him,
that now was the time to have recompence for his
former great expenses ; saying also, that the coun
try could not give him less than two or three hun
dred pounds. So upon his Excellency's request,
•Maj. Church went down to Boston, and waited
upon him ; who said he was glad to see him, &c.
A.nd after some discourse told the said Church
that he wras going East himself, and that he should
be his second, and in his absence command all the
forces. And being requested by his Excellency
to raise what volunteers he could, of his own sol
diers in the county of Bristol, both English and
Indians, received his commission : which is as fol
io weth.

Sir WILLIAM PHIPS, Knight, Captain General
and Governor in Chief, in and over his Majes
ty's Province of the Massachusetts Bay, in
New-England :

To BENJAMIN CHURCH, Gent. Greeting.

" Reposing special trust and confidence in your

loyalty, courage, and good conduct, I do by these

presents constitute and appoint you to be Major

Governor in Chief of the Province of Massachusetts Bay.
He arrived in New-England in 1690. Gov. Hutchinson
says, " he had the character of an honest man, but his tem
per was hasty, and being a stout man, would use his cane
and fist after he was Governor." We have no need of ad
ding what Douglass says of Gov. Phips, that " he was a
weak governor," &c. when we are told that he joined the ac
cusers of the witch age of Salem. He was sent for to answer
to some complaints in Englarid,flbut was cleared ; and when
about to return to his government, fell sick and died, 1894.

EASTERN INDIANS. 175

of the several companies of militia, detached for
their Majesties service against their French and
Indian enemies. You are therefore authorized
and required in their Majesties' names, to dis
charge the duty of a Major, by leading, ordering,
and exercising the said several companies in arms,
both inferior officers and soldiers, keeping them in
good order and discipline, commanding them to
obey you as their Major ; and diligently to intend
t -•:•<: said service, for the prosecuting, pursuing,
killing and destroying of the said common enemy.
And yourself to observe and follow such orders
and directions as you shall from time to time re
ceive from myself, according to the rules and dis
cipline of war, pursuant to the trust reposed in you
for their Majesties' service. Given under my hand
and seal at Boston, the twenty-fifth day of July,
1692. In the fourth year of the reign of our So
vereign Lord and Lady William and Mary, by
the Grace of God, King and Queen of England,
Scotland, France, and Ireland, defender of the
faith, &c.

WILLIAM PHIPS
By His Excellency's command,
ISAAC ADDINGTON,* Sec.

* Mr. Addington was one of those, who took a very ac
tive part in opposition to the tyrannical measures of Sir
Edmund Andros. On the accession of William and Mar/
he was appointed Secretary, which office he discharged with
integrity and approbation for some time. It seems that in
those days as well as at the present, office seekers were not
entirely unknown, but " the emoluments of that office were
small, compared with the duty, and so he was in less danger
of a competitor." He belonged to the council for many-
years, and was respected as a justice of the peace for wis-
doin and industry. He died in J 7 14.

176 WAR WITH THE

Returning home to the county aforesaid, he
soon raised a sufficient number of volunteers, both
English and Indians, and officers suitable to com
mand them, and marched them down to Boston.
But there was one thing I would just mention,
which was, that Major Church being short of .mo
ney, was forced to borrow six pounds in money of
Lieut. Woodman, in Litlle-Compton, to distri
bute by a shilling, and a bit at a time to the In
dian soldiers ; who, without such allurements,
would not have marched to Boston. This money
Maj. Church put into the hands of Mr. William
Fobes, who was going out their commissary in
that service, who was ordered to keep a just ac-
eount of what each Indian had, so that it might
be deducted out of his wages at their return home.
Coming to Boston, his Excellency having got
things in readiness, they embarked on board their
transports, his Excellency going in person with
them, being bound to Pemequid. In their way
they stopped at Casco, and buried the bones of
the dead people there, and took off the great guns
that were there ; then went to Pemequid. Com
ing there his Excellency asked Maj. Church to
go ashore and give his judgment about erecting a
fort there. He answered, that his genius did not
incline that way, for he never had any value for
them, being only nests for destructions. His Ex
cellency said he had a special order from their
Majesties' King William and Queen Mary, to
erect a fort there : then they went ashore and
§pent some time in the projection thereof. His
Excellency told Maj. Church that he might take
all the forces except one company to stay with
him, and work about the fort ; the Major answer-

EASTERN INDIANS. 177

ed, that if his Excellency pleased he might keep
two companies with him, and he would go with
the rest to Penobscot, and places adjacent ; which
his Excellency did, and gave Maj. Church his or
ders, which are as followeth.
By His Excellency Sir WILLIAM PHIPS,

Knight, Captain General and Governor in

Chief, in and over their Majesties' Province of

the Massachusetts Bay, in New England, &c.
Instructions for Maj. Benjamin Church.

" Whereas you are Major, and so chief officer
of a body of men detached out of the militia, ap
pointed for an expedition against the French and
Indian enemies ; you are duly to observe the fol
lowing instructions :

' Imprimis, You are to take care that the wor
ship of God be duly and constantly maintained
and kept up among you ; and to suffer no swearing,
cursing, or other profanation of the holy name of
God ; and, as much as in you lies, to deter and
hinder all other vices among your soldiers.

" 2dly, You are to proceed with the soldiers
under your command, to Penobscot, and, with
what privacy and undiscoverable methods you can,
there to land your men, and take the best mea
sures to surprise the enemy.

" 3dly, You are by killing, destroying, and all
other means possible, to endeavour the destruction
of the enemy, in pursuance whereof, being satis
fied of your courage and conduct, I leave the same
to your discretion.

" 4thly, You are to endeavour the taking what
captives you can, either men, women, or children,
and the same safely to keep and convey them
unto me.

178 WAR WITH THE

" 5thly, Since it is not possible to judge how
affairs may be circumstanced with you there, I
shall therefore not limit your return, but leave it
to your prudence, only that you make no longer
stay than you can improve for advantage against
the enemy, or may reasonably hope for the same.

" Gthly, You are also to take care and be very
industrious by all possible means to find out and
destroy all the enemy's corn, and other provisions
in all places where you can come at the same.

" 7thly, You are to return from Penobscot and
those Eastern parts, to make all despatch hence
for Kennebeck river, and the places adjacent, and
there prosecute all advantages against the enemy
as aforesaid.

8thly, If any soldier, officer, or other shall be
disobedient to you as their Commander in Chief, or
other superior officer, or make, or cause any mu
tiny, commit other offences or disorders, you shall
call a council of war among your officers, and hav
ing tried him or them so offending, inflict such
punishment as the merit of the offence requires,
death only excepted, which, if any shall deserve,
3*ou are to secure the person, and signify the crime
unto me by the first opportunity.

<; Given under my hand, this llth day of Au
gust, 1692. WILLIAM PHIPS."

Then the Major and his forces embarked, and
made the best of their way to Penobscot. Com
ing to an island in those parts in the evening, he
landed his forces at one end of the said island; then
lie took part of his forces, and moved toward day
to the other end of the said island, where they
found two Frenchmen, and their families, one or

EASTERN INDIANS. 179

both of whom had Indian women for their wives,
and had children by them. The Major presently
examining the Frenchmen, asked where the In
dians were? They told him, that there were a
great company of them upon an island just by;
and showing him the island, presently discovered
several of them. Major Church and his forces
still keeping undiscovered asked the Frenchmen
where their passing place was? which they readi
ly showed them; so presently they placed an am
buscade to take any that should come over. Then
sent orders for all the rest of the forces to come;
sending them an account of what he had seen and
met with; strictly charging them to keep them
selves undiscovered by the enemy. The ambus
cade did not lie long before an Indian man and
woman came over in a canoe, to the place for land
ing, where the ambuscade was laid, who hauled
up their canoe, and came right into the hands of
our ambuscade, who so suddenly surprised them
that they could not give any notice to the others
from whence they came. The Major ordering
that none of his should offer to meddle with the
canoe, lest they should be discovered, hoping to
take the most of them if his forces came as order^
ed, he expecting them to come as directed; but,
the first news he had of them was, That they were
all coming, though not privately, as ordered;
but the vessels fair in sight of the enemy, which
soon put them all to flight, and our forces not hav
ing boats suitable to pursue them, they got all
away in their canoes, and which caused Major
Church to say, he would never go out again with
out a sufficient number of whale-boats which, for
want of, was the ruin of that action. Then I\la-

180 WAR WITH THE

jor Church, according to his instructions, ranged
all those parts, to find all their corn, and carried
aboard their vessels what he thought convenient,
and destroyed the rest. Also finding considera
ble quantities of plunder, viz. beaver, moose-skins,
&c. Having done what service they could in
those parts, he returned back to his Excellency at
Pemequid; where being come, staid not long,
they being short of bread. His Excsllency in
tended going home for Boston, for more provis
ions; but before going, went with Major Church
and his forces to Kennebeck river, and coming
there, gave him further orders, which are as fol-
loweth.

BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR.

" To MAJOR BENJAMIN CHURCH,

u You having already received former instruc
tions, are now further to proceed with the sold
iers under your command for Kennebeck River,
and the places adjacent, and use your utmost en
deavours to kill, destroy, and take captive the
French and Indian enemies wheresoever you shall
find any of them; and at your return to Pemequid,
which you are to do as soon as you can conven
iently; after your best endeavour done against the
enemy, and having destroyed their corn and other
provisions, you are to stay with all your soldiers
and officers, and set them at work on the fort, and
make what despatch you can in that business, stay-
there until my further order.

WILLIAM PHIPS."

EASTERN INDIANS.

181

Then his Excellency taking leave, went for
Boston, and soon after Major Church and his
forces had a smart fight with the enemy in Ken-
nebeck river. They pursued them so hard that
they left their canoes, and ran up into the woods;
and still pursued them up to their fort at Tacon-
ock, which the enemy perceiving, they set fire to
their houses in the fort, and ran away by the light
of them, and when Major Church came to the said
fort, he found about half their houses standing,
and the rest burnt; also found great quantities of
corn, put up into Indian cribs, which he and his
forces destroyed, as ordered.

Having done what service he could in those
parts, returned to -Pemequid,* and there employ
ed his forces according to his instructions. Being
out of bread, his Excellency not coming, Maj.
Church was obliged to borrow bread of the Cap
tain of the man of war that was then there, for all
the forces under his command. At length his
Excellency came, but brought very little bread
more than would pay what was borrowed of the
man of war; so that in a short time after Maj,
Church with his forces, returned home to Boston,
and had their wages for their good service done.
Only one thing by the way I will just mention,
that is, about the six pounds Maj. Church bor
rowed as afore-mentioned, and put into the hands
of Mr. Fobes, who distributed the said money, all
but thirty shillings, to the Indian soldiers, as di
rected, which was deducted out of their wages,
and the country had credit for the same; and the
said Fobes kept the thirty shillings to himsejf,

*The most northerly limit of New-England.

16

WAR WITH THE

which was deducted out of his wages. Where
upon Maj. W alley and Mr. Fobes had some
words. In short, Maj. Church was obliged to
expend about six pounds of his own money in
marching down the forces both English and In
dians, to Boston, having no drink allowed them
upon the road. So that instead of Maj. Church's
having the allowances afore-mentioned by Maj.
W alley, he was out of pocket about twelve pounds,
over and above what he had; all which had not
been, had not his Excellency been gone out of the
country.

FOURTH EXPEDITION EAST.

IN 1696 Maj. Church being at Boston, and
belonging to the House of Representatives, sev
eral gentlemen requesting him to go East again,
the General Court having made acts of encour
agement, &,c. He told them, if they would pro
vide whale-boats, and other necessaries conven
ient, he would. Being also requested by the Gen
eral Court, he proceeded to raise volunteers, and
made it his whole buisness, riding both East and
West in our province and Connecticut, at great
charges and expenses. And in about a month's
time he raised a sufficient number out of those
parts, and marched them down to Boston, where
he had the promise that every thing should be
ready in three weeks or a month's time, but was
obliged to stay considerably longer. Being now
at Boston, he received his commission and instruc
tions; which are as folio we th.

EASTERN INDIANS. 183

WILLIAM STOUGHTON,* Esq. Lieuten
ant Governor, and Commander in Chief, in and
over his Majesty's province of the Massachu
setts Bay, in New-England.
To Maj. BENJAMIN CHURCH, Greeting.
WHEREAS there are several companies raised
consisting of Englishmen and Indians, for his
Majesty's service, to go forth upon the encour
agement given by the Great and General Court,
or Assembly of this his Majesty's province, con
vened at Boston, the 27th of May, 1696, to prose
cute the French and Indian enemy, &c. ; and you
having offered yourself to take the command and
conduct of the said several companies ; by vir
tue therefore of the power and authority in and by
his Majesty's royal commission to me granted,
reposing special trust and confidence in your loy
alty, prudence, courage and good conduct; I do
by these psesents constitute and appoint you to be
Major of the said several companies, both Eng
lishmen and Indians, raised for his Majesty's ser
vice upon the encouragement aforesaid. You are
therefore carefully and diligently to perform the
duty of your place, by leading, ordering, and ex
ercising the said several companies in arms, both
inferior Officers and soldiers, keeping them in
good order and discipline, commanding them to
obey you as their Major. And yourself diligent
ly to intend his Majesty's service for the prose-

* Mr. Stoughton was born in Dorchester, 1632; graduat
ed at Harvard College, 1650; was an " excellent" preacher.
And being recommended to William and Mary by Dr.
Mather, was appointed Lieutenant Governor. He believed
in witchcraft, and was among the oppressors of the accused
in the witch age of Salem. He died a bachelor, 1702.

184 WAR WITH THE

cuting, pursuing, taking, killing or destroying the
said enemy by sea or land; and to observe all such
orders and instructions as you shall from time to
time receive from myself, or Commander in Chief
for the time being, according to the rules and dis
cipline of war, pursuant to the trust reposed in
you. Given under my hand and seal at arms, at
Boston, the third day of August, 1696, in the
eighth year of the reign of our sovereign Lord
William the Third, by the grace of God, of Eng
land, Scotland, France and Ireland, King, De
fender of the Faith, &c.

WILLIAM STOUGHTON.
By command of the Lieut. Governor, &c.
ISAAC ADDINGTON, Sec'ry.

Province of the Massachusetts-Bay.
By the Right Honorable the Lieutenant Governor
and Commander in Chief.

Instructions for Maj. Benjamin Church, Comman
der of the forces raised for his Majesty's ser
vice, against the French and Indian enemy
and rebels.

PURSUANT to the commission given you, you
are to embark the forces now furnished and equip
ped for his Majesty's service on the present expe
dition, to the Eastern parts of this province, and
with them, and such others as shall offer them
selves to go forth on the said service, to sail unto
Piscataqua, to join ihose lately despatched thither
for the same expedition, to await your coming.
And with all care and diligence to improve the
vessels, boats and men under your command, in

EASTERN INDIANS. 185

search for, prosecution and pursuit of the said
enemy, at such places where you may be informed
of their abode or resort, or where you may proba
bly expect to find, or meet with them, and take
all advantages against them which Providence
shall favour you with.

You are not to enlist or accept any soldiers that
are already in his Majesty's pay, and posted at
any town or garrison within this province, without
special order from myself.

You are to require and give strict orders that
the duties of religion be attended on board the sev
eral vessels, and in the several companies under
your command, by daily prayers unto God, and
reading his holy word, and observance of the
Lord's Day, to the utmost you can.

You are to see that your soldiers have their
due allowance of provisions and other necessa
ries, and that the sick and wounded be accom
modated in the best manner your circumstances
will admit. And that good order and command
may be kept up and maintained in the several com
panies, and all disorders, drunkenness, profane
cursing, swearing, disobedience to Officers, muti
nies, omissions or neglect of duty, be duly punish
ed according to the laws martial. And you are
to require the Captain or chief Officer of each
company, with the clerk of the same, to keep an
exact journal of all their proceedings from tim«
to time.

In case any of the Indian enemy and rebels
offer to submit themselves, you are to i»ecieve
them only at discretion; but if you think fit to im
prove any of them, or any others which you may
happen to take prisoners, you may encourage them
16*

186 WAR WITH THE

to be faithful by the promise of their lives, whi/b
shall be granted upon approbation of their fidelity.

You are carefully to look after the Indians
which you have out of the prison, so that !h«'.y
may not have opportunity to escape, but other
wise improve them to what advantage you can.
and return them back again to this place.

You are to advise, as you can have occasion,
with Capt. John Gorham, who accompanies you
in this expedition, and is to take your command
in case of your death. A copy of these instn.ir-
tions you are to leave with him, and to give me
an account from time to time of your proceedings.
WILLIAM STOUGIITON.

Boston, August 12, 1696.

In the time Major Church lay at Boston, the
news came of Pemequid fort's being taken. It came
by a shallop, that brought some prisoners to Bos
ton, who gave an account also that there was
a French ship at Mount Desart, who had taken a
ship of ours; so the discourse was, that they would
send the man of war, with other forces to take the
said French ship, and retake ours. But in the
mean time, Major Church and his forces being
ready, embarked, and on the 15th day of August,
set sail for Piscataqua, where more men were to
jtjin them; but before they left Boston, Major
Church discoursed with the Captain of the man
of war, who promised him, if he went to Mount
Desart, in pursuit of the French ship, that he
would call for him and his forces at Piscataqua,
expecting that the French and Indians might not
be far from the said French ship, so that he might

EASTERN INDIANS. 178

have an opportunity to fight them while he was en
gaged with the French ship. Soon after the forces
arrived at Piscataqua, the Major sent his In
dian soldiers to Col. Gidney, at York, to be as
sisting for the defence of those places, who gave
them a good commend for their ready and willing
services done, in scouting and the like. Lying at
Piscataqua with the rest of our forces near a week,
waiting for more forces who were to join them,
to make up their complement; in all which time
heard never a word of the man of war. On the
22d of August they all embarked for Piscataqua,
and when they came against York, the Major
went ashore, sending Capt. Gorham with some
forces in two brigantines and a sloop, to Winter-
Harbour, ordering him to send out scouts, to see
if they could make any discovery of the enemy,
and to wait there till he came to them. Major
Church coming to York, Col. Gidney told him
his opinion was, that the enemy were drawn off
from those parts, for that the scouts could not dis
cover any of them, nor their tracks. So having
done his business there, went with what forces he
had there, to Winter-Harbour, where he had the
same account from Capt. Gorham, that tl>;y had
not discovered any of the enemy, nor any r^v
tracks; so, concluding they were gone l.^m thv,.i.e
parts, towards Penobscot, the Major ordered all
the vessels to come re sail and make the best of
their way to Monhegio, which being not far from
Penobscot, where the main boJy of our enemies
living was. Being in great hopes, to come up with
the army of French and Indians, before th-y hud
scut1 or; , J ,cud were gone past Penobscot, or Mount
I xart, which is the chief place of their departure

188 WAR WITH THE

from each other after such actions. Having a fail-
wind, made the best of their way, and early next
morning they got into Monhegin, and there lay
all day fitting their boats, and other necessaries to
embark in the night at Mussel-neck with their
boats; lying there all day to keep undiscovered
from the enemy. At night the Major ordered the
vessels all to come to sail, and carry the forces
over the bay, near Penobscot; but having little
wind, he ordered all the soldiers to embark on
board the boats with eight day's provision, and
sent the vessels back to Monhegin, that they might
not be discovered by the enemy; giving them or
ders when and where they should come to him.
The forces being all ready in their boats, rowing
very hard, got ashore at a point near Penobscot,
just as the day broke, and hid their boats, and
keeping a good look out by sea, and sent scouts
out by land; but could not discover either canoes
or Indians; what tracks and fire places they saw
were judged to be seven or eight days before they
came. As soon as night came, that they might
go undiscovered, got into their boats and went by
Mussel-neck, and so among Penobscot Islands,
looking very sharp as they went for fires on the
shore, and for canoes, but found neither. Getting
up to Mathebestucks hills, day coming on, landed,
and hid their boats; looking out for the enemy,
as the day before, but to little purpose. Night
coming on, took to their oars again, working very
hard, turned the night into day, which made seve
ral of their new soldiers grumble; but telling them
they hoped to come up quickly with the enemy,
put new life into them; and by day light they got
into the mouth of the river, where landing, found

EASTERN INDIANS. loU

many rendezvous and fire places where the Indians
had been; but at the same space of time as before
mentioned. No canoes passed up the river that
day. Their pilot, Joseph York, informed the
Major that 50 or 60 miles up that river, at the
great falls, the enemy had a great rendezvous,
and planted a great quantity of corn, when he was
a prisoner with them four years ago, and that he
was very well acquainted there; this gave great
encouragement to have had some considerable ad-

o

vantage of the enemy at that place; so using their
utmost endeavours to get up there undiscovered,
and coming there, found no enemy, nor corn plant
ed, they having deserted the place. And ranging
about the falls on both sides of the river, leaving
men on the east side of the said river, and the
boats just below the falls, with a good guard to se
cure them, and to take the enemy if they came
down the river in their canoes. The west side
being the place where the enemy lived and best
to travel on, they resolved to range as privately
as they could. A mile or two above the falls
they discovered a birch canoe coming down with
two Indians in it; the Major sent word immedi
ately back to those at the Falls, to lie very close
and let them pass down the falls, and to take them
alive, that he might have intelligence where the
enemy were, which would have been a great ad
vantage to them; but a foolish soldier seeing them
passing by him, shot at them, contrary to orders,
which prevented them going into the ambuscade
that was laid for them; whereupon, several more
of our men being near, shot at them; so that one
of them could not stand when he got ashore, but
crept away into the brush; the other stepped out

