2. It appeared not y^t any wampam had been paied as a ransome, or any
parte of a ransome, for Myantinomos life.
3. That if they had in any measure proved their charge against Uncass,
the comissioners would have required him to have made answerable
satisfaction.
4. That if hereafter they can make satisfing profe, y^e English will
consider y^e same, & proceed accordingly.
5. The comissioners did require y^t neither them selves nor y^e
Nyanticks make any warr or injurious assaulte upon Unquass or any of
his company untill they make profe of y^e ransume charged, and y^t due
satisfaction be deneyed, unless he first assaulte them.
6. That if they assaulte Uncass, the English are engaged to assist
him.
Hearupon y^e Narigansette sachim, advising with y^e other deputies,
ingaged him selfe in the behalfe of y^e Narigansets & Nyanticks that
no hostile acts should be comitted upon Uncass, or any of his, untill
after y^e next planting of corne; and y^t after that, before they
begine any warr, they will give 30. days warning to y^e Gove^r of the
Massachusets or Conightecutt. The comissioners approving of this
offer, and taking their ingagmente under their hands, required Uncass,
as he expected y^e continuance of y^e favour of the English, to
observe the same termes of peace with y^e Narigansets and theirs.
These foregoing conclusions were subscribed by y^e comissioners, for
y^e severall jurisdictions, y^e 19. of Sept: 1644.
EDWA: HOPKINS, Presidente.
SIMON BRADSTREETE.
WILL^M. HATHORNE.
EDW: WINSLOW.
JOHN BROWNE.
GEOR: FENWICK.
THEOPH: EATON.
THO: GREGSON.
The forenamed Narigansets deputies did further promise, that if,
contrary to this agreemente, any of y^e Nyantick Pequents should make
any assaulte upon Uncass, or any of his, they would deliver them up to
y^e English, to be punished according to their demerits; and that they
would not use any means to procure the Mowacks to come against Uncass
during this truce.
These were their names subscribed with their marks.
WEETOWISH.
PAMPIAMETT.
CHINNOUGH.
PUMMUNISH.
[264] _Anno Dom: 1645._
The comissioners this year were caled to meete to-gither at Boston,
before their ordinarie time; partly in regard of some differances falen
betweene y^e French and y^e govermente of the Massachusets, about their
aiding of Munseire Latore against Munsseire de Aulney, and partly aboute
y^e Indeans, who had broaken y^e former agreements aboute the peace
concluded y^e last year. This meeting was held at Boston, y^e 28. of
July.
Besids some underhand assualts made on both sids, the Narigansets
gathered a great power, and fell upon Uncass, and slew many of his men,
and wounded more, by reason y^t they farr exseeded him in number, and
had gott store of peeces, with which they did him most hurte. And as
they did this withoute y^e knowledg and consente of y^e English,
(contrary to former agreemente,) so they were resolved to prosecute y^e
same, notwithstanding any thing y^e English said or should doe against
them. So, being incouraged by ther late victorie, and promise of
assistance from y^e Mowaks, (being a strong, warlike, and desperate
people,) they had allready devoured Uncass & his, in their hops; and
surly they had done it in deed, if the English had not timly sett in for
his aide. For those of Conightecute sent him 40. men, who were a garison
to him, till y^e comissioners could meete and take further order.
Being thus mett, they forthwith sente 3. messengers, viz. Sargent John
Davis, Benedicte Arnold, and Francis Smith, with full & ample
instructions, both to y^e Narigansets and Uncass; to require them y^t
they should either come in person or send sufficiente men fully
instructed to deale in y^e bussines; and if they refused or delayed, to
let them know (according to former agreements) y^t the English are
engaged to assiste against these hostile invasions, and y^t they have
sente their men to defend Uncass, and to know of y^e Narigansets whether
they will stand to y^e former peace, or they will assaulte y^e English
also, that they may provid accordingly.
But y^e messengers returned, not only with a sleighting, but a
threatening answer from the Narigansets (as will more appear hereafter).
