USA > Connecticut > The history of Connecticut, from its earliest settlement to the present time. Ed. by W. H. Carpenter and T. S. Arthur > Part 5
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Shortly afterward an expedition was despatch- ed, with Mason at its head, against the Pequods, many of whom had returned to their former homes, notwithstanding they had been forbidden to do so by their conquerors. They retired, however, without fighting, before Mason; who proceeded to burn their new wigwams, and carry off a large store of corn they had collected.
In the spring of 1640, Hopkins was chosen governor of the Connecticut towns, an office to which he and Haynes were alternately elected till 1654.
During the year both Connecticut and New Haven made several large purchases of lands,
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74
HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT.
- [1640.
and received accessions to the number of their towns. Under the jurisdiction of the former, Norwalk was planted by a few families ; but several years elapsed before the settlement gave evidences of activity. Still farther west, the lands of Stamford and Greenwich were bought for New Haven. The former town, however, was not settled till the next year, and then by a second offshoot from the still discordant con- gregation of Wethersfield. Greenwich, ulti- mately the frontier town in that direction, and begun by Captain Patrick, an old companion in arms of Underhill, was presently induced to submit to the jurisdiction of New Netherlands. Crossing over to the western end of Long Island, a party of Massachusetts people attempted & : settlement there, under a grant from Lord Stirling. Finding the arms of New Nether- lands affixed to a tree, they tore them down, and in their stead set up an "unhandsome face." For this insult the "intruders" were arrested, and compelled to apologize. They did not, how- ever, leave the island; but, retiring to its east- ern end, founded Southampton, and put them- selves under the jurisdiction of Connecticut. Not far from this town Southold was begun, by a few Puritan families, and annexed to New Haven.
Of these " encroachments" upon land claimed as belonging to Holland, Kieft, the fiery go-
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1640.] SETTLEMENTS ON THE DELAWARE.
vernor of New Netherlands, complained bitterly, as he had previously done with regard to the settlement at New Haven. Nor did he forget to protest against the conduct of the Hartford people, who, he declared, had subjected the traders of the House of Good Hope to nume- rous petty insults and annoyances, with the de- sign of breaking up that post altogether.
But the complaints and protests of Kieft checked not at all the " aggressive spirit" of his Puritan neighbours. Desirous of making still more extensive settlements, the people of New Haven, during the fall of 1640, purchased lands upon the Delaware Bay and River, and prepared to colonize them. Accordingly, in the spring of 1641, some fifty families embarked at Quinni- piack, and set sail for the new plantations. On their way they touched at Manhattan, and in- formed the Dutch governor of their designs, Claiming for New Netherlands the country on the Delaware, Kieft immediately protested. The New England men, however, proceeded on their voyage ; and, on the banks of Salem Creek in New Jersey, and at the mouth of the Schuyl- kill, laid the foundations of two settlements. But scarcely a month elapsed before an armed force, sent by Kieft from Manhattan, visited the new plantations, burned the houses of the Eng- lish, detained their goods, and finally put a stop
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HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1641.
to the undertaking. A spirited but unavailing protest followed from New Haven.
Meanwhile the Connecticut towns had been busily preparing a code of laws. In accordance with scriptural authority, death was made the punishment of ten offences, including the wor- ship of any but the true God ; blasphemy ; witch- craft, or the consulting of evil spirits ; several crimes of uncleanness ; bearing false witness to take away life; man stealing, and rebellion. Arson, notorious stubbornness in children of a certain age, and the cursing or striking of parents, were afterward added to the number of capital of- fences. Imprisonment for at least three years, together with a fine or corporal punishment, was to be inflicted upon persons who should desert the English settlements, and live " in a profane or heathenish manner."
1641.]
CONFEDERATION OF THE COLONIES. 77
CHAPTER V.
Confederation of the New England colonies-Quarrel of Uncas and Miantonimo-Colonies side with Uncas-Miantonimo attacks him-Is defeated and taken captive-Claims the protection of the English-Colonial commissioners condemn him to death-He is executed by Uncas-Miantonimo's tribe persist in making war upon Uncas-Threatened by the colonies, they agree to a treaty of peace-Difficulties with the governor of New Netherlands-Cheerless opening of the year 1644-Monthly fast proclaimed-Road ordered to be laid out from Boston to the Connecticut-Saybrook purchased by Connecticut -- New Haven people appoint an agent to apply for a charter-Their losses in planting- They fit out a vessel to trade with England-Vessel sails with the charter agent on board-Is never heard of again -- Gloom of the colonists-Death and character of Hooker- New London settled by Winthrop-Disputes between Con- necticut and Massachusetts-Pequods placed under English protection-Renewed difficulties with the government of New Netherlands-Temporarily arranged by a treaty with Stuyvesant.