190 WAR WITH TH.E

out of the canoe with his paddle in his hand, and
ran about a rod, and then threw down his paddle,
and turned back and took up his gun, and so es
caped. One of our Indians swam over the river
and fetched the canoe, wherein was a considerable
quantity of blood on the seats, that the Indians
sat on; the canoe having several holes shot in her.
They stopped the holes, and then Capt. Bracket
with an Indian soldier, went over the river, who
tracked them by fche blood about half a mile, found
his gun, took it up, and seeing the blood no fur
ther, concluded that he stopped his blood, and so
got away. In the mean time another canoe with
three men were coming down the river, were fired
at by some of our forces, ran ashore, and left two
of their guns in the canoe, which were taken, and
also a letter from a Priest to Casteen, that gave
him an account of the French and Indians return
ing over the lake to Mount Royal, and of their
little service done upon the Maquas Indians west
ward, only demolishing one fort, and cutting down
some corn, &c. He desired to hear of the pro
ceedings of Deborahuel, and the French man of
war; and informed him that there were several
canoes coming with workmen from Quebec, to
St. Johns, where since we concluded it was to
build a fort at the river's mouth, where the great
guns were taken, &,c. It being just night, the
officers were called together to advise, and their
pilot, York, informed them of a fort up that river,
and that it was built on a little island in that river;
and that there was no getting to it but in canoes,
or on the ice in the winter time. This, with the
certain knowledge that we were discovered by the
enemy that escaped out of the upper canoe, con-

EASTERN INDIANS. 191

eluded it not proper, at that time, to proceed any
further up, and that there was no getting any fur
ther with our boats; and the enemy being alarmed
would certainly fly from them, and do as they did
four years ago at their fort at Taconock; 'having
fought them in Kennebeck river, and pursued them
about thirty miles to Taconock; for they then set
their fort on fire, and run away by the light of it,
ours not being able to come up with them at that
place. Maj. Church then encouraging his sol
diers told them, he hoped they should meet with
part of the enemy in Penobscot-Bay or at Mount-
Desart, where the French ships were. So not
withstanding they had been rowing several nights
before, with much toil, besides were short of pro
visions, they cheerfully embarked on board their
boats, and went down the river, both with and
against the tide; and next morning came to their
vessels, where the Major had ordered them to
meet him, who could give him no intelligence of
any enemy. Where being come they refreshed
themselves; meeting then with another disappoint
ment, for their pilot York not being acquainted
any further, they began to lament the loss of one
Robert Cawley, on whom they chiefly depended
for all the service to be done now eastward; he
having been taken away from them the night be
fore they set sail from Boston, and put on board
the man of war, unknown to Maj. Church; not
withstanding he had been at the charge and trou
ble of procuring him. Then the Major was oblig
ed to one Bord, procured by Mr. William Alden,
who being acquainted in those parts, to leave his
vessel, and go with him in the boats, which he
readily complied with, and so went to Nasket-

192 WAR WITH THE

point; where being informed was a likely place to
meet with the enemy. Coming there they found
several houses and small fields of corn, the fires
having been out several days, and no new tracks.
But upon Penobscot island they found several In
dian houses, corn, and turnips, though the enemy
still being all gone, as before-mentioned. Then
they divided and sent their boats some one way,
and some another, thinking that if any straggling
Indians, or Casteen himself, should be thereabout,
they might find them, but it proved all in vain.
Himself and several boats went to Mount-Desart,
to see if the French ships were gone, and whether
any of the enemy might be there, but to no pur
pose; the ships being gone, and the enemy also.
They being now got several leagues to the west
ward of their vessels; and seeing that the way was
clear for their vessels to pass: and all their ex
treme rowing and travelling by land and water,
night and day, to be all in vain. The enemy
having left those parts, as they judged, about eight
or ten days before. And then returning to their
vessels, the commander calling all his officers to
gether, to consult and resolve what to do, con
cluded that the enemy, by some means or other,
had received some intelligence of their being come
out against them; and that they were in no neces
sity to come down to the sea side as yet, moose
and beaver now being fat. They then agreed to
go so far East, and employ themselves, that the
enemy belonging to those parts, might think they
were gone home. Having some discourse about
going over to St. Johns; but the masters of the
vessels said, they had as good carry them to Old
France, &c. which put off' that design; they con-

EASTERN INDIANS.

193

eluding that the French ships were there. Then
the Major moved for going over the hay, towards
Lahane, and towards the Gut of Cancer, where
was another considerable fort of Indians, who often
came to the assistance of our enemy, the 'barba
rous Indians; saying, that by the time they should
return again, the enemy belonging to these parts
would come down again, expecting that we were
gone home. But in short, could not prevail with
the masters of the open sloops to venture across
the bay; who said it was very dangerous so late in
the year, and as much as their lives were worth.
Then they resolved to go to Senactaca, wherein
there was a ready compliance, but the want of
their pilot, Robert Crawley, was a great damage
to them, who knew ail those parts. However.
Mr. John Alden, master of the brigantine Endeav
our, piloted them up the bay to vSenactaca. And
coming to Grindstone-point, being riot far from
Senactaca; then came to with all the vessels, and
early next morning came to sail, and about sun
rise got into town. But it being so late before
we landed, that the enemy, most of them, made
their escape, and as it happened, landed where the
French and Indians had some time before killed
Lieut. John Paine, and several of Capt. Smith-
son's men, that were with said Paine. They
seeing our forces coming took the opportunity,
fired several guns, and so ran all into the woods,
carried all, or most part of their goods with them
One Jarman Bridgway came running towards our
forces, with a gun in one hand, and his cartridge-
box in the other, calling to our forces to stop, that
he might speak with them; but Maj. Church
thinking it was that they might have some advan-
17

194

WAR WITH THE

tage, ordered them to run on; when the said
Bridgway saw they would not stop, turned and
ran, but the Major called unto him, and hid him
stop, or he should be shot down. Some of our for
ces being near to the said Bridgway, said it was
the General that called to him. He, hearing that,
stopped and turned about, laid down his gun, arid
stood till the Major came up to him. His desire
was, that the commander would make haste with
him to his house, lest the savages should kill his
father and mother, who were upward of four-score
years of age, and could not go. The Major ask
ed the said Bridgway whether there were any
Indians among them, and where they lived? He
shook his head and said, he dared not tell, for if
he did, they would take an opportunity and kill
him and his; so all that could be got out of him
was, that they were run into the woods with the
rest. Then orders were given to pursue the ene
my, and to kill what Indians they could find, and
take the French alive, and give them quarter if
they asked it. Our forces soon took three French
men, who, upon examination, said, that the In
dians were all run into the woods. The French
fired several guns at our forces, and ours at them;
but they being better acquainted with the woods
than ours, got away. The Major took the above-
said Jarman Bridgway for a pilot, and with some
of his forces went over a river, to several of their
houses, but the people were gone and carried
their goods with them. In ranging the woods
they found several Indian houses, their fires being
just out, but no Indians. Spending that day in
ranging to and fro, found considerable of their
goods, and but few people; at night the Major

EASTERN INDIANS. 195

wrote a letter, and sent out two French prisoners,
wherein was signified, that if they would come in,
they should have good quarters. The next day
several came in, which did belong to that part of
the town where our forces first landed, who had
encouragements given them by our Commander,
that if they would assist him in taking those In
dians which belonged to those parts, they should
have their goods returned to them again, and their
estates should not be damnified; this they refused.
Then the Major and his forces pursued their de
sign, and went further ranging their country, found
several more houses, but the people fled, and car
ried what they had away; but in a creek found a
prize bark, that was brought in there by a French
privateer. In ranging the woods they took some
prisoners, who upon examination gave our Com
mander an account, that there were some Indians
upon a neck of land, towards Menes; so a party
of men was sent into those woods, and in their
ranging about the said neck found some plunder,
and a considerable quantity of whortleberries,
both green and dry, which were gathered by the
Indians, and had like to have taken two Indians,
who, by the help of a birch canoe, got over the
river, and made their escape. Also they foun<!
two barrels of powder, and near half a bushel oi
bullets; the French denying them to be theirs,
said they were the savages', but surely it might
be a supply for our enemies. Also they took
from Jarman Bridgway several barrels of powder,
with bullets, shot, spears and knives, and other
supplies to relieve our enemies; he owning that
he had been a trading with those Indians along
Cape-Sable shore, with Peter Assnow, in a sloop

196 WAR WITH THE

our forces took from him; and that there he met
with the French ships, and went along with them
to St. Johns, and helped them to unload the said
ships, and carried up the river provisions, ammu
nition, and other goods to Vilboon's fort.

The Major having ranged all places that were
thought proper, returned back to the place wlu re
they first landed; and finding several prisoners
had come in, who were troubled to see their cat
tle, sheep, hogs and dogs lying dead about their
houses, chopped and hacked with hatchets, which
was done without order from the Major; however
he told them, " It is nothing to what our poor
English, in our frontier towns are forced to look
upon. For men women and children are chopped
and hacked so, and left half dead, with all their
scalps taken off, and your Indians served ours so;
and our savages would be glad to serve them so
too, if I would permit them,'5 which caused them
to be mighty submissive, and begged the Major
that he would not let the savages serve them so.
Our Indians being somewhat sensible of the dis
course, desired to have some of them to roast, and
so make a dance. And dancing in a hideous
manner, to terrify them, said that they could eat
any sort of flesh, and that some of theirs would
make their hearts strong. Stepping up to some
of the prisoners, said, they must have their scalps,
which much terrified the poor -prisoners, who beg
ged for their lives. The Major told them he did
not design the savages should hurt them; but it
was to let them see a little what the poor English
felt, saying, it was not their scalps he wanted,
but the savages, for he should get nothing by
them; and told them, that their fathers, the Fri-

EASTERN INDIANS. 197

ars and Governors, encouraged their savages, and
gave them money to scalp our English, notwith
standing they were \vith them, which several of
our English, there present, did testify to their fa
ces, that their fathers and mothers were served so
in their sight. But the Major bid them tell their
fathers the Friars, and the Governors, that if they
still persisted, and let their wretched savages kill
and destroy the poor English at that rate, he
would come with some hundreds of savages, and
let them loose amongst them, who would kill,
scalp, and carry away every French person in all
those parts; for they were the root from whence
all the branches came that hurt us; for the Indians
could not do us any harm, if they did not relieve
and supply them. The French being sensible of
the Major's kindness to them, kissed his hand,
and were very thankful to him for his favour to
them in saving their lives ; owned that their
Priests were at the taking of Pemequid fort, and
were now gone to Layhone, with some of the
Indians, to meet the French ships, but for what
they would not tell.

The Commander, with his forces, having done
all they could in those parts, concluded to go to
St. Johns river, to do further service for their
king and country, and embarked all on board their
transports.* Having a fair wind, they soon got
to Monogenest, which lies a little distance from
the mouth of St. Johns river. Next morning
early the Major with his forces landed, to see
what discoveries they could make, travelled across
the woods to the old fort, or falls, at the mouth of

* The 20th September, 1696.
17*

108 WAR WITH THE

St. Johns river, keeping themselves undiscovered
from the enemy. Finding there were several men
at work, and having informed themselves as much
as they could; the enemy being on the other side
of the river could not come at them, they return
ed back ; but night coming on, and dark wet
weather, with bad travelling, were obliged to stop
in the woods till toward day next morning, and
then went on board. Soon after the Major or
dered all the vessels to come to sail, and go into
the month of the river. Being done, it was riot
long before the Major and his forces landed on
the east side of the river, the French firing brisk
ly at them, but did them no harm; and running
fiercely upon the enemy, they soon fled into the
woods. The Major ordered a brisk party to run
across the neck to cut them off from their canoes,
which the day before they had made a discovery
of; so the commander with the rest, ran directly
toward the new fort they were building, not know
ing but they had some ordnance mounted. The
enemy running directly toward their canoes, were
met by our forces, who fired at them, and killed
one, and wounded Corporal Canton, who was
taken; the rest threw down what they had and
ran into the woods. The said prisoner Canton
being brought to the Major, told him, if he would
let his surgeon dress his wound and cure him, he
would be serviceable to him as long as he lived.
So, being dressed, he was examined, and gave to
the Major an account of the twelve great guns
which were hid in the beach, below high water
mark, the carriages, shot and wheelbarrows, and
some flour and pork, all hid in the woods. The
next morning the officers being ail ordered to meet

EASTERN INDIANS. 199

together to consult about going to Vilboon's fort,
and none among them being acquainted but the
Alderis, who said the water in the river was very
low, so that they could not get up to the fort.
And the prisoner Canton told the Commander,
that what the Aldens said was true. So not be
ing willing to make a Canada expedition, conclud
ed it was not practicable to proceed. He then
ordered some of the forces to get the great guns
on board the open sloops, and the rest to range
the woods for the eneYny, who took and brought
in one prisoner; and in their ranging found a shal
lop haled into a creek; and a day or two after
there came in a young soldier to our forces, who,
upon examination, gave . an account of two more
which he left in the woods at some distance. So
immediately the Major, with some of his forcest
went in pursuit of them, taking the said prisoner
with them, who conveyed them to the place where
he left them, but they were gone. He then ask
ed the prisoner whether there were any Indians
in those parts? who said, No; it was as hard for
Vilboon, their Governor, to get an Indian down
to the water side, as it was for him to carry one
of those great guns upon his back to his fort; for
they having had intelligence by a prisoner out of
Boston gaol, that gave them an account of Major
Church and his forces coming out against them.
Now having, with a great deal of pains and
trouble, got all the guns, shot and other stores on
board, intended on the design which we came out
first for; but the wind not serving, the commander
sent out his scouts into the woods, to seek for the
enemy; and four of our Indians came upon three
Frenchmen undiscovered, who concluded thak-if

200

WAR WITH THE

the French should discover them they would fire
at them, and might kill one or more of them,
which to prevent they fired at the French, killed
one, and took the other two prisoners. And it
happened that he who was killed was Shanelere,
the chief man there. The same day they mended
their whale-boats, and the shallop which they
took, fitting her to row with eight oars, that she
might be helpful to the prosecution of their in
tended design against the enemy, in their return
homeward. Then the C'ommander, ordering all
the officers to come together, informed them of his
intentions, and ordered that no vessel should de
part from the fleet, but to attend the motions of
their Commodore, as formerly, except they were
parted by storms or thick fogs; and if so it should
1 appen that any should part, when they came to
Fassemaquaddy they should stop there awhile, for
there they intended to stop, and do business, with
the help of their boats, against the enemy; and if
they missed that, to stop at Machias, which was
the next place he intended to stop at, having an
account by the prisoners taken, that Mr. Lateril
was there trading with the Indians in that river.
Encouraging them, he said, he did not doubt but
to have a good booty there. And if they should
pass those two places, be sure not to pass Naskege
point, but to stop there till he came, and not to de
part from thence in a fortnight without his orders,
having great service to do in and about Penobscot,
&,c. Then the Major discoursed with Captains
Brackit, Hunewell and Larking, and their Lieu
tenants, commanders of the forces belonging to
the eastern parts, who were to discourse with their
soldiers about their proceedings when they came

EASTERN INDIANS. 201

to Penobscot; and the Major himself was to dis
course with his Indian soldiers and their captains,
who with all the rest readily complied. The pro
jection being such, that when they came to Pe-
nobscot, the Commander designed to take what
provisions could be spared out of all the sloops,
and put on board the two brigantines, and to send
all the sloops home with some of the officers and
men that wanted to be at home. And then, with
those forces before mentioned, viz. the Eastward
men and all the Indians; and to take what provi
sions and ammunition were needful, and to inarch
himself up into the Penobscot country, in search
for the enemy, and if possible to take the fort in
Penobscot river. Captain Brackit informed the
Major, that when the water was low they could
wade over, which was at that time the lowest that
had been known in a long time; and being there,
to range through that country down to Pemequid,
where he intended the two brigantines should meet
them. And from thence taking more provisions,
viz. bread, salt and ammunition suitable, to send
those two vessels home also, to travel through the
country to Neridgiwack,* and from thence to
Ameras-cogen fort, and so down where the enemy
used to plant, riot doubting but that in all this
travel to meet with many of the enemy before
they should get to Piscataqua. All which inten
tions were very acceptable to the forces that were
to undertake it, who, rejoicing, said, they had
rather go home by land than by water, provided
their Commander went with them, who, to try
their fidelity, said he was grown ancient, and

* Norridgewock.

202 WAR WITH THE

might fail them. They all said, they would not
leave him, and when he could not travel any fur
ther they would carry him. Having done what
service they could at and about the mouth of St.
Johns river, resolved on their intended design;
and the next morning having but little wind, carne
all to sail; the wind coming against them, they
put into Mushquash cove, and the next day ' j e
wind still being against them, the Major with part
of his forces landed, and employed themselves in
ranging the country for the enemy, but to no pur
pose. In the night the wind came pretty fair,
and at 12 o'clock they came to sail, and had not
been out long before they espied three sails of ves
sels; expecting them to be French, fitted to de
fend themselves; so coming near, hailed them, and
found them to be a man of war, the Province
Galley, and old Mr. Alden* in a sloop, with more
forces, Colonel Hathornef Commander. Major
Church went aboard the Commodore, where Col.
Hathorne was, who gave him an account of his
commission and orders, and read them to him.
Then his Honor told Major Church, that there
was a particular order on board Capt. Southack
for him, which is as folio weth.J

* This is the Mr. Alden mentioned by Hutchinson, who
was imprisoned for witchcraft, at Saiem, and was examined
by Major Hawthorn, under whom he appears in this expe
dition.

f Hawthorn. — HUTCH, vol. ii. p. 94.

j Hutchinson says " this was an impolitic measure of the
government, unless any misconduct in Church made it ne
cessary that he should be superceded;" but this he does not
make appear, nor any other author except Charlevoix.
Colonel Church could not but be offended at their conduct,
and we need not wonder, that, after this, things went on
heavily.

EASTERN INDIANS. 203

Boston, September 9, 1696.
SIR,

His Majesty's ship Orford having lately sur
prised a French shallop, with twenty-three of the
soldiers belonging to the fort upon Johns river,
in Nova-Scotia, together with Villeau, their Cap
tain, Providence seems to encourage the forming
of an expedition to attack that fort, and to disrest
and remove the enemy from that post, which is
the chief source from whence the most of our dis
asters do issue, and also to favour with an oppor
tunity for gaining out of their hands the ordnance,
artillery, and other warlike stores, and provisions,
lately supplied to them from France, for erecting
a new fort near the river's mouth, whereby they
will be greatly strengthened, and the reducing of
them rendered more difficult. I have therefore
ordered a detachment of two new companies, con
sisting of about a hundred men to join the forces
now with you for that expedition, and have com
missioned Lieut. Col. John Hathorne, one of the
members of his Majesty's Council, who is ac
quainted with that river, and in whose courage
and conduct I repose special trust, to take the
chief command of the whole during that service,
being well assured that your good affections and
zeal for his Majesty's service will induce your
ready compliance and assistance therein, which, I
hope, will take up no long time, and be of great
benefit and advantage to these his Majesty's ter
ritories, if it please God to succeed the same.
Besides, it is very probable to be the fairest op
portunity, that can be offered unto yourself and
men, of doing execution upon the Indian enemy
and rebels, who may reasonably be expected to

204 WAR WITH THE

be drawn to the defence of that fort. I have also
ordered his Majesty's ship Arundel, and the
Province galley to attend this service.

Col. Hathorne will communicate unto you the
contents of his commission and instructions reciev-
ed from myself for this expedition, which I expect
and order that yourself, officers and soldiers, now
under you, yield obedience unto. He is to advise
with yourself and others in all weighty attempts.
Praying for a blessing from Heaven upon the said
enterprise, and that all engaged in the same may
be under the special protection of the Almighty;
1 am your loving friend,

WILLIAM STOUGHTON.

The Major having read his last orders, and con
sidering his commission, found that he was obliged
to attend all orders, &LC. was much concerned
that he and his were prevented in their intended
projection, if carried rnck to St. Johns. Then
discoursing with Col. Hathorne, gave him an ac
count of what they had done at St. Johns, viz.
That as to the demolishing the new fort, they had
done it, and got all their great guns and stores
aboard their vessels; and that if it had not been
that the waters were so low, would have
taken the fort up the river; also before he came
away. Told him also that one of the prisoners
which he had taken at St. John's, upon examina
tion, concerning the Indians in those parts, told
him, it was as hard for Filboon,* their Governor to
get one of their Indians down to the water-side,
as to carry one of those great guns upon his back;

* Villebon.,

EASTERN INDIANS. ***>

and that they had an account of him and his foiv<>s
coming to those parts by a prisoner out of Boston
goal. Also told his Honour, that if they went back,
it would wholly disappoint them of their doing an}
further service, which they came for to Penobscoi,
and places adjacent. But all was to no purpose,
his Honour telling the Major that he uiust attend
his orders then received. And to encourage the
officers and soldiers, told them they should be-
wholly at the Major's ordering and command in
the whole action. And to be short did go back,
and the event may be seen in Col. Hathorae's
journal of the said action.*' Only I must observe
one thing by the way. When they drew off to
come down the river again, Col. Hathorne came
off and left the Major behind to see that all the
forces were drawn off, who coming down the
river, in or near the rear, in the night heard a
person halloo, not knowing at first but it might be
a snare to draw them into, but upon consideration,
sent to see who or what he was, found him to be
a negro man belonging to Marblehead, that had
been taken, and kept a prisoner among them for
some time. The Major "asked him, whether he

* It is not particularly mentioned about this expedition
in any thing extant. It appears that the French com
mander, Villebon, had notice of their return, and had pre
pared to receive them. They effected a landing, Oct. 7;
not, however, without opposition. They raised a battery
near the fort, on which they planted two field-pieces, and
commenced an attack upon it. The following night being
very cold, the English made fires that they might not per
ish; but this being a mark for the enemy *s cannon, were
obliged to put thera out, and suffer the inclemencies 01' ihe
weather. Their clothing being as it were worn our, ren
dered their situation intolerable. No mention is made of
the number killed in these encounters,

18

206 WAR WITH THE

could give any account of the Indians in those
parts? He said yes, they were or had been al
drawn off from the sea coast, up into the woods
near an hundred miles, having had an account by
a prisoner out of Boston gaol, that Major Church
and his forces were coming out against them in
four brigantines, and four sloops, with 24 petti-
augers, meaning whale-boats, which put them into
a fright, that notwithstanding they were so far up
in the woods, were afraid to make fires by day, les
he and his forces should discover the smokes, am
in the night lest they should see the light. On
thing more, I would just give a hint of, that is
how the French in the eastward parts were much
surprised at the motion of the whale-boats. They
said, there was no abiding for them in that coun
try. And I have been informed since, that soon
after this expedition, they drew off from St. Johns
fort and river. But to return. Going all down
the river, they embarked and went homeward. By
the way, Candid Reader, I would let you kno>N
of two things that proved very prejudicial to
jor Church and his forces. The first was, tha
the government should miss it so much as to sent
any prisoner away from Boston before the expe
dition was over. Secondly, that they should sem
Col. Hathorne to take them from the service am
business they went to do; who, with submission
doubtless thought they did for the best, though i
proved to the contrary. So shall wind up with a
just hint of what happened, at their coming home
to Boston. After all their land service, both
night and day, the government took away all the
gr*at guns, and warlike stores, and gave them
not a penny for them, except some powder

EASTERN INDIANS. 207

and that they gave what they pleased for. And
besides the Assembly passed a vote, that they
should have but half pay. But his Honour, the
Lieutenant Governor being much disturbed at
their so doing, went into the Town-House, where
the Representatives were sitting, and told them,
except they did reassume that vote, which was to
cut Major Church and his forces oif their half-pay,
they should sit there till the next spring. Where,
upon it was reassumed; so that they had just
their bare wages. But as yet never had any al
lowance for the great guns and stores; neither has
Major Church had any allowance for all his travel
and great expenses in raising the said forces.

