The Narragansetts renew their attacks on Uncas and threaten the
English—Preparation for War by the Colonies—Declaration of War by
the English—Peace arranged and General Treaty signed by the United
Colonies of New England and the Narragansetts and Nyanticks: 1645.
This year the commissioners were summoned to meet at Boston before
their ordinary time, partly in regard to some differences between
the French and the Government of Massachusetts, about their aiding
Governor La Tour against Monsieur d’Aulney; and partly about the
Indians, who had broken the agreements of peace concluded last year.
This meeting was held at Boston on July 28th.
Besides some underhand attacks made on both sides, the Narragansetts
gathered a great power and fell upon Uncas and killed many of his
men and wounded many more, far exceeding him in number, and having
got a large number of arms. They did this without the knowledge and
consent of the English, contrary to the former agreement, and were
determined to continue the war, notwithstanding anything the English
said or did. So, encouraged by their recent victory, and by a promise
of assistance from the Mohawks—a strong, warlike, and desperate
tribe,—they had already devoured Uncas and his people in their hopes,
and would surely have done so in fact if the English had not quickly
gone to his aid. But the English of Connecticut sent him 40 men, as a
garrison for him, till the commissioners could meet and take further
steps.
Having thus met, they forthwith sent three messengers, Sergeant
John Davis, Benedict Arnold, and Francis Smith, with full and ample
instructions both to the Narragansetts and Uncas, requiring them
either to come in person or send qualified deputies; and if they
refused or delayed, to warn them that the English were determined to
oppose these hostile invasions, and that they had sent their men to
defend Uncas, and to know of the Narragansetts whether they would
stand by the former peace.
The messengers returned from the Narragansetts, not only with
slights, but with a threatening answer. They also brought a letter
from Mr. Roger Williams, assuring them that war would shortly break
out, and the whole country would be aflame; and that the sachems
of the Narragansetts had concluded a neutrality with the English
of Providence and Aquidnett Island. Whereupon the commissioners,
considering the great danger and provocations offered, and the
necessity we should be put to of making war on the Narragansetts,
and being cautious to have the way clear in a matter of such wide
public concern to all the colonies, thought fit to advise with such
of the magistrates and elders of Massachusetts as were at hand, and
also with some of the chief military commanders there; who being
assembled, it was then agreed:
1. That our engagement bound us to aid and defend Uncas.
2. That this aid could not be confined to defence of him and his
fort or habitation, but must be extended to the security of his
liberty and property.
3. That this aid must be speedy, lest he should be swallowed up in
the meantime.
4. The justice of the war being clear to ourselves and the rest
then present, it was thought meet that the case should be stated,
and the reasons and grounds of the war declared and published.
5. That a day of humiliation should be appointed, which was the
fifth day of the week following.
6. It was also agreed by the commissioners that the total
number of men to be raised throughout the colonies should be
300—Massachusetts 190, New Plymouth 40, Connecticut 40, New Haven
30; and that considering Uncas was in instant danger, 40 men
should forthwith be sent from Massachusetts for his relief—for
the 40 previously sent from Connecticut, had orders to stay only
one month, and their time having expired, they returned; and the
Narragansetts hearing of it, took the advantage and came suddenly
upon him and gave him another blow, to his further loss, and were
ready to do so again; but the 40 men from Massachusetts having
arrived, they drew off.
The declaration of war which they published I shall not transcribe,
as it is very long and is already in print. I will only note the
insolent reception of it by the Narragansetts, and the answers to
the three messengers sent from the commissioners to deliver it. They
received them with scorn and contempt, and told them they resolved
to have no peace without the head of Uncas; that it mattered not
who began the war, they were determined to continue it; that if
the English did not withdraw their garrison from Uncas, they would
procure the Mohawks against them. Ultimately they threatened that
they would lay the English cattle in heaps as high as their houses,
and that no Englishman should stir outside his door so much as
to relieve himself, but he should be killed. When the messengers
demanded guides to pass on through their country to deliver the
message of the commissioners to Uncas, they refused them, and
in scorn offered them an old Pequot woman. Nay, the messengers
personally were in danger; for while the interpreter was speaking
with them about the answer he should take back, some natives came and
stood behind him with hatchets, according to their murderous manner;
but one of his comrades gave him warning, and so all three broke off
and came away. These and similar affronts so terrified the Indians
they had with them, that they ran away, and left them to get home as
best they could.