Also they brought a letter from M^r. Roger Williams, wherin he assures
them that y^e warr would presenly breake forth, & y^e whole country
would be all of a flame. And y^t the sachems of y^e Narigansets had
concluded a newtrality with y^e English of Providence and those of
Aquidnett Iland. Wherupon y^e comissioners, considering y^e great danger
& provocations offered, and y^e necessitie we should be put unto of
making warr with y^e Narigansetts, and being also carfull, in a matter
of so great waight & generall concernmente, to see y^e way cleared, and
to give satisfaction to all y^e colonies, did thinke fitte to advise
with such of y^e magistrats & elders of y^e Massachusets as were then at
hand, and also with some of y^e cheefe millitary comanders ther; who
being assembled, it was then agreed,--
First, y^t our ingagmente bound us to aide & defend Uncass. 2. That this
ayde could not be intended only to defend him & his forte, or
habitation, but (according to y^e comone acceptation of such covenants,
or ingagments, considered with y^e grounds or occasion therof) so to
ayde him as he might be preserved in his liberty and estate. 3^ly. That
this ayde [265] must be speedy, least he might be swalowed up in y^e
mean time, and so come to late. 4^ly. The justice of this warr being
cleared to our selves and y^e rest then presente, it was thought meete
y^t the case should be stated, and y^e reasons & grounds of y^e warr
declared and published. 5^ly. That a day of humilliation should be
apoynted, which was y^e 5. day of y^e weeke following. 6^ly. It was then
allso agreed by y^e comissioners that y^e whole number of men to be
raised in all y^e colonies should be 300. Wherof from y^e Massachusets a
190. Plimoth, 40. Conightecute, 40. New-Haven, 30. And considering y^t
Uncass was in present danger, 40. men of this number were forthwith
sente from y^e Massachusets for his sucoure; and it was but neede, for
y^e other 40. from Conightecutt had order to stay but a month, & their
time being out, they returned; and y^e Narigansets, hearing therof,
tooke the advantage, and came suddanly upon him, and gave him another
blow, to his further loss, and were ready to doe y^e like againe; but
these 40. men being arrived, they returned, and did nothing.
The declaration which they sett forth I shall not transcribe, it being
very larg, and put forth in printe, to which I referr those y^t would
see y^e same, in which all passages are layed open from y^e first. I
shall only note their prowd carriage, and answers to y^e 3. messengers
sent from y^e comissioners. They received them with scorne & contempte,
and tould them they resolved to have no peace without Uncass his head;
also they gave them this further answer: that it mattered not who
begane y^e warr, they were resolved to follow it, and that y^e English
should withdraw their garison from Uncass, or they would procure y^e
Mowakes against them; and withall gave them this threatening answer:
that they would lay y^e English catle on heaps, as high as their houses,
and y^t no English-man should sturr out of his dore to pisse, but he
should be kild. And wheras they required guids to pass throw their
countrie, to deliver their message to Uncass from y^e comissioners, they
deneyed them, but at length (in way of scorne) offered them an old
Pequente woman. Besids allso they conceived them selves in danger, for
whilst y^e interpretour was speakeing with them about y^e answer he
should returne, 3. men came & stood behind him with ther hatchets,
according to their murderous maner; but one of his fellows gave him
notice of it, so they broak of & came away; with sundry such like
affrontes, which made those Indeans they carryed with them to rune away
for fear, and leave them to goe home as they could.
Thus whilst y^e comissioners in care of y^e publick peace sought to
quench y^e fire kindled amongst y^e Indeans, these children of strife
breath out threatenings, provocations, and warr against y^e English them
selves. So that, unless they should dishonour & provoak God, by
violating a just ingagmente, and expose y^e colonies to contempte &
danger from y^e barbarians, they cannot but exerciese force, when no
other means will prevaile to reduse y^e Narigansets & their confederats
to a more just & sober temper.