FIFTH # LAST EXPEDITION EAST.

IN the year 1703 — 4, Major Church had an ac
count of the miserable devastations made on
Deerfield,* a town in the westward parts of this
Province, and tjie horrible barbarities and cruel
ties exercised on those poor innocent people, by
the French and Indians; especially of their cruel
ties toward that worthy gentlewoman, Mrs. Wil
liams,* and several others, whom they marched in
that extreme season, forcing them to carry great
loads, and when any of them by their hard usage
could not bare with it, they were knocked on the
head, and so killed in cool blood. All which,
with some other horrible instances done by those
barbarous savages, which Major Church himself
was an eye-witness to, in his former travels in chc

* See Appendix,

WAR WITH TIKE

eastward parts, did much astonish him. To see a
woman that those barbarous savages had taken
and killed, exposed in the most brutish manner
that can be expressed, with a young child seized
fast with strings to her breast; which infant had
no apparent wound, doubtless was left alive to
suck his dead mother's breast, and so miserably
to perish. Also to see other poor children hang
ing upon fences dead, of either sex, in their own
poor rags, not worth theh- stripping them of, in
scorn and derision. Anoiher instance was, of a
straggling soldier, who was found at Casco, ex*
posed in a shameful and barbarous manner. His
body being staked up, his head cut off, and a hog's
head set in the * room, his body ripped up, and his
heart and inwards taken out, and private members
cut off, and hung with belts of their own, the in
wards at one side of his body, and his privates at
the other, in scorn and derision of the English sol
diers, &c. These and such like barbarities caus
ed Maj. Church to express himself to this purpose,
4- that if he were Commander in Chief of these
provinces, he would soon put an end to those bar
barities done by the barbarous enemy, by making
it his whole buisness to fight and destroy those
savages, as they did our poor neighbours; which
doubtless might have been done if rightly man
aged, and that in a short time." So that these,
with the late inhumanities done upon the inhabi
tants of Deerficlcl, made such an impression on his
heart as cannot well be expressed; so that his
blood boiled within him. Making such impulses
on his mind, that he forgot all former treatments,
which were enough to hinder any man, especially
the said Maj. Church, from doing any further sex-

EASTERN INDIANS. 209

vice. Notwithstanding all which, having a mind
to take some satisfaction on the enemy, his heart
feeing full, took his horse and went from his own
habitation, near seventy miles, to wait upon his
Excellency, and offered his service to the Queen,
his Excellency and the country, which was readi
ly accepted of. He desired Maj. Church to draw
a scheme for the ensuing action, or actions; so
taking leave went home, and drew it; which is as
followetli.

Tiverton, February 5, 1703.

MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY,

According to your request, when I
was last with yourself, and in obedience thereun
to, I present you with these following lines, that
concern the preparation for next spring's expedi
tion, to attack the enemy. According to my for
mer direction, for it is good to have a full stroke
at them first, before they have opportunity to run
for it; for the first of our action will be our op
portunity to destroy them, and to prevent their
running away, in way-laying every passage; and
make them know we are in good earnest, and so
we being in a diligent use of means, may hope
for a blessing from the Almighty, and that He
will be pleased to put a dread in their hearts, that
they may fall before us and perish. For my ad
vice is,

1st, That ten or twelve hundred good able sol
diers, well equipped, be in a readiness fit for action,
by the first of April at farthest, for then, will be
the time to be upon action.

2dly, That five and forty or fifty good whale-
boats be had ready, well fitted, with five good,
18*

210 WAR WITH THE

oars, and twelve or fifteen good paddles to each
boat; and upon the wale of each boat five pieces
of strong leather be fastened on each side, to slip
five strong ash bars through, so that, whenever
they land, the men may step overboard, and slip
in said bars across, and take up said boat, that
»she may not be hurt against the rocks; and that
two suitable brass kettles be provided to belong
to each boat, to cook the men's victuals in, to
make their lives comfortable.

3dly, That four or five hundred pair of good
Indian shoes be made ready, fit for the service, for
the English and Indians, that must improve the
whale-boats, and birch canoes, for they will be
very proper, and safe for that service; and let
there be a good store of cow-hides, well tanned,
lor a supply of such shoes; and hemp to make
thread, and wax, to mend and make more such
shoes when wanted, and a good store of awls.

'It.hly, That there be an hundred large hatchets,
or light axes, made pretty broad, and steeled with
the best steel that can be gotten, (and made by
workmen, that they may cut well, and hold, that
the hemlock knots may not break or turn them,)
TO widen the landing place up the fulls, for it may
happen that we may get up, with some of our
•whale-boats, to their falls or headquarters.

5thly, That there be a suitable quantity of
small bags, or wallets provided, that every man
that wants may have one, to put up his bullets in,
of such a size as will fit his gun, and not be serv
ed as at Casco. That every man's bag be so
marked that he may not change it. For if so,
it will make a great con/uaion in ..action. That
every imai's store of ball be weighed to him, fc&at

EASTERN INDIANS. 211

so he may be accountable, and may not squander
it away. And also his store of powder, that so
he may try his powder and gun before action.
And that every particular company may have a
barrel of powder to themselves, and so marked
that it may by no means be changed; that men
may know before hand, and may not be cheated
out of their lives, by having bad powder; or not
knowing how to use it. This will prove a great
advantage to the action.

6thly, That Col. John Gorham, if he may be
prevailed with, may be concerned in the manage
ment of the whale-boats, he having been formerly
concerned in the eastern parts, and experienced
in that affair. And whale-men will be very ser
viceable in this expedition, which having a prom
ise made to them, that they shall be released in
good season, to go a whaling in the fall, your
Excellency will have men enough.

Tthly, That there may be raised for this ser
vice three hundred Indians at least, and more if
they may be had; for I know certainly of my own
knowledge, that they exceed most of our English
in hunting and skulking in the woods, being al
ways used to it; and it must be practised if ever
we intend to destroy those Indian enemies.

Sthly, That the soldiers already out eastward
in the service, men of known judgment, may take
a survey of them and their arms; and see if their
arms be good, and that they know how to use
them, in shooting right at a mark; and that they
be men of good reason and sence, to know how
to manage themselves in so difficult a piece of ser
vice, as this Indian hunting is; for bad men are
but a clogg and hindrance to an army, being a

212 WAR WITH THE

trouble and vexation to good commanders, and so
many mouths to devour the country's provision,
and a hindrance to all good action.

9thly, That special care be had in taking up
the whale-boats, that they be good and fit for that
service ; so that the country be not cheated, as
formerly, in having rotten boats ; and as much
care that the owners may have good satisfaction
for them.

lOthly, That the tenders or transports, vessels
to be improved in this action, be good decked
vessels, not too big, because of going up several
rivers; having four or six small guns apiece for4
defence, and the fewer men will defend them; and
there are enough such vessels to be had.

llthly, To conclude all, if your Excellency
will be pleased to make yourself great, and us a
happy people, as to the destroying of our enemies,
and easing of our taxes, &c. be pleased to draw
forth all those forces now in pay in all the eastward
parts, both at Saco and Casco Bay; for those two
trading houses never did any good, nor ever will,
and are not worthy the name of Queen's forts;
and the first building of them had no other ellect
than to lay us under tribute to that wretched pa
gan crew, and 1 hope they will never be wanted
for what they were first built. But sure it is, they
are very serviceable to them, for they get many a
good advantage of us to destroy our men, and
laugh at us for our folly, that we should be at so
much cost and trouble* to do a thing that does us so
much harm, and no manner of good. But to the
contrary, when they see all our forces drawn forth,
and in the pursuit of them, they will think that
we begin to be roused up, and to be awakened,

EASTERN INDIANS.

and will not be satisfied with what they have
pleased to leave us, but are resolved to retake
from them what they formerly took from us, and
drive them out of their country also. The which
being done, then to build a fort at a suitable time,
and in a convenient place; and it will be very
honourable to your Excellency, and of great ser
vice to her Majesty, and to the enlargement of
her Majesty's government. The place meant is
at Port Royal.

I2thly, That the objection made against draw
ing off the forces in the eastward parts will be no
damage to the inhabitants; for former experience
teaches us, that so soon as drawn into their coun
try, they will presently forsake ours to take care
of their own. That there be no failure in mak
ing preparation of these things aforementioned,
(for many times the want of small things prevents
the completing of great actions;) and that every
thing be in readiness before the forces be raised,
to prevent charges, and the enemy having intelli
gence. And that the General Court be moved
to make suitable acts, for the encouraging both
English and Indians; that so men of buisness may
freely offer estates and concerns to serve the
publick.

Thus hoping what I have taken the pains to
write in the sincerity of my heart and good affec
tions, will be well accepted; I make bold to sub
scribe, as I am, your Excellency's most devoted
humble servant,

BENJAMIN CHURCH.

Then returning to his Excellency presented the
said scheme, which his Excellency approved of ;

214 WAR WITH THE

and returned it again to Maj. Church, and desired
him to see that every thing was provided, telling
him that he should have an order from the Commis
sary General to proceed. Then returned home
and made it his whole business to provide oars and
paddles, and a vessel to carry them round; and
then returned again to his Excellency, who gave
him a commission. Which is as followeth.

JOSEPH DUDLEY,* Esq. Captain General
and Governor in Chief in and over her Majes
ty's Provinces of the Massachusetts-Bay and
New-Hampshire, in New-England, in Ameri
ca, and Vice-Admiral of the same.

To BENJAMIN CHURCH, Esq. Greeting.
" BY virtue of the power and authority, in and
by her Majesty's royal commission, to me grant
ed, I do by these presents, reppsing special trust
and confidence in your loyalty, courage, and good
conduct, constitute and appoint you to be Colonel
of all the forces raised, or to be raised for. her Ma
jesty's service, against the French and. Indian, ene
my and rebels, that shall be improved in the ser
vice to the eastward of Casco Bay; and to be Cap
tain of the first company of the said forces. You are
therefore carefully and dilligently to perform the

* Mr. Dudley was educated- at Harvard College. When
Sir Edmund Andros was Governor, Mr. Dudley was pres
ident of the Council and wa's seized upon as belonging to
his party. He was imprisoned for sometime, and treated
with inhumanity. King William sent for him to England.
He embarked Feb. 1689. In 1690, he went over to New-
York, and was Chief Justice of that province. But he
never was satisfied any where but in the Chief Magistracy
of Massachusetts. He was succeeded by Governor Shute,
1716, and died, 1720.

EASTERN INDIANS. 215

duty of a Colonel and Captain by leading, order
ing and exercising the said regiment and compa
ny in arms, both inferior officers and soldiers, and
to keep them in good order and discipline. Here
by commanding them to obey you as their Colonel
and Captain ; and with them to do and execute all
acts of hostility against the said enemy and rebels.
And you are to observe and follow such orders
and directions as you shall receive from myself,
or other your superior officer, according to the
rules and discipline of war, pursuant to the trust
reposed in you. Given under my hand and seal
at arms, at Boston, the 18th day of March, in
the third year of her Majesty's reign, Anno
Dom. 1703.

By his Excellency's command,

J. DUDLEY.
ISAAC ADDINGTON, Sec.

Col. Church no sooner received his commission,
but proceeded to the raising of men volunteers,
by going into every town within the three coun
ties, which were formerly Plymouth government,
and advising with the chief officer of each com
pany, to call his company together, that so he
might have the better opportunity to discourse
and encourage them to serve their Queen and
country. Treating them with drink convenient,
told them he did not doubt but with God's bless
ing to bring them all home again. All which,
with many other arguments, animated their
hearts to do service, so that he enlisted out of
some companies near twenty men, and others fif
teen. He having raised a sufficient number of
English soldiers, proceeded to the enlisting of

216 WAR WITH THE

Indians in all those parts where they dwelt, which
was a great fatigue and expense ; being a people
that need much treating, especially with drink,
&c. Having enlisted the most of his soldiers in
those parts, who daily lay upon him, and were not
less than 51. per day expences, some days, in vic
tuals and drink ; who doubtless thought (especial
ly the English) that the country would have re
imbursed it again, otherwise they would have
hardly accepted it of him. Col. Church's sol
diers both English and Indians in those parts
being raised, he marched them all down to Nan-
tasket, according to his Excellency's directions.
Where being come, the following gentlemen were
commissioned to be commanders of each particu
lar company, viz. Lieut. Col. Gorham, Captains
John Brown, Constant Church, James Cole,
John Dyer, John Cook, Caleb Williamson and
Edward Church, of the forces raised by Col.
Church, each company being filled up with Eng
lish and Indians as they agreed among themselves,
and by the Colonel's, directions. Capt. Lamb,
and Capt. Mirick's company, who were raised
by his Excellency's direction, were ordered to
join those aforesaid, under the command of Col.
Church. Matters being brought thus far on, Col.
Church waited upon his Excellency at Boston to
know his pleasure, what further measures were to
be taken ; and did humbly move that they might
have liberty in their instructions to make an at
tack uponVort-Royal. Being very well satisfied
in his opinion, that with the blessing of God, what
forces they had or should have ; and whale-boats
so well tilted with oars and paddles, as they had
with them, mi«hfr be sufficient to have taken it.

EASTERN INDIANS.

His Excellency, looking upon Col. Church, re
plied, he could not admit of that, by reason of
the advice of her Majesty's Council, he had to
write to her Majesty about the taking of Port-
Royal fort, and how it should be disposed of when
taken, &,c. However, Col. Church proceeded
to get every thing ready for the forces down at
Nantasket, which was the place of parade. He
happening one day to be at Capt. Belcher's,
where his Excellency happened to come, was
pleased to order Colonel Church to put on his
sword, and walk with him up the common, which
he readily complied with. Where being come
he saw two mortar pieces* with shells, and an en
gineer trying with them, to throw a shell from
them to any spot of ground where he said it should
fall. Which, when Col. Church had seen done,
gave him great encouragement and hopes that it
would promote their going to Port Royal, which
he had solicited. Returning from thence, and com
ing near to Capt. William Clark's house, over
against the Horse-shoe, his Excellency was in
vited by Capt. Clark to walk over and take a
glass of wine, which he was pleased to accept of,
and took Col. Church with him. And in the
time they were taking a glass of wine, Col.
Church once more presumed to say to his Excel
lency, " Sir, I hope that now we shall go to Poit
Royal in order to take it; those mortars 'being
very suitable for such an enterprise." His Ex
cellency was pleased to reply ; u Col. Church,
you must say no more of that matter, for the let
ter I told you of, I wrote by the advice of her
Majesty's Council, now lies at home on the board
before the Lor Js Commissioners of her Majesty's
19

WAR WITH THE

foreign plantations/5 &c. After seme days
every thing being ready to embark, Col. Church
received his instructions, which are as followeth.

By his Excellency JOSEPH DUDLEY, Esq. Cap
tain General and Governor in Chief, in and
over her Majesty's Province of the Massachu
setts-Bay, &c. in New-England, and Vice-Ad-
miral of the same.

INSTRUCTIONS for Colonel BENJAMIN CHURCH,
in the present expedition.

" In pursuance of the Commission given to you,
to take the chief command of the land and sea
forces by me raised, equipped, and set forth on her
Majesty's service, against her open declared ene
mies the French and Indian rebels, you are to
observe the following instructions.

" First, you are to take care, that the duties
of religion be attended to on board the several ves
sels, and in the several companies under your
command, by daily prayers unto God, and m.dirg
his holy word. And that the Lord's day be ob
served and duly sanctified to the utmost of your
power, as far as the circumstances and necessity
of the service can admit, that you may have the
presence of God with, and obtain his blessing on,
your undertaking.

tg You are to to take care, that your soldiers
have their due allowance of provisions and other
necessaries; that their arms be well fixed, and kept
fit for service, and that tin y be furnished with a
suitable quantity of }o valor and ball, and be al
ways in readiness to pass upon duty.

EASTERN INDIANS. 219

" That good order and discipline be maintained,
and all disorders, drunkenness, profane swearing,
iursing, omission or neglect of duty, disobedience
to officers, mutiny, desertion, and sedition be duly
punished according to the rules and articles of \\;i;
Ihe which you are once a month, or oftener, to
•3ause to be published, and made known to your
)fficers and soldiers for their observance and fit-
Section in their duty. Lit notorious and capital
offenders be sent away to the next garrisons, th> » •
;o be imprisoned until they can be proceeded v*

u Let the sick and wounded be carefully looked
ifter, and accommodated after the best manner
four circumstances will admit of, and be sent ei-
'her to Casco-Fort, or to Mr. Peperel's at Kitte-
j-y,* which may be the easier, so soon as you can.

" You are forthwith to send away the forces and
ptores by the transports, with the whale-boats to
Piscataqua, ou Kittery side, there to attend your
joining; whither you are to follow them with all
sxpedition.

" You are to embark in the Province-Galley,
2apt. Southack,f commander, and let Lieut. Co!..
.G-orham go on board Capt. Gallop; who are both
Directed to attend your motion on the French sid<-,
ifter which they are to return. Let the com
manders of all the store sloops and transports know
,hat they sail, anchor, and serve at your discretion.

" When you sail from Piscataqua, keep at such
listance off the shore, that you be not observed
)y the enemy to alarm them. Stop at Montini-
ms, and there embark the forces in the whale-

* Nearly opposite, Portsmouth, N. H.
t Reported as a man of great personal courage, but not
dequate to any considerable command.

220 WAR WITH THE

boats for the main, to range that part of the coun
try in search of the enemy, to Mount-Desart,
sending the vessels to meet you there; and after
having refreshed and recruited your soldiers, pro
ceed to Machias, and from thence to Passame-
quado;* and having effected what spoils you pos
sibly may upon the enemy in those parts, embark
on your vessels for Menis and Signecto,f to Port
ll>yd gut Use all possible methods for the
burning and destroying of the enemy's houses,
rmd breaking the darns of their corn grounds in
the said several places, and make what other Spoils
you can upon them, and bring away the prisoners.
In your return call at Penobscot, and do what
you can there, and so proceed westward.

u This will probably employ you a month or six
weeks; when you will draw together again, and by
the latter end of June consider whether you can
inarch to Norrigewack,J or other paiAts of their
planting, to destroy their corn and settlements,
and keep the expedition on foot until the middle
of August next.

" Notwithstanding the particularity of the afore
going instruction, I lay you under no restraint, be
cause I am well assured of your courage, care,
caution and industry; but refer you to your own
resolves, by the advice of your Commissioned Of
ficers, not under the degree of Captains, and the
sea Commissioned Captains, whom you will, as
often as you can, advise with, according to the in
telligence you may receive, or as you may find
needful upon the spot.

" You are, by every opportunity, and once a
Vv -<>ek certainly, by some means, either by the way

* Passioiaquady. | Chi^necto. * Norridgewock.

EAStERN INDIANS. 221

f Casco, Piscataqua, or otherwise to acquaint
ne of your proceedings, and all occurrences, and
vhat may be further necessary for the service.
!lnd to observe such further and other instructions
is you shall receive from myself.

" As often as you may, advise with Capt. Smith
ind Capt. Rogers, Commanders of her Majesty's
;hips.

" Let your Minister, Commissary and Surgeons
je treated with just respects. I pray to God to
reserve, prosper and succeed you.

" Given under my hand at Boston, the fourth
lay of May, 1704 " J. DUDLEY."

Pursuant to his instructions lie sent away his
ransports and forces to Piscataqua, but was oblig-
id himself to wait upon his Excellency by land to
Piscataqua, in order to raise more forces in the
vay thither; and did raise a company under the
jommand of Capt. Harridon. Took care also to
)rovide a pilot for them in the Bay of Fundy,

Jol. Church being directed to one '— Fellows,

rvhom he met with at Ipswich. And going from
hence to Piscataqua with his Excellency, was
net by that worthy gentleman Maj. Winthrop
Hilton,* who was very helpful to him in the whole
expedition, whose name and memory ought not to
DC forgotten. Being ready to embark from Pis-
3ataqua; Col. Church requested the Commanders

* Afterwards Col. Hilton. He is mentioned by other
writers, as a " meritorious citizen." He had been success-
ul in capturing Indians, and like Maj. Waldron, was doom-
Mi to fall by savage hands. In 1710, Col. Hilton with two
•thers, were am bashed and killed by Indians in Exeter,-
Stew-Hampshire.

