The entertaining history of King Philip's War, which began in the month of June, 1675. As also of expeditions more lately made against the common enemy, and Indian rebels, in the eastern parts of New-England: with some account of the Divine Providence towards Col. Benjamin Church: / By Thomas Church, Esq. his son.

The entertaining HISTORY of Philip's WAR, Which began in the Year 1675. With the Proceedings of Benjamin Church, Esq

IN the Year 1674 Mr. Benjamin Church, of Duxbury, being providentially at Plymouth, in the time of the court, fell into acquaintance with Capt. John Almy, of Rhode-Island. Capt. Almy, with great importunity, invited him to ride with him, and view that part of Plymouth Colony that lay next to Rhode-Island, known then by their Indian names of Pocasset and Sogkonate. A|mong other arguments to persuade him, he told him the foil was very rich, and the situation pleasant: Persuades him by all means to purchase of the company some of the court grant rights. He accepted his invitation, views the country, and was pleased with it; makes a purchase, set|tled a farm, found the gentlemen of the Island very civil and obliging. And being himself a person of uncommon activity and industry, he soon erected two buildings upon his farm, and gain'd a good acquaintance with the natives;

got much into their favour, and was in a little time in great esteem among them.

The next spring advancing, while Mr. Church was dili|gently settling his new farm, stocking, leasing and disposing of his affairs, and had a fine prospect of doing no small things; and hoping that his good success would be invi|ting unto other good men to become his neighbours: Be|hold! the rumour of a war between the English and the natives gave check to his projects. People began to be very jealous of the Indians, and indeed they had no small reason to suspect that they had form'd a design of war upon the English. Mr. Church had it daily suggested to him that the Indians were plotting a bloody design. That Philip, the great Mount-Hope Sachem, was leader therein; and so it prov'd, he was sending his messengers to all the neighbouring Sachems, to engage them into a confederacy with him in the war.

Among the rest he sent six men to Awashonks, Squaw|Sachem of the Sogkonate Indians, to engage her in his in|terest: Awashonks so far listened unto them, as to call her subjects together, to make a great dance, which is the custom of that nation when they advise about moment|ous affairs. But what does Awashonks do, but sends away two of her men that well understood the English language, (Sassamon and George by name) to invite Mr. Church to the dance. Mr. Church upon the invitation, immediately takes with him Charles Hazelton, his tenant's son, who well understood the Indian language, and rid down to the place appointed; where they found hundreds of Indians gather|ed together from all parts of her dominion. Awashonks herself, in a foaming sweat, was leading the dance; but she was no sooner sensible of Mr. Church's arrival, but she broke off, sat down, calls her nobles round her, orders Mr. Church to be invited into her presence; compliments be|ing past, and each one taking seats, she told him, King Philip had sent six men of his, with two of her people,

that had been over at Mount-Hope, * 1.1 to draw her into a confederacy with him, in a war with the English, desiring him to give her his advice in the case, and to tell her the truth, whether the Umpame men (as Philip had told her) were gathering a great army to invade Philip's country? He assured her he would tell her the truth, and give her his best advice; then he told her it was but a few days since he came from Plymouth, and the English were then making no preparations for war; that he was in company with the principal Gentlemen of the government, who had no discourse at all about war; and he believed no thoughts about it. He asked her, whether she thought he would have brought up his goods to settle in that place, if he ap|prehended an entering into war with so near a neighbour? She seemed to be somewhat convinced by his talk, and said she believed he spoke the truth.

Then she called for the Mount-Hope men, who made a formidable appearance, with their faces painted, and their hair trimmed up in comb-fashion, with their powder|horns and shot-bags at their backs; which among that na|tion is the posture and figure of preparedness for war. She told Mr. Church these were the persons that had brought her the report of the English preparations for war, and then told them what Mr. Church had said in answer to it.

Upon this began a warm talk among the Indians, but it was soon quashed, and Awashonks proceeded to tell Mr. Church, that Philip's message to her was, that unless she would forthwith enter into a confederacy with him, in a war against the English, he would send his men over pri|vately, to kill the English cattel, and burn their houses on that side the river, which would provoke the English to fall upon her, whom they would without doubt suppose the author of the mischief. Mr. Church told her he was sorry to see so threatning an aspect of affairs; and stepping to the Mount-Hopes, he felt of their bags, and finding them

filled with bullets, asked them what those bullets were for? They scossingly reply'd, to shoot Pigeons with.

Then Mr. Church turn'd to Awashonks, and told her if Philip was resolved to make war, her best way would be to knock those six Mount-Hopes on the head, and shelter herself under the protection of the English: Upon which the Mount-Hopes were for the present dumb. But those two of Awashonk's men, who had been at Mount-Hope, ex|pressed themselves in a furious manner against his advice. And Little-Eyes, one of the Queen's council, join'd with them, and urged Mr. Church to go aside with him among the bushes, that he might have some private discourse with him, which other Indians immediately forbid, being sensi|ble of his ill design: But the Indians began to side and grow very warm. Mr. Church, with undaunted courage, told the Mount-Hopes they were bloody wretches, and thirsted after the blood of their English neighbours, who had never injured them, but had always abounded in their kindness to them. That, for his own part, though he de|sired nothing more than peace, yet, if nothing but war would satisfy them, he believed he should prove a sharp thorn in their sides: Bid the company observe those men that were of such bloody dispositions, whether providence would suffer them to live to see the event of the war, which others, more peaceably disposed, might do.

Then he told Awashonks he thought it might be most advisable for her to send to the Governor of Plymouth, and shelter herself and people under his protection. She liked his advice, and desired him to go on her behalf to the Ply|mouth government, which he consented to: And at parting advised her, whatever she did, not to desert the English in|terest, to join with her neighbours in a rebellion which would certainly prove fatal to her. [He moved none of his goods from his house, that there might not be the least umbrage from such an action.] She thanked him for his advice, and sent two of her men to guard him to his house;

which when they came there, urged him to take care to se|cure his goods, which he refused for the reasons before-mentioned: But desired the Indians, that if what they feared should happen, they would take care of what he left, and directed them to a place in the woods where they should dispose of them; which they faithfully observed.

He took his leave of his guard and bid them tell their mistress, if she continued steady in her dependance on the English, and kept within her own limits of Sogkonate, he would see her again quickly; and then hastened away to Pocasset, * 1.2 where he met with Peter Nunnuit, the husband of the Queen of Pocasset, who was just then come over in a canoe from Mount-Hope. Peter told him that there would certainly be war; for Philip had held a dance of several weeks continuance, and had entertain'd the young men from all parts of the country: And added, that Philip ex|pected to be sent for to Plymouth, to be examined about Sassamon's death, who was murder'd at Assawomset-Ponds; * 1.3 knowing himself guilty of contriving that murder. The same Peter told him that he saw Mr. James Brown, of Swanzey, and Mr. Samuel Gorton, who was an interpreter, and two other men, who brought a letter from the Gover|nor of Plymouth to Philip. He observ'd to him further, that the young men were very eager to begin the war, and would fain have killed Mr. Brown, but Philip prevented it; telling them that his father had charged him to shew kindness to Mr. Brown. In short, Philip was forced to promise them that, on the next Lord's-Day, when the Eng|lish were gone to meeting, they should rifle their houses, and from that time forward kill their cattle.

Peter desir'd Mr. Church to go and see his wife, who was but up the hill; he went and found but few of her people with her. She said they were all gone, against her will, to the dances; and she much feared there would be

a war. Mr. Church advised her to go to the Island and se|cure herself, and those that were with her; and send to the Governor of Plymouth, who she knew was her friend; and so left her, resolving to hasten to Plymouth, and wait on the Governor: And he was so expeditious that he was with the Governor early next morning, though he waited on some of the magistrates by the way, who were of the council of war, and also met him at the Governor's. He gave them an account of his observations and discoveries, which con|firmed their former intelligences, and hastened their prepa|ration for defence.

Philip, according to his promise to his people, permit|ted them to march out of the neck on the next Lord's-Day, when they plundered the nearest houses that the inhabitants had deserted: But as yet offer'd no violence to the people, at least none were killed. However the alarm was given by their numbers and hostile equipage, and by the prey they made of what they could find in the forsaken houses.

An express came the same day to the Governor, who immediately gave orders to the Captains of the towns to march the greatest part of their companies, and to rendez|vous at Taunton, on Monday night, where Major Bradford was to receive them, and dispose them under Capt. (now made Major) Cutworth, of Scituate. The Governor desi|red Mr. Church to give them his company, and to use his interest, in their behalf, with the gentlemen of Rhode-Island. He comply'd with it, and they march'd the next day.—Major Bradford desired Mr. Church, with a commanded party, consisting of English and some friend Indians, to march in the front, at some distance from the main body. Their orders were to keep so far before as not to be in sight of the army. And so they did, for by the way they killed a deer, fleed, roasted, and eat the most of him, before the army came up with them; but the Plymouth forces soon arrived at Swanzey, & were chiefly posted at Major Brown's and Mr. Mile's garrisons; and were there soon joined

with those that came from Massachusetts, who had entered into a confederacy with their Plymouth brethren, against the perfidious heathens.

The enemy, who began their hostilities with plunder|ing, and destroying cattle, did not long content themselves with that game; they thirsted for English blood, and they soon broached it; killing two men in the way not far from Mr. Mile's garrison; and soon after, eight more at Mattapoiset: * 1.4 Upon whose bodies they exercised more than brutish barbarities; beheading, dismembring and mang|ling them, and exposing them in the most inhuman man|ner; which gashed and ghostly objects struck a damp on all beholders.

The enemy, flushed with these exploits, grew yet bol|der, and skulking every where in the bushes, shot at all passengers, and killed many that ventured abroad. They came so near as to shoot down two centinels at Mr. Mile's garrison, under the very noses of most of our forces. These provocations drew out the resentment of some of Captain Prentices troops, who desired they might have liberty to go out and seek the enemy in their own quarters. Quarter Masters Gill and Belcher commanded the parties drawn out, who earnestly desired Mr. Church's company: They provided him a horse and furniture (his own being out of the way;) he readily complied with their desires, and was soon mounted.

This party was no sooner over Mile's bridge, but were fired upon by an ambuscare of about a dozen Indians, as they were afterwards discovered to be. When they drew off, the pilot was mortally wounded, Mr. Belcher received a shot in his knee, and his horse was killed under him, Mr. Gill was struck with a musket-ball on the side of his belly; but being clad with a buff coat, and some thick|ness of paper under it, it never broke his skin. The troopers were surprised to see both their commanders wounded, and wheeled off; but Mr. Church persuaded,

at length stormed and stampt, and told them it was a shame to run, and leave a wounded man there to become a prey to the barbarous enemy: For the pilot yet sat on his horse, though so mazed with the shot, as not to have sense to guide him; Mr. Gill seconded him, and offered, though much disabled, to assist in bringing him off. Mr. Church asked a stranger, who gave him his company in that action, if he would go with him and fetch off the wounded man: He readily consented, & they, with Mr. Gill, went, but the wounded man fainted and fell off his horse before they came to him; but Mr. Church and the stranger dismounted, took up the man dead, and laid him before Mr. Gill on his horse. Mr. Church told the other two, if they would take care of the dead man, he would go and fetch his horse back, which was going off the causey to|ward the enemy; but before he got over the causey he saw the enemy run to the right into the neck. He brought back the horse, and called earnestly and repeatedly to the army to come over and fight the enemy; and while he stood calling and persuading, the skulking enemy returned to their old stand, and all discharged their guns at him at one clap, though every shot missed him; yet one of the army, on the other side of the river, received one of the balls in his foot. Mr. Church now began (no succour coming to him) to think in time to retreat: Saying, The Lord have mercy on us, if such a handful of Indians shall thus dare such an army!

Upon this it was immediately resolved, and orders were given to march down into the neck, and having passed the bridge and causey, the direction was to extend both wings, which being not well heeded, by those that re|mained in the center, some of them mistook their friends for their enemies, and made a fire upon them in the right wing, and wounded that noble heroick youth, Ensign Sa|vage, in the thigh, but it happily proved but a flesh wound. They marched until they came to the narrow of the neck,

at a place called Keekamuit, * 1.5 where they took down the heads of eight English men that were killed at the head of Mattapoiset-neck, and set upon poles, after the barbarous manner of those savages. There Philip had staved all his drums, and conveyed all his canoes to the East-side of Mat|tapoiset-river; hence it was concluded, by those that were acquainted with the motions of those people, that they had quitted the neck. Mr. Church told them that Phi|lip was doubtless gone over to Pocasset side, to ingage those Indians in rebellion with him; which they soon found to be true. The enemy were not really beaten out of Mount-Hope neck, though it was true they fled from thence; yet it was before any pursued them. It was but to strengthen themselves, and to gain a more ad|vantageous post. However, some, and not a few, pleased themselves with the fancy of a mighty conquest.

A grand council was held, and a resolve past, to build a fort there, to maintain the first ground they had gained, by the Indians leaving it to them; and to speak the truth, it must be said, that as they gained not that field by their sword, nor their bow; so it was rather their fear than their courage, that obliged them to set up the marks of their conquest. Mr. Church looked upon it, and talked of it with contempt, and urged hard the pursuing the enemy on Pocasset side, and with the greater earnestness, because of his promise made to Awashonks, before men|tioned. The council adjourned themselves from Mount-Hope to Rohoboth, where Mr. Treasurer Southworth, be|ing weary of his charge of Commissary General, (provi|sion being scarce and difficult to be obtained, for the ar|my, that now lay still to cover the people from no body, while they were building a fort for nothing) retired, and the power and trouble of that post was left with Mr. Church, who still urged the commanding officers to move over to Pocasset side, * 1.6 to pursue the enemy, and kill Phi|lip, which would, in his opinion, be more probable to keep

possession of the neck, than to tarry to build a fort. He was still restless on that side of the river, and the rather because of his promise to the Squaw Sachem of Sogkonate, and Captain Fuller also urged the same, until at length there came further orders concerning the fort; and withal an order for Captain Fuller with six files to cross the river to the side so much insisted on, and to try if he could get speech with any of the Pocasset or Sogkonate Indians, and that Mr. Church should go his second. Upon the Cap|tian's receiving his orders, he asked Mr. Church whether he was willing to engage in this enterprise: To whom it was indeed too agreeable to be declined; tho' he thought the enterprise was hazardous enough for them to have more men assigned them. Captain Fuller told him, that for his own part, he was grown ancient and heavy, he feared the travel and fatigue would be too much for him; but Mr. Church urged him, and told him, he would cheerfully excuse him his hardship and travel, and take that part to himself, if he might but go; for he had rather do any thing in the world than stay there to build the fort.

Then they drew out the number assigned them and marched the same night to the ferry, and were transported to Rhode-Island, from whence, the next night, they got pas|sage over to Pocasset side, in Rhode-Island boats, and con|cluded there to dispose themselves in two ambuscadoes be|fore day, hoping to surprise some of the enemy by their falling into one or other of their ambushments. But Capt. Fuller's party, being troubled with the epidemical plague of just after tobacco, must needs strike fire to smoke it; and thereby discovered themselves to a party of the enemy coming up to them, who immediately fled with great pre|cipitation.

This ambuscade drew off about break of day, perceiv|ing they were discovered, the other continued in their post until the time assigned them, and the light and heat of the sun rendered their station both insignificant and

troublesome, and then returned unto the place of rendez|vous, where they were acquainted with the other party's disappointment, and the occasion of it. Mr. Church calls for the breakfast he had ordered to be brought over in the boat; but the man that had the charge of it confected that he was asleep when the boats-men called him, and in haste came away, and never thought of it. It happened that Mr. Church had a few cakes of rusk in his pocket, that Madam Cronston (the Governor of Rhode-Island's Lady) gave him when he came off the island, which he divided among the company, which was all the provisions they had.

Mr. Church, after their slender breakfast, proposed to Capt. Fuller, that he would march in quest of the enemy, with such of the company as would be willing to march with him, which he comply'd with, though with a great deal of scruple, because of his small number, and the ex|treme hazard he foresaw must attend them.

But some of the company reflected upon Mr. Church, that notwithstanding his talk on the other side of the river, he had not shewn them any Indians since they came over. Which now mov'd him to tell them, that if it was their de|sire to see Indians, he believ'd he should now soon shew them what they should say was enough.

