A brief history of the Pequot War: especially of the memorable taking of their fort at Mistick in Connecticut in 1637: / Written by Major John Mason, a principal actor therein, as then chief captain and commander of Connecticut forces. ; With an introduction and some explanatory notes by the Reverend Mr. Thomas Prince. ; [Nine lines from Psalms]

AN Epitome or brief History OF THE Pequot War.

IN the Beginning of May 1637 there were sent out by CONNECTICUT CO|LONY Ninety Men under the Command of Capt. John Mason against the PE|QUOTS, with ONKOS an Indian Sachem living at Mohegan, * 1.1 who was newly re|volted from the Pequots; being Shipped in one Pink, one Pinnace, and one Shallop; who sailing down the River of Connecticut fell several times a ground, the Water being very low: The Indians not being won|ted to such Things with their small Canoes, and also be|ing impatient of Delays, desired they might be set on Shoar, promising that they would meet us at Saybrook; which we granted: They hastening to their Quarters, fell upon Thirty or forty of the Enemy near Saybrook Fort, and killed seven of them outright; * 1.2 having only one of their's wounded, who was sent back to Connecticut in a

Skiff: Capt. John Underhill also coming with him, who informed us what was performed by Onkos and his Men; which we looked at as a special Providence; for before we were some what doubtful of his Fidelity: Capt. Underhill then offered his Service with ••inteen Men to go with us, if Lieutenant Gardner would allow of it, who was Chief Commander at Saybrook Fort; which was readily approved of by Lieutenant Gardner and accepted by us: In lieu of them we sent back ••wenty of our Soldiers to Connecticut.

Upon a Wednesday we arrived at Saybrook, where we lay Windbou••d until Friday; often consulting how and in what manner we should proceed in our Enterprize, being altogether ignorant of the Country. At length we concluded GOD assisting us, for Narragansett, and so to March through their Country, which Bordered upon the Enemy; where lived a great People, it being about fifteen Leagues beyond Pequot: The Grounds and Reasons of our so Acting you shall presently understand:

First, The Pequots our Enemies, kept a continual Guard upon the River Night and Day.

Secondly, Their Numbers far exceeded ours; having sixteen Guns with Powder and Shot, as we were inform|ed by the two Captives foremention••d (where we declared the Grounds of this War) who were taken by the Dutch and restored to us at Saybrook; which indeed was a very friendly Office and not to be forgotton.

Thirdly, They were on Land, and being swift on Foot, might much impede our Landing and possibly dis|hearten our Men; we being expected only by Land, there being no other Place to go on Shoar but in that River, nearer than Narragansett

Fourthly, B•• Narragansett we should come upon their Backs and possibly might surpriz•• them unaware, at worst we should be on firm Land as well as they. All which

proved very successful as the Sequel may evidently de|monstrate.

But yet for all this, our Counsel all of them except the Captain we••e at a stand, and could not judge it meet to sail to Narragansett: And indeed there was a very strong Ground for it; our Commission limiting 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to land our Men in Pequot River; we had also the same Order by a Letter of Instruction sent us to Saybrook.

But Capt. Mason apprehending an exceeding great Hazard in so doing, for the Reasons fore mentioned, as also some other which I shall forbear to trouble you with, did therefore earnestly desire Mr. Stone that he would commend our Condition to the LORD, that Night,to direct how in what manner we should demean our selves in that Respect; He being our Chaplin and lying aboard our Pink, the Captain on shoar. In the Morning very early Mr. Stone came ashoar to the Captain's Chamber, and told him, he had done as he had desired, and was fully satisfied to sail for Narragansett. Our Council was then called, and the several Reasons alledged: In fine we all agreed with one accord to sail for Narragansett, which the next Morn|ing we put in Execution.

I declare not this to encourage any Soldiers to Act be|yond their Commission, or contrary to it; for in so doing they run a double Hazard. There was a great Com|mander in Belgia who did the States great Service in taking a City; but by going beyond his Commission lost his Life: His name was Grubb••nd••nk. But if a War be Managed duly by Judgment and Discretion as is re|quisit, the Shews are many times contrary to what they seem to pursue: Wherefore the more an Enterprize is dissembled and kept secret, the more sacil to put in Exe|cution; as the Proverb, The farthest way about is sometimes the nearest way home. I shall make bold to present this as my present Thoughts in this Case; In Matters of War, those who are both able and faithful should be improved; and then bind them not up into too narrow a Compass:

For it is not possible for the wisest and ablest Senator to foresee all Accidents and Occurrents that fall out in the Management and Pursuit of a War: Nay although possibly he might be trained up in Military Affairs; and truly much less can he have any great Knowledge who h••th had but little Experience therein. What shall I say? GOD led his People thro' many Difficulties and Turnings; yet by more than an ordinary Hand of Provi|dence he brought them to Canaan at last.