EVER since the Pequod war, a union of the New England colonies had been in contempla- tion. Articles of confederation were proposed in 1638, but Connecticut having objections, the subject was dropped for a brief period. The vicinity of the Dutch-a powerful and already quarrelsome neighbour -- together with apprehen- sions of danger from the Indians, at length in- duced the Connecticut people to waive their ob-
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HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1643.
jections to the proposed plan of union. Renew- ing their negotiations in regard to the matter, they were finally successful. On the 19th of May, 1643, the four colonies of Massachusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven, under the style of the " United Colonies of New Eng- land," entered into a " perpetual league, offen- sive and defensive," " both for preserving and propagating the truth and liberty of the gospel, and for their own mutual safety and welfare." Two commissioners from each colony, meeting annually, or oftener if necessary, were to trans- act the business of the confederacy. To these commissioners, who were required to be church members, was especially assigned the manage- ment of Indian affairs and foreign relations, with the exclusive power of declaring war or making peace. Each colony, carefully reserving its rights of local jurisdiction, bound itself to observe the decisions of six out of the eight commissioners ; and, in case of war, to furnish its quota of men and expenditures in proportion to the number of male inhabitants. This, the earliest of Anglo-American confederacies, re- mained in existence forty years, and was only then dissolved by the arbitrary annulment of the colonial charters by James II.
The union was a timely one. Already, during the previous year, difficulties had arisen between the Mohegans and Narragansets, which threaten-
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INDIAN · QUARREL.
1643.]
ed to involve the colonists in an Indian war. The Mohegan Uncas having quarrelled with Miantonimo, sachem of the Narragansets, accused him and his people of plotting a general massa- cre of the English. Alarmed by this intelli- gence, Connecticut advised a sudden, anticipa- tory attack upon the accused tribe. More pru- dently, however, Massachusetts caused the In- dians to be deprived of the English firelocks, with which many of them had been supplied by the cupidity of reckless traders, and summoned Miantonimo to appear at Boston, and answer to the charge that had been brought against him. Though indignant at being thus arraigned as a criminal, the Narraganset chieftain promptly obeyed the summons. As nothing could be satisfactorily proved against him, he was dis- missed; but the court required him to promise not to make war upon Uncas, without having first obtained permission from them.
Soon after the union of the New England colonies, Uncas and Miantonimo renewed their quarrel. Having complained to the governors of Connecticut and Massachusetts, that his enemy had done him injury, the latter chief was " told to take his own course" in obtaining satis- faction. Upon this he gathered suddenly to- gether a thousand warriors, and marched into the country of the Mohegans. On a broken and rocky plain, not far from the present town of
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HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1643.
Norwich, he was met by Uncas. Finding his forces outnumbered, the wily Mohegan resorted to stratagem. Waiting until the Narragansets were within bowshot, he stepped out in front of his warriors, and, demanding a parley, proposed to Miantonimo that they two should decide, in single combat, the fate of their respective armies. "My men came to fight," was the reply of his impetuous antagonist, "and they shall fight." At these words Uncas fell upon the ground ; when, all at once, letting fly a deadly shower of arrows, his warriors, with fierce cries and yells, rushed furiously to battle. Panic-struck by a movement so sudden and unexpected, the Narra- gansets fled in the utmost consternation. Many were killed, and some taken captive. Among the latter was Miantonimo. Carried to Hart- ford, the fallen chief, uttering the first words of his captivity, claimed protection from the English.
Meeting soon after, in September, the New England commissioners, at the request of Uncas, took the fate of Miantonimo into consideration. Many charges were advanced against the prisoner, but the evidence relied upon to sustain them, ap- pears to have been, for the most part, that of his hereditary enemies. Yet, in the opinion of his judges, it was conclusive. Guilty though he might be, Miantonimo still had claims upon the gratitude of the colonists. Hitherto he had
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MIANTONIMO EXECUTED.