The number allowed him soon drew off to him, which could not be many, because their whole company consisted of no more than thirty-six. They mov'd towards Sogkonate, until they came to the brook that runs into Nunnaquohqu•• neck, where they discover'd a fresh and plain track, which they concluded to be from the great pine swamp, about a mile from the road that leads to Sogkonate. Now, says Mr. Church, to his men, if we follow this track, no doubt but we shall soon see Indians enough; they express'd their willingness to follow the track, and mov'd in it, but had not gone far before one of them narrowly escaped being bit with a rattle-snake: And the woods that the track led

them through was haunted much with those snakes, which the little company seem'd more to be afraid of than the black serpents they were in quest of, and therefore bent their course another way, to a place where they thought it pro|bable to find some of the enemy. Had they kept the track to the pine swamp, they had been certain of meeting Indians enough; but not so certain that any of them should have returned to give account how many.

Now they pass'd down into Punkatees neck; and in their march discovered a large wigwam full of Indian truck, which the soldiers were for loading themselves with, until Mr. Church forbid it, telling them they might expect soon to have their hands full, and business without caring for plunder. Then crossing the head of the creek into the neck, they a|gain discover'd fresh Indian tracks very lately pass'd be|fore them into the neck. They then got privately and undiscover'd unto the fence of Capt. Almy's pease-field, and divided into two parties, Mr. Church keeping the one party with himself, sent the other with Lake, who was ac|quainted with the ground, on the other side. Two Indians were soon discover'd coming out of the pease-field towards them; when Mr. Church, and those that were with him, concealed themselves from them, by falling flat on the ground; but the other division, not using the same caution, were seen by the enemy, which occasioned them to run; which when Mr. Church perceived, he shewed himself to them, and call'd, telling them he desired but to speak with them, and would not hurt them: But they ran, and Church pursued. The Indians climb'd over a fence, and one of them facing about discharged his piece, but without effect, on the English: One of the English soldiers ran up to the fence and fir'd upon him that had discharged his piece; and they concluded, by the yelling they heard, that the Indian was wounded; but the Indians soon got into the thickets, whence they saw them no more for the present.

Mr. Church then marching over a plain piece of ground,

where the woods were very thick on one side; ordered his little company to march at a double distance, to make as big a show (if they should be discovered) as might be; but before they saw any body, they were saluted with a volley of fifty or sixty guns; some bullets came very sur|prisingly near Mr. Church, who starting, looked behind him, to see what was become of his men, expecting to have seen half of them dead, but seeing them all upon their legs, and briskly firing at the smokes of the enemies guns (for that was all that was then to be seen) He bles|sed God, and called to his men not to discharge all their guns at once, left the enemy should take the advantage of such an opportunity to run upon them with their hatchets.

Their next motion was immediately into the Pease|field. * 1.7 When they came to the fence, Mr. Church bid as many as had not discharged their guns, to clap under the fence, and lie close, while the other, at some distance in the field, stood to charge; hoping that if the enemy should creep to the fence, to gain a shot at those that were charg|ing their guns, they might be surprised by those that lay under the fence; but casting his eyes to the side of the hill above them, the hill seemed to move, being covered over with Indians, with their bright guns glittering in the sun, and running in a circumference with a design to sur|round them.

Seeing such multitudes surrounding him and his little company, it put him upon thinking what was become of the boats that were ordered to attend him; and looking up he spied them ashore at Sandy-point, on the island side of the river, with a number of horse and foot by them, and wondered what should be the occasion, until he was afterwards informed, that the boats had been over that morning from the island, and had landed a party of men at Fogland, that were designed in Punkatees neck, to fetch off some cattle and horses, but were ambuscaded, and ma|ny of them wounded by the enemy.

Now our gentleman's courage and conduct were both put to the test, he encourages his men, and orders some to run and take a wall for shelter before the enemy gained it. It was time for them now to think of escaping if they knew which way. Mr. Church orders his men to strip to their white shirts, that the islanders might discover them to be Englishmen; and then orders three guns to be fired distinct, hoping it might be observed by their friends on the opposite shore. The men that were ordered to take the wall being very hungry, stopped a while among the pease to gather a few, being about four rod from the wall; the enemy from behind hail'd them with a shower of bullets; but soon all but one came tumbling over an old hedge down the bank, where Mr. Church and the rest were, and told him that his brother B. Southworth, who was the man that was missing, was killed, that they saw him fall; and so they did indeed see him fall, but it was without a shot, and lay no longer than till he had an op|portunity to clap a bullet into one of the enemy's forehead, and then came running to his company. The meaness of the English powder was now their greatest misfortune; when they were immediately upon this beset with multi|tudes of Indians, who possessed themselves of every rock, stump, tree or fence that was in sight, firing upon them without ceasing; while they had no other shelter but a small bank and bit of a water fence. And yet to add to the disadvantage of this little handful of distressed men, the Indians also possessed themselves of the ruins of a stone house that over looked them; so that now they had no way to prevent lying quite open to some, or other of the enemy, but to heap up stones before them, as they did, and still bravely and wonderfully defended themselves against all the numbers of the enemy. At length came over one of the boats from the island shore, but the ene|my plied their shot so warmly to her as made her keep at some distance; Mr. Church desired them to send their

canoe ashore to fetch them on board; but no persuasions nor arguments could prevail with them a bring their ca|noe to shore; which some of Mr. Church's men perceiv|ing, began to cry out, For God's sake to take them off, for their ammunition was spent, &c. Mr. Church being sen|sible of the danger of the enemy's hearing their com|plaints, and being made acquainted with the weakness and scantiness of their ammunition, fiercely called to the boat's master, and bid him either send his canoe ashore, or else be gone presently, or he would fire upon him.

Away goes the boat, and leaves them still to shift for themselves; but then another difficulty arose, the enemy seeing the boat leave them, were re-animated, and fired thicker and faster than ever; upon which some of the men that were lightest of foot, began to talk of attempting an escape by slight, until Mr. Church solidly convinced them of the impracticableness of it; and encouraged them yet, told them, That he had observed so much of the remark|able and wonderful providence of God hitherto preserving them, that it encouraged him to believe, with much confidence, that God would yet preserve them; that not a hair of their head should fall to the ground; bid them be patient, coura|geous and prudently sparing of their ammunition, and he made no doubt but they should come well off yet, &c. until his little army again resolved, one and all, to stay with, and stick by him. One of them, by Mr. Church's order, was pitching a slat stone up an end before him in the sand, when a bul|let from the enemy, with a full force, struck the stone, while he was pitching it an end; which put the poor fel|low to a miserable start, till Mr. Church called upon him to observe, how God directed the bullets, that the enemy could not bit him when in the same place, yet could hit the stone as it was erected.

While they were thus making the best defence they could against their numerous enemies, that made the woods ring with their constant yelling and shouting: And night

coming on, somebody told Mr. Church, they spied a sloop up the river as far as Gold-Island, that seemed to be com|ing down towards them: He looked up and told them, succour was now coming, for be believed it was Captain Golding, whom be knew to be a man for business, and would certainly fetch them off, if he came. The wind being fair, the vessel was soon with them; and Captain Golding it was, Mr. Church (as soon as they came to speak with one an|other) desired him to come to anchor at such a distance from the shore that he might veer ••ut his cable and ride afloat, and let slip his canoe, that it might drive ashore; which direc|tion Captain Golding observed; but the enemy gave him such a warm salute, that his sails, colour, and stern, were full of bullet holes.

The canoe came ashore, but was so small that she would not bear above two men at a time; and when two were got aboard, they turned her loose to drive ashore for two more, and the sloop's company kept the Indians in play the while; but when at last it came to Mr. Church's turn to go aboard, he had left his hat and cutlass at the well where he went to drink, when he first came down; he told his company, he would never go off and leave his bat and cutlass for the Indians; they should never have that to reflect upon him: Though he was much disuaded from it, yet he would go and fetch them. He put all the powder he had lest into his gun (and a poor charge it was) and went presenting his gun at the enemy, until he took up what he went for; at his return he discharged his gun at the enemy, to bid them farewel for that time; but had not powder enough to carry the bullet half way to them.

Two bullets from the enemy struck the canoe as he went on board, one grazed the hair of his head a little before; another stuck in a small stake that stood right against the middle of his breast.

Now this Gentleman with his army, making in all 20 men, himself and his pilot being numbered with them, got

all safe on board after six hours ingagement with 300 In|dians; whose number we were told afterwards by some of themselves. A deliverance which that good Gentleman often mentions to the Glory of God, and his protecting pro|vidence. The next day meeting with the rest of his little company, whom he had left at Pocasset (that had also a small skirmish with the Indians, and had two men wound|ed) they returned to the Mount-Hope garrison; which Mr. Church used to call the loosing fort. Mr. Church then returning to the island, to seek provision for the ar|my, meets with Alderman, a noted Indian, that was just come over from the Squaw Sachem's cape of Pocasset, hav|ing deserted from her, and brought over his family; who gave him an account of the state of the Indians, and where each of the Sagamore's head quarters were. Mr. Church then discoursed with some who knew the spot well where the Indians said Weetamore's * 1.8 head quarters were, and of|fered their service to pilot him. With this news he hast|ened to the Mount-Hope garrison. The army expressed their readiness to embrace such an opportunity.

All the ablest soldiers were now immediately drawn off, equipped and despatched upon this design, under the com|mand of a certain officer; and having marched about two miles, viz. until they came to the cove that lies south west from the Mount, where orders were given for an halt: The commander in chief told them he thought it proper to take advice before he went any further; called Mr. Church and the pilot, and asked them, how they knew that Philip and all his men were not by that time got to Weeta|more's camp; or that all her own men were not by that time returned to her again? With many more frightful questions. Mr. Church told him, they had acquainted him with as much as they knew, and that for his part he could discover nothing that need to discourage them from proceeding; that he thought it so practicable, that he, with the pilot, would willingly lead the way to the spot, and hazard the brunt. But the chief

commander insisted on this, That the enemies number were so great, and he did not know what numbers more might be added unto them by that time: And his company so small, that he could not think it practicable to attack them: Added moreover, That if he was sure of killing all the enemy, and knew that he must lose the life of one of his men in the action, he would not attempt it. Pray Sir, then (replied Mr. Church) Please to lead your company to yonder windmill, on Rhode-Island, and there they will be cut of danger of being killed by the enemy, and we shall have less trouble to supply them with provisions. But return he would, and did, un|to the garrison, until more strength came to them, and a sloop to transport them to the Fall river, * 1.9 in order to visit Weetamore's camp. Mr. Church, one Baxter, and Captain Hunter an Indian, proffered to go out on the discovery on the left wing, which was accepted; they had not marched above a quarter of a mile before they started three of the enemy. Captain Hunter wounded one of them in his knee, whom, when he came up, he discovered to be his near kinsman; the captive desired favour for his squaw, if she should fall into their hands, but asked none for himself, excepting the liberty of taking a whiff of tobacco, and while he was taking his whiff, his kinsman with one blow of his hatchet despatched him. Proceeding to Weetamore's camp, they were discovered by one of the enemy, who ran in and gave information, upon which a lusty young fellow left his meat upon his spit, * 1.10 running hastily our, told his companions, he would kill an Englishman before he cat his dinner; but failed of his design, being no sooner out but shot down. The enemies fires, and what shelter they had was by the edge of a thick cedar swamp, into which, on this alarm, they betook themselves, and the English as nimbly pursued; but were soon commanded back by their chieftan, after they were come within hearing of the cries of their women and children, and so ended that exploit; but returning to their sloop the enemy pursued them, and

wounded two of their men. The next day they returned to the Mount-Hope garrison.

Soon after this, was Philip's head quarters visited by some other English forces; but Philip and his gang had the very fortune to escape that Weetamore and her's (but now mentioned) had; they took into a swamp, and their pursuers were commanded back. After this Dartmouth's distresses required succour, great part of the town being laid desolate, and many of the inhabitants kill'd; the most of Plymouth forces were ordered thither; and coming to Russell's garrison at Ponaganset, * 1.11 they met with a number of the enemy that had surrendered themselves prisoners on terms promised by Capt. Eels of the garrison, and Ralph Earl, who persuaded them (by a friend Indian he had em|ployed) to come in. And had their promises to the Indi|ans been kept, and the Indians fairly treated, it is probable that most if not all the Indians in those parts had soon fol|lowed the example of those who had now surrendered them|selves; which would have been a good step towards fi|nishing the war. But in spite of all that Capt. Eels, Church or Earl could say, argue, plead, or beg, some body else that had more power in their hands improved it; and without any regard to the promises made them on their surrender|ing themselves, they were carried away to Plymouth, there sold, and transported out of the country, being about eight-score persons. An action so hateful to Mr. Church, that he oppos'd it to the loss of the good will and respects of some that before were his good friends. But while these things were acting at Dartmouth, Philip made his escape, leaving his country, fled over Taunton river, and Rehoboth plain, and Petuxet river, where Capt. Edmunds, of Provi|dence, made some spoil upon him, and had probably done more, but was prevented by the coming of a superior offi|cer, that put him by. And now another fort was built at Pocasset, that prov'd as troublesome and chargeable as that at Mount-Hope; and the remainder of the summer was im|proved

in providing for the forts and forces there main|tained, while our enemies were fled some hundred of miles into the country, near as far as Albany. And now strong suspicions began to arise of the Narraganset Indians, that they were ill affected, and designed mischief; and so the event soon discovered. The next winter they began their hostilities upon the English. The united colonies then a|greed to send an army to suppress them: Governor Wins|low to command the army. He undertaking the expedi|tion, invited Mr. Church to command a company in the expedition, which he declin'd, craving excuse from taking commission, he promised to wait upon him as a Reformado through the expedition. Having rid with the General to Boston, and from thence to Rehoboth; upon the General's request he went thence the nearest way over the ferries, with Major Smith to his garrison in the Narraganset coun|try, to prepare and to provide for the coming of General Winslow; who marched round through the country with his army, proposing by night to surprise Pumham * 1.12 (a cer|tain Narraganset Sachem) and his town; but being aware of the approach of our army, made their escape into the desarts; but Mr. Church meeting with fair winds arrived safe at the Major's garrison in the evening, and soon began to inquire after the enemies resorts, wigwams, or sleeping places, and having gained some intelligence, he proposed to the Eldriges, and some other brisk hands that he met with, to attempt the surprising of some of the enemy, to make a present of to the General, when he should arrive, which might advantage his design: Being brisk blades, they rea|dily complied with the motion, and were soon upon their march. The night was very cold, but blessed with the moon; before the day broke they effected their exploit, and by the rising of the sun arrived at the Major's garrison, where they met the General, and presented him with eighteen of the enemy they had captived. The General, pleased with the exploit, gave them thanks, particularly to

Mr. Church, the mover and chief actor of the business; and sending two of them (likely boys) a present to Boston; smiling on Mr. Church, told him, That he made no doubt but his faculty would supply them with Indian boys enough before the war was ended.