19*

< WAR WITH THE

cf her Majesty's ships, Oapt. Smith and Capt.
Rogers, to tarry at Piseataqua a fortnight, that so
Ibe.y might noi be discovered by the enemy before
he had done some spoil upon them. Then moving
in their transports, as directed, got safe into Mon-
t<nieus, undiscovered by the enemy. Next morn
ing early fitted out two whale-boats with men,
Capt. John Cook in one, and Capt. Constant
Church in the other, and sent them to Green-Isl
and, upon a discovery. And coming there they
parted, one went to one part, and the other to
another part, that so they might not miss of what
could be discovered. Here they met with old
Ij'i fan re with his two son?, Thomas and Timothy,
rnd a Canada Indian. The enemy seeing that
t'uy were discovered, threw down their ducks and
tg^s, Laving got a considerable quantity of each,
arid ran to their canoes, got into them, and stood
directly for the Main. Looking behind them,
perceived the whale-boats to gain so fast upon
them, clapt side by side, and all four got into one
canoe, which proved of little advantage to them,
for the whale-boats gained so much upon them,
and got so near that Capt. Cook, firing at the
steerVman, which was the Indian, and happened
to graze his skull, and quite spoiled his paddling.
\Jpon which old jLafaure and sons, seeing their
companion's condition, soon begged for quarter,
and had it granted. The two Captains with their
success presently returned to their Commander,
taking care that their captives should not discourse
together before they were examined; when brought
to Col. Church, he ordered them to be apart, and
first proceeded to examine old Lafaure, whom he
found to be very surly and cross, so that he cjuid

EASTERN INDIANS. ££3

gain no manner of intelligence by him. .Upon
which the Commander was resolved to put in prac
tice what he had formerly done at Senecto. Or
dering the Indians to make two large heaps of
dry wood, at some distance one from the other,
arid to set a large stake in the ground, close to
each heap; then ordered the two sons, Thomas
and Timothy, to be brought, and to be bound to
the stakes; also ordering his Indians to paint them
selves with colours, which they had brought for
that use. Then the Colonel proceeded to exam
ine first Timothy, and told him, he had examined
his father already, and that if he told him the
truth he would save his life, and take him into his
service, and that he should have good pay and
live well. He answered, that he would tell him
the truth, and gave him an account of every thing
he knew, which was all minuted down. He be
ing asked whether his brother Thomas did not
know more than he ? his answer was, Yes, for
his brother Thomas had a Commission sent him
from the Governor of Canada, to command a com
pany of Indians, who were gathered together at a
place where some French gentlemen lately arriv
ed from Canada, who were Officers to command
the rest that were to go westward to fight the
English, and that there was sent to his father and
brother Tom, a considerable quantity of flower,
fruit, ammunition and stores, for the supply of the
said army. He being asked, whether he could
pilot our forces to them? said No; but his broth
er Tom could, for he had hid it, and that he was
not then with him. The Colonel asked him, what
gentlemen those were that came from Canada?
HJ answered Monsieur Gourdan, and Mr. Shar-

WAR WITH THE

kee. B^-ing asked where they were? answered,
at Passamequado, building a fort. Being asked
what number of Indians and French there were
at Penobscot ? he answered, there were several
families, but they lived scattering. Asked him
further, if he would pilot our forces thither? An
swered, he would if the Commander would not let
the savages roast him. Upon which the Colonel
ordered him to be loosed from the stake, and took
him by the hand, told him, he would be as kind to
him as his own father; at which he seemed to be
very thankful. And then the Colonel proceeded
to examine his brother Tom, and told him that he
had examined his father and brother, and that his
brother had told him every tittle he knew, and
that he knew more than his brother Timothy did;
and that if he would be ingenuous and confess all
he knew, he should fare as well as his brother;
but if not, the savages should roast him. Where
upon he solemnly promised that he would, and
that he would pilot him to every thing he knew,
to the value of a knife and sheath, which without
doubt he did. Then the Colonel immediately
gave orders for the whale-boats to be ready, and
went directly over where the said goods and stores
were, and found them as informed, took them on
board the boats, and returned to their transports.
And ordering provisions to be put into every man's
knapsack for six or eight days, in the dusk of the
evening left their transports, with orders how they
should act. Then went directly for the main land
of Penobscot, and mouth of that river, with their
pilots Tom and Timothy, who carried them direct
ly to every place and habitation, both of French
and Indians thereabouts, with the assistance of

EASTERN INDIANS. 225

one De Young, whom they carried out of Boston
gaol for the same purpose, and he was very ser
viceable to them. Beinsr there we killed and

o

took every on'3, both French and Indians, not
knowing that any one did escape in all Penobscot
Among those that were taken was St. Casteen's
daughter, who said that her husband was gone to
France, to her father Monsieur Casteen. She
having her children with her, the Commander was
very kind to her and them. All the prisoners
that were then taken, held to one story in general,
which they had from Lafaure's sons. That there
were no more Indians thereabouts, but enough of
them at Passamequado; upon which they soon re
turned to the transports with their prisoners and
plunder. The Commander giving order immedi
ately for the soldiers in the whale-boats to have a
recruit of provisions for a further pursuit of the
enemy, giving orders to the transports to stay a
few days more there, and then go to Mount-Des-
art, and there to stay for her Majesty's ships, who
were directed to come thither, and wait his further
order. Then Col. Church with his forces i«ime>-
diately embarked on board their whale-boats, and
proceeded to scour the coast, and to try if they
could discover any of the enemy coming from Pas
samequado; making their stops in the daytime at
all the points and places were they where certain
the enemy would land, or come by with their ca
noes, and at night to their paddles. Then com
ing near where the vessels were ordered to come,
having made no discovery of the enemy, went di
rectly to Mount-Desart, where the transports were
just come; arid taking some provisions for his sol
diers, gave direction for the ships and transports

226 WAR WITH THE

in six days to come directly to Passamequado,
where they should find him and his forces. Then
immediately moved away in the whale-boats, and
made diligent search along shore, as formerly, in
specting all places where the enemy were likely
to lurk , particularly at Muchias; but found nei
ther fires nor tracks. Coming afterwards to the
west harbour at Passamequado, 'where they enter
ed upon action; an account whereof Col. Church
did communicate to his Excellency, being as
followeth.

MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY,

t; I receivec) yours of this instant,
October 9th, with the two inclosed informations,
that concern my actions at Passamequado, which
I will give a just and true account of as near as
I possibly can, viz. on the 7th of June last, 1704.
In the evening we entered in at the westward har-
b;>ur at said Passamequado ; coming up said har
bour to an island, where landing, we came to a
French house and took a French woman and
children, the woman upon her examination said,
her husband was abroad a fishing. I asked her
whether there were any Indians thereabouts 1
She said yes ; there were a great many, and sev
eral on that island. I asked her, whether she
could pilot me to them ? Said no ; they hid in
the woods. I asked her when she saw them ?
Answered, just now, or a little while since. I
asked her whether she knew where they had laid
the canoes ? She answered, . No ; they carried
their canoes into the woods with them. We then
hastened away along shore, seizing what prison
ers we could, taking old Lotriel and his family.

EASTERN INDIANS. 221

This intelligence caused me to leave Col. Gor-
ham, and a considerable part of my men, and
boats, with him at that island, partly to guard and
secure those prisoners, being sensible it would be
a great trouble to have them to secure and guard
at our next landing, where I did really expect,
and hoped to have an opportunity to fight our In
dian enemies. For all our French prisoners that
we had taken at Penobscot, and along shore, had
informed us, that when we came to the place
where these Canada gentlemen lived, we should
certainly meet with the savages to fight us. (Those
being the only men that set the Indians against
us, or upon us, and were newly come from Cana
da, to manage the war against us,) pleading in
this account and information their own innocency,
and partly in hopes that he, the said Col. Gorham
would have a good opportunity in the morning to
destroy some of those our enemies, (we were in
formed by the said French woman as above) with
the use of his boats, as I had given direction. Or
dering also Maj. Hilton to pass over to the next
island, that lay east of us, with a small party of
men and boats, to surprise and destroy any of the
enemy that in their canoes might go here and
there, from any place, to make their flight from
us, and as he had opportunity, to take any French
prisoners. We then immediately moved up the
river, in the dark night, through great difficulty,
by reason of the eddies and whirlpools, made with
the fierceness of the current. And here it may
be hinted, that we had information that Lotriel
had lost part of his family passing over to the next
island, falling into one of those eddies were
drowned, which the two pilots told to -discourage

229 WAR WITH THE

me. But I said " nothing of that nature shall
do it ;55 for I was resolved to venture up, and
therefore forthwith paddling our boats as privately
as we could, and with as much expedition as we
could make with our paddles, and the help of a
strong tide, we came up to Monsieur Gourdan's
a little before day. Where taking notice of the
shore, and finding it somewhat open and clear, I
ordered Capt. Mirick and Capt. Cole, having
English companies, to tarry with several of the
boats, to be ready, that if any of the enemy should
come down out of the brush into the bay, (it being
very broad in that place) with their canoes, that
they might take and destroy them. Ordering the
remainder of the army, being landed, with my
self and the other officers to march up into the
woods, with a wide front, and to keep at a consid
erable distance ; for that if they should run in
heaps the enemy would have the greater advan
tage. And further directing them, that, if possi
ble, they should destroy the enemy with their
hatchets, and not fire a gun. This order I al
ways gave at landing, telling them the inconven-
iency of firing, in that it might be, first dangerous
to themselves ; they being many of them young
soldiers. (As I had some time observed, that one
or two guns being fired, many others would fire,
at they knew not what ; as happened presently af
ter.) And it would alarm the enemy, and give
them the opportunity to make their escape ; and
it might alarm the whole country, and also pre
vent all further action from taking effect. Orders
being thus passed, we moved directly towards the
woods. Lc Paver's son directing us to a little
hut or wigwam, wljich we immediately surround-

EASTEHN IND1A>

ed with a few men, the rest marching directly up

into the woods, to see what wigwams or huts they

could discover. Myself made' a little stop, order

ing the pilot to tell them in the hut, that they

were surrounded with an army, and that if they

would come forth, and surrender themselves, they

should have good quarter, but if not, they should

all be knocked on the head and die. One of them

showed himself. I asked who he was ? He said

Gourdan; and begged for quarter. I told him,

he should have good quarter ; adding further,

mat if there were any more in the house, they

should come out. Then came out two men ;

Gourdan said they were his sons, and asked quar-

;teribr them, which was also granted. Thee

:came out a woman and a little boy ; she fell up-

ion her knees, begged quarter for herself and

children, and that I would not suffer the Indians

to kill them. I told them they should have good

quarter, and not be hurt. After which I order

ed a small guard over them, and so moved pre

sently up, with the rest of my company, after

them that were gone before ; but looking on my

right hand, over a little run, I saw something

look black just by me, stopped ; and heard a talk

ing ; stepped over, and saw a little hut or wigwam

with a crowd of people round about it, which was

co irary to my former directions ; asked them

what they were doing ? They replied, there

were some of the enemy in a house, and would

: not come out. I asked, what house 1 They said,

a bark house. I hastily bid them pull it down,

and knock them on the head, never asking whether

they were French or Indians ; they bein^ all ene-

20

230 WAR WITH THE

tnies alike to me.* and passing then to them, and
seeing them in great disorder, so many of the ar
my in a crowd together, acting so contrary to my
command and direction, exposing themselves, and
the whole army to utter ruin, by their so disor
derly crowding thick together. Had an enemy
come upon them in that interim, and fired a vol
ley among them, they could not have missed a
single shot. And wholly neglecting their duty,
in not attending my orders, in searching diligently
for our lurking enemies in their wigwams, or by
their fires, where I had great hopes and real ex
pectations to meet with them.

I most certainly know that I was in an exceed
ing great passion, but not with those poor misera
ble enemies ; for I took no notice of half a dozen
of the enemy, when at the same time, I expected
to be engaged with some hundreds of them, of
•whom we had a continued account, who were ex
pected from Port-Royal side. In the beat of ac
tion, every word that 1 then spoke, I cannot give
an account of, and I presume it is impossible. I
stopped but little here, but went direclly up into
the woods, hoping to be better employed, ^ith
the rest of the army. I listened to hear and look
ed earnestly to see what might be the next action;
but meeting with many of the soldiers, they told
me they discovered nothing. We fetching a small
compass round, came down again. It being pret
ty dark, I took notice, I saw two men lying dead,
as 1 thought, at the end of the house where the

* The Colonel was accused of taking; a rash step at this
-time. Seeing his men off their guard it is probable he did
not consider, being in the heat of passion, as he afterwards
acknowledged.

EASTERN INDIANS. £31

door was, and immediately the guns went off, and
they fired, every man, as I thought, and most to
wards that place where I left the guard with Mon
sieur Gourdan. I had much ado to stop their
firing, and told them I thought they were mad,
and 1 believed they had not killed and wounded
less than forty or fifty of our own men. And I
asked them what they shot at ? They answered,
at a Frenchman that ran away. Bat to admira
tion no man was killed, but him, and one of our
men wounded in the leg. And I turning about,
a Frenchman spoke to ma, and 1 gave him quar
ter. Day-light coming on, and no discovery mads
of the enemy, I went to the place where I hud
left Monsieur Gourdan, to examine him and his
sons, who agreed in their examinations. To d
me two of their men were abroad. It proved a
damage ; and further told me, that Monsieur
Sharkee lived several leagues up, at the head of
the river, at the falls, and all the Indians were
fishing, and tending their corn there ; and that
Monsieur Sharkee had sent down to him to come
up to him, to advise about the Indian army, that
was to go westward ; but he had returned him
answer, his business was urgent, and he could not
come up ; and that Sharkee, arid the Indians
would certainly be down that day, or the next at
farthest, to come to conclude of that matter. This
was a short night's action, and all sensible men
do well know, that actions done in the dark (being
in the night as aforesaid) so many difficulties
as w e then laboured under, as before related,
was a very hard task for one man, matters being;
circumstanced as in this action ; which would noV

€32 WAR \\1TH THE

.admit of calling a council, and at that time could
not be confined thereunto. At which time I was
transported above fear, or any sort of dread ; yetf
being sensible of the danger in my army's crowd
ing so thick together, and of the great duty in
cumbent on ine, to preserve them from all the
danger I possibly could, for farther improvement,
in the destruction of our implacable enemies ; am
ready to conclude, that I was very quick and ab
solute in giving such commands and orders, as I
then apprehended most proper and advantageous.
And had it not been for the intelligence I had re
ceived from the French we took at Fenobscot, as
before hinted, and the false report the French wo
man (first taken) gave me, I had not been in such
haste. I questioned not but those Frenchmen
that were slain, had the same good quarter of
other prisoners. But I ever looked upon it a
good • providence of Almighty God, that some
few of our cruel and Bloody enemies were made
sensible of their bloody cruelties, perpetrated on
my dear and loving friends and countrymen. And
that the same measure (in part) meeted to them,
as they had been guilty of in a barbarous manner
at Deerfield, arid I hope justly. I hope God Al
mighty will accept hereof, although it may not be
eligible to our French implacable enemies, and
such others as are not our friends. The foregoing
journal, and this short annexrnent, I thought it
my duty to exhibit, for the satisfaction of my
friends and countrymen, whom I very faithfully
and willingly served in the late expedition ; and I
hope will find acceptance with your Excellency,
ihe honourable Council and Representatives now
assembled, as being done from the zeal I had in

EASTERN INDIANS.

the said service of her Majesty, and her good sub
jects here.

" I remain your most humble and obedient ser
vant, BENJAMIN CHURCH."

This night's service being over, immediately
Col. Church leaves a sufficient guard with Gour-
dan, and the other prisoners, moved in some
whale-boats with the rest, and as they were going
espied a small thing upon the water, at a great
distance, which proved to be a birch canoe, with
two Indians in her. The Colonel presently or
dered the lightest boat he had, to make the best
of her way, and cut them off from the shore. But
the Indians perceiving their design, run their canoe
ashore and tied. Col. Church fearing they would
run directly to Sharkee, made all the expedition
imaginable ; but it being ebb-tide and the water
low, was obliged to land, and make the best of
thair way through the wqpds, hoping to intercept
the Indians, and get to Sharkee' s house before
them, which was two miles from where our forces
landed. The Colonel being ancient and unwieldy,
desired Sergeant Edee to run with him, and
coming to several trees fallen, which he could not
creep under, or readily get over, would lay his
breast against the tree, the said Edee turning
him over, generally had cat-luck, falling on his
feet, by which means kept ia the front ; and com
ing near Sharkee's house, discovered some French
and Indians making a wear* in the river, and pre
sently discovered the two Indians aforementioned,
who called to them at work in the river ; told
them there was an army of English and Indians

* Or, wier, a rack to catch fish in.

£0*

WAR WITH THE

just by. They immediately left their work and
ran, endeavouring to get to Sharkee's house, who
hearing the noise, took his lady and child, and
ran into the woods. Our men running briskly
fired and killed one of the Indians, and took the
rest prisoners. Then going to Sharkee's house
found a woman and child, to whom they gave
good quarter. And finding that Madam Sharkee
had left her silk clothes and fine linen behind her,
our forces were desirous to have pursued and
taken her ; but Col. Church forbade them, saying
he would have her run and suffer, that she might
be made sensible what hardships our poor people
had suffered by them, &c. Then proceeded to
examine the prisoners newly taken, who gave him
the same account he had before, of the Indians
being up to the falls, &LC. It being just night,
prevented our attacking them that night. But
next morning early they moved up to the falls,
which were about a mile higher. But doubtless
the enemy had some intelligence by the two afore
said Indians, before our forces came, so that they
all got on the other side of the river, and left
some of their goods by the water-side, to decoy
our men, that so they might fire upon them, which
indeed they effected. But through the good provi
dence of God never a man of ours was killed, and
but one slightly wounded. After a short dispute
Col. Church ordered that every man might take
what they pleased of the fish which lay bundled
up, and to burn the rest, which was a great quan
tity. The enemy seeing what our forces were
about, and that their stock of fish was destroyed,
and the season being over for getting any more,
set up a hideous cry, and so ran all away into the

EASTERN INDIANS. 235

woods ; who being all on the other side of the
river, ours could not follow them. Having done,
our forces marched down to their boats at Shar-
kee's. Then took their prisoners, beaver, and
other plunder which they had gotten, and put it
into their boats, and went down to Gourdan's
house, where they had left Lieut. Col. Gorharn,
and Major Hilton, with part of the forces to guard
the prisoners, (and kept a good look-out for
more of the enemy) who, upon the Colonel's re
turn, gave him an account that they had made no
discovery of the enemy since he left them, &,c.
Just then her Majesty's ships and transports ar
rived. The Commanders of her Majesty's ships
told Col. Church that they had orders to go di
rectly for Port-Royal gut, and wait the coming
of some store-ships, which were expected at Port
Royal from France. Col. Church advising with
them, proposed that it was very expedient and
serviceable to the Crown, that Capt. Southack in
the Province galley should accompany them, in
which they did readily acquiesce with him. Upon
which the Colonel immediately embarked his for
ces on board the transports, and himself on board
Capt. Jarvis. Ordering the commissary of the
stores, the minister, surgeons and pilots all to em
bark on board the same vessel with him ; order
ing all the whale-boats to be put on board the
transports, and then to come to sail. The ships
standing away for Port-Royal gut, and Colonel
Church with the transports for Menis. In their
way the Colonel inquired of their pilot Fel
lows, what depth of water there was in the creek,
near fhe town of Menis ? He answered him that
there was water enough near the town to float the

236 WAR WITH THE

vessel they were in, at low water. So when com
ing near, Col. Church observed a woody island
between them and the town, so that they run up
on the back side of the said island, with all their
transports undiscovered by the enemy, and came
to anchor. Then the Colonel and all his forces
embarked in the whale-boats ; it being late in the
day, moved directly for the town, and in the way
asked for the pilot, who he expected was in one
of the boats ; but he had given him the slip, and
tarried behind. The Colonel not knowing the
difficulties that might attend their going up to the
town, immediately sent Lieut. Giles, who could
speak French, with a flag of truce up to the town,
with a summons, which was wrote before they
landed, expecting their surrender ; which is as
followeth :

Aboard her Majesty's ship Adventure, near the
gut of Menis, June 20, 1704.

An agreement made by the Field Officers com
manding her Majesty's forces for the present
expedition against the French enemies, and
Indian rebels.

AGREED,

That a declaration or summons be sent
on shore at Menis and Port-Royal, under a flag
of truce. Particularly,

We do declare to you, the many cruelties and
barbarities that you and the Indians have b' u
guilty of towards us, in laying waste our country
here in the East, at Casco, and the places adja
cent. Particularly, the horrid action at Deer-
field, this last winter, in killing, massacremg, inur-

EASTERN INDIANS. 237

tiering and scalping, without giving any notice at
all, or opportunity to ask quarter at your hands ;
and after all, carrying the remainder into captivi
ty in the height of \vinter, of which you killed
many in the journey, and exposed the rest to the
hardships of cold and famine, worse than death
itself; which cruelties we are yet every day ex
posed unto, and exercised with.

We do also declare, that we have already made
some beginnings of killing and scalping some
Canada men, which we have not been wont to do
or allow, and are now come with a great number
of English and Indians, all volunteers, with reso
lutions to subdue you, and make you sensible of
your cruelties to us, by treating you after the
same manner.

At this time we expect our men of war and
transport ships to be at Fort-Royal. (We having
but lately parted with them.)

In the last place, We do declare to you, That
inasmuch as some of you have shown kindness to
our captives, and expressed a love to, and desire
of being under the English government, we do
therefore, notwithstanding al this, give you timely
notice, ard do demand a surrender immediately,
by the laying down your arms, upon which we
promise very good quarter ; if not, you must ex
pect the utmost severity.