1643.]
been their unwavering friend, and even now it was by no means certain that he bore them ill will. His services as an ally, during the Pe- quod war, had been considered of the highest importance. Yet Uncas, whom it was alleged he had more than once attempted to murder, had similar, and perhaps stronger claims to English gratitude. Chiefly upon this charge of murder he was condemned to death.
Returning to Hartford, the Connecticut com- missioners delivered Miantonimo to Uncas, with directions to take him beyond the borders of the colony, and there execute him, but without the customary cruelties of an Indian execution. Re- ceiving their prisoner, the Mohegans bore him to the vicinity of the late battle-field. At the instant the appointed ground was reached, Uncas, stealing behind the unfortunate chieftain, buried a hatchet in his head. Then, cutting a strip of flesh from the shoulder of his slaughter- ed rival, he devoured it eagerly, declaring " that it was the sweetest meat he ever ate-it made his heart strong." With the fate thus inflicted upon Miantonimo, the faithful benefactor of the founders of Rhode Island, there have been many to sympathize ; and but a few years have elapsed since a block of granite, inscribed with his name, was placed upon the spot where he fell and was buried.
Burning to revenge the loss of their sachem,
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HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT.
[1644.
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the tribe of Miantonimo persisted in waging war upon Uncas, notwithstanding the commissioners had ordered them to desist. At length, deter- mined to protect their allies at all hazards, the united colonies, having previously garrisoned the Mohegan country with a few Connecticut troops, called for three hundred volunteers to bring the Narragansets to terms. Alarmed at the prospect of a war with the English, the of- fending tribes finally accepted the mediation of the colonial commissioners, and made peace with Uncas. But, as regarded the Narragansets, the conditions of this submissive peace were hard and grievous ; and for many years the colonies were greatly troubled in exacting obedience to them.
Meanwhile letters were received from the go- vernor of New Netherlands, congratulating the New England colonies on their late confedera- tion. At the same time, however, he complain- ed of "insufferable wrong" by the Connecticut people upon the Dutch garrison of the House of Good Hope. On behalf of Connecticut and New Haven, the commissioners replied in a let- ter loaded with recriminations, and charging the garrison of Good Hope with many unlawful acts and aggressions. To this Kieft sent a rejoinder asserting the claim of the States-General to both shores of Long Island Sound.
The year 1644 opened cheerlessly. To the
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SAYBROOK PURCHASED.
1645.]
Narraganset troubles was added a sanguinary contest between the Dutch of New Netherlands and their Indian neighbours, which threatened to involve the people of Connecticut and New Haven in its horrors. For a while the two co- lonies were in a state of constant apprehension. A general monthly fast was proclaimed, to begin on the 4th of January. During the year, how- ever, this alarm subsided in a great degree, and affairs went on smoothly and prosperously. Meet- ing at Hartford, in September, the commission- ers of the united colonies ordered a road to be laid out from Boston to Connecticut. They also recommended to the several general courts the petition of the Rev. Mr. Shepard; in com- pliance with which, contributions of grain and provisions were ordered to be sent annually to Cambridge, for the support of the university there.
Early in 1645 arrangements were concluded with Fenwick, the founder of Saybrook, by which, on certain conditions being fulfilled, Con- necticut was to become the owner of Fort Say- brook, and to have the right of jurisdiction over all the lands between the Narraganset,and Con- necticut Rivers, mentioned in the patent of War wick to Lords Say and Brooke.
Having thus obtained a title to the soil, the fathers of Connecticut, content with the secu- rity afforded them by the confederacy, seem to
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HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT.
[1647.
have desired no guaranty for their independence from the home government. The people of New Haven, however, had already appointed an agent to procure a charter from England. So far their enterprise of planting a colony had been at- tended with alarming losses. Hoping to retrieve their fast-declining fortunes, a number of the principal colonists built a vessel of one hundred tons burden, and freighted her for England, with the best part of their commercial wealth. In this vessel embarked Mr. Gregson, the agent employed to obtain the desired charter. Having had a way cut for her through the ice in New Haven harbour, the ship sailed early in Janu- ary, 1647 ; but she was never heard of again. Disheartened at this loss, in connection with their previous ones, the colonists at one time contemplated abandoning their colony alto- gether ; nor was the attempt to obtain a charter renewed until the lapse of many years.