On Friday Morning, we set Sail for NARRAGANSETT-BAY, and on Saturday towards Evening we arrived at our desired Port, there we kept the Sabbath.

On the Monday the Wind blew so hard at North-West that we could not go on Shoar; as also on the Tuesday until Sun set; at which time Capt. Mason landed and Marched up to the Place of the Chief Sachem's Residence; who told the SACHEM,

That we had not an opportunity to acquaint him with our coming Armed in his Country sooner; yet not doubting but it would be well accepted by him, there being Love betwixt himself and us; well knowing also that the Pequots and themselves were Ene|mies, and that he could not be un••••quainted with those intolerable Wrongs and Injuries these Pequots had lately done unto the English; and that we were now come, GOD assisting, to Avenge our selves upon them; and that we did only desire free Passage through his Country.

Who re|tu••ned us this ANSWER,

That he did accept of our coming, and did also approve of our Design; only he thought our Numbers were too weak to deal with the Enemy, who were (as he said) very great Captains and Men skilful in War.

Thus he spake somewhat slighting of us.

On the Wednesday Morning, we Marched from thence to a Place called NAYANTICK, it being about eighteen or twenty Miles distant, where another of those Narra|gan••ett Sachems lived in a Fort; it being a Frontier to the Pequots. They carryed very proudly towards us; not permitting any of us to come into their Fort.

We beholding their Carriage and the Falshood of In|dians, and fearing least they might discover us to the E|nemy, especially they having many times some of their near Relations among their greatest Foes; we therefore caused a strong Guard to be set about their Fort, giving Charge that no Indian should be suffered to pass in or out: We also informed the Indians, that none of them should stir out of the Fort upon peril of their Lives: so as they would not suffer any of us to come into their Fort, so we would not suffer any of them to go out of the Fort.

There we quartered that Night, the Indians not offer|ing to stir out all the while.

In the Morning, there came to us several of MYANTOMO * 1.3 his Men, who told us, they were come to assist us in our Expedition, which encouraged divers Indians of that Place to Engage also; who suddenly gathering into a Ring, one by one, making solemn Protestations how galliantly they would demean themselves, and how many Men they would Kill.

On the Thursday about eight of the Clock in the Morn|ing, we Marched thence towards PEQUOT, with about five hundred Indians: But through the Heat of the Wea|ther and want of Provisions, some of our Men Fainted: And having Marched about twelve Miles, we came to Pawcatuck-River, at a Ford where our Indians told us the Pequots did usually Fish; there making an Alta, we stayed some small time: The Narragansett Indians ma|nifesting great Fear, in so much that many of them re|turned, although they had frequently despised us, saying, That we durst not look upon a PEQUOT, but themselves would perform great Things; though we had often tol•• them that we came on purpose and were resolved, GOD assist|ing, to see the PEQUOTS, and to Fight with them before we

returned, though we perished. I then enquired of ONKOS, what he thought the Indians would do? Who said, The NARRAGANSETTS would all leave us, but as for HIM|SELF He would never leave us: and so it proved: For which Expressions and some other Speeches of his, I shall never forget him. Indeed he was a great Friend, and did great Service.

And after we had refreshed our selves with our mean Commons, we Marched about three Miles, and came to a Field which had lately been planted with Indian Corn: There we made another Alt, and called our Council, supposing we drew near to the Enemy: And being in|formed by the Indians that the Enemy had two Forts almost impregnable; but we were not at all Discouraged, but rather Animated, in so much that we were resolved to Assault both their Forts at once. But understanding that one of them was so remote that we could not come up with it before Midnight, though we Marched hard; where|at we were much grieved, chiefly because the greatest and bloodiest Sachem there resided, whose Name was SASSACOUS: We were then constrained, being exceed|ingly spent in our March with extream Heat and want of Necessaries, to accept of the nearest.

