In 1643, the Colonies of Massachusetts-Bay, New Plymouth, Connecticut,
and New Haven, concluded a Confederacy by which they entered into a
solemn compact to afford each other mutual advice and assistance on all
necessary occasions, whether offensive, defensive, or prudential. Among
the reasons assigned for this Union were the dependent condition of the
colonists; the vicinity of the French and Dutch, who were inclined to
make encroachments; the warlike attitude of the neighboring Indians; the
commencement of civil war in England, and impracticability of aid from
thence in any emergency; and the sacred ties of religion which already
bound them. The Province of Maine was not included because it was
subject to rulers of Episcopal tenets, and was infrequently an asylum
for excommunicants. This Union lasted for forty years without any
general Oath of Allegiance being required from the inhabitants of the
several Colonies.