So the confederation hastened the preparations, according to the
agreement, and sent to New Plymouth to despatch their 40 men with
all speed, to be stationed at Seekonk, lest it should be in danger
before the rest were ready. They were all well armed with snaphance
guns, under command of Captain Standish. Those from other places were
also led by able commanders, such as Captain Mason for Connecticut,
etc. Major Gibbons was made General, with such commissions and
instructions as were proper.
Everything being ready,—some of the soldiers already started and the
rest ready to march,—the commissioners thought it right before any
hostile act was committed, to return a present which had previously
been sent to the Governor of Massachusetts from the Narragansett
sachems, and though not accepted by him, had been laid by to be
accepted or refused according to their behaviour. So it was sent back
by two messengers and an interpreter, who were further instructed
to inform the Narragansetts that the men the English had already
sent to Uncas and other parts, had express orders, so far, only to
stand upon his or their defence, and not to attempt any invasion
of the Narragansetts’ country; and that even yet, if they made due
reparation for what had past, and gave good security for the future,
they should find that the English were as desirous of peace and
as tender of Narragansett blood as ever. If therefore Pessecuss,
Jenemo, with the other sachems, would without further delay come
with them to Boston, the commissioners promised and assured them
free liberty to come and return without molestation. But deputies
would not now serve, nor would the preparations on hand be stayed or
the directions recalled till the aforementioned sagamores came, and
further consultation had taken place. If, on the other hand, they
would have nothing but war, the English were ready, and would proceed
accordingly.
Pessecuss, Mixano, and Weetowish, three principal sachems of the
Narragansett Indians, and Awasequin, deputy for the Nyantics, with a
large train of men, a few days after, came to Boston.
To omit all other circumstances, and the discussion which took place
between them and the commissioners, they came to the following
conclusion.
1. It is agreed between the commissioners of the United Colonies
and the Narragansett and Nyantick sagamores, that the latter
shall pay or cause to be paid at Boston, to the Massachusetts
commissioners, the full sum of 2000 fathom of good white wampum,
or a third part of black wampum, in four payments; namely, 500
fathom within 20 days, 500 fathom within four months, 500 fathom
at or before next corn planting time, and 500 fathom within two
years from the date of these presents; which 2000 fathom the
commissioners accept as satisfaction for former expenses defrayed.
2. The aforesaid sagamores and deputy, on behalf of the
Narragansett and Nyantick Indians, hereby promise and covenant
that upon demand and proof they will restore to Uncas, the Monhigg
sagamore, all captives both men, women, and children; all canoes,
which they or any of their men have taken, or as many Narragansett
canoes, in good condition, in place of them; and will give full
satisfaction for all such corn as they or any of their men have
destroyed of his or his men’s, since last planting time; and the
English commissioners hereby promise that Uncas shall do likewise.
3. Whereas there are various disputes and grievances between the
Narragansett and Nyantick Indians, and Uncas and his men, which
in the absence of Uncas cannot now be determined, it is hereby
agreed that the Narragansett and Nyantick sagamores, either
come themselves, or send their deputies, to the meeting of the
commissioners for the Colonies, either at New Haven in September,
1646,—or sooner, upon due notice, if the said commissioners meet
sooner,—fully instructed to make due proof of their injuries,
and to submit to the judgment of the commissioners in giving or
receiving satisfaction; and the said commissioners, not doubting
but Uncas will either come himself or send his deputies, promise to
give full hearing to both parties impartially, according to their
allegations and proofs.
4. The said Narragansett and Nyantick sagamores and deputies do
hereby promise and covenant to maintain a firm and perpetual
peace, both with all the English United Colonies and their
successors, and with Uncas the Monhigg sachem and his men; with
Ossamequine, Pumham, Sokanoke, Cutshamakin, Shoanan, Passaconaway,
and all other sagamores and their tribes who are in friendship
with or subject to any of the English; hereby engaging themselves,
that they will not at any time hereafter, disturb the peace of
the country by any attacks, hostile attempts, invasions, or other
injuries to any of the United Colonies or their successors, or
to the aforesaid Indians, either in their persons, buildings,
cattle, or goods, directly or indirectly; nor will they combine
with any other enemy against them; and if they know of any Indians
or others who are conspiring or intend harm to the said English,
or any Indians subject to or in friendship with them, they will
without delay acquaint and give notice thereof to the English
commissioners, or some of them. Or if any questions or disputes
shall at any time hereafter arise between them and Uncas, or any
Indians mentioned above, they will, according to former engagements
which they hereby confirm and ratify, first acquaint the English,
and request their judgment and advice therein, and will not attempt
or begin any war or hostile invasion, till they have liberty and
permission from the Commissioners of the United Colonies so to do.