We then Marching on in a silent Manner, the Indians that remained fell all into the Rear, who formerly kept the Van; (being possessed with great Fear) we continued our March till about one Hour in the Night: and coming to a little Swamp between two Hills, there we pitched our little Camp; much wearied with hard Travail, keeping great Silence, supposing we were very near the Fort as our Indians informed us; which proved otherwise: The Rocks were our Pillows; yet Rest was pleasant: The Night proved Comfortable, being clear and Moon Light: We appointed our Guards and placed our Sentinels at some distance; who heard the Enemy Singing at the Fort, who continued that Strain until Midnight, with great In|sulting and R••joycing, as we were afterwards informed: They seeing our Pinnaces sail by them some Days before,

concluded we were affraid of them and durst not come near them; the Burthen of their Song tending to that purpose.

In the Morning, we awaking and seeing it very light, supposing it had been day, and so we might have lost our Opportunity, having purposed to make our Assault be|fore Day; row••ed the Men with all expedition, and briefly commended ourselves and Design to GOD, think|ing immediately to go to the Assault; the Indians shew|ing us a Path, told us that it led directly to the Fort. We held on our March about two Miles, wondering that we came not to the Fort, and fearing we might be de|luded: But seeing Corn newly planted at the Foot of a great Hill, supposing the Fort was not far off, a Cham|pion Country being round about us; then making a stand, gave the Word for some of the Indians to come up: At length ONKOS and one WEQUOSH appeared: We de|manded of them, Where was the Fort? They answered, On the Top of that Hill: Then we demanded, Where were the Rest of the Indians? They answered, Behind, exceed|ingly affraid: We wished them to tell the rest of their Fellows, That they should by no means Fly, but stand at what distance they pleased, and see whether ENGLISH MEN would now Fight or not. Then Captain Underhill came up, who Marched in the Rear; and commending our selves to GOD divided our Men: There being two En|trances into the Fort, intending to enter both at once: Captain Mason leading up to that on the North East Side; who approaching within one Rod, heard a Dog bark and an Indian crying Owanux! Owanux! which is English|men! Englishmen! We called up our Forces with all ex|pedition, gave Fire upon them through the Pallizado; the Indians being in a dead indeed their last Sleep: Then we wheeling off fell upon the main Entrance, which was blocked up with Bushes about Breast high, over which the Captain passed, intending to make good the Entrance, encouraging, the rest to follow. Lieutenant Seel••y endeavoured to enter; but being somewhat cum|bred, stepped back and pulled out the Bushes and so en|tred,

and with him about sixteen Men; We had formerly concluded to destroy them by the Sword and ••ave the Plunder.

Whereupon Captain Mason seeing no Indians, entred a Wigwam; where he was be••et with many Indians, wait|ing all opportunities to lay Hands on him, but could not preva••l. At length William H••ydo•• ••••pying the Breach in the Wigwam, supposing some English might be there, entred; but in his Entrance ••ell over a dead Indian; but speedily recovering himself, the Indians some fled, others crept under their Beds: The Captain going out of the Wigwam saw many Indians in the Lane or Street; he making towards them, they fl••d, were pur••ued to the End of the Lane, where they were met by Edward Pattison, Thomas Barber, with some others; where seven of them were Slain, as they said. The Captain f••cing about, Marched a ••l••w Pace up the Lane he came down, perceiving himself very much out of Breath; and com|ing to the other End near the Place where he first entred, saw two Soldiers standing close to the Pallizado with their Swords pointed to the Ground: The Captain told them that We should never kill them after that manner: The Captain also said, WE MUST BURN THEM; and immediately stepping into the Wigwam where he had been before, brought out a Fire-Brand, and putting it in|to the Ma••ts with which they were covered, ••et the Wig••wams on Fire. Lieutenant Thomas Bull and Nicholas Omsted beholding, came up; and when it was throughly kindled, the Indians ran as Men most dreadfully Amazed.

And indeed such a dreadful Terror did the ALMIGHTY let fall upon their Spirits, that they would fly from us and run into the very Flames, where many of them perish|ed. And when the Fort was throughly Fired, Command was given, that all should fall off and surround the Fort; which was readily attended by all; only one Arthur Smith being so wounded that he could not move out of

the Place, who was happily espied by Lieutenant Bull, and by him resc••••d.