Their next move was to a swamp, which the Indians had fortified with a fort. Mr. Church rid in the Gene|ral's guard when the bloody ingagement began; but be|ing impatient of being out of the heat of the action, im|portunately begged leave of the General that he might run down to the assistance of his friends; the General yielded to his request, provided he could rally some hands to go with him. Thirty men immediately drew out and fol|lowed him: They entered the swamp, and passed over the log, that was the passage into the fort, where they saw many men and several valiant Captains lie slain: Mr. Church spying Captain Gardner of Salem, amidst the wig|wams in the east end of the fort, made towards him, but on a sudden, while they were looking each other in the face, Captain Gardner settled down, Mr. Church stepped to him, and seeing the blood run down his cheek, lifted up his cap, and calling him by his name; he looked up in his face, but spoke not a word, being mortally shot through the head; and observing his wound, Mr. Church found the ball entered his head on the side that was next the up|land, where the English entered the swamp, upon which, having ordered some care to be taken of the Captain, he despatched information to the General that the best and forwardest of his army, that hazarded their lives to enter the fort, upon the muzzle of the enemies guns, were shot in their backs, and killed by them that lay behind. Mr. Church with his small company hastened out of the fort that the English were now possessed of) to get a shot at the Indians that were in the swamp, and kept firing upon them. He soon met with a broad and bloody track, where the enemy had fled with their wounded men; following hard

in the tract, he soon spied one of the enemy, who clapped his gun a-cross his breast, made towards Mr. Church, and beckoned to him with his hand; Mr. Church immediately commanded no man to hurt him, hoping by him to have gained some intelligence of the enemy, that might be of advantage; but it unhappily fell out that a fellow that had lagged behind coming up, shot down the Indian, to Mr. Church's great grief and disappointment; but immediately they heard a great shout of the enemy, which seemed to be behind them, or between them and the fort; and disco|vered them running from tree to tree to gain advantages of firing upon the English that were in the fort. Mr. Church's great difficulty now was how to discover himself to his friends in the fort, using several inventions, till at length he gained an opportunity to call to, and informed a Ser|jeant in the fort, that he was there, and might be exposed to their shots, unless they observed it. By this time he discovered a number of the enemy almost within shot of him, making towards the fort. Mr. Church and his com|pany were favoured by a heap of brush that was between them and the enemy, and prevented their being discovered to them. Mr. Church had given his men their particular orders for firing upon the enemy, and as they were rising up to make their shot; the afore-mentioned Serjeant in the fort called out to them, for God's sake not to fire, for he believed they were some of their friend Indians; they clapped down again, but were soon sensible of the Ser|jeant's mistake. The enemy got to the top of the tree, the body whereof the Serjeant stood upon, and there clap|ped down out of sight or the fort, but all this while never discovered Mr. Church, who observed them to keep ga|thering unto that place, until there seemed to be a formi|dable black heap of them. Now brave boys (said Mr. Church to his men) if we mind our hits, we may have a brave shot, and let our sign for firing on them, be their rising to fire into the fort. It was not long before the Indians

rising up as one body, designing to pour a volley into the fort; when our Church nimbly started up and gave them such a round volley, and unexpected clap on their backs, that they, who escaped with their lives, were so surprised, that they scampered, they knew not whither themselves, about a dozen of them ran right over the log into the fort, and took into a fort of hovel that was built with poles, after the manner of a corn crib. Mr. Church's men hav|ing their cartridges fixed, were soon ready to obey his order, which was immediately to charge, and run on upon the hovel, and overset it, calling, as he ran on, to some that were in the fort, to assist him in oversetting it; they no sooner came to face the enemies shelter, but Mr. Church discovered that one of them had found a hole to point his gun through, right at him; but however encouraged his company, and ran right on, till he was struck with three bullets, one in his thigh, which was near half cut off as it glanced on the joint of his hip-bone; another through the gatherings of his breeches and drawers, with a small flesh wound; a third pierced his pocket, and wounded a pair of mittens, that he had borrowed of Captain Prentice; be|ing wrapped up together had the misfortune of having many holes cut through them with one bullet; but how|ever, he made shift to keep on his legs, and nimbly dis|charged his gun at them that had wounded him; being disabled now to go a step, his men would have carried him off, but he forbid their touching of him, until they had perfected their project of oversetting the enemies shelter; bid them run, for now the Indians had no guns charged. While he was urging them to run on, the Indians began to shoot arrows, and with one pierced through the arm of an Englishman that had hold of Mr. Church's arm to sup|port him. The English, in short, were discouraged, and drew back; and by this time the English people in the fort had began to set fire to the wigwams and houses in the fort, which Mr. Church laboured hard to prevent;

they told him, They had orders from the General to burn them; he begged them to forbear until he had discoursed the General; and hastening to him, he begged to spare the wigwams, &c. in the fort from fire, told him, the wigwams were musket-proof, being all lined with baskets and tubs of grain, and other provisions, sufficient to supply the whole army, until the spring of the year; and every wounded man might have a good warm house to lodge in, who otherways would necessarily perish with the storms and cold: And more|over, that the army had no other provision to trust unto, or depend upon; that he knew that the Plymouth forces had not so much as one bishake left, for he had seen their last dealt out, &c. The General advising a few words with the Gentlemen that were about him, moved towards the fort, designing to ride in himself, and bring in the whole army; but just as he was entering the swamp, one of his Captains met him, and asked him, whither he was going? He told him into the fort; the Captain laid hold of his horse, and told him, his life was worth an hundred of theirs, and he should not expose himself. The General told him, that he supposed the brunt was over, and that Mr. Church had in|formed him that the fort was taken, &c. and as the case was circumstanced he was of the mind, that it was most practi|cable for him, and his army to shelter themselves in the fort. The Captain in a great heat replied, that Church lied; and told the General, That if he moved another step towards the fort be would shoot his horse under him. Then brus••ed up another Gentleman, a certain Doctor, and opposed Mr. Church's advice, and said, If it were complied with, it would kill more men than the enemy had killed; for (said he) by to-morrow the wounded men will be so stiff that there will be no moving of them: And looking upon Mr. Church, and seeing the blood slow a-pace from his wounds, told him, That if he gave such advice as that was, he should bleed to death like a dog before they would endeavour to stench his blood; though after they had prevailed against his advice,

they were sufficiently kind to him. And burning up all the houses and provisions in the fort; the army returned the same night in the storm and cold: And I suppose that every one who is acquainted with that night's march, deeply laments the miseries that attended them, especially the wounded and dying men. But it mercifully came to pass that Captain Andrew Betcher arrived at Mr. Smith's that very night from Boston, with a vessel loaden with pro|visions for the army, who must otherwise have perished for want. Some of the enemy that were then in the fort have since informed us, that near a third of the Indians be|longing to all the Narraganset country were killed by the English and by the cold of that night, that they fled out of their fort so hastily that they carried nothing with them: That if the English had kept in the fort, the Indians would certainly have been necessitated, either to surrender them|selves to them, or to have perished by hunger, and the se|verity of the Season. * 1.13 Some time after this fort-fight a cer|tain Sogkonate Indian hearing Mr. Church relate the man|ner of his being wounded, told him, That he did not know but he himself was the Indian that wounded him, for that he was one of that company of Indians that Mr. Church made a shot upon, when they were rising to make a shot into the fort. They were in number about 60 or 70, that just then came down from Pumham's Town, and never before then fired a gun against the English; that when Mr. Church fired upon them he killed fourteen dead upon the spot, and wounded a greater number than he killed, many of which died afterwards of their wounds, in the cold and storm the following night.

Mr. Church was mov'd, with other wounded men, over to Rhode-Island, where, in about three months time, he was in some good measure recovered of his wounds, and the fever that attended them: And then went over to the General to take his leave of him, with a design to return home.

But the General's great importunity again persuaded him to accompany him in a long march into the Nipmuck * 1.14 country, though he had then tents in his wounds, and so lame as not able to mount his horse without two men's as|sistance.

In this march, the first thing remarkable was, they came to an Indian town, where there were many wigwams in sight, but an icy swamp, lying between them and the wig|wams, prevented their running at once upon it as they in|tended: There was much firing upon each side before they pass'd the swamp. But at length the enemy all fled, and a certain Mohegan, that was a friend Indian, pursued and seized one of the enemy that had a small wound in his leg, and brought him before the General, where he was exami|ned. Some were for torturing him to bring him to a more ample confession of what he knew concerning his country|men. Mr. Church, verily believing he had been ingenuous in his confession, interceded and prevailed for his escap|ing torture. But the army being bound forward in their march, and the Indian's would somewhat disenabling him for travelling, it was concluded he should be knock'd on the head: Accordingly he was brought before a great fire, and the Mohegan that took him was allowed, as he desired, to be his executioner. Mr. Church taking no de|light in the sport, fram'd an errand at some distance among the baggage-horses, and when he had got ten rods, or thereabouts, from the fire, the executioner fetching a blow with a hatchet at the head of the prisoner, he being aware of the blow, dodged his head aside, and the executi|oner missing his stroke, the hatchet flew out of his hand,

and had like to have done execution where it was not de|signed. The prisoner, upon his narrow escape, broke from them that held him, and, notwithstanding his wound, made use or his legs, and hap'ned to run right upon Mr. Church, who laid hold on him, and a close skuffle they had, but the Indian having no cloths on slip'd from him, and ran again, and Mr. Church pursued the Indian, although being lame, there was no great odds in the race, until the Indian stum|bled and fell, and they closed again, skuffled and fought pretty smartly, until the Indian, by the advantage of his nakedness, slip'd from his hold again, and set out on his third race, with Mr. Church close at his heels, endeavour|ing to lay hold on the hair of his head, which was all the hold could be taken of him; and running thro' a swamp that was cover'd with hollow ice, it made so loud a noise that Mr. Church expected (but in vain) that some of his English friends would follow the noise, and come to his as|sistance. But the Indian hap'ned to run athwart a large tree, that lay fallen near breast high, where he stop'd, and cry'd out aloud for help; but Mr. Church being soon upon him again, the Indian seized him fast by the hair of his head, and endeavouring by twisting to break his neck, but though Mr. Church's wounds had somewhat weakened him, and the Indian a stout fellow, yet he held him in play, and twisted the Indian's neck as well, and took the ad|vantage of many opportunities, while they hung by each other's hair, gave him notorious bunts in the face with his head. But in the heat of this skuffle they heard the ice break with somebody's coming apace to them, which when they heard, Church concluded there was help for one or o|ther of them, but was doubtful which of them must now receive the fatal stroke; anon some body comes up to them, who prov'd to be the Indian that had first taken the Prison|er. Without speaking a word, he felt them out, (for it was so dark he could not distinguish them by sight) the one being clothed, and the other naked, he felt where Mr.

Church's hands were fast'ned in the Netop's hair, and with one blow settled his hatchet in between them, and ended the strife. He then spoke to Mr. Church, and hugg'd him in his arms, and thank'd him abundantly for catching his prisoner; and cut off the head of his victim, and carried it to the camp; and giving an account to the rest of the friend Indians in the camp, how Mr. Church had seized his prisoner, &c. they all join'd a mighty shout.

Proceeding in this march, they had the success of killing many of the enemy; until at length their provisions fail|ing, they returned home.

King Philip (as was before hinted) was fled to a place called Scattacook, between York and Albany, where the Moobags * 1.15 made a descent upon him & killed many of his men, which moved him from thence.

His next kennelling place was at the falls of Connecti|cut river, * 1.16 where, sometime after, Capt. Turner found him, came upon him by night, kill'd him a great many men, and frighten'd many more into the river, that were hurl'd down the falls and drowned.

Philip got over the river, and on the back side of Wetu|set hills meets with all the remnants of the Narraganset & Nipmuck * 1.17 Indians, that were there gathered together, and became very numerous, and made their descent on Sudbury, and the adjacent parts of the country, where they met with and swallowed up valiant Capt. Wadsworth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his compa|ny, and many other doleful desolations in tho•••• parts. The news whereof coming to Plymouth, and they expecting probably the enemy would soon return again into their co|lony; the council of war were called together, and Mr. Church was sent for to them, being observed by the whole colony to be a person extraordinarily qualified for, and a|dapted to, the affairs of war. It was proposed in council, that left the enemy, in their return, should fall on Rehoboth, or some other of their out-towns, a company, consisting of 60 or 70 men, should be sent into those parts; and Mr.

Church invited to take the command of them. He told them, That if the enemy returned into that colony again, they might reasonably expect that they would come very nu|merous, and if he should take the command of men, he should not lie in any town or garrison with them, but would lie in the woods as the enemy did: And that to send out such small companies against such multitudes of the enemy that were now mustered together, would be but to deliver so many men into their hands, to be destroyed, as the worthy Captain Wadsworth and his company were. His advice upon the whole was, that if they sent out any forces, to send no less than 300 soldiers; and that the other colonies should be asked to send out their quotas also; adding, That if they intended to make an end of the war, by subduing the enemy, they must make a business of the war, as the enemy did; and that for his own part, he had wholly laid aside all his own private business and concerns, ever since the war broke out. He told them, That if they would send forth such forces as he should direct to, he would go with them for six weeks march, which was long enough for men to be kept in the woods at once; and if they might be sure of liberty to return in such a space, men would go out cheerfully; and be would engage 150 of the best soldiers should immediately list voluntarily to go with him, if they would please to add, 50 more; and 100 of the friend Indians; and with such an ar|my, be made 〈◊〉〈◊〉 doubt, but he might do good service; but on other terms 〈◊〉〈◊〉 did not incline to be concerned.

Their ••••••y was, that they were already in debt, and so big an ••••my would bring such charge upon them, that they should never be able to pay; and as for sending out Indians, they thought it no ways adviseable, and in short none of his advice practicable.

Now Mr. Church's confort, and his then only son were till this time remaining at Duxbury, and his fearing their safety there (unless the war were more vigorously engaged in) resolved to move to Rhode-Island, though it

was much opposed both by government and relations; but at length, the governor considering that he might be no less serviceable by being on that side of the colony, gave his permit, and wished he had twenty more as good men to send with him.

Then preparing for his removal, he went with his small family to Plymouth, to take leave of their friends, where they met with his wife's parents, who much persuaded that she might be left at Mr. Clark's garrison, (which they supposed to be a mighty safe place) or at least that she might be there until her soon expected lying-in was over, (being near her time.) Mr. Church no ways in|clining to venture her any longer in those parts, and no arguments prevailing with him, he resolutely set out for Taunton, and many of their friends accompanied them. There they found Captain Peirce with a commanded par|ty, who offered Mr. Church to send a relation of his with some others to guard him to Rhode-Island; but Mr. Church thanked him for his respectful offer, but for some good reasons refused to accept it. In short, they got safe to Captain John Almy's house upon Rhode-Island, where they met with friends and good entertainment. But, by the way, let me not forget this remarkable Providence, viz. That within twenty-four hours, or thereabouts, af|ter their arrival at Rhode-Island, Mr. Clark's garrison that Mr. Church was so much importuned to lea••••••••is wife and children at, was destroyed by the enemy.

Mr. Church being at present disenabled from any parti|cular service in the war, began to think of ••••me other employ; but he no sooner took a tool to out a small stick, but he cut off the top of his fore-singer, and the next to it half off; upon which he smilingly said, that he thought he was out of his way, to leave the war, and re|solved he would to war again. Accordingly his second son being born on the 12th of May, and his wife and son like to do well, Mr. Church embraces the opportunity of

a passage in a sloop bound to Barnstable; who landed him at Sogkonesset, from whence he rid to Plymouth; and ar|rived there on the first Tuesday in June: The General Court then sitting welcomed him, and told him they were glad to see him alive. He replied, he was as glad to see them alive, for he had seen so many fires and smoakes to|wards their side of the country, since he left them, that he could scarce eat or sleep with any comfort, for fear they had all been destroyed. For all travelling was stop|ped, and no news had passed for a long time together. He gave them an account, that the Indians had made horrid desolations at Providence, Warwick, Pawtuxet, and all over the Narraganset country, and that they prevailed daily against the English on that side of the country: Told them, he longed to hear what methods they designed in the war. They told him, they were particularly glad that Providence had brought him there at that juncture; for they had concluded the very next day to send out an army of 200 men, two thirds English, and one third In|dians, in some measure agreeable to his former proposal; expecting Boston and Connecticut to join with their quotas: In short, it was so concluded, and that Mr. Church should return to the island, and see what he could muster there, of those who had moved from Swanzey, Dartmouth, &c. So returning the same way he came; when he came to Sogkonesset, he had a sham put upon him about a boat he had bought to go home in, and was forced to hire two of the friend Indians to paddle him in a canoe from Elisabeth's to Rhode-Island.