In July, 1647, " closing his eyes with his own hands, and gently stroking his own forehead," expired, at Hartford, in the sixty-first year of his age, Thomas Hooker, "the father and founder of Connecticut." His life, says Trumbull, had been an exhibition " of the most exemplary pa- tience and goodness. Naturally a man of strong and lively passions, he obtained a happy govern- ment of himself. In his day he was one of the most animated and powerful preachers in New
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1647.] SETTLEMENT AT PEQUOD HARBOUR.
England. In conversation he was pleasant and entertaining, but always grave. He was affable, condescending, and charitable. Yet his appear- ance and conduct were of such becoming ma- jesty, authority and prudence, that he could do more with a word, or a look, than other men could with a severe discipline." His charities were numerous and unceasing, and "it was no uncommon thing for him to give away five or ten pounds at a time to poor widows, orphans, and necessitous people." "He was," in the language of his contemporaries, " one of a thousand whose diligence and unweariedness, besides his other endowments in the work committed to him, were almost beyond compare-the one rich pearl with which Europe more than repaid America for the treasures from her coast."
Meanwhile, during the summer previous, a settlement had been commenced at Pequod Har- bour. The leader in this enterprise was John Winthrop, the active, persevering, and far-sighted son of the governor of Massachusetts. Claim- ing the country on the strength of a verbal gift from Sashions, a Nehantic sachem, Winthrop had planted under a Massachusetts commission ; but both his claim, and the jurisdiction thus set up by the Bay colony, were warmly contested by Connecticut. The dispute being presently brought before the colonial commissioners, they were backward in recognising Winthrop's claim, and 8
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HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1647.
he appears to have abandoned it; while the ju- risdiction of the settlement was assigned to Connecticut. After this decision was made, in 1647, the new town took a vigorous start, and by the opening of the next year its population amounted to full forty families. Winthrop was appointed superintendent of the plantation, to which, that they " might leave to posterity the memory of that renowned city from whence they had their transportation," the colonists gave the name of New London. The name of the "fair river Mohegan," upon which the town had been commenced, was changed to the Thames.
Circumstances soon occurred to strengthen the ill feeling which had arisen between Connecticut and Massachusetts during the late dispute. In his recent assignment to the former colony, Fenwick had stipulated that, for ten years, a small impost should be levied for his benefit, on all corn and beaver passing Fort Saybrook. The people of Springfield, in Massachusetts, having refused to pay this impost, Connecticut complained of their conduct to the commission- ers of the united colonies. After a full hear- ing of the matter, they sustained the impost, on · the ground that Connecticut had a right to levy it for the maintenance of the fort, from which Springfield, as well as the towns below, derived no small benefit.
By no means pleased with this decision, the
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COLONIAL DISPUTES.
1650.]
general court of Massachusetts brought the subject again before the commissioners, at their meeting in 1648. Not content with arguing against the impost, they expressed dissatisfac- tion with the articles of confederation, which allowed them only two commissioners, though their colony was much the largest and most populous. In conclusion, they declared that " if the impost were lawful, it was not expe- dient ;" that it was a " bone of contention, to interrupt their happy union and brotherly love;" and that it " laid them under temptation to help themselves in some other way." A full and able reply was drawn up by Hopkins and Ludlow; who, in the course of their argument, expressed something more than a doubt as to Springfield's being under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts. Again the commissioners, on a fair and impartial examination of the question, gave a decision in favour of Connecticut. Having vainly protested against this, the Massachusetts authorities reta- liated by levying an impost duty upon all goods belonging to any inhabitants of the other three colonies, which might enter Boston harbour. To this proceeding the remaining confede- rates could only oppose a remonstrance, earnest, and expressive of deeply-wounded feeling. It was not without effect; for, in the year 1650, Massachusetts suspended the obnoxious ordinance. Animosities had been engendered,
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HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT.
- [1650.
however, which wellnigh proved fatal to the confederacy. Besides, during the quarrel, Mas- sachusetts had run a new boundary line, which Connecticut complained of as bending too far to the southward. Hence arose a new disagree- ment, that remained unsettled for nearly seventy years.
