Suggested removal of the Church of New Plymouth to Nauset—The
Narragansetts continue their attack on Uncas and the Monhiggs—Truce
arranged by the English: 1644.
Mr. Edward Winslow was chosen governor this year.
Many having left here, owing to the district being so limited and
barren, and their finding better accommodation elsewhere,—and several
others looking for opportunity to go, the church began seriously
to consider whether it were not better to remove jointly to some
other place, than to be thus weakened, and, as it were, insensibly
dissolved. Much consultation took place, and opinions varied. Some
were for staying together here, arguing that people could live here
if only they were content, and that it was not so much for necessity
that they removed, as for enriching themselves. Others were resolute
upon removal, and signified that here they could not stay, and that
if the church did not remove they must. This swayed many to agree to
removal, rather than that there should be a total dissolution, if
a place could be found suitable to accommodate the whole body more
conveniently and comfortably, and with room for development should
others join them for their greater strength and better subsistence.
With these provisos the majority consented to removal to a place
called Nauset, which had been superficially viewed, and the good-will
of the owners obtained. They began too late to see the error of
their previous policy, for they found they had already given away
the best and most convenient places to others, and now were in want
of such situations themselves; for Nauset was about 50 miles from
here, on the outskirts of the country, and remote from all society.
Furthermore, on closer examination, they found it would prove so
limited, that it would not suffice to accommodate the whole body,
much less be capable of any expansion. So in a short time they would
be worse off there than they were now. This made them change their
resolution; but such as were resolved upon removal took advantage of
the agreement made, and went on notwithstanding; nor could the rest
hinder them, since they had already made some beginning. Thus was
this poor church left like an ancient mother, grown old, and forsaken
of her children,—though not in their affections, yet as regards their
bodily presence and personal helpfulness. Her ancient members being
most of them worn away by death, and those of later times being, like
children, transferred to other families, she, like a widow, was left
only to trust in God. Thus she who had made many rich, herself became
poor.
Soon another broil was begun by the Narragansetts. Though they had
unjustly made war upon Uncas, as before described, the winter before
this they earnestly urged the Governor of Massachusetts to permit
them to make war again in revenge for the death of their sagamore,
claiming that Uncas had first received and accepted ransom for
Miantinomo, and then put him to death. But the Governor refused
the presents they brought, and told them it was they themselves
who had done wrong and broken the conditions of peace; neither he
nor any of the English would allow them to make any further war
upon Uncas, and that if they did so the English must assist him and
oppose them; but if when the commissioners met, the matter having
had a fair hearing, it could be proved that he had received this
ransom, they would make Uncas return it. Notwithstanding this, at
the spring of the year they gathered in great power, and fell upon
Uncas, killing many of his men and wounding more, besides receiving
some loss themselves. Uncas then called for aid from the English.
They told him what the Narragansetts objected; he denied it. They
told him it must come to trial, and if he was innocent, should the
Narragansetts refuse to desist, they would assist him. So at this
meeting they sent both to Uncas and the Narragansetts, and required
their sagamores to come, or send deputies to the commissioners, who
had now met at Hartford, promising a fair and impartial hearing of
all their grievances, and that all wrongs should be redressed. They
also promised that they should come and return without any danger or
molestation. Upon which the Narragansetts sent one sagamore and some
other deputies, with full power to do what was thought right. Uncas
came in person, accompanied by some of his chiefs. After discussion,
the commissioners made the following declaration to the Narragansett
deputies:
1. That they did not find any proof of a ransom being agreed upon.
2. It did not appear that any wampum had been paid as a ransom, or
any part of a ransom for Miantinomo’s life.
3. That, had they in any way proved their charge against Uncas, the
commissioners would have required him to make due satisfaction.
4. That if hereafter they could produce satisfactory proof, the
English would consider it, and proceed accordingly.
5. The commissioners required that neither they nor their allies,
the Nyanticks, should make war or injurious assault upon Uncas or
any of his tribe, until they could show proof of the ransom being
given,—unless he should first attack them.
6. That if they attacked Uncas, the English had undertaken to
assist him.
Hereupon the Narragansett sachem, consulting with the other deputies,
undertook on behalf of the Narragansetts and Nyanticks that no
hostile acts should be committed upon Uncas or any of his tribe
till after the next planting of corn; and that thereafter, before
they made war they would give 30 days’ notice to the Governor of
Massachusetts or Connecticut. The commissioners, approving of
this offer, required Uncas, as he expected the continuance of the
favour of the English, to observe the same terms of peace with the
Narragansetts and their people.
The foregoing conclusions were then subscribed by the commissioners
for the several jurisdictions, on the 19th of Sept., 1644: Edward
Hopkins, President; Simon Bradstreet, William Hathorne, Edward
Winslow, John Brown, George Fenwick, Theoph. Eaton, Thomas Gregson.
The Narragansett deputies further promised that if, contrary to this
agreement, any of the Nyantick Pequots made any attack upon Uncas
or any of his people, they would deliver them to the English for
punishment, and that they would not attempt to incite the Mohawks
against Uncas during this truce. Their names were subscribed with
their marks: Weetowish; Pampiamett; Chinnough; Pummunis.