5. The said Narragansett and Nyantick sagamores and deputies do
hereby promise that they will forthwith deliver and restore all
such Indian fugitives or captives as have at any time fled from the
English, and are now living among them, or give due satisfaction
for them to the commissioners for Massachusetts; and further,
that they will without delay pay or cause to be paid, a yearly
tribute, a month before harvest, every year after this, at Boston,
to the English Colonies, for all such Pequots as live among them,
according to the former treaty and agreement made at Hartford,
1638, namely one fathom of white wampum for every Pequot man, and
half a fathom for each Pequot youth, and one hand length for each
male child; and if Weequashcooke refuse to pay this tribute for
any Pequots with him, the Narragansett sagamores promise to assist
the English against him. And they further undertake that they will
resign and yield up the whole Pequot country, and every part of it,
to the English Colonies, as due to them by conquest.
6. The said Narragansett and Nyantick sagamores and deputy do
hereby promise and covenant that within 14 days, they will bring
and deliver to the Massachusetts commissioners on behalf of
the Colonies, four of their children, viz., the eldest son of
Pessecuss, the son of Tassaquanawite, the brother of Pessecuss, the
son of Awashawe, and the son of Ewangso, a Nyantick, to be kept
as hostages or pledges by the English, till the aforementioned
2000 fathom of wampum has been paid at the times appointed, and
the differences between themselves and Uncas have been heard and
settled, and until these articles have been underwritten at Boston
by Jenemo and Wipetock. And further, they hereby promise and
covenant, that if at any time hereafter any of the said children
shall escape or be taken away from the English, before the promises
be fully accomplished, they will either bring back and deliver
to the Massachusetts commissioners the same children, or if they
cannot be found, such and so many other children as shall be chosen
by the commissioners for the United Colonies, or their assigns,
within twenty days after demand; and in the meantime, until the
said four children be delivered as hostages, the Narragansett and
Nyantick sagamores and deputy do freely and of their own accord
leave with the Massachusetts commissioners, as pledges for present
security, four Indians, viz., Weetowish, Pummunish, Jawashoe,
Waughwamino, who also freely consent and offer themselves to stay
as pledges, till the aforesaid children are delivered.
7. The commissioners for the United Colonies do hereby promise and
agree that the four Indians now left as pledges shall be provided
for at the expense of the United Colonies, and that the four
children to be delivered as hostages shall be kept and maintained
at the same expense; that they will require Uncas and his men,
with all other Indian sagamores before named, to forbear all acts
of hostility against the Narragansett and Nyantick Indians for the
future, and further, all the promises being duly observed and kept
by the Narragansetts and Nyanticks and their tribes, they will
at the end of the two years restore the said children delivered
as hostages, and maintain a firm peace with the Narragansett and
Nyantick Indians and their successors.
8. It is fully agreed by and between the said parties, that if any
hostile attempts be made while this treaty is in hand, or before
notice of this agreement can be given, such attempts and the
consequences thereof shall on neither part be counted a violation
of this treaty, nor a breach of the peace here made and concluded.
9. The Narragansett and Nyantick sagamores and deputy hereby agree
and covenant to and with the commissioners of the United Colonies,
that henceforth they will neither give, grant, sell, nor in any
way alienate, any part of their country, nor any parcel of land
therein, to any of the English or others, without consent and
permission of the commissioners.
10. Lastly they promise that if any Pequot or other Indians be
found among them who have in time of peace murdered any of the
English, they shall be delivered to just punishment.
In witness whereof the parties above named have interchangeably
subscribed these presents, the day and year above written.
JOHN WINTHROP, President PESSECUSS his mark
HERBERT PELHAM MEEKESANO his mark
THOMAS PRINCE WEETOWISH his mark
JOHN BROWN AWASEQUIN his mark
GEORGE FENWICK ABDAS his mark
EDWARD HOPKINS PUMMUNISH his mark
THEOPH. EATON CUTSHAMAKIN his mark
STEPHEN GOODYEAR
In drawing up this treaty and agreement between the commissioners of
the United Colonies and the sagamores and deputy of the Narragansett
and Nyantick Indians, Benedict Arnold was interpreter, upon his oath;
Sergeant Callicote, and his man, an Indian, were present; and Josias
and Cutshamakin, two Indians acquainted with the English language,
assisted,—making the whole treaty and every article clear to the
sagamores and deputy present. Thus was the war pending at this time
prevented.