To the Chief Commander of the town of Men is,
and the inhabitants thereof, and we expect your
answer positively, within an hour.

BENJAMIN CHURCH, Col,
JOHN GORHAM, Lt. Col.
WINTHROP HILTON, Maj.

238

WAR WITH THE

Then moving to the creek, expecting to have
had water enough for the boats, as the pilot had
informed them, but found not water enough for a
canoe ; so were obliged to land, intending to have
been up to the town before the hour was out, as
the summons expressed. (For their return was,
that if our forces would not hurt their estates,
then they would surrender ; if otherwise intend
ed, they should fight for them, &,c.) But meeting
with several creeks near twenty or thirty feet
deep, which were very muddy and dirty, so that
the army could not get over them, were obliged
to return to their boats again, and wait till within
night before the tide served them. They then
intended to go up pretty near the town, and not
to fall-to till morning, being in hopes that the
banks of the creeks would shelter them from the
enemy. .But the tide rising so high, exposed them
all to the enemy, who had the trees and woods to
befriend them. And so they came, down in the
night and fired smartly at our forces ; but Col.
Church being in a pinnace that had a small can
non placed in the head, ordered it to be charged
several times, with bullets in small bags, and fired
at the enemy, which made such a rattling among
the trees, that caused the enemy to^draw off. And
by the great providence of Almighty God, not one
of our forces was hurt that night. I have been
informed, they had one Indian killed, and some
others wounded, which was some discouragement
to the enemy. Next morning, by break of day,
Col Church ordered all his forces, (and placed
Maj. Hilton on the right wing,) to run all up,
driving the enemy before them, who leaving their
town to our forces, but had carried away the best

EASTERN INDIANS. 23$

of their goods, which were soon found by our sol
diers. The bulk of the enemy happening to lie
against our right wing, caused the hottest dispute
there, who lay behind logs and trees, till our for
ces, and Maj. Hilton, who led them, came upon
them, and forced them to run. Notwithstanding
the sharp firing of the enemy at our forces, by the
repeated providence of God, there was not a man
of ours killed or wounded.

Our soldiers not having been long in town, be
fore they found considerable quantities of strong
drink, both brandy and claret; and being very
greedy after it, especially the Indians, were very
disorderly, firing at every pig, turkey or fowl they
saw, of which were very plenty in the town, which
endangered our own men. The Colonel perceiv
ing the disorder, and firing of his own men, ran
to put a stop to it, had several shot come very
near him. And finding what had occasioned this
disorder, commanded bis officers to knock out the
heads of every cask of strong liquor they could find
in the town, to prevent any further disturbance
among his army; knowing it was impossible to
have kept it from them, especially the Indians, if
it were saved. Then some of the army, who were
desirous to pursue the enemy, having heard thena
driving away their cattle, requested the Colonel to
let them go, who did; and gave them their orders.
Capt. Cook and Capt. Church to lead the two
wings, and Lieut. Barker, who led the Colonel's
company, in the centre. And the said Capt.
Cook, and Capt. Church desired Lieut. Barker
not to move too fast; so that he might have the
benefit of their assistance, if he had occasion. But
the said Lieutenant not being so careful as he

240

WAR WITH THE

should have been, or at least was too eager, was
shot down, and another man, which were all the
men that were killed in the whole expedition.
Towards night Col. Church ordered some of his
forces to pull down some of the houses, and others
to get logs and make a fortification for his whole
army to lodge in that night, so, that they might be
together. And just before night ordered some of
his men to go and see if there were any men in
any of the houses in town; if not, to set them all
on lire; which was done, and the whole town seem
ed to be on fire all at once. The next morning
the Colonel gave orders to his men to dig down
the dams and let the tide in, to destroy all their
corn, and every thing that was good, according to
his instructions; and to burn the fortifications
which they had built the day before. And when
the tide served to put all their plunder which they
had got into the boats. Then ordering his sol
diers to march at a good distance one from ano
ther; which caused the enemy to think that there
were no less than a thousand men, as they said af
terwards, and that their burning of the fortification
and doing as they did, caused the enemy to think
that they were gone clear off, and not to return
again. But it proved to the contrary, for the Co
lonel and his forces only went aboard their trans
ports, and there staid till the tide served; and in
the night embarked on boadr their whale-boats, and
landed some of his men. Expecting they might
meet with some of the enemy mending their dams,
which they did, and with their boats went up ano
ther branch of the river, to another town or vil
lage, upon such a surprise, that they took as many
prisoners as they could desire. And it happened

EASTERN INDIANS. 241

that Col. Church was at the French Captain's
house when two gentlemen came post from the
Governor of Port-Royal who was the chief Com
mander at Menis, with an express to send away
two companies of men to defend the King's fort
there, and to give him an account, that there were
three English men of war come into Port-Royal
gut or harbour; and that the men sent for must
be posted away with all speed. Col. Church, as
was said before, being there, treated the two gen
tlemen very handsomely, and told them he would
send them back again post to their master upon
his business; and bid them give him his hearty
thanks for sending him such good news, that part
of his fleet was in so good a harbour. Then read
ing the summons to them that he had sent to Me
nis, further added, that their Master, the Gover
nor of Port-Royal, must immediately send away a
post to the Governor of Canada, at Quebec, to
prevent his further sending of his cruel and bloody
French and savages, as he had done lately upon
Deerfield, where they had committed such horrible
and bloody outrages upon those poor people, that
never did them any harm, as is intolerable to think
of ; and that for the future, if any such hostilities
were made upon our frontier towns, or any of
them, he would come out with a thousand savages
and whale-boats convenient, and turn his back
upon them, and let his savages scalp and roast the
French; or at least treat them as their savages
had treated ours. Also gave them an account of
part of that action at Passamequado, and how
now that his soldiers had killed and scalped some
Canada men there, and would be glad to serve
them so too, if he would permit them, which ter-
21

242 WAR WITH THE

rifled them very much.* The two French gen
tlemen that came post made solemn promises that
they would punctually do the Colonel's message
to their Governor. So with the desire of the
French people there, that the Governor might
have this intelligence, Col. Church dismissed them,
and sent them away. Telling the same story to
several of the prisoners, and what they must ex
pect if some speedy course was not taken to pre
vent further outrages upon the English. The
number of prisoners then present, which were con
siderable, did unanimously entreat of Col. Church,
that he would take them under the protection of
the crown of England; making great promises of
their fidelity to the same, begging with great ago-
ay of spirit, to save their lives, and to protect them
from his savages, whom they extremely dreaded.
As to the savages, he told them, it would be just
retaliation for him to permit his savages to treat
the French in the same manner, as the French
with their savages treated our friends in our fron
tier towns. But as to his taking them under the
protection of the crown of England, he utterly re-
fused it, urging to them their former perfidious-
ness. They also urging that it would be imposi-
ble for any French to live any where in the Bay
of Fundy, if they were not taken under the Eng
lish government; for with the benefit of the whale-
boats, as the English called them, they could
take and destroy all their people in the town of
Menis, in one night. But he replied to them, it
should never be. Alleging to them that when

* This, the Commander of Port -Royal, says a certain
author, "must know to be a gasconade."

EASTERN INDIANS. 243

they were so before, when Port-Royal was taken
last by the English, that it proved of very ill con
sequence to the crown of England, and the sub
jects thereof in our frontiers. For that our Eng
lish traders supplying them, enabled them to sup
ply the Indians, our bloody enemies. And there
fore, he could make no other terms of peace with
them than that; if the French at Menis, Signecto
and Canada, w7ould keep at home with their bloody
savages, and not commit any hostilities upon any
of our frontiers, we would return home and leave
them; for that we lived at a great distance off,
and had not come near them to hurt them now,
had not the blood of our poor friends and brethren
in all the frontiers of our province, cried for ven
geance. Especially that late unheard of barbarity
committed upon the town of Deerfield, which
wrought so generally on the hearts of our people,
that our forces came out with that unanimity of
spirit, both among the English and our savages,
that we had not, nor needed a pressed man among
them. The Colonel also telling them, that if ever
hereafter any of our frontiers, East or West were
molested by them, as formerly, that he would if
God spared his life, and they might depend upon
it, return upon them with a thousand of his sava
ges, if he wanted them, all volunteers, with our
whale-boats, and would pursue them to the last
extremity. The Colonel's warm discourse with
them wrought such a consternation in them, which
they discovered by their panic fears and trembling,
their hearts sensibly beating, and rising up, as it
were, ready to choke them; confessed 'tircy were
all his prisoners, and begged of him, for Jesus'
to save their lives, and the lives of their poor

WAR WITH THE

families; with such melting terms, as wrought re-
' huntings in the Colonel's breast toward them.
But however, he told them, that his intent was to
carry as many prisoners home as he could, but
that he had taken so many, they were more than
he .had occasion for, nor desired any more; and
therefore he would Jeave them. The Colonel re
solved the next day to complete all his actions at
Menis, and so draw off. Accordingly he sent his
orders to Col. Gorham, and Maj. Hilton, with all
the English companies both officers and soldiers,
except some few, which he thought he might have
occasion for to go with the Indians in the whale-
boats up the eastward river, where a third part of
the inhabitants lived, that so he might prevent any
reflection made on them, in leaving any part of
the service undone. And therefore in the even
ing ordered ail the whale-boats to be laid ready
for the night's service. And accordingly when
Ihe tide served, he went with his Indians up the
river, where they did some spoil upon the enemy
going up. In the morning several of their trans
ports came to meet them, to their great rejoicing,
of \vhom they went on board, and soon came up
with the whole fleet, with whom they joined, bend
ing their course directly towards Port-Royal,
where they were ordered. Coming to Port-Royal
gut, where their ships were, and calling a coun
cil according to his instructions, drew up their re
sult. Which is as followeth.

EASTERN INDIANS. 245

Present all the Field Officers and Captains of the

land forces.
Aboard the Province Galley, 4th July, 1704, in

Port-Royal harbour.

WE whose names are hereunto subscribed, hav
ing deliberately considered the cause in hand,
whether it be proper to land all ou^ forces, to of
fend and destroy as much as we can at Port-Royal,
all or any part of the inhabitants thereof, and
their estates. We are of opinion, that it is not
for our interest and honour, and the country's
whom we serve, to land or expose ourselves, but
quit it wholly, and go on about our other business
we have to do, for this reason, that we judge our
selves inferiour to the strength of the enemy ; and
therefore, the danger and risk we run, is greater
than the advantage we can, or are likely to obtain;
seeing the enemy hath such timely notice, and
long opportunity to provide themselves against us,
by our ships lying here in the road about twelve,
days, before we could join them from Menis, where
we were during that time, and being so very mean
ly provided with necessaries convenient for such
an undertaking, with so small a number of men,
not being above four hundred capable and fit for
service to land; and understanding by all the in
telligence we can get from both English and
French prisoners, that the fort is exceeding strong.
JOHN GORHAM, Lieut. Col.
WINTHROP HILTON, Major.
Jos. BROWN, CONSTANT CHURCH,
JAMES COLE, JOHN DYER,
JOHN COOK, JOSHUA LAMB,

ISAAC MYRICK, CALEB WILLIAMSON,

JOHNHARRADON, EDWARD CllURCH.

21*

246 WAR WITH THE

Having, pursuant to my instructions, taken the
advice of the gentlemen above subscribed, and
considering the weight of their reasons, I do con
cur therewith. BENJAMIN CHURCH.

WHEREAS Col. Church hath desired our opin
ions, as to the landing the forces at Port-Royal,
they being but 400 effective men to land, and by
all the information both of French and English
prisoners, the enemy having a greater number of
men, and much better provided to receive, than
they are to attack them. We do believe it is for
the service of the crown, and the preservation of
her Majesty's subjects to act as above mentioned.

THOMAS SMITH,
GEORGE ROGERS,
CYPRIAN SOUTHACK.

After this, they concluded what should be next
done; which was, that the ships should stay some
days longer at Port-Royal gut, and then go over
to Mount-Desart harbour, and there stay till Col.
Church with his transports should come to them.
Being all ready, the Colonel with his transports
and forces went up the bay to Signecto, where
they needed not a pilot, being several of them well
acquainted there. And they had not met with so
many difficulties at Menis, had it not been that
their pilot deceived them, who knew nothing of
the matter, kept out of the way and landed not
with them. And coming to Signecto, the enemy
were all in arms ready to receive them. Col.
Church landing his men; the Commander of the
enemy waving his sword over his head, bid a chal
lenge to them. The Colonel ordering his two
wings to* march up a pace, and came upon the

EASTERN INDIANS. 24<7

backs of the enemy, himself being in the centre,
and the enemy knowing him, having been there
before, shot chiefly at him. But through God's
goodness he received no harm, neither had he one
man killed, nor but two slightly wounded, and
then all ran into the woods, and left their town
with nothing in it. They having had timely no
tice of our forces, had carried all away out of the
reach of our army. Col. Church, while there,
with part of his forces ranged the woods, but to
no purpose. Then returning to the town, did
them what spoil he could, according to his instruc
tions, and so drew off, and made the best of their
way for Passamequado. Going in there in a
great fog, one of their transports ran upon a rock,
but was soon got off again. Then Col. Church
with some of his forces embarked in their whale-
boats, and went among the islands, with an intent
to go to Sharkee's, where they had destroyed the
fish; but observing a springy place in a cove, went
on shore to get some water to drink, it being a
sandy beach, they espied tracks. The Colonel
presently ordered his men to scatter, and make
search. They soon found De Bois5* wife, who
had formerly been Col. Church's prisoner, and
carried to Boston; but returned, who seemed very
glad to see him. She had with her, two sons that
were nearly men grown. The Colonel ordering
them apart, examined the woman first, who gave
him this account following; that she had lived
thereabouts ever since the fleet went by, and that
she had never seen but two Indians since, who
came in a canoe from Norrigwoek; who asked her,

*Dnbois« Pronounc ed Duboy.

248 WAR WITH THE

what made her to be there alone? She told them,
she had not seen a Frenchman nor an Indian, ex
cept those two since the English ships went by.
Then the Indians told her there was not one In
dian left except those two, who belong to the gut
of Canso, on this side of Canada; for those Friars
coming down with the Indians to M. Gordan's,
and finding the Frenchmen slain, and their hair
spoiled, being scalped, put them into a great con
sternation. And the Friars told them it was im
possible for them to live thereabouts, for the Eng
lish with their whale-boats would serve them all
so. Upon which they all went to Norrigwock.
Also told her that when the English came along
through Penobscot, they had swept it of the inhab
itants, as if it had been swept with a broom, nei
ther French nor Indians escaping them. Further
told her, that when their fathers, the Friars, and
the Indians met together at Norrigwock, they call
ed a council, and the Friars told the Indians, that
they must look out for some other country, for
that it was impossible for them to live there; also
told them there was a river called Mossippee,
where they might live quietly, and no English come
near them; it being as far beyond Canada, as it
was to it, &LC. and if they would go and live there,
they would live and die with them; but if not they
would leave them, and never come near them again.
Whereupon they all agreed to go away, which
they did, and left their rough household stuff, and
corn behind them, and went all, except those two
for Canada. Also her sons giving the same intel
ligence, so we had no reason to think but it was
true.

EASTERN INDIANS. 249

Col. Church having done what he could there,
embarked on board the transports, and went tov
Mount-Desart, found no ships there, but a rundlet
rode off by a line in the harbour, which he order
ed to be taken up, and opening of it found a let
ter, which gave him an account that the ships
were gone home for Boston. Then he proceeded
and went to Penobscot. Where being come,
made diligent search in those parts for the enemy,
but could not find, or make any discovery of them,
or that any had been there since he left those parts,
which caused him to believe what De Bois' wife
had told him was true.

I will by the way just give a hint of what we
heard since of the effects of this expedition, and
then proceed. First, That the English forces
that went next to Norrigwock, found that the
enemy were gone, and had left their rough house
hold stuff and corn behind them. Not long afte
this expedition, there were several gentlemen sent
down from Canada, to concert with our Gover
nor about the settling of a cartile for the exchange
of prisoners. And that the Governor of Canada
has never* since sent down an army upon our fron
tiers, that I know of, except sometimes a scout of
Indians to take some prisoners, that he might be
informed of our state, and what we were acting,
&c. and always took care that the prisoners so
taken should be civilly treated, and safely returned;
as I have been informed, some of the prisoners
that were taken gave such account. So that we
have great cause to believe that the message Col.
Church sent by the two French gentlemen from
Menis, to the Governor of Port-Royal, took ef
fect, and was a means to bring peace into ouj-

250 WAR WITH THE

borders. Then Col. Church with his forces em
barked on board the transports, and went to Cas-
co-Bay, where they met with Capt. Gallop, in a
vessel from Boston, who had brought Col. Church
further orders, which were to send some of his
forces up to Norrigwock, in pursuit of the enemy ;
but he being sensible that the enemy were gone
from thence, and that his soldiers were much worn
out, and fatigued in the hard service they had al
ready done, and wanted to get home, called a
council, and agreed all to go home, which accor
dingly they did.

To conclude this expedition, I will just give a
hint of some treatment* Col. Church had before
and after he came home. For all his great ex
penses, fatigues and hardships, in and about this
expedition, viz. He received of his Excellency
fifteen pounds, as an earnest penny, towards rais
ing volunteers. And after he came to receive his
debenture for his Colonel's pay, there was two
shillings and four pence due to him. And as for
his Captain's pay, and man Jack, he has never

* It appears from authentic documents, that Church was
censured wrongfully, and for some time bore the faults due
only to Gov. Dudley. For it was generally thought by the
people, that Col. Church went on this expedition for the ex
press purpose of reducing Port-Royal, not knowing that he
was expressly ordered to the contrary; therefore, we are not
surprised that he should be blamed until the fact should be
known. It appears that nothing hindered the Colonel from
taking it, but orders. The Governor was accused of pre
serving Port-Royal to benefit himself by an illegal trade
with the inhabitants. However this may be, he excused
himself by saying, he had no orders from the Queen author
izing its reduction, and that her Majesty was to send over
in the spring, a force expressly for that purpose. See
pages 216 and 217.

EASTERN INDIANS. 251

recieved any thing as yet. Also after he came
home, some ill minded persons did their endeav
our to have taken away his life, for that there
were some of the French enemy killed,! this ex
pedition. But his Excellency the Governor, the
Honourable Council, and House of Representa
tives saw cause to clear him, and gave him thanks
for his good service done.

f See page 229. Some persons in a house who would not
come out by the request of the soldiers. Also, see NOTE.
Page 230.

NOTES.

The following Notes were not prepared in season to be in
serted in their proper places, but the word or phrase
after which they should have been placed will readily
meet the eye on turning to the page he're designated.

NOTE I.

Page 28, after " Capt. Fuller." Capt Fuller
and Mr. Church were sent together into Pocasset
neck to make peace with the Indians there, or
war, as they should be found treatable, or other
wise. Capt. Fuller parted from Mr. Church, be
ing weary of hunting without meeting with some
thing to do, and marched down to the water where
they found more than they could do, but happen
ing to get possession of an old house were soon
taken off by a vessel, and so escaped, as Mr.
Church did afterward.

NOTE II.

Page 35, " 300 Indians.59 The battle of the
Pease Field happened on the 8th July, 1675.

NOTE III.

Page 53, ct Clark's Garrison." On the 12th
March, 1676, Mr. Clark's house, containing two
families, in all eleven persons, was destroyed, and
every one cruelly murdered. Mr. Church calls

22

254

NOTES.

it a garrison, but its strength did not make it so,
being only a common house, though very good
for those days.

NOTE IV.

Page 54, " Warwick." The 17th March fol
lowing was burned. Also many other places
about the Narraganset country. On the 28th of
the same month, several hundred Indians fell upon
Rehoboth, and burned about seventy buildings,
forty of which were houses. On the 29th, Prov
idence shared the same fate, having thirty houses
consumed by this motley crew. These were days
of great gloominess to New-England. The ene
my's successes about this time, particularly in
February and March, so elated them, that they
even threatened Boston itself. They came as
near as Medfield, and notwithstanding two or
three hundred soldiers were stationed there, they
burned down half the town, and killed eighteen of
the inhabitants. Medfield is twenty miles from
Boston.

NOTE V.

Page 111, " Howoh." In a note at page 99,
the authority to alter the spelling of the word
Jlnnawon, is questioned; the substance of which
is, that its termination ought to be written won,
for " we, who never heard the native tongue, can
not tell, but that they," the Natives, " pronounc
ed it as if written ivun, allowing this to have been
the case, it is certainly more proper to write won.''
I now very much question the authority of Dr.
Morse, notwithstanding his erudition, to write
Howah, instead of Howoh. It is very evident to

NOTES. 255

me from the writings of those days, that the wri
ter of this history, intended in the termination of
that word, to convey the sound of oh! and not ah!
Much more might be said in support of the ancient
manner of writing this word, but to those who
wish to preserve antiquity, especially of our own
country, no further proof, it is thought, will be
required. It is desirable that these things be aU
tended to by modern historians, and let posterity
judge for themselves, as well as we, for ourselves,
who, no doubt, will think that they are more ca
pable of judging than we.

NOTE VI.

Page 143, " Casco." In the Fort at Casco,
about 100 persons were besieged for some time,
and on the 17th of May, 1690, they surrendered.
For many years the eastern country was in the
greatest distress, and many flourishing places en
tirely deserted, others entirely destroyed.

NOTE VII.

