Witness: Mary Starbuck.
The mark of John (I. C.) Coffin.
Wanackmamack and Nickanoose acknowledge the above written to be
their act and deed, in the presence of the General Court, this 12th
of June, 1667, as attest.
MATTHEW MAYHEW,
Secretary to the General Court.
It is rather curious that this deed, although duly witnessed on May
10th, 1660, was not confirmed by Peter Folger until January first,
1664, and did not receive official attestation by the Secretary of the
General Court until the 12th of June, 1677.
This deed purchased the island from the original patentee and a greater
part of it from the Indians, and the English are said to have paid £26
for it. Almost a year before the execution of the above deed, however,
what is known as “The First Indian Deed” was executed by Nickanoose and
Nanahuma on June 20th, 1659. It is as follows:
“This doth witness that we Nickanoose of Nantucket, Sachem, and
Nanahuma of Nantucket, Sachem, have sold unto Thomas Mayhew of the
Vineyard the plain at the west end of Nantucket that is according
to the figure under written, to him and his heirs and assigns
forever. In consideration whereof we have received by earnest of
the said Thomas Mayhew the sum of twelve pounds. Also the said
Sachems have sold the said Mayhew of the Vineyard the use of the
meadow and to take wood for the use of him, the said Mayhew, his
heirs and assigns forever.”
“In witness hereof, we the Sachems aforesaid have hereunto set our
hands this 20th of June, 1659.”
“The said Acamy lyeth north and by east, and south by west or near
it.”
NICKANOOSE, ＋ (his mark.)
NANAHUMA, ✕ (his mark.)
Witness hereunto:
Mr. Harry,
John Coleman,
Thomas Macy,
Tristram Coffin.