The Fire was kindled on the North East Side to wind|ward; which did swiftly over run the Fort, to the ex|tream Amazement of the Enemy, and great Rejoycing of our selves. Some of them climbing to the Top of the Palizado; others of them running into the very Flames; many of them gathering to windward, lay pelting at us with their Arrows; and we repayed them with our small Shot: Others of the Stoutest issued forth, as we did guess, to the Number of Forty, who perished by the Sword.

What I have formerly said, is according to my own Knowledge, there being sufficient living Testimony to every Particular.

But in reference to Captain Underhill and his Parties acting in this Assault, I can only intimate as we were informed by some of themselves immediately after the Fight, Thus They Marching up to the Entrance on the South West Side, there made some Pause; a valiant, reso|lute Gentleman, one Mr. HEDGE, stepping towards the Gate, saying, If we may not Enter, wherefore came we hear; and immediately end••avoured to Enter; but was opposed by a sturdy Indian which did impede his Entrance: but the Indian being slain by himself and Se••jeant Davis, Mr. Hedge Entred the Fort with some others; but the Fort being on Fire, the Smoak and Flames were so violent that they were constrained to desert the Fort.

Thus were they now at their Wits End, who not many Hours before exalted themselves in their great Pride, threatning and resolving the utter Ruin and Destruction of all the English, ••xulting and Rejoycing with Songs and Dances: But GOD was above them, who laughed his Enemies and the Enemies of his People to Scorn, making them as a siery Oven: Thus were the Stout Hearted spoiled, having slept their last Sleep, and none of their

Men could find their Hands: Thus did the LORD judge among the Heathen, filling the Place with dead Bodies!

And here we may see the just Judgment of GOD, in sending even the very Night before this Assault, One hundred and fifty Men from their other Fort, to join with them of that Place, who were designed as some of them|selves reported to go forth against the English, at that very Instant when this heavy Stroak came upon them, where they perished with their Fellows. So that the Mischief they intended to us, came upon their own Pate: They were taken in their own Share, and we through Mercy escaped. And thus in little more than one Hour's space was their impr••gnable Fort with themselves utterly Destroyed, to the Number of six or seven Hundred, as some of themselves confessed. There were only seven ta|ken Captive & about seven escaped. * 1.4

Of the English, there were two Slain outright, and about twenty Wounded: Some Fainted by reason of the sharpness of the Weather▪ it being a cool Morning▪ & the want of such Comforts & Necessaries as were needful in such a Case; especially our Chyrurgeon was much wanting, whom we left without Ba••ks in Narragansett Bay, who had Order there to remain until the Night before our intended Assault.

And thereupon grew many Difficulties: Our Provision and Munition near spent; we in the Enemies Country, who did far exceed us in Number, being much inrag••d; all our Indians, except ONROS, deserting us; our Pin|naces at a great distance from us, and when they would come we were uncertain.

But as we were consulting what Course to take, it pleased GOD to discover our Vessels to us before a fair

Gale of Wind sailing into Pequot Harbour, to our great Rejoycing.

We had no sooner discovered our Vessels, b••t immedi|ately came up the Enemy from the OTHER FORT; Three Hundred or more as we conceived. The Captain lead out a File or two of Men to Skirmish with them, chiefly to try what Temper they were of, who put them to a stand: we being much encouraged there at, presently pre|pared to March towards our Vessels: Four or Five of our Men were so wounded that they must be carried with the Arms of twenty more. We also being faint, were con|strained to put four to one Man, with the Arms of the rest that were wounded to others; so that we had not above forty Men f••ee: at length we hired several Indians, who eased us of that Burthen in carrying of our wound|ed Men. And Marching about one quarter of a Mile; the Enemy coming up to the Place where the Fort was, and beholding what was done, stamped and tore the Hair from their Heads: And after a little space, came mount|ing down the Hill upon us, in a full career, as if they would over run us: But when they came within Shot, the Rear faced about, giving Fire upon them: Some of them being Shot, made the rest more wary: Yet they held on running to and fro, and shooting their Arrows at Random. There was at the Foot of the Hill a small Brook, where we rested and refreshed our selves, having by that time taught them a little more Manners than to disturb us.