Page 188, " Pemaqiiid." In 1696, two men
of war were despatched to take possession of Nova
Scotia. As they lay in the mouth of the river
St. Johns, as it afterward appeared, the French
at Quebeck were fitting out a fleet, on board of
which v.rere two companies of soldiers and about
fifty Micfcmaek Indians, for the taking of the fort
at Permiquid. Though the French force consist
ed of but two ships, they were much two heavy
for the English. Iberville, a brave and experi
enced commander, conducted the French force.
When he arrived at St. Johns, Villebon, comman
der there, informed him of the situation and cir-'

25Q NOTES.

sumstances of the English ships. He immediatly
was in quest of them, and fell upon them when
they thought themselves secure. One ship, call
ed the Newport, after exchanging a few broad
sides with the enemy, had her topmast shot away,
and was obliged to surrender. By the sudden ap
pearance of a fog the other ship escaped, and re
turned to Boston, bearing the news of their de
feat. In the mean time the French fleet proceed
ed upon their expedition with the addition of the
Newport. At Penobscot, Baron Castine joined
them, with 200 Indians. The whole force arriv
ed before the fort at Pemaquid, July the 14th.
Capt. March, having previously resigned the com
mand of the fort a short time before, and a Capt.
Chubb was his successor. He received a sum
mons from Iberville to surrender. Chubb returned
for answer, a mere gasconade. Says he, "if the
sea were covered with French ships, and the land
with Indians, yet I would not give up the fort."
The attack was immediately begun by the Indians,
and the fort answered them with their musketry
and cannon. The night following Iberville landed
his cannon and mortars, and the next day, before
three in the afternoon, had raised his works, and
planted his mortars, so as to throw five bombs into
the fort. This so terrified Chubb and the garri
son in general, that a parley was immediately beat,
and the fort surrendered. Fifteen pieces of well
mounted cannon, and ninety able men, which if
they had been well commanded, would have been
a match for double that force, now fell into the
hands of the French. They surrendered on terms,
that they should be sent to Boston and exchanged
for the like number of French and Indian prjs-

NOTES. 157

oners, and the injunction that the savages should
be restrained from any violence on them.

The surrender of the fort appears to have been
hastened by Castine, who found means to convey
a letter into the fort, informing them, that if they
held out, the savages would not be controled, for
he had seen such orders from the King to Iber-
ville.

Chubb was greatly censured, and put under an
arrest, but afterward dismissed. It is not proba
ble that the garrison could have held out until suc
cour should have arrived, and without doubt they
considered the longer they should hold out, the
more enraged the savages would be; therefore, it
is not unlikely that Capt. Chubb9 s conduct was at
first too highly censured.

NOTE VIII.

Page 50, mention is made of Sudbury. There
appears no very particular account of the distres
ses of that place; from what does appear, it seems
that the Indians were exasperated by the success
of some Sudbury men, who were engaged in the
war. About the 17th March, 1676, a small num
ber of them joined one Lieut. Jacobs, of Marlbo-
rough, another suffering town, and when about
half a mile from a garrison house, came upon near
ly 300 Indians before day, encamped by their fires,
Notwithstanding the number of the English was
so small, being but forty in all, they ventured to
fire upon them; and before the enemy could arouse
and escape, the English had several well directed
fires, killing an 1 Wounding nearly fifty. On the
18th of April, thc-y came, upon Sudbury, and burn
ed several houses and barns, and killed some of

22*

158 NOTES.

the inhabitants. About ten or twelve English on
their way from Concord, (a place about five miles
from Sudbury,) to assist their neighbors, were all
killed near a garrison, by a party of the enemy,
who had knowledge of their coming. Not long
before this, one Thomas Eames, that kept a farm
at Sudbury, but lived about three miles out of
town, had his house burned, his wife killed, and
his children carried away into the wilderness.

LIFE

OP

Colonel BENJAMIN CHURCH was born in
1639, at Duxbury, near Plymouth, of respect
able parents, who lived and died there. His
father's name was Joseph, who, with two of
his brethren, came early into New-England, as
refugees from the religious oppression of the pa
rent state. Mr. Joseph Church, among other
children had three sons, Joseph, Caleb and Ben
jamin. Caleb settled at Watertown; the other
two at Seconet, or Little Compton. Benjamin,
the hero of ihis history, was of a good stature, his
body well proportioned, and built for hardiness
and activity. Although he was very corpulent
and heavy in the latter part of his life, yet when
he was a young man he was not so, being then ac
tive, sprightly and vigorous. He carried dignity
in his countenance, thought and acted with ra
tional and manly judgment, which, joined with a
naturally generous, obliging and hospitable dispo
sition, procured him both authority and esteem.
He married Mrs. Alice Southworth, by whom he
had a daughter, Mrs. Rothbotham, and five sons,
viz. Thomas Church, the author or publisher of

260 LIFE OF C0£. CHURCH.

this history, and father of the Hon. Thomas
Church, Esq. now living at Little Compton; Con
stant Church, a Captain under his father in the
eastern expedition, and in the militia, and of a
military and enterprising spirit; Benjamin Church,
who died a bachelor; Edward Church, whose only
son, now living, is Deacon Benjamin Church, of
Boston, who furnishes these memoirs of the fam
ily; and Charles Church, who had a numerous
issue. Colonel Church was a man of integrity,
justice and uprightness, of piety and serious reli
gion. He was a member of the Church of Bris
tol at its foundation, in the Rev. Mr. Lee's day.
He was constant and devout in family worship,
wherein he read and often expounded the Scrip
tures to his household. He was exemplary in ob
serving the Sabbath, and in attending the worship
and ordinances of God in the sanctuary. He liv
ed regularly, and left an example worthy of the
imitation of his posterity. He was a friend to the
civil and religious liberties of his country, and
greatly rejoiced in the revolution. He was Colo
nel of the militia in the county of Bristol. The
several offices of civil and military trust, with
which he was invested from time to time, through
a long life, he discharged with fidelity and useful
ness. The war of 1675 was the most important
Indian war that New-England ever saw. Philip
or Metacomet, (a son of good old Massasoit, and
his second successor,) had wrought up the Indians
of all the tribes through New-England, into a
dangerous combination to extirpate the English.
It was one of the last works of the Commissioners
of the United Colonies, (a council which subsist
ed, the great security of New-England, from

LIRE OF COL. CHURCH. 261

1643 to 1678,) to break up this confederacy. An
army of 1000 English was on foot at once, under
the command of Gov. Winslow. Whoever de
sires further information concerning this war, may
consult Mr. Hubbard' s* history of it. The part
Col. Church acted in it is exhibited in this plain
narrative, given by his son two years before his
father's death. Col. Church perfectly understood
the manner of the Indians in fighting, and was
thoroughly acquainted with their haunts, swamps,
and places of refuge on the territory between
Narraganset and Cape Cod. There he was par
ticularly successful. On that field he gathered
his laurels. The surprisal and seizure of ANNA*
WON was an act of true boldness and heroism.
Had the eastern Indians been surrounded with
English settlements, there is reason to think he
would have been more successful among them.
But on a long and extended frontier, open to irn-

* Mr William Hubbard, minister of Ipswich. This gen
tleman, often referred to in the notes attached to this edi
tion, wrote a very full history of all the Indian wars ii}
New-England, from the first discovery of the country, to
the year 1G77; and is the best history of the Indian affairs
of that period, ever published. As Mr. Hubbard wrote at
the time of the greatest wars with the Indians, we may na
turally suppose, that his history is very correct; yet, there
are but few historians, who write without committing somg
errors, and we believe Mr. Hubbard's history contains as
few as any other, on those wars.

Gov. Hutchinson, in speaking of the character of Mr.
Hubbard, says, " he was a man of learning, of a candid and
benevolent mind, accompanied, as it generally is, with a
good degree of Catholicism; which, I think, was not account
ed the most valuable part of his character in the age ia*
which he lived." Vol. ii, p. 136.

He died Sept. 14th, 17044 at the age of 83 years.

LIFE OF COL. CHURCH.

mense desarts, little more has ever been done by
troops of undaunted courage, than to arouse and
drive off the Indians into a wide howling wilder
ness, where it was as much in vain to seek them,
as for Caesar to seek the Gauls in the Hircinian
forests.

The present edition of this history is given
without alteration in the body of it; it being
thought best that it should go down to posterity
with its own internal marks of originality. How
ever, in the margin the editor hath given the Eng
lish names of places described by Indian names
in the narrative; and also some few notes and
illustrations.

After Philip's War, Col. Church settled, and
at first at Bristol, then at Fall River, (Troy,)
lastly at Seconet; at each of which places he ac
quired and left a large estate. Having served
his generation faithfully, by the will of God, he
fell asleep, and was gathered unto his fathers.
He died and was buried at Little Compton. The
morning before his death, he went about two miles
on horseback, to visit his only sister, Mrs. Irish,
to sympathise with her on the death of her only
child. After a friendly and pious visit, in a mov
ing and affecting manner, he took his leave of her,
and said, " it was a last farewell; telling her he
was persuaded he should never see her more; but
hoped to meet her in heaven.*5 Returning home
ward, he had not rode above half a mile, before
his horse stumbled, and threw him over his head;
and the Colonel being exceedingly fat and heavy,
fell with such force that a blood vessel was broken,
and the blood gushed out of his mouth like a tor
rent. His wife was soon brought to him. He.

LIFE OF COL. CHURCH. 263

tried but was unable to speak to her, and died in
about twelve hours. He was carried to the grave
with great funeral pomp, and was buried under
arms, and with military honours. On his tomb
stone is this inscription :

Here lieth interred the body

of the Honourable
Col. BENJAMIN CHURCH, Esq.

who departed this life

January the 17th, 1717-18,

in the 78th year of his age.

Newport, April 8,

APPENDIX.

I. DISCOVERY OF AMERICA.

WITH the fall of the Roman Empire, an age
of ignorance began. This happened about 447
years after Christ. And not until the fourteenth
century, did science and the arts make much ad
vancement; it was then, that Navigation rose.
It did not rise alone, the immortal Columbus* rose

* Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa, a province
of Spain, in the year 1447. He was early discovered to
possess a strong propensity toward a seafaring life, the oc
cupation of his ancestors, who were riot unmindful of his
inclinations, and gave him a suitable education. Like other
great geniuses he viewed the mathematical and its relative
sciences, only, as worthy of attention. When he was four
teen years of age, he commenced going to sea. In 1467, he
sailed in the service of a relative of his, who was a Captain
Columbus, and was engaged in a war against the Mahomet
ans. In this war our Columbus discovered the qualifica
tions necessary to great undertakings. He was at last un
fortunate; for in H severe battle the vessel in which he serv
ed, taking fire, he had the only alternative, to throw him
self into the sea; and, being a good swimmer, reached the
shore, although the distance was six miles. He immediate
ly went to Lisbon, and his abilities being duly appreciated
there, was taken much notice of among the first class of
people. Here he married the daughter of a nobleman, who
had been engaged in adventures of discovery, arid, who fa
voured him with all his charts, and other papers of great
Value. It is probable, the descriptions of new countries,

23

266 APPENDIX.

•with it. This great man was a native of Genoa.
In him we behold the greatest genius, and a mind
competent to the most daring, and ardent enter
prises, ever performed by man.

given him in the journals of his father-in-law, first kindled
the flame of discovery in his breast; which, in its extent
and magnitude, has never found a parallel.

The Portuguese were planning the rout to India hy pass
ing round the south point of Africa, when Columbus con
ceived the MIGHTY PLAN, which led to the discovery of
AMERICA. He first divulged his theory to a Florentine gen
tleman of great learning, who highly approved the plan, and
encouraged him to persevere therein. He applied first to
the government of Genoa for patronage, then to that of
Portugal, who in order to rob him of the honour which they
(the latter) thought might accrue, despatched a vessel in
the same direction pointed out by him; but those to whom
was committed the performance of his plan, had neither
courage nor fortitude to venture far upon it. He next ad
dressed himself to Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, while
he despatched his brother Bartholomew to solicit the aid of
Henry VII. of England. However, after eight years of
disappointment and mortifying delays, Isabella was prevail
ed with, through the influence of the noble Quintaniila and
Santangel, to second his design. He was on his way to
England as his last hope, whence the Queen immediately
had him recalled, and he immediately set out on his first
voyage of discovery with three small ships, and ninety men.
After proceeding a while in the then unknown vast Atlantic
ocean, the magnetic needle was found to vary. This phe
nomenon appeared strange to Columbus, as well as his men,
and although he assigned an ingenious reason for it, yet,
his men looked upon their proceeding, as an encroachment
on the works of nature, and that her bounds were passed,
and this was a warning to them to desist from proceeding
any farther. When they had been about twenty-one days
on this strarge sea, the crew began to mutiny, and Lad
formed the design of throwing their Admiral overboard, and
to return home. He however dispelled their murmurs by
promising them that he would return in three days, if land
did not appear; at the end of which time, to their great
. joy, land was discovered, which proved to be one of the

287

In the great plan of the world, which he seem
ed to comprehend, thought it necessary to the
equipois of the globe, that there should be more
land, than was then known. He, therefore, con
ceived the idea of sailing to the East Indies, by
steering west.

Bahama Islands. After visiting many other Islands in that
quarter, he took his departure homeward. On his passage
he encountered a dreadful storm, and when all was given
uc for lost, he retired to his cahin, and wrote an account
or his voyage upon parchment, sealed it in a cake of wax,
put it into a tight cask, and threw it into the sea; hoping,
that by some fortunate circumstance, it might be found.
But presently the storm ceased, and he arrived at Lisbon,
having been absent about seven months. The 25th of Sep
tember, 1493, another armament was got ready for him,
consisting of seventeen ships, and he again embarked. He
visited tiie places he discovered before, and made some n-ew
discoveries. But while he was absent, lying and malicious
persons brought him into disrepute at home, and on the ar
rival of his brother Bartholomew, he returned to Spain, in
1476; where his dignified mien abashed every accuser, and
the court dismissed him with honour.

In 1438, he sailed on his third voyage, and after touching
along the continent some distance, returned to his old col
ony at Hispaniola, which he found in sedition, but soon
restored things to order. In the mean time, his enemies
succeeded Li procuring his arrest, and he was sent home ia
irons, where he was instantly released by the king, and re
ceived his usual honours.

He sailed on a fourth voyage in 1502. On arriving in the
gulf of Mexico his fleet ericou itered a violent storm and was
cast on the Island of Jamaica. Here the natives annoyed
them until Columbus told them of an eclipse, which came to
pass as he had predicted, and ever after they were treated
with great respect. At length he was taken off, arid carried
to Spain, in 1504. Isabella was dead, his only patroness, and
the king would redress no wrongs he had received. This
so depressed his spirits, that infirmities come upon him, and
he died at Yaliadoiid. the 12th of May, 1506, in the 59th
year of his age.

268 APPENDIX.

After fully digesting in his own mind, this great
plan, he set about soliciting assistance to put it in
execution. He was not only discountenanced by
one court after another, but looked -upon, as " a
visionary and chimerical projector."

At length, Ferdinand and Isabella, of Spain,
lent him their aid. He sailed from Spain in Au
gust, and on the llth of October following, 1492,
discovered America, which he considered as a part
of the continent of Asia, known by the name of
India. Hence the name of Indians, and West-
Indies; because they were discovered by sailing
west.

II. DISCOVERY OF NORTH AMERICA.

John and Sebastian Cabot, in the year 1497,
sailed along the coast of North-America from
Nova Scotia to Florida, and made a discovery of
its whole extent.

In 1602, Bartholomew Gosnold, and Capt.
John Smith, in 1614, made a particular discovery
of New-England. Capt. Smith made an accurate
survey of its coast.

III. SETTLEMENT OF NORTH AMERICA.

The first permanent settlement made in North-
America by the English, was at Jamestown, in
Virginia, in 1607. From that time settlements
began to be made all along the coast.

As it was not the design of this work to give a
particular account of all the settlements, we pass
on to that of New-England.

IV. LANDING OF THE PILGRIMS AT PLYMOUTH.

The cause of Our Forefather's forsaking their
native country, for this, then dreary and howling

APPEISDIX. 269

wilderness, was because they were not permitted
the free enjoyment of their religious principles. In
those times of persecution a society fled from Eng
land into Holland, and not being pleased with the
manners of the Dutch, whose morals they consid
ered had a tendency to corrupt those of their chil
dren, resolved to venture across the vast Atlantic
Ocean, and seek an Asylum in the West.

Two small vessels were prepared, and on the
5th of August, 1620, they put to sea. Jones and
Reynolds were the names of the two commanders.

They had not proceeded far, before Capt. Rey
nolds complained, that his ship wras so leaky he
dared not proceed farther, sj both ships returned.
On being repaired they put to ssa again; and after
sailing about one hundred leagues, Capt. Reynolds
again, to their great astonishment, said his ship
would never perform the voyage, and that he must
return; so both ships bore away for E igland. On
searching the ship, very little was found to be the
matter; the true cause of these delays, as yet not
being known. But it was afterward found, that
the Dutch had bribed the said Reynolds to waste
away the season, and to land them thus far north,
so late that they could not go to Hudson's river,
as they first intended. But to proceed, it was
finally agreed to dismiss the bad ship; which was
done, and the other to go on the intended voyage,
which after encountering violent storms, and long
head winds, arrived on the coast in November.
And on coming near the land, found it to be Cape
Cod. They held a council, and resolved to go
south for Hudson's river. They had not sailed
long before they found themselves nearly encom
passed with dangerous shoals; so they bore up
23*

210 APPENDIX.

again for the Cape, and entered the harbour on
the llth. They immediately sent out a party to
explore, who fixed upon a place, whither they all
went, and on the 25th, was begun the first house
ever built in New-England. The place was call
ed Plymouth, from the last place they left in
England.

Proceedings of the Pilgrims for the first three
months after their arrival, as related by Mr.
Nathaniel Morton, in his New-England's Me
morial; being copied verbatim from an old edi
tion of that work.

Of the first planters, their combination, by en
tering into a body politick together; with their
proceedings in discovery of a place for their
settlement and habitation.

Being thus fraudulently dealt with (as you have
heard) and brought so far to the northward, the
season being sharp, and no hopes of their obtain
ing their intended port; and thereby their patent
being made void and useless, as to another place:
Being at Cape Cod upon the eleventh day of No
vember, 1620, it was thought meet for their more
orderly carrying on of their affairs, and accord
ingly by mutual consent they entered into a sol
emn combination, as a body politick, to submit to
such government and governors, laws and ordinan
ces, as should by a general consent, from time to
time, be made choice of, and assented unto. The
contents whereof folio weth. This was the first
foundation of the government of New-Plymouth.

In the name of God, amen. We whose names
are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread

APPENDIX. 271

t

sovereign Lord, King James, by the grace of
God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland,
King, Defender of the Faith, &c. Having under
taken for the glory of God, and advancement of
the Christian faith, and the honour of our King
and country, a voyage to plant the first colony in
the northern parts of Virginia; do by these pres
ents solemnly and mutually, in the presence of
God and one another, covenant and combine our
selves together into a civil body politick, for our
better ordering and preservation, and furtherance
of the ends aforesaid: And by virtue hereof, do
enact, constitute and frame such just and equal
laws, ordinances, acts constitutions and officers,
from time to time, as shall be thought most meet
and convenient for the general good of the colo
ny; unto which we promise all due submission
and obedience. In witness whereof, we have
hereunto subscribed our names, at Cape Cod, the
eleventh of November, in the reign of our sove
reign Lord King James, of England, France and
Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-
fourth, Anno Dom. 1620.

John Carver, Samuel Fuller, Edward Tilly,

William Bradford, Christopher Martin John Tilly,

Edward Winslow, William Mullins, Francis Cooke,

William Brewster, William White, Thomas Rogers,

Isaac Allerton, Richard Warren, Thomas Tinker,

Miles Standish, John Howland, John Ridgdale,

John Alden, Stephen Hopkins, Edward Fuller,

John Turner, Digery Priest, Richard Clark,

Francis Eaton, Thomas Williams, Rich. Gardiner,

James Chilton, Gilbert Winslow, John Allerton,

John Craxton, Edmund Morgeson, Thomas English,

John Billington, Peter Brown, Edward Doten,

Joses Fletcher, Richard Bitteridge, Edward Liester.

John Goodman,] George Soule,

-212 APPENDIX.

After this, they chose Mr. John Carver, a man
godly and well approved among them, to be their
governor for that year.

Necessity now calling them to look out a place
for habitation, as well as the master and mariners,
importunity urging them thereunto; while their
carpenter was trimming up of their boat, sixteen
of their men tendered themselves to go by land
and discover those nearest places, which was ac
cepted; and they being well armed, were sent forth
on the sixteenth of November, 1620, and having
marched about a mile by the sea-side, they espied
five Indians, who ran away from them, and they
followed them all that day sundry miles, but could
not come to speak with them; so night coming on,
they betook themselves to their rendezvous, and
sent out their sentinels, and rested in quiet that
night; and the next morning they followed the In
dian tracks, but could not find them or their dwell
ings, but at length lighted on a good quantity of
clear ground near to a pond of fresh water, where
formerly the Indians had planted Indian corn, at
which place they saw sundry of their graves; and
proceeding further, they found new stubble where
Indian corn had been planted the same year, also
they found where lately a house had been, where
some planks and a little kettle was remaining, and
heaps of sand newly paddled with their hands,
which they digged up, and found in them divers
fair Indian baskets filled with corn, some whereof
was in ears, fair and good, of divers colours,
which seemed to them a very goodly sight, having
seen none before. Of which rarities they took
some to carry to their friends on shipboard, like
°s the Israelites5 spies brought from lishcol some

APPENDIX.

273

of the good fruits of the land; but finding little
that might make for their encouragement as to
situation, they returned, being gladly received by
the rest of their company.