So as here upon they went on to hasten y^e preparations, according to
y^e former agreemente, and sent to Plimoth to send forth their 40. men
with all speed, to lye at Seacunke, least any deanger should befalle it,
before y^e rest were ready, it lying next y^e enemie, and ther to stay
till y^e Massachusetts should joyne with them. Allso Conigtecute &
Newhaven forces were to joyne togeather, and march with all speed, and
y^e Indean confederats of those parts with them. All which was done
accordingly; and the souldiers of this place were at Seacunk, the place
of their rendevouze, 8. or 10. days before y^e rest were ready; they
were well armed all with snaphance peeces, and wente under y^e camand of
Captain [266] Standish. Those from other places were led likwise by able
comanders,[EU] as Captaine Mason for Conigtecute, &c.; and Majore Gibons
was made generall over y^e whole, with such comissions & instructions as
was meete.
Upon y^e suden dispatch of these souldiears, (the present necessitie
requiring it,) the deputies of y^e Massachusetts Courte (being now
assembled i[=m]ediatly after y^e setting forth of their 40. men) made a
question whether it was legally done, without their comission. It was
answered, that howsoever it did properly belong to y^e authority of y^e
severall jurisdictions (after y^e warr was agreed upon by y^e
comissioners, & the number of men) to provid y^e men & means to carry on
y^e warr; yet in this presente case, the proceeding of y^e comissioners
and y^e comission given was as sufficiente as if it had been done by y^e
Generall Courte.
First, it was a case of such presente & urgente necessitie, as could
not stay y^e calling of y^e Courte or Counsell. 2^ly. In y^e Articles
of Confederation, power is given to y^e comissioners to consult,
order, & determine all affaires of warr, &c. And y^e word _determine_
comprehends all acts of authority belonging therunto.
3^ly. The comissioners are y^e judges of y^e necessitie of the
expedition.
4^ly. The Generall Courte have made their owne comissioners their sole
counsell for these affires.
5^ly. These counsels could not have had their due effecte excepte they
had power to proceede in this case, as they have done; which were to
make y^e comissioners power, and y^e maine end of y^e confederation,
to be frustrate, and that mearly for observing a ceremony.
6^ly. The comissioners haveing sole power to manage y^e warr for
number of men, for time, place, &c., they only know their owne
counsells, & _determinations_, and therfore none can grante
co[=m]ission to acte according to these but them selves.
All things being thus in readines, and some of y^e souldiers gone forth,
and the rest ready to march, the comissioners thought it meete before
any hostile acte was performed, to cause a presente to be returned,
which had been sente to y^e Gove^r of the Massachusetts from y^e
Narigansett sachems, but not by him received, but layed up to be
accepted or refused as they should carry them selves, and observe y^e
covenants. Therfore they violating the same, & standing out thus to a
warr, it was againe returned, by 2. messengers & an interpretour. And
further to let know that their men already sent to Uncass (& other wher
sent forth) have hitherto had express order only to stand upon his &
their owne defence, and not to attempte any invasion of y^e Narigansetts
country; and yet if they may have due reperation for what is past, and
good securitie for y^e future, it shall appear they are as desirous of
peace, and shall be as tender of y^e Narigansets blood as ever. If
therefore Pessecuss, Innemo, writh other sachemes, will (without further
delay) come along with you to Boston, the comissioners doe promise &
assure them, they shall have free liberty to come, and retourne without
molestation or any just greevance from y^e English. But deputies will
not now serve, nor may the preparations in hand be now stayed, or y^e
directions given recalled, till y^e forementioned sagamors come, and
some further order be taken. But if they will have nothing but warr, the
English are providing, and will proceede accordingly.
Pessecouss, Mixano, & Witowash, 3. principall sachems of y^e Narigansett
Indeans, and Awasequen, deputie for y^e Nyanticks, with a large traine
of men, within a few days after came to Boston.
And to omitte all other circomstances and debats y^t past betweene them
and the comissioners, they came to this conclusion following.