We then Marched on towards Pequot Harbour; and falling upon several Wigwams, burnt them: The Ene|my still following us in the Rear, which was to wind|ward, though to little purpose; yet some of them lay in Ambush behind Rocks and Trees, often shooting at us, yet through Mercy touched not one of us: And as we came to any Swamp or Thicket, we made some Shot to clear the Passage. Some of them fell with our Shot; and probably more might, but for want of Munition: But when any of them fell, our Indians would give a

great Shout, and then would they take so much Courage as to fetch their Heads. And thus we continued, until we came within two Miles of Pequot Harbour; where the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gathered together and left us: we Marching 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Top of an Hill adjoining to the Harbour, with our Colours flying; having left our Drum at the Place of our Rendezvous the Night before: We seeing our Vessels there Riding at Anchor, to our great R••joycing, and came to the Water-Side, we there sat down in Quiet.

Captain Patrick being Arrived there with our Vessels, who as we were informed was sent with Forty Men by the Massachusetts Colony, upon some Service against the Block I••••••nders: Who coming to the Shore in our Shal|lop with all his Company, as he said, to Rescue us, sup|posing we were pursued, though there did not appear any the least sign of such a Thing.

But we could not prevail with Him by any Means to put his Men ashore, that so we might carry our Wounded Men a Board; although it was our own Boat in which he was: We were very much Troubled; but knew not how to help our selves. At length we were fetched a Board to the great R••joyc••ng of our Friends.

Shortly after our coming a Board, there fell out a great Contest between Captain Underhill and Capt. Patrick: Captain Underhill claiming an Interest in the Bark where Captain Patrick was, which indeed was Underhill's Right; the Contest grew to a great Heighth. At length we propounded, that if Patrick would Ride there with that Bark in Contention, and secure the Narragansett Indians, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 being also the Place of Rendezvous to those Vessels that were expected from Massachuset, until we Transported our Wounded Men to Saybrook five Leagues distant; then we wou'd immediately return our Pink to convey the Narragansetts home▪ The which Captain Patrick seemed very readily to accept.

Captain Underhill soon after set fall in one of our Barks for Saybrook: But before he was out of Sight; Captain Patrick signified by Writing, that he could not attend that Service, but he must wait for the Bay Vessels at Say|brook, wishing us, having the Honour of that Service to compleat it, by securing the Narragansett Indians; which at first seemed very Difficult, if not Impossible: For our Pink could not receive them, and to march by Land was very Dangerous; it being near twenty Miles in the Ene|mies Country, our Numbers being much weakened, we were then about twenty Men; the rest we had sent home for fear of the Pequots Invasion. But absolutely necessitated to March by Land, we hasted ashore, with our Indians and small Numbers. Captain Patrick seeing what we intended, came ashore also with his Men; although in truth we did not desire or delight in his Company, and so we plainly told him: However he would and did March a long with us.

About the midway between that and Saybrook, we fell upon a People called Nayanticks, belonging to the Pe|quots, who fled to a Swamp for Refuge: They hearing or espying of us fled▪ We pursued them a while by the Track as long as they kept together: 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 much spent with former Travel, and the Sabbath drawing on, it being about Two or Three of the Clock on the Saturday in the Afternoon; we leaving our Pursuit, hast••d towards Saybrook, about Sun set we Arrived at Connecticut River Side; being nobly Entertained by Lieutenant Gardner with many great Guns: But were forced there to Quarter that Night: On the Morrow we were all fetched over to Saybrook, receiving many Courtesies from Lieut. Gardner.

And when we had taken Order for the safe Conduct of the Narragansett Indians, we repaired to the Place of our Abode: where we were Entertained with great T••i|umph and Rej••••cing and Praising GOD for his Goodness to us, in succeeding our weak Endeavours, in Crowning us with Success, and restoring of us with so little Loss.

Thus was God seen in the Mount, Crushing his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ene|mies and the Enemies of his People: The•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 while a TERROR to all that were round a••••ut them▪ who resolved to Destroy all the ENGLISH and to Ro••t their very Name out of this Country, should by such weak Means, even SEVENTY SEVEN (there being no more at the FORT) bring the Mischief they plotted, and the Violence they offered and exercised, upon their own Heads in a Moment; burning them up in the Fire of his Wrath, and dung••ng the Ground with their Fl••sh: It was the LORD'S Doings, and it is marvellous in ••ur Eyes! It is HE that hath made hi•• Work wonderful, and therefore ought to be remembred.