After this, their shallop being ready, they set
out the second time for a more full discovery of
this place, especially a place that seemed to be an
opening as they went into the said harbour some
two or three leagues off, which the master judged
to be a river; about thirty of them went out on this
second discovery, the master of the ship going
with them; but upon the more exact discovery
thereof, they found it to be no harbour for ships,
but only for boats. There they also found two of
their houses covered with mats, and sundry of their
implements in them; but the people ran away, and
could not be seen. Also there they found more
of their corn and beans of various colours; the
corn and beans they brought away, purposing to
give them full satisfaction when they should meet
with any of them. About six months a/ter they
gave them full satisfaction to their content. And
here is to be noted, a special and a great mercy
to this people, that here they got them seed to
plant them corn the next year, or otherwise they
might have starved, for they had none, nor any
likelihood to get any, until the season had been
past, as the sequel did manifest, neither is it like
ly that they had had this, if the first discovery had
not been made, for the ground was now all cover
ed with snow, and hard frozen; but the Lord is
never wanting unto those that are his, in their
greatest needs. Let his holy name have all the
praise.

274 APPENDIX.

Having thus discovered this place, it was con
troverted among them what to do, touching their
abode and settling there. Some thought it best
for many reasons to abide there.

1st. Because of the convenience of the harbour
for hosts, though not for ships.

2d. There was good corn ground ready to their
hands as was seen by experience in the goodly
corn it yielded, which again would agree with the
ground, and be natural seed for the same.

3d. Cape Cod was like to be a place for good
fishing, for they daily saw great whales of the best
kind for oil.

4th. The place was likely to be heathful, se
cure and defensible.

5thly, and lastly. The especial reason was, that
now the heart of the winter and unseasonable
weather was come upon them, so as they could
not go upon coasting and discovery, without dan
ger of losing both men and boat, upon which would
follow the overthrow of all, especially considering
what variable winds and sudden storms do there
arise; also cold and wet lodging had so tainted
their people, as scarce any of them were free from
vehement coughs, as if they should continue long,
it would endanger the lives of many, and breed
diseases and infection among them. Again, that
as yet they had some provisions, but they would
quickly be spent, and then they should have noth
ing to comfort them in their labour and toil that
they were like to undergo. At the first it was
also conceived, whilst they had competent vic
tuals, that the ship would stay, but when that grew
low, they would be gone and let them shift for
themselves.

APPENDIX. 275

Others again urged to go to Agawam, alias An-
gawam, a place about twenty leagues oiflf to the
northward, which they had heard to be an excel
lent harbour for ships, better ground, and better
fishing.

Secondly, for any thing they knew there might
be hard by as a better seat, and it would be a
great hindrance to seat where they should remove
again.

But to omit many reasons and replies concern
ing this matter, it was in the end concluded to
make some discovery within the bay, but in no
case so far as Angawam.* Besides, Robert Cop-
pin, their pilot, made relation of a great naviga
ble river and good harbour in the other headland
of the bay, -almost right over against Cape Cod,
being in a right line not much above eight leagues
distant, in which he had once been, and beyond
that place they that were to go on discovery, were
enjoined not to go. About this time Mrs. Su
sanna White was delivered of a son, who was
named Peregrine; he was the first of the English
that wTas born in New-England, and still survi-
veth,f and is the Lieutenant of the military com
pany of JMarshfteld.

The month of November being spent on these
affairs, and having much foul weather; on the sixth
of December they concluded to send out their
shallop again on a third discovery. The names
of those that went on this discovery, were Mr.
John Carver, Mr. William Bradford, Mr. Ed
ward Winslow, Capt. Miles Standish, Mr. John

* Supposed to be where Salem now is. Ed.

t'ierfS.

276 APPENDIX. ,

Rowland, Mr. Richard Warren, Mr. Stephen
Hopkins, Mr. Edward Tilly, Mr. John Tilly,
Mr. Clark, Mr. Coppin, John Allerton, Thomas
English, Edward Doten, with the master gunner
of the ship, and three of the common seamen;
these set sail on Wednesday the sixth of Decem
ber, 1620, intending to circulate the deep bay of
Cape Cod, the weather being very cold, so as the
spray of the sea lighting on their coats, they were
as if they had been glazed, notwithstanding, that
night they got down into the bottom of the bay,
and as they drew near .the shore they saw some
ten or twelve Indians, and landed about a league
off them, but with some difficulty, by reason of
the shoals in that place, where they tarried that
ight.

In the morning they divided their company to
' oast along, some on shore and some in the boat,
vhere they saw the Indians had been the day be-
bre cutting up a fish like a Grampus; and so they
anged up and down all that day, but found no
oeople, nor any place they liked, as fit for their
settlement; and that night, they on shore met with
their boat at a certain creek, where they made
them a baricado of boughs and logs, for their
lodging that night, and being weary betook them
selves to rest. This is thought to be a place call
ed Namskeket. The next morning, about five
o'clock, (seeking guidance and protection from
God by prayer) and refreshing themselves, in way
of preparation, to persist on their intended expe
dition, some of them carried their arms down to
the boat, having laid them up in their coats from
the moisture of the weather; but others said they
vould not carry theirs until they went themselves:

APPENDIX.

571

but presently all on a sudden, about the dawning
of the day, they heard a great and strange cry,
and one of their company being on board, came
hastily in. and cried, Indians ! Indians ! and, with
al, their arrows came flying among them ; on
which all their men ran with speed to recover their
arms; as by God's good providence they did. In
the mean time some of those that were ready dis
charged two muskets at them, and two more stood
ready at the entrance of their rendezvous, but
were commanded not to shoot until they could
take full aim at them; and the other two charged
again with all speed, for there were only four that
had arms there, and defended the barricaclo which
was first assaulted. The cry of the Indians was
dreadful, especially when they saw their men run
out of their rendezvous towards the shallop to re
cover their arms; the Indians wheeling about up
on them ; but some running but with coats of
mail, and cuttle axes-in their hands, they soon re
covered their arms, and discharged among them,
and soon stayed their violence. Notwithstanding,
there was a lusty man, and no less valiant, stood
behind a tree within half a musket shot, and let
his arrows fly among them; he was seen to shoot
three arrows, which were all avoided, arid stood
three shot of a musket, until one taking full aim
at him, made the bark or splinters of the tree My
about his ears; after which he gave an extraordi
nary shriek, and away they went all of them; and
so leaving some to keep the shallop, they follow
ed them about a quarter of a mile, that they might
conceive t-iat they were not afraid of them, or any
way discouraged. This place, on this occasion,
was called the First Encounter.

218 APPENDIX.

Thus it pleased God to vanquish their enemies,
and to give them deliverance, and by his special
providence so to dispose, that not any of them was
either hurt or hit, though their arrows came close
by them; and sundry of their coats, which hung
up in the barricade, were shot through and through;
for which salvation and deliverance they rendered
solemn thanksgiving unto the Lord.

From hence they departed, and coasted all
along, but discerned no place likely for harbour,
and therefore hasted to the place the pilot, as afore
said, told them of, who assured them that there
was a good harbour, and they might fetch it be
fore night; of which they were glad, for it began
to be foul weather.

After some hours sailing, it began to snow and
rain, and about the middle of the afternoon the
wind increased, and the sea became very rough,
and they broke their rudder, and it was as much
as two men could do to steer the boat with a
couple of oars; but the pilot bid them be of good
eli^er, for he saw the harbour; but the storm in
creasing, and night drawer" on, they bore what
sail they could to get n- ihey could see; but

herewith they broke their mast in three pieces,
and their sail fell overboard in a vrry grown sea,
so as they had like to have been cast away; yet
by God's mercy they recovered themselves, and
having the flood with them, struck into the har
bour. But when it came to, the pilot was de
ceived, and said, Lord be merciful to us, my eyes
never saw this place before; and he and the mas
ter's mate would have run the boat ashore in a
cove full of breakers before the wind, but a lusty
seamen, who steered, bid them that rowed, if they

APPENDIX. 219

were men, about with her, else they were all cast
away, the which they did with all speed; so he
hid them he of good cheer, and row hard, for
there was a fair sound before them, and he doubt
ed not but they should find one place or other
they might ride in safety. And although it was
very dark, and rained sore, yet in the end they
got under the lee of a small island, and remained
there alj night in safety. But they knew not this
to be an island until the next morning, but were
much divided in their minds; some would keep the
boat, doubting they might be among the Indians,
others were so wet and cold they could not en
dure, but got on shore, and with much difficulty
got fire, and so the whole were refreshed, and
rested in safety that night. The next day, ren
dering thanks to God for his great deliverance of
them, and his continued merciful good providence
towards them; and finding this to be an island, it
being the last day of the week, they resolved to
keep the Sabbath. This was between the place-
called the Gurnet's Nose and Sagaquab, by the
mouth of Plymouth harbour. This was after
wards called Clark's island, because Mr. Clark,
the master's mate, first stepped ashore thereon.

On the second day of the week following they
sounded the harbour, and found it fit for shipping,
and marched into the land, arid found divers corn
fields, and little running brooks, a place, as they
supposed, fit for situation, at least it was the best
that they could find, and the season and the pres
ent necessity made them glad to accept of it. So
they returned to their ship with this news to the
rest of the people, which did much comfort, the if
hearts.

280

APPENDIX.

On the fifteenth of December they weighed an
chor, to go to the place they had discovered, and
arrived the sixteenth day in the harbour they had
formerly discovered, and afterwards took better
view of the place, and resolved where to pitch
their dwellings; and on the five and twentieth day
x»f December began to erect the first house for
common use, to receive them and their goods.
And after they had provided a place for their
^oods and common store, (which was long in un
lading for want of boats, and by reason of foul
ness of the winter weather, and sickness of di
vers,) they began to build some small cottages for
habitation, as time would admit; and also consult
ed of laws and orders both for their civil and mil
itary government, as the necessity of their present
condition did require. But that which was sad
and lamentable, in two or three months time half
of their company died, especially in January and
February, being the depth of winter, wanting
houses and other comforts, being infected with
the scurvy and other diseases, which this long
voyage and their incommodate condition had
brought upon them, so as there died, sometimes
i wo, somfitirnes three on a day, in the aforesaid
time, that of one hundred and odd persons, scarce
ly fifty remained. Among others in the time fore
named, died Mr. William Mullins, a man pious
and well-deserving, endowed also with a consid
erable outward estate; and had it been the will of
God that he had survived, might have proved an
useful instrument in his place, with several others
who deceased in this great and common affliction,
whom I might take notice of to the like eifect.
Of those that did survive in this time of distress

APPENDIX. 281

and calamity that was upon them, there was some
times but six or seven sound persons, who, to their
great commendation be it spoken, spared no pains
night nor day to be helpful to the rest, not shun
ning to do very mean services to help the weak
and impotent. In which sickness the seamen
shared also deeply, and many died, to about the
one half of them, before they went away. Thus
being but few, and very weak, this was an oppor
tunity for the savages to have made a prey of
them, who were wont to be most cruel and treach
erous people in all these parts, even like lions; but
to them they were as lambs, God striking a dread
in their hearts, so that they received no harm from
them. The Lord also so disposed, as aforesaid,
much to waste them by a great mortality, togeth
er with which were their own civil dissensions, and
bloody wars, so as the twentieth person was scarce
left alive when these people arrived, there remain
ing sad spectacles of that mortality in the place
where they seated, by many bones and skulls of
the dead lying above ground; whereby it appear
ed that the living of them were not able to bury
them. Some of the ancient Indians that are sur
viving at the writing hereof, do affirm, that about
some two or three years before the first English
arrived here, they saw a blazing star, or comet,
which was a fore-runner of this sad mortality, for
soon after it carne upon them in extremity. Thus
God made way for his people, by removing the
heathen, and planting them in the land; yet we
hope in mercy to some of the posterity of these
blind savages, by being a means, at least stepping-
stones, for others to come and preach the gospel
among them; of which afterwards in its proper

2S2 APPENDIX.

place. This seemeth to be the same star that
was seen about that time in Europe. But to
return ;

The Indians, after their arrival, would show
themselves afar off, but when they endeavoured
to come near them they would run away. But
about the sixteenth of March, 1621, a certain In
dian, called Samoset, came boldly among them,
and spoke to them in broken English, which yet
they could well understand; at which they mar
velled; but at length they understood that he be
longed to the eastern parts of the country, and
had acquaintance with sundry of the English fish
ermen, and could name sundry of them, from
whom he learned his language. He became
very profitable to them, in acquainting them with
many things concerning the state of the country
in the eastern parts, as also of the people here;
of their names, number and strength, of their sit
uation and distance from this place, and who was
chief among them. He told them also of another
Indian called Squanto, alias Sisquantam, one of
ibis place, who had been in England, and could
speak better English than himself; and after
courteous entertainment of him he was dismissed.
Afterwards he came again with some other na
tives, and told them of the coming of the great
Sachem, named Massasoiet, who, about four or
live days after, came with the chief of his friends
and other attendants, with the aforesaid Squanto,
with whom, after friendly entertainment and some
gifts given him, they made a league of peace,
which continued with him and his successors to
the time of the writing hereof.

APPENDIX. £03

V. WARS WITH THE INDIANS.

Story of Capt. Smith and Pocahontas.

The southern Indians were exasperated against
the English before any regular settlement was
made. An Indian town was burnt by Sir Rich
ard Greenville, only because a native had stolen
a silver cup. At another time a Mr. Lane and
his company killed a Chief, and several others.
These, with other acts of inhumanity, were not
forgotten; but as soon as a settlement was made,
and an opportunity offered, they took revenge.

The colony of Virginia were involved in per
petual broils with the Indians, and to add to their
calamities, their governors sent over by the king,
were at first, cruel and oppressive. At length
Capt. John Smith was sent over, and affairs took
a different turn. But a predatory war was every
day carried on by the Indians, and nothing could
put a stop to these outrages, but their subjugation.
Capt. Smith, while engaged in this business, un
fortunately for the Colony, was taken by a party
of Indians, subjects of Powhatan, in making his
escape across a swamp, having got stuck fast in
the mud. He was conveyed in triumph to Powr
hatan, who resolved on his immediate death. The
manner being agreed upon, and performed with all
its terrors. Two huge stones were placed, and
Capt. Smith was brought, and his head laid upon
one, while the other was raised to dash out his
brains. At this moment, Pocahontas, the king's
darling daughter, stayed the arm of the execution
er, by throwing herself between, and covering his
head with her own. At the same time beseech
ing her father to spare his life, with all the ten-

284 APPENDIX.

derness, which female innocence inspires. Pow-
hatan was moved, for the sake of his daughter, to
prolong his life.

His release was affected in a singular manner.
He told Powhatan, that if he would send one of
his men to the English, on a certain day, he should
find under a certain tree, such implements of war,
&,c. as should be agreed upon for his ransom.
Powhatan consented, but without much confidence.
Captain Smith took a leaf from his pocket-book,
wrote on it what his situation was, and what ar
rangements he had made for his release. The
messenger taking it directly to the English, at the
day appointed, everything was found agreeably to
stipulation. This mode of doing buisness they
thought miraculous, and that, at least, Capt.
Smith was a worker of magic. He wras therefore
sent home, and ever after held in great respect by
them. On his return to the colonists he found
them in a wretched condition. Pocahontas often
visited him, and always presenting some kind of
provisions, of which, at this time, they were very
much in want. Not long after this, a plan was
laid by the Indians for destroying the whole set
tlement.

Pocahontas set out the night preceding, in the
most violent storm, and arrived in time to save
them, by informing them of the design. This
justly celebrated woman was afterward married to
an English gentleman by the name of Rolf, with
whom she lived happily. She visited England
with her husband, was introduced to the royal
family, and many of the nobility. She died as she
was about to return to America, leaving a son
from whom have descended some of the most re
spectable personages of Virginia.

APPENDIX. 2'85

VI. WAR WITH THE PEQUOTS.

Tins tribe of Indians inhabited the east side of
Connecticut river, near its mouth. In the year
1634, they murdered Capt. Stone, and a Capt.
Norton, who came to trade with them. In 1635,
a Mr. Oldham was killed at Block Island. In
1636, about Wethersfield, many of the inhabitants
were killed and some carried away and tortured
in their barbarous manner. They had a fort at
Mystic,* which was their place of rendezvous, and
until this should be destroyed, nothing decisive
could be done.

In May 1637, Capt. Mason was sent from
Connecticut, who soon fell upon the fort, and after
a heavy discharge through the palisades, entered
it sworcKn hand. The enemy made a desperate
resistance, and for some time the day seemed
doubtful; the Indians secreting themselves in and
about the houses. At length Capt. Mason em
ployed a stratagem, which had the desired effect.
He took a brand of fire, and communicated it to
ihe mats, with which their houses were covered,
and in a few moments they were all in flame*;
then retreating out of the fort, surrounded it on
all sides. The Indians were obliged to issue out,
who were no sooner out, than shot down. Thus
in about an hour was the work completed, and
this great horde broken up. After this the Pe-
quots made but little resistance, but were pursued
some distance west,f and many more surprised at
different places. Before the pursuit was finished,

* On Mystic river.

t Into the country of the Nipmucks.

286 APPENDIX.

and at the fort, about 700 were slain. This put
such a check to them, that till the time of Philip,
did nothing of great moment occur.

VII. DESTRUCTION OF MONTREAL.

In 1688, the Indians known hy the name of the
Five Nations, being exasperated against the
French, with an army of about 1200 men, attack
ed the island of Montreal, and killed 1000 inhab
itants, and carried away many prisoners. They
fell upon the island again the same year, and went
off with about the same success. In consequence
of which, a garrison fell into their hands, and con
siderable military stores ; among which were
twenty-seven barrels of powder.

VIII. SCHENECTADY DESTROYED, &C.

In 1690, the French stirred up the Canada In
dians to destroy our frontier settlements. Count
Frontenac, then Governor of Canada, planned
three expeditions in the midst of winter, which
were by different routs to surprise the frontier in
habitants. In February, one party, consisting of
French and Indians, arrived in the vicinity of
Schenectady. They were on the point of surren
dering themselves prisoners of war, on account of
their wretched condition from so tedious a march,
and the severity of the season; when their spies
returned, and informed them of the defenceless
state of the town. On this intelligence, they re
ceived new courage. And in the middle of the
night, entered the town in small parties, and be
fore the people could leave their beds, their houses
were entered; and shocking to relate, about 100
persons were killed, or carried away to endure a,

APPENDIX. 2S7

captivity, even worse than death itself. No one
can conceive of the horrors of this fatal night
Infants torn from their mothers, arid thrown into
the flames, or their brains dashed out against the
walls of their houses; nay, more, ravishing and
murder were added to their crimes.

Many escaped without clothes, and perished in
the cold and storm of that night. Twenty-five of
those who returned, lost their limbs.

They killed all the cattle, and horses, except
about forty to bear off their plunder. The Mo
hawks joined a party of young men from Albany
and fell upon their rear, killed and made prisoners
about thirty of them.

IX. DESTRUCTION OF DEERFIELD.

Captivity of Mr. Williams and Family.

In 1703, Hertel, with about 300 French and
Indians, fell upon the town of Deerfield, on Con
necticut river, put about forty persons to death,
took 100 captives, burned the buildings, collected
what booty they could and made off.

Among the captives were the Rev. Mr Wil
Hams and his wife. Mr. WilHams' house was
about the first assaulted. It being in the dead of
the night, by the time he was out of bed, the In
dians had made their way into his room, he seized
us pistol, and would have shot down the first, but
it missed fire; that moment he was laid hold of by-
others, who bound him, naked as he was, a whole
lour, notwithstanding the cold was intense. He
was then suffered to put on a few clothes, and his
wife likewise,* who at this time had a very young

And five children.

288

APPENDIX.

child. Alas, how changed the scene ! in this weak
state, compelled to wade in deep snows through
dismal woods, instead of a warm habitation, and
the kind attention of a husband. She did not en
dure it long. On the 2d day, her savage master,
finding it was not in her power to keep along with
the rest, sunk his hatchet into her head, and she
was no more ! What excessive horror, what heart
rending grief, must have seized the bosom of Mr.
Williams ! no adequate idea can be formed. Mr.
Williams was carried to Canada, and afterward
ransomed, and returned to Boston. A daughter
of Mr. Williams married an Indian with whom
she continued to live.

X. RAVAGES OF THE EASTERN INDIANS.

In the summer of 1722, the Norridgewock In
dians became troublesome. Among them was
one Ralle, a French Priest or Prophet, whom
they held in the greatest veneration; insomuch,
that nothing was undertaken unless approved of
by him; therefore, all broils between the English
and Indians, Ralle was thought accessary to. A
force was ordered to Norridgewock, their princi
pal town, but on their approach it was abandoned.
The expedition affected nothing but the bringing
away Ralle's papers, by which however, it was
ascertained that the French had caused the war.
The Indians thought this such an insult on the
divine agency, that they were at once more open
in their depredations.

A company of about 70 of them, fell upon
Merry meeting Bay, an arm of the Winnipisiogee,
and carried off nine families. Shortly after they
took a vessel with passengers, and burnt Bruns
wick.

APPENDIX. 289

The war now became general. In February
following, 130 men under Col. Westbrook, ranged
the eoa'st with small vessels, went up to Pcnobjseot,
burned a handsome Indian town, and returned
without doing any thing but this savage act.

Soon after, Capt. Moulton traversed the coun
try, and by his lenity in preserving Indian villages,
effected more than many of his predecessors by
their burning.

In the summer of 1723, Canso was destroyed,
and sixteen sail of fishing vessels taken, by the
enemy. Capt. Eliot, in a man of war sloop, with
about fifty men, recaptured seven of them, which
were at Winepang harbour. On cruising the
coast, and seeing them in the harbour, made di
rectly in. On board of one vessel were about 60
Indians, who thought themselves sure of another
prize. Capt. Eliot having secreted his men, and
as he approached them they boldly cried out,
" Strike you English dogs, for you are ail prison
ers." Eliot's men then all rose up, and boarded
them sword in hand. They made brave resist
ance for half an hour; but could not withstand the
force of the heavy swords of the English, and
those who survived took to the water, where their
fate was as certain; five only reached the shore.