It fell out, that as they were in their voyage passing by Sogkonate-point, some of the enemy were upon the rocks a fishing; he bid the Indians that managed the canoe to paddle so near the rocks as that he might call to those Indians; told them, that he had a great mind ever since the war broke out to speak with some of the Sogkonate Indians, and that they were their relations, and therefore

they need not fear their hurting of them. And he add|ed, That he had a mighty conceit, that if he could get a fair opportunity to discourse them, that he could draw them off from Philip, for he knew they never heartily loved him. The enemy hallooed and made signs for the canoe to come to them; but when they approached them they skulked and hid in the clifts of the rocks; then Mr. Church ordered the canoe to be paddled off again, left if he came too near they should fire upon him. Then the Indians appearing again, beck'ned and call'd in the Indian language, and bid them come ashore, for they wanted to speak with him. The Indians in the canoe an|swered them again; but they on the rocks told them, that the surf made such a noise against the rocks, they could not hear any thing they said. Then Mr. Church, by signs with his hands, gave to under|stand, that he would have two of them go down upon the point of the beach (a place where a man might see who was near him) accordingly two of them ran along the beach, and met him there without their arms, excepting that one of them had a lance in his hand; they urged Mr. Church to come ashore, for they had a great desire to have some discourse with him. He told them, if he that had his weapon in his hand would carry it up some distance upon the beach, and leave it, he would come ashore and discourse them. He did so, and Mr. Church went ashore, haled up his canoe, ordered one of his Indians to stay by it, and the other to walk above on the beach, as a centi|nel, to see that the coasts were clear; and when Mr. Church came up to the Indians, one of them happened to be honest George, one of the two that Awashonks formerly sent to call him to her dance, and was so careful to guard him back to his house again, the last Sogkonate Indian he spoke with before the war broke out; he spoke English very well. Mr. Church asked him where Awashonks was? He told him in a swamp about three miles off. Mr. Church

asked him, what it was he wanted that he hallooed and called him ashore? He answered, that he took him for Church as soon as he heard his voice in the canoe, and that he was very glad to see him alive, and he believed his mis|tress would be as glad to see him, and speak with him; he told him further, that he believed she was not fond of maintaining a war with the English, and that she had left Philip, and did not intend to return to him any more; he was mighty earnest with Mr. Church to tarry there while he would run and call her; but he told him no, for he did not know but the Indians would come down and kill him before he could get back again; he said, if Mount-Hope, or Pocasset Indians could catch him, he believed they would knock him on the head, but all Sogkonate Indians knew him very well, and he believed none of them would hurt him. In short, Mr. Church refused then to tarry, but promised that he would come over again, and speak with Awashonks, and some other Indians that he had a mind to talk with.

Accordingly he appointed him to notify Awashonks, her son Peter, their chief Captain, and one Nompash (an Indian that Mr. Church had formerly a particular respect for) to meet him two days after, at a rock at the lower end of Captain Richmond's farm, which was a very noted place; and if that day should prove stormy, or windy, they were to expect him the next moderate day, Mr. Church telling George that he would have him come with the persons mentioned, and no more. They giving each other their hand upon it parted, and Mr. Church went home, and the next morning to Newport, and informed the government of what had passed between him and the Sogkonate In|dians, and desired their permit for him and Daniel Wil|cox (a man that well understood the Indian language) to go over to them. They told him, that they thought he was mad, after such service as he had done, and such dan|gers that he escaped, now to throw away his life, for the

rogues would as certainly kill him, as ever he went over; and utterly refused to grant his permit, or to be willing that he should run the risque.

Mr. Church told them, That it ever had been in his thoughts since the war broke out, that if he could discourse the Sogkonate Indians, he could draw them off from Philip, and employ them against him; but could not, till now, never have an opportunity to speak with any of them, and was very loath to loose it, &c. At length they told him, if he would go, it should be only with the two Indians that came with him; but they would give him no permit un|der their hands. He took his leave of them, resolving to prosecute his design; they told him they were sorry to see him so resolute, nor if he went did they ever expect to see his face again.

He bought a bottle of rum, and a small roll of tobac|co, to carry with him, and returned to his family. The next day, being the day appointed for the meeting, he prepared two light canoes for the design, and his own man, with the two Indians for his company. He used such arguments with his tender, and now almost broken hearted wife, from the experience of former preservations, and the prospect of the great service he might do, might it please God to succeed his design, &c. that he obtained her consent to his attempt; and committing her, the babes and himself to Heaven's protection, he set out. They had from the shore about a league to paddle; draw|ing near the place, they saw the Indians setting on the bank, waiting for their coming. Mr. Church sent one of his Indians ashore in one of the canoes, to see whether they were the same Indians whom he had appointed to meet him, and no more; and if so to stay ashore and send George to fetch him; accordingly George came and fetch'd Mr. Church ashore, while the other canoe played off to see the event, and to carry tidings if the Indians should prove false.

Mr. Church asked George whether Awashonks and the other Indians he appointed to meet him were there? He answered they were; he then asked him if there were no more than they whom he appointed to be there? To which he would give him no direct answer. However, he went ashore, where he was no sooner landed, but Awashonks and the rest that he had appointed to meet them there, rose up and came down to meet him; and each of them suc|cessively gave him their hands, and expressed themselves glad to see him, and gave him thanks for exposing him|self to visit them. They walked together about a gun|shot from the water, to a convenient place to sit down. Where at once rose up a great body of Indians, who had lain hid in the grass, (that was high as a man's waist) and gathered round them, till they had closed them in; being all armed with guns, spears, hatchets, &c. with their hair trimmed and faces painted, in their warlike appearance. It was doubtless somewhat surprising to our Gentleman at first, but without any visible discovery of it, after a small silent pause on each side, he spoke to Awashonks, and told her, That George had informed him that she had a desire to see him, and discourse about making peace with the English. She answered yes; then said Mr. Church, it is customary when people meet to treat of peace, to lay aside their arms, and not to appear in such hostile form as your people do; desired of her, that if they might talk about peace, which he de|sired they might, her men might lay aside their arms, and appear more treatable. Upon which there began a con|siderable noise and murmur among them in their own lan|guage, till Awashonks asked him, what arms they should lay down, and where? He (perceiving the Indians looked very surly, and much displeased) replied, only their guns 〈◊〉〈◊〉 some small distance, for formality's sake; upon which, with one consent, they laid aside their guns, and came and sat down.

Mr. Church pulled out his calabash and asked Awa|shonks,

whether she had lived so long at Wetuset, as to for|get to drink Occapeches; and drinking to her, he perceived that she watched him very diligently, to see (as he tho't) whether he swallowed any of the rum; he offered her the shell, but she desired him to drink again first, he then told her, there was no poison in it, and pouring some into the palm of his hand, sipped it up, and took the shell and drank to her again, and drank a good swig, which indeed was no more than he needed. Then they all standing up, he said to Awashonks, you won't drink for fear there should be poison in it; and then handed it to a little ill-looking fellow, who catched it readily enough, and as greedily would have swallowed the liquor when he had it at his mouth; but Mr. Church catched him by the throat and took it from him, asking him, whether he intended to swal|low shell and all? And then handed it to Awashonks, she ventured to take a good hearty dram, and passed it among her attendants.

The shell being emptied, he pulled out his tobacco, and having distributed it, they began to talk.

Awashonks demanded of him the reason why he had not (agreeable to his promise when she saw him last) been down at Sogkonate before now, saying, that probably if he had come then, according to his promise, they had never joyned with Philip against the English.

He told her he was prevented by the war's breaking out so suddenly, and yet he was afterwards coming down, and came as far as Punkateese, where a great many In|dians set upon him, and fought him a whole afternoon, tho' he did not come prepared to fight, had but nineteen men with him, whose chief design was to gain an oppor|tunity to discourse some Sogkonate Indians. Upon this there at once arose a mighty murmur, confused noise, and talk among the fierce looking creatures, and all rising up in a hubbub; and a great surly looking fellow took up his Tomhog, or wooden cutlash, to kill Mr. Church, but some others prevented him.

The interpreter asked Mr. Church, if he understood what it was that the great fellow (they had hold of) said? He answered him, no. Why, said the interpreter, he says, you killed his brother at Punkateese, and therefore he thirsts for your blood. Mr. Church bid the interpreter tell him that his brother began first; that if he had kept at Sogkonate, according to his desire and order, he should not have hurt him.

Then the chief Captain commanded silence, and told them, that they should talk no more about old things, &c. and quelled the tumult, so that they sat down again, and began upon a discourse of making peace with the English. Mr. Church asked them, what proposals they would make, and on what terms they would break their league with Philip? Desiring them to make some propo|sals that he might carry to his masters, telling them that it was not in his power to conclude a peace with them, but that he knew that if their proposals were reasonable, the government would not be unreasonable; and that he would use his interest with the government for them; and to encourage them to proceed, put them in mind that the Pequots once made war with the English, and that after they subjected themselves to the English, the English be|came their protectors, and defended them against other nations that would otherwise have destroyed them, &c. After some further discourse and debate, he brought them at length to consent, that if the Government of Plymouth would firmly engage to them, that they, and all of them, and their wives and children, should have their lives spared, and none of them transported out of the country, they would subject themselves to them, and serve them in what they were able.

Then Mr. Church told them, That he was well satisfied the Government of Plymouth would readily concur with what they proposed, and would sign their articles: And complimenting them upon it, how pleased he was with the

thoughts of their return, and of the former friendship that had been between them, &c.

The chief Captain rose up, and expressed the great va|lue and respect he had for Mr. Church; and bowing to him said, Sir, If you'll please to accept of me and my men, and will head us, we'll fight for you, and will help you to Philip's head before the Indian corn be ripe; and when he had ended, they all expressed their consent to what he said, and told Mr. Church they loved him, and were wil|ling to go with him and fight for him, as long as the English had one enemy left in the country.

Mr. Church assured them, that if they proved as good as their word, they should find him their's and their child|ren's fast friend. And (by the way) the friendship is maintained between them to this day.

Then he proposed unto them, that they should choose five men to go straight with him to Plymouth: They told him no; they would not choose, but he should take which five he pleased; some compliments passed about it, at length it was agreed, they should choose three, and he two. Then he agreed, that he would go back to the island that night, and would come to them the next morning, and go through the woods to Plymouth; but they afterwards objected, that his travelling through the woods would not be safe for him; the enemy might meet with them, and kill him, and then they should loose their friend, and the whole design ruined beside. And there|fore proposed, that he should come in an English vessel, and they would meet him, and come on board at Sogko|nate-point, and fail from thence to Sandwich, which, in fine, was concluded upon.

So Mr. Church promising to come as soon as he could possibly obtain a vessel, and then they parted. He re|turned to the island, and was at great pains and charge to get a vessel, but with unaccountable disappointments, sometimes by the falseness, and sometimes by the faint|heartedness

of men that he bargained with, and something by wind and weather, &c. until at length Mr. Anthony Low put into the harbour with a loaden vessel bound to the westward, and being made acquainted with Mr. Church's case, told him, That he had so much kindness for him, and was so pleased with the business he was engaged in, that he would run the venture of his vessel and cargo, to wait upon him. Accordingly, next morning they set fail with a wind that soon brought them to Sogkonate point; but coming there they met with a contrary wind, and a great swelling sea.

The Indians were there waiting upon the rocks, but had nothing but a miserable broken canoe to get aboard in; yet Peter Awashonks ventured off in it, and with a great deal of difficulty and danger got aboard: And by this time it began to rain and blow exceedingly, and forced them up the Sound; and then went away through Bristol ferry, round the island to Newport, carrying Peter with them.

Then Mr. Church dismissed Mr. Low, and told him, That inasmuch as Providence opposed his going by water, and he expected that the army would be up in a few days, and probably if he should be gone at that juncture, it might ruin the whole design; would therefore yield his voyage.

Then he writ the account of his transactions with the Indians, and drew up the proposals, and articles of peace, and despatched Peter with them to Plymouth, that his Ho|nour the Governor, if he saw cause, might sign them.

Peter was sent over to Sogkonate on the Lord's Day morning, with orders to take those men that were chosen to go down, or some of them at least with him. The time being expired that was appointed for the English ar|my to come, there was great looking for them. Mr. Church on the Monday morning (partly to divert himself after his fatigue, and partly to listen for the army) rid out with his wife, and some of his friends to Portsmouth, un|der

a pretence of cherrying; but came home without any news from the army: But by midnight, or sooner, he was roused with an express from Major Bradford, who was arrived with the army at Pocasset; to whom he forthwith repaired, and informed him of the whole of his proceed|ings with the Sogkonate Indians. With the Major's con|sent and advice, he returned again next morning to the island, in order to go over that way to Awashonks, to in|form her that the army was arrived, &c. Accordingly from Sachueeset-Neck * 1.18 he went in a canoe to Sogkonate; told her that Major Bradford was arrived at Pocasset, with a great army, whom he had informed of all his proceed|ings with her; that if she would be advised and observe order she nor her people need not to fear being hurt by them; told her, she should call all her people down into the neck, left if they should be found straggling about, mischief might light on them; that on the morrow they would come down and receive her, and give her further orders. She promised to get as many of her people to|gether as possibly she could: Desiring Mr. Church to con|sider that it would be difficult for to get them together at such short warning. Mr. Church returned to the island and to the army the same night. The next morning the whole army marched towards Sogkonate, as far as Punka|teese; and Mr. Church with a few men went down to Sog|konate to call Awashonks, and her people to come up to the English camp; as he was going down, they met with a Pocasset Indian; who had killed a cow and got a quar|ter of her on his back, and her tongue in his pocket; who gave them an account, that he came from Pocasset two days since in company with his mother, and several other Indians, now hid in the swamp above Nomquid; * 1.19 disarming of him, he sent him by two men to Major Bradford, and proceeded to Sogkonate. They saw several Indians by the way skulking about, but let them pass; arriving at Awa|shonks

camp, told her, He was come to invite her and her people up to Punkateese, * 1.20 where Major Bradford now was with the Plymouth army, expecting her and her sub|jects to receive orders, until further order could be had from the Government. She complied, and soon sent out orders for such of her subjects as were not with her, immediately to come in; and by twelve o' clock of the next day, she with most of her number appeared before the English camp at Punkateese. Mr. Church tendered the Major to serve under his commission, provided the Indians might be accepted with him, to fight the enemy. The Major told him, his orders were to improve him, if he pleased, but as for the Indians he would not be concerned with them. And presently gave forth orders for Awashonks, and all her sub|jects, both men, women and children, to repair to Sand|wich, and to be there upon peril, in six days. Awashonks and her chiefs gathered round Mr. Church, (where he was walked off from the rest) expressed themselves concerned that they could not be consided in, nor improved. He told them, it was best to obey orders, and that if he could not accompany them to Sandwich, it should not be above a week before he would meet them there; that he was confi|dent the Governor would commission him to improve them. The Major hastened to sent them away with Jack Havens, (an Indian who had never been in the wars) in the front with a flag of truce in his hand. They being gone, Mr. Church, by the help of his man Toby (the Indian whom he had taken prisoner as he was going down to Sogkonate) took said Toby's mother, and those that were with her, pri|soners. Next morning the whole army moved back to Pocasset. This Toby informed them that there were a great many Indians gone down to Wepoiset to eat clams, other provisions being very scarce with them) that Philip himself was expected within 3 or 4 days at the same place; being asked what Indians they were? He answered some Weetemores Indians, some Mount-Hope Indians, some Nar|raganset

Indians, and some other Upland Indians, in all about 300.