Immediately the whole Body of P••quots repaired t•• that Fort where SASSACO••S the Chief Sachem did reside; charging him that he was the only Cause of all the Troubles that had befallen them; and therefore they would Destroy both him and his: But by the Intreaty of their Counsellors they spared his Life; and consulting what Course to take, concluded there was no abiding any longer in their Country, and so re••olved to fly into several Parts. The grea••••st Body of them went towards MANHATANCE:* 1.5 And p••ssing over Conn••cticut, they met with three English Men in a Shallop going for Saybrook, whom they ••lew: The English Fought very ••toutly, as themselves conf••ssed, Wounding many of the Enemy.

About a Fortnight after our Return home, which was about one Month after the Fight at MISTICK, there Arrived in PEQUOT RIVER several Vess••ls from the MAS|SACHUSETS, Captain Israel S••oughton being Commander in Chief; and with him about One hundred and twenty Men; being sent by that Colony to pursue the War against the P••quots: The Enemy being all fled before they came, exc••pt some ••ew Straglers▪ who were surprised by the Mo|••eags and others of the Indians, and by them delivered to the Massachusets Soldi••rs.

Connecticut Colony being informed hereof, sent fo••••h|with forty Men, Captain Mason being Chief Commander; with some other 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to meet those 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••he Massachusetts, to consider what was necessary to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 respecting the future: Who meeting with them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Massachu|setts in P••quot Harbour; after some time of consultation, concluded to pursue those Pequots that were fled towards Manhatance, and so forthwith Marched after them, dis|covering several Places where they Rendezvoused and lodged not far distant from their several Removes; making but little haste, by reason of their Children, and want of Provision; being forced to dig for Clams, and to procure such other things as the Wilderness afforded: Our Vessels failing along by the Shore. In about the space of three Days we all Arrived at New Haven Har|••••••r, then called Quinnypiag. And seeing a great Smoak 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Woods not far distant, we supposing some of the Pequots our Enemies might be there; we hastened ashore, but quickly discovered them to be Connecticut Indians. Then we returned aboard our Vessels, where we stayed some short time, having sent a Pequot Captive upon di••co|very, we named him Luz; who brought us Tydings of the Enemy, which proved true; so faithful was he to us, though against his own Nation. Such was the Ter|ror of the English upon them; that a Moheage Indian named Jack Eatow going ashore at that time, met with three Pequots, took two of them and brought them aboard.

We then hastened our March towards the Place where the Enemy was: And coming into a Corn Field, several of the English e••pyed some Indians, who fled from them: They pursued them; and coming to the Top of an Hill, saw several Wigwams just opposite, only a Swamp inter|vening, which was almost divided in two Parts. Ser|j••ant Palmer hastening with about twelve Men who were under his Command to surround the smaller Part of the Swamp, that so He might prevent the Indians flying; Ensign Danport,* 1.6 Serjeant J••ffries &c, entering the Swamp,

〈◊〉〈◊〉 to have gone to the Wigwams, were there set upon by several Indians, who in all probability were d••ter••ed by Se••••••ant Palmer. In this Skirmish the English flew but few▪ two or three of themselves were Wounded: The rest of the English coming up, the Swamp was surrounded.

Our Council being called, and the Question propounded, How we should proceed, Captain Patrick advised that we should cut down the Swamp; there being many Indian Hatchets taken, Captain Traske concurring with him; but was opposed by others: Then we must pallizado the Swamp; which was also opposed: Then they would have a Hedge made like those of Gotham; all which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 judged by some almost impossible, and to no purpose, and that for several Reasons, and therefore strongly op|po••ed. But some others advised to force the Swamp having time enough, it being about three of the Clock in the Afternoon: But that being opposed, it was then propounded to draw up our Men close to the Swamp, which would much have lessened the Circumference; and with all to fill up the open Passages with Bushes, that so we might secure them until the Morning, and then we might consider further about it. But neither of these would pass; so different were our Apprehensions; which was very grievous to some of us, who concluded the In|dians would make an Escape in the Night, as easily they might and did: We keeping ••t a great distance, what better could be expected? Yet Captain Mason took Order that the Narrow in the Swamp should be cut thro'; which did much shorten our Leaguer. It was resolutely performed by Serjeant Davis.