XI. NORRIDGEWOCK TAKEN, AND DEATH OF
RALLE.

The great retreat of those Indians was Norridge-
wock, where they had a strong fort; nothing, there
fore, could put a stop to their ravages," until it
was destroyed. Accordingly in August, 1724,
an expedition was planned, and four companies
sent on this enterprise. The brave Capt. Moul-*
25

290 APPENDIX.

ton commanded that directed to fall immediately
on the fort. On coming up the Indians rushed
out, in number about sixty, and with a furious yell
attacked them. The English returned their fire
with such deadly effect, that they tied in confusion
to the river, some reached the opposite shore, but
many were shot in crossing; the water being deep.
Moulton then returned to the town and utterly
destroyed it.

The famous Ralle was at this place. Capt.
Moulton had given orders that he should not be
killed; but a Lieutenant seeing him engaged in
the work of death,, forced into his house, and shot
him through the head; not however till he had re
fused to have or give quarter.

This was a final overthrow to the Norridgewocks.
Charlevoix gives a shocking account of this affair,
in which he accuses the English with more than
savage cruelty. He gives Ralle all the honour
of a saint, without charging him with any crimes.
Ralle was a man of great erudition. His letters,
written in Latin, were said to be highly classical.

xn. LOVEWELL'S FIGHT.

In the winter of 1725, the famous Capt. John
Lovewell, of Dunstable, engaged in the war
against the Indians. A premium of 100 pounds
being offered by government for each Indian's
scalp. Lovewell raised a company of volunteers,
and in less than three months, made about 1200
pounds.

On the 8th of May, 1726, as they were rang
ing the wilderness at a great distance from home,
they were attacked by a party of eighty Indians.
When the battle began they were not far from the

APPENDIX.

eefrge of a small pond. Lovewell immediately re
treated to the water's edge, and thus prevented be
ing surrounded. Here one of the most desperate
battles was fought ever related in Indian story.
Here thirty-two brave men, for six hours togeth
er, withstood the repeated shocks of eighty savages.
Night coining on, each party thought themselves
happy to escape from the other. Capt. Lovewell,
his Lieutenant and Ensign were among the first
that fell, who, with five more, were left on the field
of battle. Sixteen escaped unhurt. Eight were
left in this hideous wilderness, badly wounded,
two of whom only returned, the rest having died of
hunger, and their wounds. The loss of the enemy
could not be known, but must have been very
great.

This was a severe blow to the English, yet the
Indians were sadly disappointed. And was the
means of bringing about a peace which lasted
many years.

xni. WASHINGTON'S EXPEDITION.

Disturbances between the French and English
nations, soon involved the colonies in a war. In
1754, Maj. Washington was advanced to the rank
of Colonel, and at the head of about 300 Virgin
ians, was directed to repel the encroachments of
the French and Indians on the Ohio. Troops
from Carolina and New-York, were to join them;
Washington, without the expected re-enforcements
from New- York, advanced boldly to meet the en
emy. The commander of fort Du Quesne,*
a strong fort in the possession of the Frenclv

* Ncnv Pittsburg, in Pennsylvania.

292

sent out a body of French, and Indians, whom
Washington fell in with, and after a hard fpught
battle, entirely defeated them. The commander
of the fort then appeared in person, with about 900
men, besides Indians. Washington had only time
to throw up some slight works, which he called
Fort Necessity, when he was hailed by the yells of
The savagesv and the furious attack of the French.
He, with his tew brave men, made a gallant de
fence, and hourly looked for the New-York
troops, but in vain. They could expect nothing
but to sell their lives as dear as they could. At
length, to their great astonishment, the French
commander sent in a ilag of truce, offering an
honourable capitulation, which was, that they
should march out with the honours of wrar, and
with their arms, £LC. to return to their native
country, which Washington was pleased to accept.
Here, at the iirst setting out of the great
Washington, we discover in him a second Leoni-
das. Who can trace his youthful steps, without
the greatest admiration? At the age of 23, baffling
the skill of experienced commanders.

xiv. GEN. SHADDOCK'S DEFEAT.

In the beginning of the year 1755, Gen. Brad-
ilock was sent over by the British Government
with about 1500 men, to proceed against the
French on the Ohio. On arriving in Virginia his
army was augmented to rising 2000 men. Much
time was lost before the troops were put in mo
tion. Notwithstanding Gen. Braddoek arrived
early in the spring, yet, it was June before he
took up his march. Before he left England, ho
was often advised of the danger of

APPENDIX.'

and when on his march Col. Washington, his aide,
modestly urged the necessity of using great cau
tion. He repeatedly requested the favour that
lie might march in advance of his army with his
rangers, but his advice was treated with contempt,
and the General in derision observed, " A Buck*
skin teach a British General how to fight!"

When within about thirteen miles of fort D-u
Quesne, they had to pass a dangerous defile, and
yet, no precaution was taken to prevent a surprise.
The army had all entered the fatal place, when
on a sudden, a most tremenduous, and deadly fire
was opened upon them; yet, there was hardly an
enemy to be seen. At this moment the General
discovered great intrepedity, and as much impru
dence. Instead of retreating from this position,
he used his utmost exertions to form his regulars,
who were thrown into confusion by the first onset.
The Virginians alone stood firm although as much
exposed as the regulars; and under the direction
of the brave Col. Washington, succeeded in cov
ering their retreat; thereby preventing the total
ruin of the shattered army. The General had
five horses shot from under him; at length receiv
ing a shot in the head, he fell.

"Beneath his ear the mortal weapon went;
The soul came issuing at the narrow vent:
His limbs, unnerv'd, drop useless on the ground,
And everlasting darkness shades him round."

He was immediately conveyed to the rear.

"Him on his car the JVashingtonian train
In sad procession bore from off the plain. "

Many were the brave officers, and men who fell on
this fatal day. The number of officers far ex
ceeded the common proportion; in all it is said he

25*

L29i APPENDIX.

lost half of his army.* In this retreat, we behold
in our Washington a second Xenophon.

XV. BOON'S EXPEDITIONS.

Among the most enterprising men, who hav«
contributed to subdue the wilderness, should be
mentioned Capt. Daniel Boon. He set out from
North-Carolina, in company with five others, and
explored the country to the plains of Kentucky,
and course of the Ohio. He returned home in
1771, having been absent about two years. In
this expedition he was taken prisoner by a number
of Indians, and to effect his escape, pretended per
fect satisfaction with his situation, until a good op-
portunily offered. One night, as his Indian com
panions lay asleep, he crept away softly, and made
good his escape.

He was so delighted with the beautiful country
of Kentucky, that he resolved to move his family
thither. In 1773, he set out with his family in
company with several more. After passing two
ranges of mountains, and in the vicinity of Cum
ber] and mountains, their company were attacked
by a numerous body of Indians, who killed six of
them, among whom was Capt. Boon's oldest
son. Though they defeated the Indians, yet their
cuttle were so scattered, and their plans so discon
certed, that they concluded to return to the settle-
men, s.

Cart. Boon was then employed by the Govern-
our of Virginia, in surveys, &c. till 1774. After
that, he laid out a road through the wildernes to
Kentucky, where he erected a fort, and called it
Boonsborough. This was on the Kentucky river.
In 1775, he moved his family thither. They were

* Riders History.

APPENDIX. 295

continually beset by the Indians. In 1776, they
took his daughter prisoner. Capt. Boon pursued
them with eight men, came up with them, and
with his own hand, killed two of them, and retook
his daughter. , In 1778, Capt. Boon being out a
hunting, was taken 'by 102 Indians, and conveyed
to Detroit, thence to Chilicothe. Here a plan
was laid, and 150 warriours collected, and ordered
to attack Boonsborough. Capt. Boon resolved
to escape, and warn his countrymen of their inten
tions. Accordingly on the 16th of June, before
day, he made his escape, and on the 20th reached
Boonsborough, a distance of 160 miles in four
days, during which time he had but one meal of
victuals.

In August the meditated attack was made on
Boonsborough, by about 140 Indians, under the
command of a Frenchman. A surrender of the
fort was immediately demanded. Capt. Boon
told them he should hold out, as long as he had a
man left. They commenced the siege, and after
about eleven days were obliged to abandon it,
having thirty-seven men killed. He went to
North-Carolina after this, and removed his family
to Kentucky again; for during his captivity with
the Indians, his wife thinking him killed, had con
veyed herself and family to North Carolina. But
their situation was as bad as before; men were
continually killed, women ravished and murdered,
and their crops destroyed.

^Capt. Boon, and three other officers, with about
176 men, met a large body of savages on Licking
river, and fought then to great disadvantage, hav
ing sixty-seven men killed ; among whom was
Capt. Boon's second son. Disturbances continu-

296

APPENDIX.

ed for some time after. At length the Indians
desiring peace, a formal treaty was" concluded with
them; and from that time the country wore a dif
ferent aspect.

xvi. GEN. HARMER'S EXPEDITION, AND DE
FEAT BY THE INDIANS.

In 1791, the Indians about the Ohio, had again
resumed the hatchet, and every day grew more
troublesome. Congress sent out General Harmer,
with about 1400 men to destroy their settlements
on the Scioto, and W abash rivers. On the ap
proach of the army to the great Miami village,
the Indians set it on fire, and fled. The army
was divided, and by a manoeuvre of the enemy,
again subdivided. The first detachment were
surprised by an ambush, and nearly all slain. A
second detachment, consisting of about 500, soon
met a similar fate. This expedition terminated
with the loss of 360 men. Had the enemy fol
lowed up their successes, the whole army must
have been destroyed.

xvn. GEN. ST. CLAIR'S DEFEAT.

At that time, Gen. St. Clair was Governor of
the western territory. He was furnished with
2000 men to subdue those savages. He marched
into the country of the Miamies, and had arrived
within about two miles of the Miami village in the
evening; made very judicious arrangements, for
an expected attack, which was made very early the
next morning; but owing to the shameful conduct
of the militia, was totally defeated; having about
600 killed. The General, after doing all that
could be done on the field of battle, retreated in

APPENDIX. 297

good order. In this battle the brave Gen. But
ler fell. Among the wounded was Col. Drake,
who at the head of his regiment, put the whole left
flank of the enemy to flight; but being severely
wounded, this success was not long maintained;
yet he assisted greatly in the retreat.

xvin. GEN. WAYNE'S EXPEDITION.

After this, Gen. Wayne took the command,
and arrived with his army on the ground where
Gen. St. Clair was defeated^ in September, 1793.
After gathering up the bones of their friends, and
committing them to the dust, they erected a fort,
which the General called Fort Recovery.

The next year, in August, after many ineffect
ual attempts to bring about a peace, Gen. Wayne
found that nothing but coercive measures would
succeed. On the 20th, a decisive battle was
fought near the Miami, and the Indians com
pletely defeated, and driven out of the country*
and their vilages and provisions destroyed to pre
vent their return. In the battle 2000 Indians
were engaged, but the American force was supe-
riour, and suffered but little. The Indians lost
about 300 warriours.

XIX. GOV. HARRISON ATTACKED AT TIPPE-
CANOE.

For about sixteen years the frontier inhabitants
seem to have been tolerably free from the inroads of
the savages. But the Wabash Indians, by many
thievish ravages, had given much cause of com
plaint. A Shawanese, assuming the character of
a prophet, here appeared primary in forming a
oombination for invading the white settlements.

298 APPENDIX.

This fellow was a brother of the celebrated Te-
cumseh. Governor Harrison concentrated a con
siderable force at Tippecanoe, a branch of the
W abash. On the 7th November, 1811, a large
body of Indians attempted to surprise him, but
by his judicious precautions were prevented, and
" ample vengeance inflicted upon them." Har
rison's loss was considerable, having ISO killed
and wounded, among whom were many valuable
officers. The enemy had about 350 killed, and
their combination entirely broken up.

XX. AFFAIR OF THE RIVER RAISIN.

In 181o, at Frenchtown, on the river Raisin,
Gen. Winchester was invested by a body of Brit
ish and Indians, under Proctor, and the Indian
chiefs, Split-Log and Round-Head. Gen. Win
chester marched into this country to relieve the
inhabitants of Frenchtown, who were threatened
with an Indian massacre. On his arrival here,
he met a body of the enemy, and after a severe
conflict put them to the, rout. But on the arrival
of Gen. Proctor, Split- L >g and Round-Head,
affairs took a turn. A most gallant resistance
wras made, but, in consequence of superior num
bers, they were obliged to capitulate. It was
stipulated, that the men should not be pilfered by
the savages, and should have protection from the
British soldiers. But the perfidious Proctor gave
them into the hands of the Indians as soon as
they had surrendered, and one of the most inhu
man massacres ever recorded was suffered to be
carried on, under the eyes of British officers.
Upwards of 800 perished in battle before they
had surrendered, and more than a hundred in ths
massacre.

APPENDIX. 299

XXI. BATTLE OF THE MORAVIAN TOWN, U- C,

Jlnd Death of Tecumseh.
In October, 1813, Gen. Harrison moved up
the Thames, a river of Upper Canada, and at
a short distance from the Moravian town, was
met by about 2000 British and Tecumseh' s In
dians, who, under Proctor, had retreated thither.
The battle soon began, and at the commencement
Col. Johnson, of Kentucky, at the head of the
mounted riflemen, was ordered to break the ene
my's line, which was executed with great intre
pidity. The Indians had possession of a thick
wood, where they fought with great bravery.
Here the tremendous voice of Tecumseh was
heard, encouraging his warriors in the most ener
getic manner. The cavalry were soon in motion
to dislodge them. Johnson came directly on the
point where Tecumseh was stationed.

" He boldly stood, collected in his might;
And all his beating bosom claim'd the fight."

Here the battle was most severe, and " mutual
deaths were exchanged on either side." At
length the brave Tecumseh fell, and at nearly
the same time the brave Johnson.

" The darts fly round him from a thousand hands,
And the red terrors of the blazing bands."

Though not mortally wounded, yet he was cov
ered with wounds. They did not fall alone.
Within a few yads, around them thirty brave men
lay slain. By some, Colonel J-ohnson is said to
have killed Tecumseh; some others, that he was
killed bv a soldier, as he was about to deal a mor-

300 APPENDIX.

tal blow on the head of the Colonel. But it is
now generally believed, that he fell by the hand
of Col. Johnson.

When Tecumseh's voice was no longer heard,
the savages gave way, and in a short time the vic
tory was complete, and almost the whole force
^ere made prisoners.

XXII. CREEK WAR.

Massacre at Fort Mims.
We now return to the South, where the Creek
Indians appear in open war. The country along
the Mobile was much alarmed on the breaking
out of the war between Great Britain and the
United States; therefore, forts were erected at
different places, of which fort Mims was the
chief. Here were a great many families, and
about one hundred soldiers, under the command
of Major Beasely. They were sufficiently cau
tioned against a surprise, and yet, the fort was
entered by the savages at noon day, (August 30,
1813,ybefore they were discovered. Never was
witnessed a more dreadful scene! People, young
and old, women and children, were burned to death
in their houses ! Some rushing into the flames to
avoid a more dreadful fate ! Maj. Beasely was
among the first that was slain. The whole num
ber that perished in this horrid massacre, was
about 350. On intelligence of this disaster in
Tennessee, Generals, Jackson, Coffee and Cook,
with ft considerable army were in motion. In the
beginning of November, Gen. Coffee, with a de
tached party, met the enemy at a place called
Tallushatches, where they were ready to receive
him, and after a bloody battle, in which they dis-

APPENDIX. 301

played great bravery, were cut off to a man; be
ing about £00.

A few days after, Gen. Jackson, at the head of
ab^ut 1300 men, advanced against Talledega,
where about 1000 of the enemy were besieging
some friendly Indians. On the arrival of the,
troops a regular action took place, and in a short
time the enemy were put to the rout; leaving
about 300 of their warriors dead on the field of
battle.

Gen. White, detached by Gen. Cooke, march
ed against a place on the river Tallapoose. Af
ter killing and taking 300 prisoners, and destroy
ing some villages, returned without any loss.

An Indian, known by the name of the Prophet
Francis, was- a great mover of this war. Some
villages on theTallapoose, called AutosseeTowns,
were said by the Prophets, to be places where no
whites could disturb them. However, General
Floyd gained a complete victory over a large body
of them here, on the 23d January, 1814, and
burned up their towns. In the same month, Gen.
Jackson and Gen. Coffee advanced into their
country, and subdued them in several battles.
Gen. Jackson having encamped on the 21st, was
attacked before morning; not however without be
ing in a posture ready to receive the enemy, which
in a short time, were put to flight, and although
the contest was short, yet they left forty of their
warriors slain.

The army began now to be short of provisions,
concluded to retreat. The next day after arriving
at Enotachopco, they were attacked in the rear
while crossing a dangerous defile; this sudden
movement of the enemy, caused such disorder in
26

APPENDIX.

the undisciplined troops, as threatened a total de
feat, but through the promptness and decision of
their intrepid General, was prevented, and the
enemy entirely defeated.

Gen. Floyd, after leaving the Chatahouchie
river, was attacked in his camp, just before day.
The battle lasted till morning with great obstina-
>fy and resolution, on the part of the savages; but,
as it grew light, they made their escape. Their
number of killed was not known; the Americans
had 17 killed, and 132 wounded.

Notwithstanding so many successive defeats,
these people, like the ancient Britons under the
guidance of their druids, adhered to their proph
ets, and still cherished the belief, that their ene
mies would at last, be delivered into their. hands.

Gen. Jackson came upon a great army of them at
what is called the Horse-Shoe-Bend, of the Goose
river. Here they had a regular fortified camp, and
thought themselves quite secure. On the 27th
of March, the plan of attack was put in execution,
and after a very severe contest, in which the In
dians fought with all the desperation their situation
could inspire, were surrounded and cut to pieces.
The shore of the rixer was strewed with their
slain. 750 warriours were slain, among whom
were three of their prophets. The Americans
had about eighty killed, and 140 wounded.

The fate of these prophets, may put the reader
in mind of that of Tispaquin.* Although they
professed the spirit of prophecy, yet they proved
as vulnerable as poor Tispaquin, who made no
such pretentious. On the life or death of those,
war or peace depended, but Tispaquin's death was

* See page 117 and 118.

APPENDIX. 303

downright murder; having put himself under the
protection of the government of Plymouth.

Thus ended this dreadful war, dreadful when
we consider to what a state of civilization they had
arrived, dreadful when we contemplate that civil
ized men* were the cause of these calamities.

After this, in 1817, some Creeks having escap
ed into Florida, also, some runaway negroes, took
shelter among the Seminole Indians, and again
ventured to appear hostile; but Gen. Jackson soon
appeared among them, and after some considera
ble manceuvering, during which little opposition
was made, restored things to order.

RECAPITULATION.

From that time to the present, (1825,) few disturbances
liave arisen; yet, since the settlement of Plymouth, not a
year has passed, without complaints against the Indians,
from some quarter or other. The natives have sometimes
complained to our government, their grounds of complaint
were as just, and perhaps not less frequent, than those of
the whites; yet, where they have made one, the whites have
made many. It is said that the Creeks had not the least
cause of war; for in every instance, they had been satisfac
torily paid, for all lands claimed by them, whereon any set
tlements were ever made. But we do not so often hear that
Indian wars happen about lands, as other more trifling mat
ters. The distressing eastern war of 1675, is said to have
grown out of the foolish conduct of some sailors, who hav
ing heard that young Indians could swim naturally, took an
opportunity in the absence of a squawf to try the experi
ment; and although they did not drown the chUd, war was
the consequence. It is said by some that this was not the
only insult that gave rise to that war, but that some of them
had been kidnaped on board vessels, near Cape Sable, and
carried off and sold as slaves. People, who call themselves
civilized, and are found guilty of such atrocities, inflict the
blackest colour on the name of civilization. Considering

* British Agents.

t Wife of Sqiwito, Sachem of Saco.— Hub. Nar. page 291.

304 APPENDIX.

such infamous deeds of the whites, \ve cannot so much won
der at the saying of a great admirer of savage life, viz. that
" every attempt at civilization, is another remove from inno
cence and happiness." This was neither a Banks, nor a So-
lander; but, not a less greater philosopher.

The Pequot Indians had as little cause fer, the war of
their destruction, as any ever had, according to all accounts,
but their history, could it have been written, would doubt
less have differed considerably from ours.

Notwithstanding, on a careful and candid examination of
relative circumstances, it must be admitted that the sar
casms of the present age, cast upon our Forefathers, ema
nate, generally, from inconsiderate minds, and such as are
unacquainted with the history of those times; or, who read
with prejudice, and thereby imbibe it more strongly from
the story of retaliation. Whoever views clearly, what must
have been the situation, and peculiar circumstances of our
Forefathers, in a hideous wilderness, will not reproach
them so frequently. Nothing but alarms and strange ap
pearances* were presented to their view. They soon learn
ed that they could put no dependance on the words of their
savage neighbours. If any of them were true to their prom
ise, no dependance could be made on them by reason of the
treachery of others. The early supply of arms, which the
Indians received (see page 18, Note,) was a dreadful stroke
to the English. In times of dissatisfaction, no one could
venture out of his door, or sleep within, without fear of be
ing shot down, or tomahawked in bed. But in times when
every appearance of friendship was manifested, was the fa
tal blow struck. When Indian towns were destroyed, no
doubt, many innocent ones were slain, as was the case when
the English towns were destroyed, nor could it well be avoid
ed, for who could designate? or even if designation could
be made, in the mean time the battle is lost; Therefore,
whoever undertakes to decide at this distant period, where
the fault lies, if he contemplates a moment, will find himself
obliged to answer harder questions, than the poet asks ia
the lines which follow.

" But where's th' extreme of vice, was ne'er agreed;

Ask -where's the North? at York, 'tis on the Tweed;
In Scotland, at the Orcades; and there,

At Greenland, Zerabla, or the Lord knows where/'

THE END.

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I

FORM NO. DD6

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY
BERKELEY, CA 94720-6000