The Rhode-Island boats, by the Major's order, meeting them at Pocusset, they were soon embarked, it being just in the dusk of the evening, they could plainly discover the enemies fires at the place the Indian directed to; and the army concluded no other but they were bound directly thither, until they came to the north end of the island, and heard the word of command for the boats to bare away. Mr. Church was very fond of having this probable opportunity of surprising that whole company of Indians imbraced; but orders, it was said, must be obeyed, which was to go to Mount-Hope, and there to fight Philip. This with some other good opportunities of doing spoil upon the enemy, being unhappily missed, Mr. Church obtained the Major's consent to meet the Sogkonate Indians, accord|ing to his promise. He was offered a guard to Plymouth, but chose to go with one man only, who was a good pilot. About sun-set he, with Sabin his pilot, mounted their horses at Rehoboth, where the army now was, and by two hours by sun next morning arrived safe at Plymouth; and by that time they had refreshed themselves, the Governor and Treasurer came to town. Mr. Church giving them a short account of the affairs of the army, &c. His Honour was pleased to give him thanks for the good and great ser|vice he had done at Sogkonate, told him, He had confirmed all that he had promised Awashonks, and had sent the In|dian back again that brought his letter. He asked his Ho|nour Whether he had any thing later from Awashonks? He told him he had not. Whereupon he gave his Honour an account of the Major's orders relating to her and hers, and what discourse had passed pro and con, about them; and that he had promised to meet them, and that he had encouraged them, that he thought he might obtain of his Honour a commission to lead them forth to fight Philip. His Honour smilingly told him, That he should not want

commission if he would accept it, nor yet good English men enough to make up a good army. But in short, he told his Honour the time was expired that he had appointed to meet the Sogkonates at Sandwich. The Governor asked him, when he would go? He told him that afternoon, by his Honour's leave. The Governor asked him how ma|ny men he would have with him? He answered not above half a dozen, with an order to take more at Sandwich, if he saw cause, and horses provided. He no sooner moved it, but had his number of men tendering to go with him, among which was Mr. Jabez Howland, and Nathaniel Southworth; they went to Sandwich that night, where Mr. Church (with need enough) took a nap of sleep. The next morning, with about 16 or 18 men, he proceeded as far as Agawom, where they had great expectation of meet|ing the Indians, but met them not; his men being dis|couraged about half of them returned; only half a dozen stuck by him, and promised so to do until they should meet with the Indians. When they came to Sippican Ri|ver, * 1.21 Mr. Howland began to tire, upon which Mr. Church left him, and two more, for a reserve at the river, that if he should meet with enemies and be forced back, they might be ready to assist them in getting over the river. Proceeding in their march, they crossed another river, and opened a great bay, where they might see many miles along shore, where were sands and flats; and hearing a great noise below them towards the sea, they dismounted their horses, left them and creep'd among the bushes, un|til they came near the bank, and saw a vast company of Indians of all ages and sexes, some on horse-back running races, some at foot-ball, some catching eels and flat-fish in the water, some clamming, &c. but which way with safety to find out what Indians they were, they were at a loss. But at length, retiring into a thicket, Mr. Church hallooed to them; they soon answered him, and a couple of smart young fellows, well mounted, came upon a full

career to see who it might be that called, and came just upon Mr. Church before they discovered him; but when they perceived themselves so near Englishmen, and armed, were much surprised, and tacked short about to run as fast back as they came forward, until one of the men in the bushes called to them, and told them his name was Church, and need not fear his hurting of them. Upon which, after a small pause, they turned about their horses, and came up to him; one of them that could speak Eng|lish Mr. Church took aside and examined, who informed him, that the Indians below were Awashonks and her com|pany, and that Jack Havens was among them; whom Mr. Church immediately sent for to come to him, and or|dered the messenger to inform Awashonks that he was come to meet her; Jack Havens soon came, and by that time Mr. Church had asked him a few questions, and had been satisfied by him, that it was Awashonks and her company that were below, and that Jack had been kindly treated by them, a company of Indians all mounted on horse|back, and well armed, came riding up to Mr. Church, but treated him with all due respects. He then ordered Jack to go tell Awashonks, that he designed to sup with her in the evening, and to lodge in her camp that night. Then taking some of the Indians with him, he went back to the river to take care of Mr. Howland. Mr. Church having a mind to try what metal he was made of, imparted his notion to the Indians that were with him, and gave them directions how to act their parts; when he came pretty near the place, he and his Englishmen pretendedly fled, firing on their retreat towards the Indians that pursued them, and they firing as fast after them. Mr. Howland being upon his guard, hearing the guns, and by and by seeing the motion both of the English and Indians, con|cluded his friends were distressed, was soon on the full career on horseback to meet them, until he perceiving their laughing, mistrusted the truth. As soon as Mr.

Church had given him the news, they hastened away to Awashonks. Upon their arrival, they were immediately conducted to a shelter, open on one side, whither Awa|shonks and her chiefs soon came and paid their respects; and the multitudes gave shouts as made the heavens to ring.

It being now about sun-setting, or near the dusk of the evening, the Netops came running from all quarters loaden with the tops of dry pines, and the like combus|tible matter, making a huge pile thereof, near Mr. Church's shelter, on the open side thereof; but by this time supper was brought in, in three dishes, viz. a cu|rious young bass in one dish, eels and flat fish in a second, and shell-fish in a third, but neither bread nor salt to be seen at table; but by that time supper was over, the mighty pile of pine knots and tops, &c. was fired, and all the Indians, great and small gathered in a ring round it. Awashonks with the oldest of her people, men and women mixed, kneeling down made the first ring next the fire, and all the lusty stout men standing up made the next, and then all the rabble in a confused crew surround|ed on the out-side. Then the chief Captain stepped in between the rings and the fire, with a spear in one hand, and a hatchet in the other, danced round the fire, and began to fight with it, making mention of all the several nations and companies of Indians in the country that were enemies to the English; and at naming of every particu|lar tribe of Indians, he would draw out and fight a new fire-brand, and at finishing his fight with each particular fire-brand, would bow to him and thank him; and when he had named all the several nations and tribes, and fought them all, he stuck down his spear and hatchet, and came out; and another stept in and acted over the same dance, with more fury, if possible, than the first; and when about half a dozen of their chiefs had thus acted their parts, the Captain of the guard stept up to Mr. Church

and told him, They were making soldiers for him, and what they had been doing was all one swearing of them, and having in that manner engaged all the stout lusty men; Awashonks and her chiefs came to Mr. Church, and told him, That now they were all engaged to fight for the Eng|lish, and he might call forth all, or any of them at any time as he saw occasion to fight the enemy; and presented him with a very fine firelock. Mr. Church accepts their of|fer, drew out a number of them, and set out next morning before day for Plymouth, where they arrived the same day.

The Governor being informed of it, came early to town next morning, and by that time he had Englishmen enough to make up a good company, when joined with Mr. Church's Indians, that offered their voluntary ser|vice, to go under his command in quest of the enemy. The Governor then gave him a commission, which is as follows:

CAPTAIN BENJAMIN CHURCH, you are hereby no|minated, ordered, commissioned, and empowered to raise a company of volunteers of about 200 men, English and In|dians; the English not exceeding the number of 60, of which company, or so many of them as you can obtain, or shall see cause at present to improve, you are to take the command and conduct, and to lead them forth now and hereafter, at such time, and unto such places within this colony, or else|where, within the confederate colonies, as you shall think fit; to discover, pursue, fight, surprise, destroy, or subdue our In|dian enemies, or any part or parties of them that by the pro|vidence of God you may meet with; or them, or any of them, by treaty and composition to receive to mercy, if you see rea|son (provided they be not murderous rogues, or such as have been principal actors in those villanies:) And forasmuch as your company may be uncertain, & the persons often changed, you are also hereby empowered, with the advice of your com|pany, to choose and commissionate a Lieutenant, and to e|stablish

Serjeants, and Corporals as you see cause: And you herein improving your best judgment and discre|tion and utmost ability, faithfully to serve the interest of God, his Majesty's interest, and the interest of the colony; and carefully governing your said company at home and abroad. These shall be unto you full and ample commission, warrant and discharge. Given under the public seal, this 24th day of July, 1676.

Per JOS. WINSLOW, GOVERNOR.

Receiving commission, he marched the same night into the woods, got to Middleborough before day, and as soon as the light appeared, took into the woods and swam|py thickets, towards a place where they had some reason to expect to meet with a parcel of Narraganset Indians, with some others that belonged to Mount-Hope. Coming near to where they expected them, Captain Church's In|dian scout discovered the enemy, and well observing their fires, and postures, returned with the intelligence to their Captain, who gave such directions for the surrounding of them, as had the desired effect; surprising them from eve|ry side so unexpectedly, that they were all taken, not so much as one escaped. And upon a strict examination, they gave intelligence of another parcel of the enemy, at a place called Munponset-Pond. Captain Church hastening with his prisoners through the woods of Plymouth, disposed of them all, excepting only one Jeffery, who proving ve|ry ingenuous and faithful to him, in informing where other parcels of Indians harboured; Captain Church promised him, that if he continued to be faithful to him, he should not be sold out of the country, but should be his waiting man, to take care of his horse, &c. and accordingly he served him faithfully as long as he lived.

But Captain Church was forthwith sent out again, and the terms for his encouragement being concluded on, viz. That the country should find them ammunition and provi|sion

and have half the prisoners and arms they took: The Captain and his English soldiers to have the other half of the prisoners and arms, and the Indian soldiers the loose plunder. Poor encouragement! But after some time it was mended.

They soon captivated the Munponsets, and brought them in, not one escaping. This stroke he held several weeks, never returning empty handed. When he wanted intelligence of their kennelling places, he would march to some place likely to meet with some travellers or ramb|lers, and scattering his company, would lie close; and sel|dom lay above a day, or two, at the most, before some of them would fall into their hands, whom he would compel to inform where their company was; and so by his me|thod of secret and sudden surprises took great numbers of them prisoners.

The government observing his extraordinary courage and conduct, and the success from Heaven added to it, saw cause to enlarge his commission; gave him power to raise and dismiss his forces, as he should see occasion; to commissionate officers under him, and to march as far as he should see cause, within the limits of the three united colonies: To receive to mercy, give quarter, or not; ex|cepting some particular and noted murderers: viz. Philip and all that were at the destroying of Mr. Clark's garrison, and some few others.

Major Bradford being now at Taunton with his army, and wanting provisions, some carts were ordered from Plymouth for their supply, and Captain Church to guard them; but he obtaining other guards for the carts, as far as Middleborough, ran before with a small company, hop|ing to meet with some of the enemy, appointing the carts and their guards to meet with them at Nemascut, * 2.1 about an hour after sun's rising next morning; he arrived there about the breaking of the day-light, discovered a company of the enemy; but his time was too short to wait for gain|ing

advantage, and therefore ran right in upon them, surprised and captivated about 16 of them, who, upon exa|mination, informed, that Tispaquin, a very famous Cap|tain among the enemy was at Assawompset, * 2.2 with a nu|merous company.

But the carts must now be guarded, and the opportu|nity of visiting Tispaquin must now be laid aside: The carts are to be faithfully guarded, left Tispaquin should at|tack them.

Coming towards Taunton, Capt. Church taking two men with him, made all speed to the town; and coming to the river side, he halloo'd, and inquiring of them that came to the river, for Major Bradford, or his Captains; he was inform'd they were in the town, at the tavern.—He told them of the carts that were coming, that he had the cumber of guarding them, which had already pre|vented his improving opportunities of doing service.—Pray'd therefore that a guard might be sent over to receive the carts, that he might be at liberty; refusing all invita|tions and persuasions to go over to the tavern to visit the Major: He at length obtained a guard to receive the carts; by whom also he sent his prisoners, to be convey'd with the carts, to Plymouth, directing them not to return by the way they came, but by Bridgwater.

Hast'ning back, he proposed to camp that night at As|sawomset neck. But as soon as they came to the river that runs into the great pond through the thick swamp, at the entering of the neck, the enemy fired upon them, but hurt not a man. Capt. Church's Indians ran right into the swamp, and fired upon them, but it being in the dusk of the evening, the enemy made their escape in the thickets: The Capt. then moving about a mile into the neck, took the advantage of a small valley to feed his horses; some held the horses by the bridles, the rest on the guard look'd sharp out for the enemy, within hearing on a very side, and

some very near; but in the dead of the night, the enemy being out of hearing, or still, Capt. Church moved out of the neck, (not the same way he came in, left he should be ambuscado'd) towards Cushnes, * 2.3 where all the houses were burnt; and crossing Cushnet river, being extremely fa|tigued with two nights and one day's ramble without rest or sleep; and observing good forage for their horses, the Captain concluded upon baiting, and taking a nap: Set|ting six men to watch the passage of the river, two to watch at a time, while the others slept, and so to take their turns, while the rest of the company went into a thicket, to sleep under the guard of two centinels more. But the whole company being very drowsy, soon forgot their dan|ger, and were fast asleep, centinels and all. The Captain first awakes, looks up, and judges he had slept four hours, which being longer than he designed, immediately rouses his company, and sends away a file to see what was be|come of the watch at the passage of the river, but they no sooner opened the river in sight, but they discovered a company of the enemy viewing of their tracks, where they came into the neck; Capt. Church, and those with him, soon dispersed into the brush on each side of the way, while the file sent got undiscovered to the passage of the river, and found their watch all fast asleep: But these tidings thoroughly awakened the whole company. But the enemy giving them no present disturbance, they exa|mined their snapsacks, and taking a little refreshment, the Captain orders one party to guard the horses, and the o|ther to scout, who soon met with a track, and following of it, they were brought to a small company of Indians, who proved to be Little Eyes, and family, and near relati|ons, who were of Sogkonate, but had forsaken their coun|trymen, upon their making peace with the English. Some of Capt. Church's Indians asked him, If he did not know this fellow? Told him, This is the rogue that would have

killed you at Awashonk's dance; and signified to him that now he had an opportunity to be revenged on him. But the Captain told them, It was not Englishmen's fashion to seek revenge; and that he should have the same quarter the rest bad. Moving to the river side, they found an old canoe, with which the Captain ordered Little Eyes and his company to be carried over to an island; telling him, He would leave him on that island until he returned; and left the English should light on them, and kill them, he would leave his cousin Light-foot (whom the English knew to be their friend) to be his guard. Little Eyes expressed him|self very thankful to the Captain. He leaving his orders with Light-foot, returns to the river side, towards Ponegan|set, to Russell's orchard; coming near the orchard, they clapp'd into a thicket, and there lodg'd the rest of the night without any fire; and upon the morning light ap|pearing, moves towards the orchard, discovers some of the enemy, who had been these the day before, and had beat down all the apples, and carried them away; disco|vered also where they had lodg'd that night, and saw the ground where they set their baskets bloody, being, as they supposed, and as it was afterwards discovered to be, with the flesh of swine, &c. which they had killed that day: They had lain under the sences without any fires, and seemed, by the marks they left behing them, to be very numerous; perceived also, by the dew on the grass, that they had not been long gone; and therefore mov'd apace in pursuit of them. Travelling three miles, or more, they came into the country road, where the track parted, one parcel steered towards the west end of the great cedar swamp, and the other to the east end. The Captain halted, and told his Indian soldiers, That they had heard, as well as he, what some men had said at Plymouth, about them, &c. That now was a good opportunity for each party to prove themselves: The track being divided, they should follow one, and the English the other, being equal in number.

The Indians declined the motion, and were not willing to move any where without him; said, they should not think themselves safe without him. But the Captain insisting up|on it, they submitted; he gave the Indians their choice to follow which track they pleased; they replied, They were light, and able to travel, therefore, if he pleased, they would take the west track. And appointing the ruins of John Cook's house at Cushnet, for the place to meet at, each company set out briskly to try their fortunes. Captain Church, with his English soldiers, followed their track un|til they came near entering a miery swamp, when the Cap|tain heard a whistle in the rear, (which was a note for a halt) looking behind him, he saw William Fobes start out of the company and made towards him, who hast'ned to meet him as fast as he could; Fobes told him they had discovered abundance of Indians, and if he pleased to go a few steps back he might see them himself: He did so, and saw them across the swamp, observing them, he per|ceived they were gathering whortle-berries, and that they had no apprehensions of their being so near them: The Captain supposed them to be chiefly women, and therefore calling one Mr. Dillano, who was acquainted with the ground, and the Indian language, and another named Mr. Barns; with these two men he takes right thro' the swamp as fast as he could, and orders the rest to hasten after them. Capt. Church, with Dillano and Barns, having good horses, spurr'd on, and were soon amongst the thickest of the Indians, and out of sight of their own men: Among the enemy was an Indian woman, who with her husband had been drove off from Rhode-Island, notwithstanding they had an house upon Mr. Sanford's land, and had plant|ed an orchard before the war; yet the inhabitants would not be satisfied till they were sent off; and Capt. Church, with his family, living then at the said Sanford's, came ac|quainted with them, who thought it very hard to turn off such old quiet people: But in the end it proved a provi|dence

and an advantage to him and his family, as you may see afterwards. This Indian woman knew Captain Church, and as soon as she knew him, held up both her hands, and came running towards him, crying aloud, Church, Church, Church. Capt. Church bid her stop the rest of the Indians, and tell them, The way to save their lives was not to run, but yield themselves prisoners, and he would not kill them; so with her help and Dillano's, who could call to them in their own language, many of them stopped and surrendered themselves, others scampering and casting away their baskets, &c. betook themselves to the thickets, but Captain Church being on horse-back soon came up with them, and laid hold of a gun that was in the hand of one of the foremost of the company, pul|led it from him, and told him he must go back. And when he had turned them, he began to look about him to see where he was, and what was become of his company, hoping they might be all as well employed as himself, but could find none but Dillano, who was very busy ga|thering up prisoners. The Captain drove his that he had stopped to the rest, inquiring of Dillano for their compa|ny, but could have no news of them; but moving back picked up now and then a skulking prisoner by the way. When they came near the place where they first started the Indians, they discovered their company standing in a body together, and had taken some few prisoners; when they saw their Captain they hastened to meet him: They told him they found it difficult getting through the swamp, and neither seeing nor hearing any thing of him, they con|cluded the enemy had killed him, and were at a great loss what to do.