We being loth to destroy Women and Children, as also the Indians belonging to that Place; whereupon Mr. Tho. Stanton a Man well acquainted with Indian Language and Manners, offered his Service to go into the Swamp and treat with them: To which we were somewhat back|ward, by reason of some Hazard and Danger he might be exposed unto: But his importunity prevailed: Who going to them, did in a short time return to us, with ••ear Two Hundred old Men, Women and Children; who

delivered themselves to the Mercy of the English. And so Night drawing on, we beleaguered them as strongly as we could. About half an Hour before Day, the Indi|ans that were in the Swamp attempted to break through Captain Patrick's Quarters; but were beaten back se|veral times; they making a great Noise, as their Manner is at such Times, it ••ounded round about our Leaguer: Whereupon Captain Mason sent Serjeant Stares to inquire into the Cause, and also to assist if need required; Capt. Traske coming also in to their Assistance: But the Tu|mult growing to a very great Heighth, we raised our Siege; and Marching up to the Place, at a Turning of the Swamp the Indians were forcing out upon us; but we sent them back by our small Shot.

We waiting a little for a second Attempt; the Indians ••n the mean time facing about, pressed violently upon Captain Patrick, breaking through his Quarters, and so escaped. They were about sixty or seventy as we were informed. We afterwards searched the Swamp, & sound but few Slain. The Captives we took were about One Hundred and Eighty; whom we divided, intending to keep them as Servants, but they could not endure that Yoke; few of them continuing any considerable time with their Masters.

Thus did the LORD scatter his Enemies with his strong A••m! The Pequots now became a Prey to all Indians. Happy were they that could bring in their Heads to the English: Of which there came almost daily to Winsor, or Hartford But the Pequots growing weary hereof, sent some of the Chief that survived to mediate with the En|glish; offering that If they might but enjoy their Lives, they would become the English Vassals, to dispose of them as they pleased. Which was granted them. Whereupon ONKOS and MYANTONIMO were sent for; who with the Pequots met at Hartford. The Pequots being demanded, How many of them were then living? Answered, about One Hundred and Eighty, or Two Hundred. There were then given to ONKOS, Sachem of MONHEAG, Eighty; to

MYANTONIMO, Sachem of NARRAGANSETT, Eighty; and to NYNIGRETT, * 1.7 Twenty, when he should satisfy for a Mare of Edward Po••roye's killed by his Men. The Pequots were then bound by COVENANT, That none should inhabit their native Country, nor should any of them be called PEQUOTS any more, but MOHEAGS and NARRA|GANSETTS for ever. Shortly after, about Forty of them went to Moheag; others went to Long Island; the rest settled at Pawcatuck, a Place in Pequot Country, con|trary to their late Covenant and Agreement with the English.

Which Connecticut taking into Consideration, and well weighing the several Inconveniences that might ensue; for the Prevention whereof, they sent out forty Men under the Command of Captain John Mason, to supplant them, by burning their Wigwams, and bringing away their Corn, except they would desert the Place: ONKOS with about One Hundred of his Men in twenty Canoes, going also to assist in the Service. As we sailed into Pawcatuck-Bay We met with three of those Indians, whom we sent to inform the rest with the end of our coming, and also that we desired to speak with some of them: They promised speedily to return us an Answer, but never came to us more.

We run our Vessel up into a small River, and by reason of Flatts were forced to land on the West Side; their Wig|wams being on the East just opposite, where we could see the Indians running up and down Jeering of us. But we meeting with a narrow Place in the River between two Rocks, drew up our Indians Canoes, and got suddenly over sooner than we were expected or desired; March|ing immediately up to their Wigwams; the Indians being all fled, except some old People that could not.

We were so suddenly upon them that they had not time to convey away their Goods: We viewed their Corn,