[267] 1. It was agreed betwixte y^e comissioners of y^e United
Collonies, and y^e forementioned sagamores, & Niantick deputie, that
y^e said Narigansets & Niantick sagamores should pay or cause to be
payed at Boston, to y^e Massachusets comissioners, y^e full sume of
2000. fathome of good white wampame, or a third parte of black
wampampeage, in 4. payments; namely, 500. fathome within 20. days,
500. fathome within 4. months, 500. fathome at or before next planting
time, and 500. fathome. within 2. years next after y^e date of these
presents; which 2000. fathome y^e comissioners accepte for
satisfaction of former charges expended.
2. The foresaid sagamors & deputie (on y^e behalfe of y^e Narigansett
& Niantick Indeans) hereby promise & covenante that they upon demand
and profe satisfie & restore unto Uncass, y^e Mohigan sagamore, all
such captives, whether men, or women, or children, and all such
canowes, as they or any of their men have taken, or as many of their
owne canowes in y^e roome of them, full as good as they were, with
full satisfaction for all such corne as they or any of theire men have
spoyled or destroyed, of his or his mens, since last planting time;
and y^e English comissioners hereby promise y^t Uncass shall doe y^e
like.
3. Wheras ther are sundry differences & greevances betwixte
Narigansett & Niantick Indeans, and Uncass & his men, (which in Uncass
his absence cannot now be detirmined,) it is hearby agreed y^t
Nariganset & Niantick sagamores either come them selves, or send their
deputies to y^e next meeting of y^e comissioners for y^e collonies,
either at New-Haven in Sep^t 1646. or sooner (upon conveniente
warning, if y^e said comissioners doe meete sooner), fully instructed
to declare & make due proofe of their injuries, and to submite to y^e
judgmente of y^e comissioners, in giving or receiving satisfaction;
and y^e said comissioners (not doubting but Uncass will either come
him selfe, or send his deputies, in like maner furnished) promising to
give a full hearing to both parties with equall justice, without any
partiall respects, according to their allegations and profs.
4. The said Narigansett & Niantick sagamors & deputies doe nearby
promise & covenante to keep and maintaine a firme & perpetuall peace,
both with all y^e English United Colonies & their successors, and with
Uncass, y^e Monhegen sachem, & his men; with Ossamequine, Pumham,
Sokanoke, Cutshamakin, Shoanan, Passaconaway, and all other Indean
sagamors, and their companies, who are in freindship with or subjecte
to any of y^e English; hearby ingaging them selves, that they will not
at any time hearafter disturbe y^e peace of y^e cuntry, by any
assaults, hostile attempts, invasions, or other injuries, to any of
y^e Unnited Collonies, or their successors; or to y^e afforesaid
Indeans; either in their persons, buildings, catle, or goods, directly
or indirectly; nor will they confederate with any other against them;
& if they know of any Indeans or others y^t conspire or intend hurt
against y^e said English, or any Indeans subjecte to or in freindship
with them, they will without delay acquainte & give notice therof to
y^e English co[=m]issioners, or some of them.
Or if any questions or differences shall at any time hereafter arise
or grow betwext them & Uncass, or any Endeans before mentioned they
will, according to former ingagments (which they hearby confirme &
ratifie) first acquainte y^e English, and crave their judgments &
advice therin; and will not attempte or begine any warr, or hostille
invasion, till they have liberty and alowance from y^e comissioners of
y^e United Collonies so to doe.
5. The said Narigansets & Niantick sagamores & deputies doe hearby
promise y^t they will forthw^th deliver & restore all such Indean
fugitives, or captives which have at any time fled from any of y^e
English, and are now living or abiding amongst them, or give due
satisfaction for them to y^e comissioners for y^e Massachusets; and
further, that they will (without more delays) pay, or cause to be
payed, a yearly tribute, a month before harvest, every year after
this, at Boston, to y^e English Colonies, for all such Pequents as
live amongst them, according to y^e former treaty & agreemente, made
at Hartford, 1638. namly, one fathome of white wampam for every
Pequente man, & halfe a fathume for each Pequente youth, and one hand
length for each mal-child. And if Weequashcooke refuse to pay this
tribute for any Pequents with him, the Narigansetts sagamores promise
to assiste y^e English against him. And they further covenante y^t
they will resigne & yeeld up the whole Pequente cuntrie, and every
parte of it, to y^e English collonies, as due to them by conquest.