Having brought their prisoners together they found they had taken and killed 66 of the enemy. Captain Church then asked the old squaw, What company they be|longed unto? She said, they belonged part to Philip, and part to Qunnappin and the Narraganset Sachem, discovered

also, upon her declaration, that both Philip and Qunappin were about two miles off, in the great cedar swamp; he inquired of her, What company they had with them? She answered, Abundance of Indians. The swamp, she said, was full of Indians from one end unto the other, that were settled there, that there were near an hundred men came from the swamp with them, and left them upon that plain to ga|ther whortle-berries, and promised to call them as they came back out of Sconticut-Neck; whither they went to kill cattle and horses for provisions for the company. She perceiving Captain Church move towards the neck, told him, If they went that way they would all be killed. He asked her, Where-about they crossed the river? She pointed to the up|per passing place. Upon which Captain Church passed over so low down as he thought it not probable they should meet with his track in their return; and hastened towards the island; where he left Little Eyes with Lightfoot. Find|ing a convenient place by the river side for securing his prisoners, Captain Church, and Mr. Diliano went down to see what was become of Captain Lightfoot, and the pri|soners left in his charge. Lightfoot seeing and knowing them, soon came over with his broken canoe, and in|formed them, That he had seen that day about 100 men of the enemy go down into Sconticut Neck, and that they were now returning again: Upon which they three ran down immediately to a meadow where Lightfoot said the Indians had passed, where they not only saw their tracks, but al|so them: Whereupon they lay close until the enemy came into the said meadow, and the foremost set down his load and halted, until all the company came up, and then took up their loads and marched again the same way that they came down into the neck, which was the nearest way un|to their camp; had they gone the other way along the river, they could not have missed Captain Church's track, which would doubtless have exposed them to the loss of their prisoners, if not of their lives. But as soon as the

coast was clear of them, the Captain sends his Lightfoot to fetch his prisoners from the island, while he and Mr. Dil|lano returns to the company, sent part of them to conduct Lightfoot and his company to the aforesaid meadow, where Captain Church and his company met them. Cros|sing the enemies track they made all haste until they got over Mattapoiset-river, * 2.4 near about four miles beyond the ruins of Cook's house, where he appointed to meet his In|dian company, whither he sent Dillano with two more to meet them; ordering them, that if the Indians were not arrived to wait for them. Accordingly, finding no Indians there, they waited until late in the night, when they ar|rived with their booty. They despatched a post to their Captain, to give him an account of their success; but the day broke before they came to him; and when they had compared successes, they very remarkably found that the number that each company had taken and slain, was equal. The Indians had killed three of the enemy, and taken 63 prisoners, as the English had done before them. Both English and Indians were surprised at this remark|able providence, and were both parties rejoicing at it; being both before afraid of what might have been the unequal success of the parties; but the Indians had the fortune to take more arms than the English. They told the Captain, That they had missed a brave opportunity by parting; they came upon a great town of the enemy, viz. Captain Tyasks company, (Tyasks was the next man to Phi|lip:) They fired upon the enemy before they were discovered, and ran upon them with a shout; the men ran and left their wives and children, and many of them their guns. They took Tyasks wife and son, and thought that if their Captain and the English company had been with them they might have taken some hundreds of them; and now they determined not to part any more.

That Night Philip sent (as afterwards they found out) a great army to waylay Captain Church at the entring on

of Assawompset neck, expecting he would have returned the same way he went in; but that was never his method to return the same way that he came; and at this time going another way, he escaped falling into the hands of his enemies. The next day they went home by Scipi|can, and got well with their prisoners to Plymouth.

He soon went out again, and this stroke he drove many weeks; and when he took any number of prisoners, he would pick out some that he took a fancy to, and would tell them, He took a particular fancy to them, and had chose them for himself to make soldiers of; and if any would be|have themselves well, he would do well by them, and they should be his men, and not sold out of the country. If he per|ceived they looked surly, and his Indian soldiers called them treacherous dogs, as some of them would sometimes do, all the notice he would take of it, would only be to clap them on the back, and tell them, Come, come, you look wild and surly, and mutter, but that signifies nothing, these my best soldiers were a little while ago as wild and sur|ly as you are now; by that time you have been but one day along with me, you'll love me too, and be as brisk as any of them. And it proved so; for there was none of them but (after they had been a little while with him, and seen his behaviour, and how cheerful and successful his men were) would be as ready to pilot him to any place where the In|dians dwelt, or haunted (though their own fathers or nearest relations should be among them) or to fight for him, as any of his own men.

Captain Church was in two particulars much advan|taged by the great English army that was now abroad. One was, that they drove the enemy down to that part of the country, viz. to the eastward of Taunton river, by which his business was nearer home. The other was, that when he fell on with a push upon any body of the enemy (were they never so many) they fled, expecting the great army. And his manner of marching through the woods

was such, as if he were discovered, they appeared to be more than they were; for he always marched at a wide distance one from another, partly for their safety: And this was an Indian custom to march thin and scattered. Captain Church inquired of some of the Indians that were become his soldiers, How they got such advantage often of the English in their marches through the woods? They told him, that the Indians gained great advantage of the English by two things; the Indians always took care in their marches and fights, not to come too thick together; but the English always kept in a heap together, that it was as easy to hit them as to hit an house. The other was, that if at any time they discovered a company of English soldiers in the woods, they knew that there was all, for the English never scattered; but the Indians al|ways divided and scattered.

Captain Church now at Plymouth, something or other happened that kept him at home a few days, until a post came to Marshfield on the Lord's day morning, inform|ing the Governor that a great army of Indians were dis|covered, who it was supposed were designing to get over the river towards Taunton or Bridgwater, to attack those towns that lay on that side the river. The Governor hastened to Plymouth, raised what men he could by the way, came to Plymouth in the beginning of the forenoon exercise; sent for Captain Church out of the meeting|house, gave him the news, and desired him immediately to rally what of his company he could; and what men he had raised should join them. The Captain bestirs him|self, but found no bread in the store-house, and so was forced to run from house to house to get household bread for their march; but this nor any thing else prevented his marching by the beginning of the afternoon exercise: Marching with what men were ready, he took with him the post that came from Bridgwater to pilot him to the place, where he thought he might meet with the enemy.

In the evening they heard a smart firing at a distance from them; but it being near night, and the firing but of short continuance, they missed the place, and went into Bridg|water town. It seems the occasion of the firing was, that Philip finding that Captain Church made that side of the country too hot for him, designed to return to the other side of the country that he came last from. And com|ing to Taunton river with his company, they felled a great tree across the river, for a bridge to pass over on; and just as Philip's old uncle Akkompoin, and some other of his chiefs were passing over the tree, some brisk Bridg|water lads had ambushed them, fired upon them, and killed the old man, and several others, which put a stop to their coming over the river that night.

Next morning Capt. Church moved very early with his company, which was increased by many of Bridgwater, that inlisted under him for that expedition, and, by their piloting, soon came very still to the top of the great tree which the enemy had fallen across the river; and the Captain spy'd an Indian sitting on the stump of it on the other side of the river, and he clapp'd his gun up, and had doubtless despatched him, but that one of his own Indians called hastily to him, not to fire, for he believed it was one of their own men; upon whith the Indian upon the stump look'd about, and Capt. Church's Indian seeing his face perceived his miskake, for he knew him to be Philip, clapp'd up his gun and fired, but it was too late, for Phi|lip immediately threw himself off the stump, leap'd down a bank on the side of the river, and made his escape.—Capt. Church, as soon as possible, got over the river, and scattered in quest of Philip and his company; but the e|nemy scattered and fled every way; but he pick'd up a considerable many of their women and children, among which was Philip's wife, and son of about nine years old. Discovering a considerable new track along the river, and examining the prisoners, found it was Qunnappin and the

Narragansets, that were drawing off from those parts to|wards the Narraganset country; he inquired of the pri|soners, Whether Philip was gone in the same track? They told him, They did not know, for he fled in a great fright when the first English gun was fired, and they had none of them seen or beard any thing of him since. Capt. Church left part of his company there to secure the prisoners they got, and to pick up what more they could find; and with the rest of his company hastened in the track of the ene|my, to overtake them, if it might be, before they got over the river, and ran some miles along the river, until he came to a place where the Indians had waded over; and he with his company waded over after them up to the arm-pits; being almost as wet before with sweat as the river could make them: Following about a mile further, and not o|vertaking them, and the Captain being under necessity to return that night to the army, came to an halt, told his company, he must return to his other men. His Indian sol|diers moved for leave to pursue the enemy (though he return'd;) said, The Narragansets were great rogues, and they wanted to be revenged on them for killing some of their relations; named Tockamona, (Awashonk's brother) and some others. Capt. Church bad them go and prosper, and made Lightfoot their chief, and gave him the title of Captain: Bid them go and quit themsolves like men. And away they scampered like so many horses. Next morning early they returned to their Captain, and informed him, That they had come up with the enemy, and kill'd several of them, and brought him thirteen of them prisoners; were mighty proud of their exploit, and rejoiced much at the opportunity of avenging themselves. Capt. Church sent the prisoners to Bridgwater, and sent out his scouts to see what enemies or tracks they could, discovering some small tracks, he follows them, found where the enemy had kin|dled some fires, and roasted some flesh, &c. but had put out their fires and were gone. The Captain followed

them by the track, putting his Indians in the front; some of which were such as he had newly taken from the ene|my, and added to his company. Gave them orders to march softly, and upon hearing a whistle in the rear, to sit down, till further order: or, upon discovery of any of the enemy, to stop, for his design was, if he could discover where the enemy were, not to fall upon them (unless ne|cessitated to it) until next morning. The Indians in the front came up with many women and children, and others that were faint and tired, and so not able to keep up with the company; these gave them an account that Philip, with a great number of the enemy, were a little before.—Capt. Church's Indians told the others, They were their prisoners, but if they would submit to order, and be still, no one should burt them: They being their old acquaintance, were easily persuaded to conform. A little before sunset there was a halt in the front, until the Captain came up, they told him, They discovered the enemy. He ordered them to dog them, and watch their motion till it was dark. But Philip soon came to a stop, and fell to breaking and chopping wood, to make fires; and a great noise they made. Captain Church draws his company up in a ring, and sat down in the swamp without any noise or fire. The Indian prisoners were much surprised to see the English soldiers; but the Captain told them, If they would be quiet and not make any disturbance or noise, they should meet with civil treatment; but if they made any disturbance, or offered to run, or make their escape, he would immediately kill them all; so they were very submissive and obsequious. When the day broke, Captain Church told his prisoners, That his expedition was such at this time that he could not afford them any guard: Told them, They would find it to be their interest to attend the orders he was now about to give them; which was, that when the fight was over, which they now expected, or as soon as the firing ceased, they must follow the track of his company, and come to them. (An Indian is next

to a blood-hound to follow a track.) He said to them, It would be in vain for them to think of disobedience, or to gain any thing by it, for he had taken and killed a great ma|ny of the Indian rebels, and should in a little time kill and take all the rest, &c. By this time it began to be so light, as the time that he usually chose to make his onset. He moved, sending two soldiers before, to try if they could pri|vately discover the enemies postures. But very unhappi|ly it fell out, that the very same time Philip had sent two of his as a scout upon his own track, to see it none dog'd them; who spy'd the two Indian men, and turned short about, and fled with all speed to their camp, and Captain Church pursued as fast as he could. The two Indians set a yelling and howling, and made the most hideous noise they could invent, soon gave the alarm to Philip and his camp; who all fled at the first tidings, left their kettles boiling, and meat roasting upon their wooden spits, and ran into a swamp with no other breakfast than what Capt. Church afterwards treated them with. Captain Church pursuing, sent Mr. Isaac Howland with a party on one side of the swamp, while himself with the rest ran on the other side, agreeing to run on each side, until they met on the further end, placing some men in secure stands at that end of the swamp where Philip entered, concluding that if they headed him and beat him back, that he would take back in his own track. Captain Church and Mr. How|land soon met at the further end of the swamp (it not being a great one) where they met with a great number of the enemy, well armed, coming out of the swamp; but, on sight of the English, they seemed very much surprised and tack'd short. Captain Church called hastily to them, and said, If they fired one gun they were all dead men; for he would have them to know that he had them hem'd in, with a force sufficient to command them; but if they peaceably sur|rendered they should have good quarter, &c. They seeing both Indians and English come so thick upon them, were

so surprised that many of them stood still and let the Eng|lish come and take the guns out of their hands, when they were both charged and cocked.

Many, both men, women and children of the enemy, were imprisoned at this time, while Philip, Tispaquin, To|toson, &c. concluded that the English would pursue them upon their tracks, so were waylaying their tracks at the first end of the swamp, hoping thereby to gain a shot upon Captain Church, who was now better employed in taking prisoners, and running them into a valley, in form something shaped like a punch-bowl, and appointing a guard of two files, treble armed with guns taken from the enemy. But Philip having waited all this while in vain, now moves on after the rest of his company, to see what was become of them. And by this time Capt. Church was got into the swamp ready to meet him; and as it happened made the first discovery, clapp'd behind a tree until Philip's company came pretty near, and then fired upon them, killed many of them, & a close skirmish fol|lowed. Upon this Philip having grounds sufficient to suspect the event of his company that went before them, fled back upon his own track; and coming to the place where the ambush lay, they fired on each other, and one Lucus, of Plymouth, not being so careful as he might have been about his stand, was killed by the Indians. In this swamp-skirmish Captain Church with his two men, who always run by his side as his guard, met with three of the enemy, two of which surrendered themselves, and the Captain's guard seized them; but the other, being a great, stout, surly fellow, with his two locks tied up with red, and a great rattle-snake skin hanging to the back part of his head, (whom Captain Church concluded to be Totoson) ran from them into the swamp; Captain Church, in person, pursued him close, till coming pretty near up with him, presented his gun between his shoulders, but it missing fire, the Indian perceiving it, turned and pre|sented

at Captain Church, and missing fire also (their guns taking wet with the fog and dew of the morning;) but the Indian turning short for another run, his foot tripped in a small grape-vine, and he fell flat on his face; Captain Church was by this time up with him, and struck the muzzle of his gun an inch and an half into the back part of his head, which despatched him without another blow. But Captain Church looking behind him saw To|toson, the Indian, whom he thought he had killed, come flying at him like a dragon; but this happened to be fair in sight of the guard that were set to keep the prison|ers, who, spying Totoson and others that were following him, in the very seasonable juncture made a shot upon them, and rescued their Captain; tho' he was in no small danger from his friends bullets, for some of them came so near him that he thought he felt the wind of them. The skirmish being over, they gathered their prisoners together, and found the number that they had killed and taken was 173, (the prisoners which they took over night included) who after the skirmish came to them, as they were ordered.

Now having no provisions but what they took from the enemy, they hastened to Bridgwater, sending an express before to provide for them, their company being now ve|ry numerous. The Gentlemen of Bridgwater met Capt. Church with great expressions of honour and thanks, and received him and his army with all due respect and kind treatment.

Capt. Church drove his prisoners that night into Bridg|water pound, and set his Indian soldiers to guard them. They being well treated with victuals and drink, they had a merry night; and the prisoners laughed as loud as the soldiers, not being so treated a long time before.

Some of the Indians now said to Captain Church, Sir, you have now made Philip ready to die, for you have made him as poor and miserable as he used to make the English; for you have now killed or taken all his relations. That they

believed he would now soon have his head, and that this bout had almost broke his heart.

The next day Captain Church moved and arrived with all his prisoners safe at Plymouth. The great English ar|my was now at Taunton, and Major Talcot, with the Connec|ticut forces, being in these parts of the country, did con|siderable spoil upon the enemy.

Now Captain Church being arrived at Plymouth, re|ceived thanks from the government for his good service, &c. many of his soldiers were disbanded; and he tho't to rest himself a while, being much fatigued, and his health impaired, by excessive heats and colds, and wading thro' rivers, &c. But it was not long before he was call|ed upon to rally, upon advice that some of the enemy were discovered in Dartmouth woods. He took his In|dians, and as many English volunteers as presented, to go with him; and scattering into small parcels, Mr. Ja|bez Howland (who was now, and often, his Lieutenant, and a worthy good soldier) had the fortune to discover and imprison a parcel of the enemy. In the evening they met together at an appointed place, and by examining the prisoners, they gained intelligence of Totoson's haunt; and being brisk in the morning, they soon gained an ad|vantage of Totoson's company, tho' he himself with his son of about eight years old made their escape, and one old squaw with them, to Agawom, his own country; but Sam Barrow, as noted a rogue as any among the enemy, fell into the hands of the English at this time. Capt. Church told him, That because of his inhuman murders and barba|rities, the Court had allowed him no quarter, but was to be forthwith put to death, and therefore he was to prepare for it. Barrow replied, That the sentence of death against him was just, and that indeed he was ashamed to live any long|er, and desired no more favour than to smoke a whiff of tobacco before his execution. When he had taken a few whiffs, he said, He was ready; upon which one of Capt.