whereof there was Plenty, it being their time of Har|vest: And coming down to the Water Side to our Pin|nace with half of ONKOS'S his Men, the rest being plundering the Wigwams; we looking towards a Hill not far remote, we e••pyed about sixty Indians running towards us; we supposing they were our absent Men, the Moheags that were with us not speaking one word, nor moving towards them until the other came within thirty or forty Paces of them; then they run and met them and ••ell on pell mell striking and cutting with Bows, Hatch|ets, Knives, &c, after their feeble Manner: Indeed it did hardly deserve the Name of Fighting. We then endea|voured to get between them and the Woods, that so we might prevent their flying; which they perceiving, en|deavoured speedily to get off under the Beach: We made no Shot at them, nor any hostile Attempt upon them. Only seven of them who were NYNIGRETT'S Men, were taken. Some of them growing very outragi|ous, whom we intended to have made shorter by the Head; and being about to put it in Execution; one Otash a Sachem of Narragansett, Brother to MYANTO|NIMO stepping forth, told the Captain, They were his Bro|ther's Men, and that he was a Friend to the English, and if we would spare their Lives we should have as many Murtherers Heads in lieu of them which should be delivered to the English. We considering that there was no Blood shed as yet, and that it tended to Peace and Mercy, granted his Desire; and so delivered them to ONKOS to secure them until his Engagement was performed, because our Prison had been very much pestered with such Creatures.

We then drew our Bark into a Creek, the better to defend her; for there were many Hundreds within five Miles waiting upon us. There we Quartered that Night: In the Morning as soon as it was Light, there appeared in Arms at least Three Hundred Indians on the other Side the Creek: Upon which we stood to our Arms; which they perceiving, some of them fled, others crept behind the Rocks and Trees, not one of them to be seen. We then called to them, saying, We desired to speak with them,

and that we would down our Arms for that end: Where|upon they stood up: We then informed them, That the Pequots had violated their Promise with the English, in that they were not there to inhabit, and that we were sent to supplant them: They answered saying, The Pequots were good Men, their Friends, and they would Fight for them, and protect them: At which we were some|what moved, and told them, It was not far to the Head of the Creek where we would meet them, and then they might try what they could do in that Respect.

They then replyed, That they would not Fight with ENGLISH MEN, for they were SPIRITS, but would Fight with ONKOS. We replyed, That we thought it was too ••arly for them to Fight, but they might take their oppor|tunity; we should be burning Wigwams, and carrying Corn aboard all that Day. And presently beating up our Drum, we Fired the Wigwams in their View: And as we March|ed, there were two Indians standing upon a Hill jeering and reviling of us: Mr. Thomas Stanton our Interpreter, Marching at Liberty, desired to make a Shot at them; the Captain demanding of the Indians, What they were? Who said, They were Murtherers: Then the said Stanton having leave, let fly, Shot one of them through both his Thighs; which was to our Wonderment, it being at such a vast distance.

We then loaded our Bark with Corn; and our Indians their Canoes: And thirty more which we had taken with Kittles, Trays, Matts, and other Indian Luggage. That Night we went all aboard, & set Sail homeward: It pleased GOD in a short Time to bring us all in safety to the Place of our Abode; although we strook and stuck upon a Rock. The Way and Manner how GOD dealt with us in our Delivery was very Remarkable: The Story would be somewhat long to trouble you with at this time; and therefore I shall forbear.

Thus we may see, How the Face of GOD is set against them that do Evil, to cut off the Remembrance of them from

the Earth. Our Tongue shall talk of thy Righteousness all the Day long; for they are confounded, they are bro't ••o Shame that sought our Hurt! Blessed be the LORD GOD of I••rael, who onl•• doth wondrous Things; and blessed be his holy Name for ever: Let the whole Earth be ••••lled with his Glory! That the LORD was pleased to smite our Enemies in the hind••r ••••rts, and to give us their Land for an Inheri|tance 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 remembred us in our low Estate, and redeemed 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 of our Enemies Hands: Let us therefore praise the LORD for his Goodness and his wonderful Wo••••s to the Children of Men!

Notes

• * 1.1

  Onkos, usually called Un••as, the Gre•••• Sachem of the MOHEAGS.
• * 1.2

  Mr. Increase Mather in his History of the Pequot War, says this was on May 15.
• * 1.3

  He was usually called Mia••tonimo the Great Sachem of the Narraganset Indians.
• * 1.4

  The Place of the Fort being called MISTICK, this Fight was called MISTICK-FIGHT: And Mr. Increase Mather, from a Manuscript He met with, tells us; It was on Friday, May 26. 1637, a memorable Day!
• * 1.5

  I suppose this the same which is sometim•• called Manhatan or Man••a••oes; which is since called New York.
• * 1.6

  It should be Davenport, who was afterwards Captain of the Castle in Boston Harbour.
• * 1.7

  He was usually called NINNICRAFT.