6. The said Narigansett & Niantick sagamores & deputie doe hereby
promise & covenante y^t within 14. days they will bring & deliver to
y^e Massachusetts comissioners on the behalf of y^e collonies, [268]
foure of their children, viz. Pessecous his eldest son, the sone
Tassaquanawite, brother to Pessecouss, Awashawe his sone, and Ewangsos
sone, a Niantick, to be kepte (as hostages & pledges) by y^e English,
till both y^e forementioned 2000. fathome of wampam be payed at y^e
times appoynted, and y^e differences betweexte themselves & Uncass be
heard & ordered, and till these artickles be under writen at Boston,
by Jenemo & Wipetock. And further they hereby promise & covenante, y^t
if at any time hearafter any of y^e said children shall make escape,
or be conveyed away from y^e English, before y^e premisses be fully
accomplished, they will either bring back & deliver to y^e
Massachusett comissioners y^e same children, or, if they be not to be
founde, such & so many other children, to be chosen by y^e
comissioners for y^e United Collonies, or their assignes, and y^t
within 20. days after demand, and in y^e mean time, untill y^e said 4.
children be delivered as hostages, y^e Narigansett & Niantick sagamors
& deputy doe, freely & of their owne accorde, leave with y^e
Massachusett comissioners, as pledges for presente securitie, 4.
Indeans, namely, Witowash, Pumanise, Jawashoe, Waughwamino, who allso
freely consente, and offer them selves to stay as pledges, till y^e
said children be brought & delivered as abovesaid.
7. The comissioners for y^e United Collonies doe hereby promise &
agree that, at y^e charge of y^e United Collonies, y^e 4. Indeans now
left as pledges shall be provided for, and y^t the 4. children to be
brought & delivered as hostages shall be kepte & maintained at y^e
same charge; that they will require Uncass & his men, with all other
Indean sagamors before named, to forbear all acts of hostilitie
againste y^e Narigansetts and Niantick Indeans for y^e future. And
further, all y^e promises being duly observed & kept by y^e
Narigansett & Niantick Indians and their company, they will at y^e end
of 2. years restore y^e said children delivered as hostiages, and
retaine a firme peace with y^e Narigansets & Nianticke Indeans and
their successours.
8. It is fully agreed by & betwixte y^e said parties, y^t if any
hostile attempte be made while this treaty is in hand, or before
notice of this agreemente (to stay further preparations & directions)
can be given, such attempts & y^e consequencts therof shall on neither
parte be accounted a violation of this treaty, nor a breach of y^e
peace hear made & concluded.
9. The Narigansets & Niantick sagamors & deputie hereby agree &
covenante to & with y^e comissioners of y^e United Collonies, y^t
henceforth they will neither give, grante, sell, or in any maner
alienate, any parte of their countrie, nor any parcell of land
therin, either to any of y^e English or others, without consente or
allowance of y^e co[=m]issioners.
10. Lastly, they promise that, if any Pequente or other be found &
discovered amongst them who hath in time of peace murdered any of y^e
English, he or they shall be delivered to just punishmente.
In witness wherof y^e parties above named have interchaingablie
subscribed these presents, the day & year above writen.
JOHN WINTHROP, President.
HERBERT PELHAM.
THO: PRENCE.
JOHN BROWNE.
GEO: FENWICK.
EDWA: HOPKINS.
THEOPH: EATON.
STEVEN GOODYEARE.