Church's Indians sunk his hatchet into his brains. The famous Totoson arriving at Agawom, * 2.5 his son, which was the last that was left of the family, (Captain Church hav|ing destroyed all the rest) fell sick: The wretch reflecting upon the miserable condition he had brought himself in|to, his heart became a stone within him, and died. The old squaw flung a few leaves and brush over him, and came into Sandwich, and gave this account of his death, and offered to shew them where she left his body; but never had the opportunity, for she immediately fell sick and died also.

Captain Church being now at Plymouth again, weary and worn, would have gone home to his wife and family, but the Government being solicitous to engage him in the ser|vice until Philip was slain, and promising him satisfaction and redress for some mistreatment that he had met with; he fixes for another expedition: He had soon volunteers enough to make up the company he desired, and marched thro' the woods, until he came to Pocasset; and not see|ing or hearing of any of the enemy, they went over the ferry to Rhode-Island, to refresh themselves. The Capt. with about half a dozen in his company, took horse and rid about eight miles down the island, to Mr. Sandford's, where he had left his wife; who no sooner saw him but fainted with surprise; and by that time she was a little revived, they spied two horsemen coming a great pace. Captain Church told his company that those men (by their riding) came with tidings. When they came up they proved to be Major Sandford, and Captain Golding; who immediately asked Captain Church, what he would give to hear some news of Philip? He reply'd, That was what he wanted. They told him, They had rid hard with some hopes of overtaking him, and were now come on pur|pose to inform him, that there was just now tidings from

Mount-Hope; an Indian came down from thence (where Philip's camp now was) on to Sand-point, over against Trip's, and balloo'd, and made signs to be fetched over; and being fetched over, be reported, That he was fled from Phi|lip, who (said he) has killed my brother just before I came away, for giving some advice that displeased him. And said, he was fled for fear of meeting with the same his bro|ther had met with: Told them also, That Philip was now in Mount-Hope neck. Captain Church thanked them for their good news, and said, he hoped by to-morrow morn|ing to have the rogue's head. The horses that he and his company came on standing at the door, (for they had not been unsaddled) his wife must content herself with a short visit, when such game was ahead; they immediately mounted, set spurs to their horses, and away.

The two Gentlemen that brought him the tidings, told him, They would gladly wait upon him to see the event of the expedition; he thanked them, and told them, he should be as fond of their company as any men's; and (in short) they went with him. And they were soon at Trip's ferry (with Capt. Church's company) where the deserter was; who was a fellow of good sense, and told his story hand|somely. He offered Captain Church to pilot him to Phi|lip, and to help to kill him, that he might revenge his brother's death. Told him, that Philip was now upon a little spot of upland, that was in the south end of the miry swamp, just at the foot of the Mount, which was a spot of ground that Captain Church was well acquainted with. By that time they were got over the ferry, and came near the ground half the night was spent. The Captain com|mands a halt, and bringing the company together, he asked Major Sandford's and Captain Golding's advice, what method was best to take in making the onset, but they de|clined giving him any advice, telling him, That his great ex|perience and success forbid their taking upon them to give ad|vice. Then Captain Church offered Captain Golding that

he should have the honour (if he would please to accept of it) to beat up Philip's head quarters. He accepted the offer, and had his allotted number drawn out to him, and the pilot. Captain Church's instructions to him were to be very careful in his approach to the enemy, and be sure not to shew himself until by day light they might see and discern their own men from the enemy; told him also, that his custom in the like cases was, to creep with his company, on their bellies, until they came as near as they could; and that as soon as the enemy discovered them they would cry out; and that was the word for his men to fire and fall on. Directed him when the enemy should start, and take into the swamp, they should pursue with speed, every man shouting and making what noise they could; for he would give orders to his ambuscade to fire on any that should come silently.

Captain Church knowing that it was Philip's custom to be foremost in the flight, went down to the swamp, and gave Capt. William's of Scituate the command of the right wing of the ambush, and placed an Englishman and an In|dian together behind such shelters of trees, &c. that he could find, and took care to place them at such distance that none might pass undiscovered between them, charged them to be careful of themselves, and of hurting their friends, and to fire at any that should come silently thro' the swamp; but being somewhat further thro' the swamp than he was aware of, he wanted men to make up his am|buscade. Having placed what men he had, he took Major Sandford by the hand, said, Sir, I have so placed them that it is scarce possible Philip should escape them. The same moment a shot whistled over their heads, and then the noise of a gun towards Philip's camp. Captain Church at first thought it might be some gun fired by accident; but before he could speak, a whole volley followed, which was earlier than he expected. one of Philip's gang going forth to case himself, when he had done, looked round

him, and Captain Golding tho't the Indian looked right at him, (though probably it was but his conceit) so fired at him, and upon his firing, the whole company that were with him fired upon the enemies shelter, before the In|dians had time to rise from their sleep, and so overshot them. But their shelter was open on that side next the swamp, built so on purpose for the convenience of flight on occasion. They were soon in the swamp, and Philip the foremost, who starting at the first gun, threw his pe|tunk and powder-horn over his head, catch'd up his gun, and ran as fast as he could scamper, without any more clothes than his small breeches and stockings, and ran di|rectly on two of Capt. Church's ambush; they let him come fair within shot, and the Englishman's gun missing fire, he bid the Indian fire away, and he did so to purpose, sent one musket bullet through his heart, and another not above two inches from it; he fell upon his face in the mud and water, with his gun under him. By this time the enemy perceived they were waylaid on the east side of the swamp, tack'd short about. one of the enemy, who seem'd to be a great surly old fellow, halloo'd with a loud voice, and often called out, Iootash, Iootash, Capt. Church called to his Indian Peter, and ask'd him, Who that was that call'd so? He answered, It was old Annawon, Philip's great Captain, calling on his soldiers to stand to it, & fight stoutly. Now the enemy finding that place of the swamp which was not ambush'd, many of them made their escape in the English tracks. The man that had shot down Phi|lip, ran with all speed to Capt. Church, and inform'd him of his exploit, who commanded him to be silent about it, and let no man more know it, until they had drove the swamp clean; but when they had drove the swamp thro', and found the enemy had escaped, or at least the most of them, and the sun now up, and so the dew gone, that they could not easily track them, the whole company met toge|ther at the place where the enemies night shelter was; and

then Captain Church gave them the news of Philip's death; upon which the whole army gave three loud huz|zas. Captain Church ordered his body to be pulled out of the mire on to the upland, so some of Captain Church's Indians took hold of him by his stockings, and some by his small breeches, (being otherwise naked) and drew him thro' the mud to the upland, and a doleful, great, naked, dirty beast he looked like. Captain Church then said, That forasmuch as he had caused many an English|man's body to be unburied, and to rot above ground, that not one of his bones should be buried. And calling his old Indian executioner, bid him behead and quarter him; ac|cordingly he came with his hatchet and stood over him, but before he struck he made a shall speech, directing it to Philip, and said, He had been every great man, and had made many a man afraid of him, but so big as he was he would now chop his arse for him; and so he went to work, and did as he was ordered. Philip having one very remarkable hand, being much scarred, occasioned by the splitting of a pistol in it formerly; Captain Church gave the head and that hand to Alderman, the Indian who shot him, to shew to such Gentlemen as would be|stow gratuities upon him; and accordingly he got many a penny by it.

This being on the last day of the week, the Capt. with his company returned to the island, tarried there until Tuesday; and then went off and ranged thro' all the woods to Plymouth, and received their Premium, which was Thirty Shillings per head, for the enemies which they had killed or taken, instead of all wages; and Philip's head went at the same price. Methinks it is scanty re|ward and poor encouragement; tho' it was better than what had been some time before. For this march they received Four Shillings and Six Pence a man, which was all the reward they had, except the honor of killing Philip. This was in the latter end of August, 1676.

Captain Church had been but a little while at Plymouth, before a post from Rehoboth came to inform the govern|ment, that old Annawon, Philip's chief Captain was with his company ranging about their woods, and was very offensive and pernicious to Rehoboth and Swansey. Capt. Church was immediately sent for again, and treated with to engage in one expedition more; he told them, Their encouragement was so poor he feared his soldiers would be dull about going again; but being a hearty friend to the cause, he rallies again, goes to Mr. Jabez Howland, his old Lieu|tenant, and some of his soldiers that used to go out with him; told them how the case was circumstanced, and that he had intelligence of old Annawon's walk and haunt, and wanted hands to hunt him; they did not want much entreating, but told him, They would go with him, as long as there was an Indian left in the woods. He moved and ranged thro' the woods to Pocasset.

It being the latter end of the week, he proposed to go on to Rhode-Island, and rest until Monday; but on the Lord's day morning, there came a post to inform the Captain, that early the same morning a canoe with seve|ral Indians in it passed from Prudence-Island to Poppa|squash neck. * 2.6 Captain Church thought if he could possibly surprise them, he might probably gain some intelligence of more game; therefore he made all possible speed after them. The ferry-boat being out of the way, he made use of canoes; but by that time they had made two freights, and had got over the Captain, and about 15 or 16 of his Indians, the wind sprung up with such violence that ca|noes could no more pass. The Captain seeing it was im|possible for any more of his soldiers to come to him, he told his Indians, If they were willing to go with him, he would go to Poppasquash, and see if they could catch some of the enemy Indians. They were willing to go, but were sorry they had no English soldiers; so they marched thro'

the thickets that they might not be discovered, until they came unto the salt meadow, to the northward of Bristoe town, that now is. Then they heard a gun, the Cap|tain looked about, not knowing but it might be some of his own company in the read; so halting till they all came up, he found it was none of his own company that fired. Now tho' he had but a few men, was minded to send some of them out on a scout. He moved it to Captain Lightfoot to go with three more on a scout; he said he was willing, provided the Captain's man Natbaniel (which was an Indian they had lately taken) might be one of them, because he was well acquainted with the neck, and coming lately from among them, knew how to call them. The Captain bid him choose his three companions, and go; and if they came across any of the enemy, not to kill them if they could possibly take them alive; that they might gain intelligence concerning Annawon. The Capt. with the rest of his company moved but a little way fur|ther toward Poppasquash, before they heard another gun, which seemed to be the same way with the other, but fur|ther off; but they made no halt until they came unto the narrow of Poppasquash neck; where Capt. Church left three men more, to watch if any should come out of the neck, and to inform the scout when they returned which way he was gone.

He parted the remainder of his company, half on one side of the neck, and the other with himself went on the other side of the neck, until they met; and meeting nei|ther with Indians nor canoes, returned big with expecta|tions of tidings by their scout; but when they came back to the three men at the narrow of the neck, they told their Captain the scout was not returned, had heard nor seen any thing of them: This filled them with thoughts of what should become of them; by that time they had sat and waited an hour longer, it was very dark, and they despaired of their returning to them. Some of the In|dians

told their Captain, They feared his new man Natha|niel had met with his old Mount-Hope friends, and was turned rogue. They concluded to make no fires that night, (and indeed they had no great need of any) for they had no victuals to cook, had not so much as a morsel of bread with them.

They took up their lodging scattering, that if possibly their scout should come in the night, and whistle (which was their sign) some or other of them might hear them. They had a very solitary, hungry night; and as soon as the day broke they drew off thro' the brush to a hill with|out the neck, and looking about them they espied one Indian man come running somewhat towards them; the Captain ordered one man to step out and shew himself. Upon this the Indian ran right to him, and who should it be but Capt. Lightfoot, to their great joy. Capt. Church asked him, What news? He answered, Good news, they were all well, and had catched ten Indians, and that they guarded them all night in one of the flankers of the old English garrison; that their prisoners were part of Annawon's com|pany, and that they had left their families in a swamp above Mattapoiset Neck. * 2.7 And as they were marching towards the old garrison, Lightfoot gave Capt. Church a particular account of their exploit, viz. That presently after they left him, they heard another gun, which seemed towards the In|dian burying place, and moving that way, they discovered two of the enemy fleeing of an horse. The scout clapping into the brush, Nathaniel bid them fit down, and he would pre|sently call all the Indians thereabout unto him. They hid, and he went a little distance back from them, and set up his note, and howled like a wolfe. One of the two immediately left his horse and came running to see who was there; but Nathaniel howling lower and lower drew him in between those that lay in wait for him, who seized him; Nathaniel continuing the same note, the other left the horse also, fol|lowing

his mate, and met with the same. When they ought there two they examined them apart, and found them to agree in their story, that there were eight more of them come down into the neck to get provisions, and had agreed to meet at the burying place that evening. These two being some of Na|thaniel's old acquaintance, he had great influence upon them, and with his entiring story, (telling what a brave Captain he had, how bravely he lived since he had been with him, and how much they might better their condition by turning to him, &c.) persuaded and engaged them to be on his side which indeed now began to be the better side of the hedge. They waited out a little while before they espied the rest of theirs coming up to the burying place, and Nathaniel soon howled them in as he had done their mates before.

When Capt. Church came to the garrison, he met his Lieutenant and the rest of his company; and then making up good fires they fell to roasting their horse-beef, enough to last them the whole day, but had not a morsel of bread; tho' salt they had, which they always carried in their poc|kets, which, at this time was very acceptable to them. Their next motion was towards the place where the pri|soners told them they had left their women and children, and surprised them all, and some others that were newly come to them. And upon examination they held to one story, that it was hard to tell where to find Annawon, for he never roosted twice in a place. Now a certain Indian soldier that Captain Church had gained over to be on his side, prayed that he might have liberty to go and fetch in his father, who, he said, was about four miles from that place, in a swamp, with no other than a young squaw. Capt. Church inclined to go with him, thinking it might be in his way to gain some intelligence of Annawon; and so taking one Englishman and a few Indians with him, leaving the rest there, he went with his new soldier to look his father. When he came to the swamp he bid the Indian go to see if he could find his father; he was no

sooner gone but Captain Church discovered a track com|ing down out of the woods, upon which he and his little company lay close, some on one side of the track, and some on the other. They heard the Indian soldier make a howling for his father; and at length some body an|swered him, but while they were listening, they thought they heard somebody coming towards them, presently saw an old man coming up with a gun on his shoulder, and a young woman following, in the track which they lay by: They let them come up between them, and then started up and laid hold of them both. Captain Church immediately examined them apart, telling them, What they must trust too if they told false stories: He asked the young woman, What company they came from last? She said, From Capt. Annawon's. He asked her, How many were in company with him when she left him? She said 50 or 60. He asked her, How many miles it was to the place where she left him? She said, She did not understand miles, but he was up in Squannaconk Swamp. * 2.8 The old man who had been one of Philip's council, upon examination, gave exactly the same account. Captain Church asked him, If they could get there that night? He said, If they went presently, and travelled stoutly, they might get there by sunset. He asked, Whither he was going? He answered, That Annawon had sent him down to look for some Indians, that were gone down into Mount-Hope neck to kill provi|sions. Capt. Church let him know that those Indians were all his prisoners. By this time came the Indian soldier and brought his father and one Indian more. The Capt. was now in great straight of mind what to do next, he had a mind to give Annawon a visit, now he knew where to find him; but his company was very small, but half a dozen men beside himself, and was under a necessity to send somebody back to acquaint his Lieutenant and company with his proceedings. However, he asked his

small company that were with him, Whether they would willingly go with him, and give Annawon a visit? They told him, They were always ready to obey his commands, &c. but withal told him, That they knew this Capt. An|nawon was a great soldier; that he had been a valiant Cap|tain under Asuhmequin, Philip's father, and that he had been Philip's chieftan all this war; a very subtle man, and of great resolution, and had often said, that he would never be taken alive by the English; and moreover they knew that the men that were with him were resolute fellows, some of Philip's chief soldiers; and therefore feared whether it was practicable to make an attempt upon him with so small a handful of assistants as were now with him: Told him fur|ther, That it would be a pity that after all the great things he had done, he should throw away his life at last. Upon which he replied, That he doubted not Annawon was a subtle & valiant man: That he had a long time but in vain sought for him, and never till now could find his quar|ters; and he was very loath to miss of the opportunity; and doubted not but that if they would cheerfully go with him, the same Almightly Providence that had hitherto protected and befriended them would do so still, &c. Upon this with one consent they said, They would go. Captain Church then turned to one Cook of Plymouth, (the only Englishman then with him) and asked him, What he thought of it? Who replied, Sir, I am never afraid of go|ing any where when you are with me: Then Capt. Church asked the old Indian, if he could carry his horse with him? (For he conveyed a horse thus far with him:) He replied, that it was impossible for an horse to pass the swamps: Therefore he sent away his new Indian soldier with his father and the Captain's horse to his Lieutenant, and or|ders for him to move to Taunton with the prisoners, to secure them there, and to come out in the morning in the Rehoboth road, in which he might expect to meet him, if he were alive and had success.