At their meeting in 1649, the colonial com- missioners received a petition from the Pequods under Uncas, which tended to shake seriously their confidence in that chieftain's moral worth, however much his faithfulness as an ally might command their respect and gratitude. By the petitioners, some fifty or sixty in number, he was charged with having plundered and mal- treated them, and with appropriating to himself the wife of one of their chief men. These charges being fully sustained, the commissioners ordered Uncas to be reproved and fined, to pay damages to those he had robbed and maltreated, and to restore the woman to her lawful husband. At the same time they made a recommendation, in accordance with which, some few years after- ward, the shattered relics of the Pequods were allowed a home and hunting grounds within the limits of Connecticut, and not far from the seats of their ancestors. Here English protection was vouchsafed to them, and a code of laws drawn up for their especial use.
Meanwhile Kieft, the governor of New Nether-
89
TREATY WITH STUYVESANT.
1650.]
lands, had been superseded by the gallant Peter Stuyvesant. To the latter, soon after his arrival at Manhattan, the New England commissioners despatched a letter of congratulation, ending, however, with some complaints, of which, in his reply, Stuyvesant said nothing.
Scarcely had the commissioners recovered a little from this affront, as they deemed it, when their indignation was again kindled by Stuyve- sant ordering the vessel of a Dutch resident at New Haven to be seized, while at anchor in that port, under the pretence, it was then supposed, that New Haven belonged to the States-General. Against this seizure the English protested with much warmth. At length, tired of the war of words, Stuyvesant bent his pride to the often- expressed desire of the united colonies, and visited Hartford in person, to confer with the New England confederates. His first overtures being written, were dated at New Netherlands. Viewing this as an attempt to assume jurisdic- tion of the place of meeting, the commissioners sturdily refused to treat, until he consented to date from Connecticut. This difficulty settled, negotiations went on smoothly; and, on the 11th of November, 1650, articles of agreement were signed. With regard to the seizure of the ves- sel in New Haven Harbour, Stuyvesant offered an explanation which was received as satisfac- tory. Many other injuries were complained of, 8*
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HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1650.
but these he declined noticing, as they had been committed by his predecessor. In the settle- ment of boundaries, all that part of Long Island east of Oyster Bay was assigned to the English. The partition line on the main was to begin at Greenwich Bay, thence running northerly twenty miles, and beyond, as the parties might after- ward agree, but not to approach within ten miles of the Hudson. The Dutch were allowed to re- tain their fort at Hartford, with the lands ap- purtenant; but all the rest of the territory on the river was relinquished to Connecticut.
Thus the long-pending dispute which had caused so much inkshed, was, to every appear- ance, brought to an amicable conclusion, greatly to the satisfaction of all concerned.
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.
CODE OF LAWS.
1650.]
CHAPTER VI.
First complete code of Connecticut laws-Penalties inflicted upon the irreligious-Regulations for the support of religion -Recommendations for christianizing the Indians-Efforts of Elliott-Free-school system fostered-Penalties of lying -Use of tobacco restricted-Debtors saleable-Negro sla- very-Regulation in regard to courtship and marriage-Re- newed attempt of New Haven to plant on the Delaware- Emigrants seized by Stuyvesant-England and Holland at war-Massachusetts refuses to join the other colonies against New Netherlands-Indignation of Connecticut and New Haven-They solicit the aid of Cromwell-Death of Haynes -Peace between England and Holland-House of Good Hope seized by Connecticut-Harmony restored to the New England confederacy-John Winthrop governor-Death of Eaton-Newman governor of New Haven-Death of Hop- kins- His liberality -Church dissensions-Law against Quakers-Lenient treatment of the Quakers in Connecticut and New Haven-Severity of Massachusetts-Wells go- vernor-Re-election of Winthrop-Change in the rule with regard to the election of governors.
IN May, previous to the treaty with Stuyve- sant, the first complete code of Connecticut laws was adopted by the general court. It had been compiled by Ludlow, and contained, besides the capital enactments already enumerated, many new features, which, as being illustrative of the times and people, may be noticed briefly.
" Obstinate contemners of God's holy ordi- nances," on being arraigned the third time, were condemned to stand in public with a paper on
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HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT.
[1650.
their breasts, stating the nature of their offence. Non-attendance at church was punishable with a five shillings. All persons were required, under certain penalties, to contribute to the sup- port of the Congregational or established churches ; but « all sober, orthodox persons, dis- senting from them," were, upon application to the general court, "to be allowed peaceably to worship in their own way." No church censure was to " degrade or depose any man from any civil authority." Every family was required to be supplied with " Bibles, orthodox catechisms, and books on practical godliness."
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