PESSECOUSS his mark [Illustration:]
MEEKESANO his mark [Illustration:]
WITOWASH his mark [Illustration:]
AUMSEQUEN his mark [Illustration:] the Niantick deputy.
ABDAS his mark [Illustration:]
PUMMASH his mark [Illustration:]
CUTCHAMAKIN his mark [Illustration:]
This treaty and agreemente betwixte the comissioners of y^e United
Collonies and y^e sagamores and deputy of Narrigansets and Niantick
Indeans was made and concluded, Benedicte Arnold being interpretour
upon his oath; Sergante Callicate & an Indean, his man, being
presente, and Josias & Cutshamakin, tow Indeans aquainted with y^e
English language, assisting therin; who opened & cleared the whole
treaty, & every article, to y^e sagamores and deputie there presente.
And thus was y^e warr at this time stayed and prevented.
[269] _Anno Dom: 1646._
About y^e midle of May, this year, came in 3. ships into this harbor, in
warrlike order; they were found to be men of warr. The captains name was
Crumwell, who had taken sundrie prizes from y^e Spaniards in y^e West
Indies. He had a comission from y^e Earle of Warwick. He had abord his
vessels aboute 80. lustie men, (but very unruly,) who, after they came
ashore, did so distemper them selves with drinke as they became like
madd-men; and though some of them were punished & imprisoned, yet could
they hardly be restrained; yet in y^e ende they became more moderate &
orderly. They continued here aboute a month or 6. weeks, and then went
to y^e Massachusets; in which time they spente and scattered a great
deale of money among y^e people, and yet more sine (I fear) then money,
notwithstanding all y^e care & watchfullnes that was used towards them,
to prevente what might be.
In which time one sadd accidente fell out. A desperate fellow of y^e
company fell a quarling with some of his company. His captine
co[=m]anded him to be quiet & surcease his quarelling; but he would not,
but reviled his captaine with base language, & in y^e end halfe drew his
rapier, & intended to rune at his captien; but he closed with him, and
wrasted his rapier from him, and gave him a boxe on y^e earr; but he
would not give over, but still assaulted his captaine. Wherupon he
tooke y^e same rapier as it was in y^e scaberd, and gave him a blow with
y^e hilts; but it light on his head, & y^e smal end of y^e bar of y^e
rapier hilts peirct his scull, & he dyed a few days after. But y^e
captaine was cleared by a counsell of warr. This fellow was so desperate
a quareller as y^e captaine was faine many times to chaine him under
hatches from hurting his fellows, as y^e company did testifie; and this
was his end.
This Captaine Thomas Cromuell sett forth another vioage to the
Westindeas, from the Bay of the Massachusets, well maned & victuled; and
was out 3. years, and tooke sundry prises, and returned rich unto the
Massachusets, and ther dyed the same so[=m]ere, having gott a fall from
his horse, in which fall he fell on his rapeir hilts, and so brused his
body as he shortly after dyed therof, with some other distempers, which
brought him into a feavor. Some observed that ther might be somthing of
the hand of God herein; that as the forenamed man dyed of y^e blow he
gave him with y^e rapeir hilts, so his owne death was occationed by a
like means.
This year M^r. Edward Winslow went into England, upon this occation:
some discontented persons under y^e govermente of the Massachusets
sought to trouble their peace, and disturbe, if not innovate, their
govermente, by laying many [270] scandals upon them; and intended to
prosecute against them in England, by petitioning & complaining to the
Parlemente. Allso Samuell Gorton & his company made complaints against
them; so as they made choyse of M^r. Winslow to be their agente, to make
their defence, and gave him comission & instructions for that end; in
which he so carried him selfe as did well answer their ends, and cleared
them from any blame or dishonour, to the shame of their adversaries. But
by reason of the great alterations in the State, he was detained longer
then was expected; and afterwards fell into other imployments their, so
as he hath now bene absente this 4. years, which hath been much to the
weakning of this govermente, without whose consente he tooke these
imployments upon him.
_Anno 1647. And Anno 1648._