The Captain then asked the old fellow, if he would pi|lot him unto Annawon? He answered, that he having given him his life, he was obliged to serve him. He bid him move on then, and they followed. The old man would out-travel them so far sometimes that they were almost out of light; looking over his shoulder, and seeing them behind, he would halt. Just as the sun was setting, the old man made a full stop and sat down, the company coming up also sat down, being all weary. Capt. Church asked, What news? He answered, that about that time in the evening Capt. Annawon sent out his scouts to see if the coast was clear, and as soon as it began to grow dark the scouts returned. And then (said he) we may move again securely. When it began to grow dark the old man stood up again, Capt. Church asked him, if he would take a gun and fight for him? He bowed very low and prayed him not to impose such a thing upon him, as to fight a|gainst Capt. Annawon his old friend. But says he, I will go along with you, and be helpful to you, and will lay hands on any man that shall offer to hurt you. It being now pretty dark they moved close together; anon they heard a noise; the Captain stayed the old man with his hand, and asked his own men what noise they thought it might be? They concluded it to be the pounding of a mortar. The old man had given Captain Church a de|scription of the place where Annawon now lay, and of the difficulty of getting at him. Being sensible that they were pretty near them, with two of his Indians he creeps to the edge of the rocks, from whence he could see their camps: He saw three companies of Indians at a little distance from each other, being easy to be discovered by the light of their fires. He saw also the great Annawon and his com|pany, who had formed his camp or kennelling-place, by falling a tree under the side of the great clefts of rocks, and setting a row of birch bushes up against it, where he himself, his son, and some of his chiefs had taken

up their lodging, and made great fires without them, and had their pots and kettles boiling, and spits roasting; their arms also he discovered, all set together in a place fitted for the purpose, standing up an end against a stick lodged in two crotches, and a mat placed over them, to keep them from the wet or dew. The old Annawon's feet and his son's head were so near the arms as almost to touch them; but the rocks were so steep that it was impossible to get down, but as they lowered themselves by the bows, and the bushes that grew in the cracks of the rocks. Capt. Church creeping back again to the old man, asked him, if there was no possibility of getting at them some other way? He answered, no: That he and all that belonged to Annawon were ordered to come that way, and none could come any other way without difficulty or danger of being shot.

Capt. Church then ordered the old man and his daugh|ter to go down foremost, with their baskets at their backs, that when Annawon saw them with their baskets he should not mistrust the intrigue. Capt. Church and his harmful of soldiers crept down also under the shadow of these two and their baskets, and the Capt. himself crept close be|hind the old man, with his hatchet in his hand, and step'd over the young man's head to the arms; the young Anna|won discovering of him, whip'd his blanket over his head and shrunk up in a heap: The old Capt. Annawon start|ed up on his breech, and cry'd out Howoh, and despair|ing of escape, threw himself back again, and lay silent un|til Capt. Church had secured all the arms, &c. And hav|ing secured that company, he sent his Indian soldiers to the other fires and companies, giving them instructions, what to do and say. Accordingly, they went into the midst of them: When they discovered themselves who they were, told them that their Captain Annawon was taken, and it would be best for them quietly and peace|ably to surrender themselves, which would procure good

quarter for them: otherwise, if they should pretend to resist or make their escape, it would be in vain, and they could expect no other but that Capt. Church with his great army, who had now entrap'd them, would cut them to pieces; told them also if they would submit them|selves, and deliver up all their arms unto them, and keep every man his place until it was day; they would assure them that their Captain Church, who had been so kind to themselves when they surrendered to him, should be as kind unto them. Now they being old acquaintance, and many of them relations did much the readier give heed to what they said, complied and surrendered up their arms unto them, both their guns and hatchets, &c. and were forth with carried to Captain Church.

Things being so far settied, Capt. Church asked Anna|won, What he had for supper? For (said he) I am come to sup with you. Taubut (said Annawon) with a big voice; and looking about upon his women, bid them hasten and get Captain Church and his company some supper; then turned to Captain Church and asked him, Whether he would eat cow-beef or horse-beef; the Capt. told him cow-beef would be most acceptable. It was soon got ready, and pulling his little bag of falt out of his poc|ket, which was all the provision he bro't with him; this season'd his cow-beef so that with it and the dried green corn, which the old squaw was pounding in the mortar, while they were sliding down the rocks, he made a very hearty lupper. And this pounding in the mortar proved lucky for Capt. Church's getting down the rocks; for when the old squaw pounded, they moved, and when she ceased, to turn the corn, they ceased creeping, the noise of the mortar prevented the enemies hearing their creeping, and the corn being now dressed supplied the want of bread, and gave a fine relish with the cow-beef. Supper being over, Captain Church sent two of his men to inform the other companies, that he had killed Philip, and had taken

their friends in Mount-Hope neck, but had spared their lives, and that he had subdued now all the enemy (he sup|posed) excepting this company of Annawon's, and now if they would be orderly and keep their places until morn|ing, they should have good quarter, and that he would carry them to Taunton, where they might see their friends again, &c.

The messengers return'd, that the Indians yielded to his proposals. Captain Church tho't it was now time for him to take a nap, having had no sleep in two days and one night before; told his men that if they would let him sleep two hours, they should sleep all the rest of the night. He laid himself down and endeavoured to sleep, but all disposition to sleep departed from him. After he had lain a little while he looked up to see how his watch ma|naged, but found them all fast asleep. Now Captain Church had told Capt. Annawon's company, as he had or|dered his Indians to tell the others, that their lives should all be spared, excepting Capt. Annawon's, and it was not in his power to promise him his life, but he must carry him to his masters at Plymouth, and he would entreat them for his life. Now when Capt. Church found not on|ly his own men, but all the Indians fast asleep, Annawon only excepted, whom he perceived was as broad awake as himself; and so they lay looking one upon the other perhaps an hour. Captain Church said nothing to him, for he could not speak Indian, and tho't Annawon could not speak English; at length Annawon raised himself up, cast off his blanket, and with no more clothes than his small breeches, walked a little way back from the company; Captain Church tho't no other but that he had occasion to case himself, and so walked to some distance rather than offend him with the stink: But by and by he was gone out of sight and hearing, and then Captain Church began to suspect some ill design in him, and got all the guns close to him, and crouded himself close under young Annawon,

that if he should any where get a gun he should not make a shot at him without endangering his son; lying very ••••ill a while, waiting for the event; at length, he heard some body coming the same way that Annawon went. The moon now shining bright, he saw him at a distance coming with something in his hands, and coming up to Captain Church, he fell upon his knees before him, and offered him what he had brought, & speaking in plain Eng|lish, said, Great Captain, you have killed Philip, and con|quered his country; for I believe that I and my company are the last that war against the English, so suppose the war is ended by your means; and therefore these things belong unto you. Then opening his pack, he pulled out Philip's belt curiously wrought with wompom, being nine inches broad, wrought with black and white wompom, in various figures and flowers, and pictures of many birds and beasts. This, when hung upon Capt. Church's shoulders, reached his ancles; and another belt of wompom he presented him with, wrought after the former manner, which Philip was wont to put upon his head; it had two flags on the back part, which hung down on his back, and another small belt with a star upon the end of it, which he used to hang on his breast; and they were all edged with red hair, which Annawon said they got in the Mohog's country. Then he pulled out two horns of glazed powder, and a red cloth blanket. He told Captain Church these were Philip's royalties, which he was wont to adorn himself with when he fat in state. That he tho't himself happy that he had an opportunity to present them to Capt. Church, who had won them, &c. spent the remainder of the night in dis|course; and gave an account of what mightly success he had formerly in wars against many nations of Indians, when he served Asuhmequin, Philip's father, &c. In the morning, as soon as it was light, the Captain marched with his prisoners out of that swampy country towards Taunton, met his Lieutenant and company about four

miles out of town, who expressed a great deal of joy to see him again, and said, it was more than ever he expected. They went into Taunton, were civilly and kindly treated by the inhabitants, refreshed and rested themselves that night. Early next morning, the Captain took old Ann••••|won and half a dozen of his Indian soldiers, and his own man, and went to Rhode-Island, sending the rest of his company and his prisoners by his Lieutenant to Plymouth, Tarrying two or three days upon the island, he then went to Plymouth, and carried his wife and his two children with him.

Capt. Church had been but a little while at Plymouth, when he was informed of a parcel of Indians who had haunted the woods between Plymouth and Sippican, that did great damage to the English, in killing, their cattle horses, and swine; the Capt. was soon in pursuit of them: Went out from Plymouth the next Monday in the after|noon; next morning early they discover'd a track; the Capt. sent two Indians on the track to see what they could discover, whilst he and his company followed gently after, but the two Indians soon returned with tidings that they discovered the enemy sitting round their fires, in a thick place of brush. When they came pretty near the place, the Captain ordered every man to creep as he did; and surround them by creeping as near as they could, till they should be discovered, & them to run on upon them & take them alive, if possible, (for their prisoners were their pay:) They did so, took every one that was at the fires, not one escaping. Upon examination they agreed in their story, that they belonged to Tispaquin, who was gone with Johu Bump, & one more, to Agawom * 2.9 & Sippican, * 2.10 to kill hor|ses, and were not expected back in two or three days.

This same Tispaquin had been a great Captain, and the Indians reported that he was such a great Pauwau, that no bullet could enter him, &c. Capt. Church said, He would not have him killed, for there was a war broke out

in the eastern part of the country, and he would have him saved to go with him to fight the eastern Indians. Agree|ably he left two old squaws, of the prisoners, and bid them tarry there until their Capt. Tispaquin returned, and to tell him, that Church had been there, and had taken his wife and children, and company, and carried them down to Plymouth; and would spare all their lives, and his too, if he would come down to them, and bring the other two that were with him, and they should be his soldiers, &c. Capt. Church then returned to Plymouth, leaving the old Squaws well provided for, and busket for Tispaquin when he returned: Telling his soldiers that he doubted not but he had laid a trap that would take him. Capt. Church, two days after, went to Boston, (the Commissioners then fitting) and waited upon the honorable Governor Leverett, who then lay sick; who requested Capt. Church to give him some account of the war; who readily obliged his honor therein, to his great satisfaction, as he was pleased so express himself; taking him by the hand, and telling him, if it pleased God he lived, he would make it a brace of a hundred pounds advantage to him out of the Massa|chusetts colony, and would endeavour that the rest of the colonies should do proportionably; but he died within a fortnight after, and so nothing was done of that nature.—The same day Tispaquin came in, and those that were with him; but when Capt. Church return'd from Boston, he found, to his grief, the heads of Annawon, Tispaquin, &c. cut off, which were the last of Philip's friends. The General Court of Plymouth, then sitting, sent for Captain Church, who waited upon them accordingly, and received their thanks for his good service, which they unanimously voted, which was all that Capt. Church had for his afore|said service.

Afterwards, in the year 1676, in the month of Ja|nuary, Capt. Church received a commission from Governor Winslow, to scour the woods of some of the lurking enemy

which they were well informed were there. Which Com|mission is as follows:

BEING well informed that there are cer|tain parties of our Indian enemies (remains of the people or allies of Philip, late Sachem of Mount-Hope, our mor|tal enemy) that are still lurking in the woods, near some of our Plantations, that go on to disturb the peace of his Majes|ty's subjects in this and the neighbouring colonies, by their frequent robberies, and other insolences: Captain Benjamin Church is therefore hereby nominated, ordered, commissioned, and empowered to raise a company of volunteers, consisting of English and Indians, so many as he shall judge necessary to improve in the present expedition, and can obtain: And of them to take the command and conduct, and to lead them forth unto such place or places, within this or the neighbouring colonies, as he shall think fit, and as the providence of God, and his intelligence, may lead him; to discover, pursue, fight, surprise, destroy, and subdue our said Indian enemy, or any party or parties of them, that, by the providence of God, they may meet with: Or them, or any of them, to receive to mercy, if he see causel (provided they be not murderous rogues, or such as have been principal actors in those villanies.) And, for the prosecution of this design, liberty is hereby grant|ed to the said Capt. Church, and others, to arm and set out such of our friendly Indians as he is willing to entertain.—And forasmuch as all these our enemies that have been taken, or at any time may be taken by our forces, have, by our courts and councils, been rendered lawful captives of war, and con|demned to perpetual servitude; this council do also determine, and hereby declare, That all such prisoners as, by the bless|ing of God, the said Captain and company, or any of them, shall take, together with their arms and other plunder, shall he their own, and to be distributed amongst themselves, accord|ing to such agreement as they may be at one with another:

And it shall be lawful, and is hereby warrantable, for him and them to make sale of such prisoners as their perpetual slaves; or otherwise to retain and keep them as they think meet, (they being such as the law allows to be kept.) Finally, the said Capt. Church herein improving his best judgment and discretion, and utmost ability, faithfully to serve the interest of God, his Majesty's interest, and the interest of the colony; and carefully governing his said company at home and abroad: These shall be unto him full and ample commission, warrant and Discharge. Given under the Public Seal, January 15th, 1676.

Per JOSIAH WINSLOW, Gov.

Accordingly Capt. Church, accompanied with several gentlemen and others, went out, and took divers parties of Indians; and in one of which parties there was a certain old man whom Capt. Church seemed to take particular notice of, and asking him where he belonged, he told him to Swanzey; the Captain asked his name, who replied, his name was Conscience; Conscience, said the Capt. smiling, then the war is over, for that was what they were searching for it being much wanted, and then returned the said Con|science to his post again at Swanzey, to a certain person the said Indian desired to be sold to, and so returned home.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Or Mont-haup, a mountain in Bristol.
• * 1.2

  Tiverton shore over against the north end of Rhode-Island.
• * 1.3

  Middleborough.
• * 1.4

  In Swanzey.
• * 1.5

  Upper part of Bristol.
• * 1.6

  Upper part of Bristol.
• * 1.7

  Tivorton shore, about half a mile above Fogland ferry.
• * 1.8

  Squaw Sachem of Pocasset.
• * 1.9

  South part of Freetown.
• * 1.10

  Probably a wooden spit.
• * 1.11

  In Dartmouth.
• * 1.12

  Sachem of Shawomet, or Warwick.
• * 1.13

  The swamp fight happened on December 29, 1675, in which about 50 English were killed in the action, and died of their wounds; and about 300 or 350 Indians, men women and children, were killed, and as many more captivated. It is said 500 wigwams were burnt with the fort; and 200 more in other parts of Narraganset. The place of the fort was an elevated Ground or piece of upland, of perhaps 3 or 4 acres, in the middle of a hedious swamp; about seven miles nearly due west from Narraganset south ferry.
• * 1.14

  Country about Worcester, Oxford, Grafton, Dudley, &c.
• * 1.15

  Mohawks.
• * 1.16

  Above Deerfield.
• * 1.17

  About Rutland.
• * 1.18

  The south-east corner of Rhode-Island.
• * 1.19

  In Tiverton.
• * 1.20

  Adjoining Fogland-Ferry.
• * 1.21

  Rochester.
• * 2.1

  Near Raynham.
• * 2.2

  In Middleborough.
• * 2.3

  In Dartmouth.
• * 2.4

  In Rochester.
• * 2.5

  Several places were called Agawom; as at Ipswich, & Springfield: This Agawom lies in Wareham.
• * 2.6

  on the west-side of Bristoe.
• * 2.7

  In Swanzey. There is another Mattapoiset in Rochester.
• * 2.8

  Southeasterly part of Rehoboth.
• * 2.9

  Wareham.
• * 2.10

  Rochester.