USA > Massachusetts > History of Massachusetts, for two hundred years: from the year 1620 to 1820 > Part 6
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IN the early disputes and wars with the Indian tribes, the government of Massachusetts was charged, in some instances, with severity and injustice. The plea of the colony was, that it acted on the defensive ; and that it never adopted measures of hostility, but on proof of combinations forming against it, or repeated acts of savage cruelty. The union of the colonies was owing to similar considerations ; and the conduct of the confederated commissioners afforded a full vindication of the policy of Massachusetts. At the time this confederacy was formed, the Narragansett tribe, (with the Nianticks adjoining, and which was in subjection to it) the most formidable in New England, after the conquest of the Pequots, discovered a dan- gerous spirit of enmity, both by conspiracies and overt acts of hostility. They made frequent attacks on the Mohegan tribe, which was in peace with the English, and which the colonies were bound to protect. Warnings and remonstrances had no effect on the Narragansett sachem. He sought to take the life of the Mohegan chief in secret ; and the latter afterwards challenged him to single combat, which was declined. During the contest, the sachem of Narragansett fell into the hands of the Mohegans; and after consulting the commissioners of the united colonies, was put to death by Uncas, the Mohegan chief. He had forfeited his life to Uncas, by the rules of Indian warfare. But it was made a question, whether the commissioners could be excused in advising or consenting to the act. By some writers it has been confidently asserted,
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that their conduct in this case, was altogether unjustifiable, while others have found an apology for it, in the repeated in- stances of treachery proved against the Narragansett chief, and in his attempts to take the life of the Mohegan sachem, who was under the protection of the English. It might savor of undue partiality, to justify the first and early settlers of New England in all the measures they pursued towards the natives of the country ; but their general character for justice, hu- manity and religion, will be a shield against the charge of any acts of deliberate cruelty or oppression. They were in a con- dition of imminent exposure from the savages, and the great law of nature would lead them to measures of protection and defence. Mr. Williams, of Providence, justified the united colonies for the war against the Narragansetts.
The treatment of Samuel Gorton, who resided chiefly in Rhode Island, but was frequently in Massachusetts, a man of very fanatical and turbulent character, has also been severely censured. But he disregarded the lawful authority of the government, and endeavored to cast contempt on their institu- tions and forms of worship ; and also instigated the savage chief of Narragansett to acts of hostility towards other Indians under the protection of the colony. These petty sachems were, moreover, oppressed by Gorton and his adherents, and their lands taken by him, by fraud and injustice. His conduct was too extravagant and lawless to escape even the censures of the tolerent and indulgent people of Rhode Island. The rea- sons given by those in the government of Massachusetts, in the early and critical period of their settlement, for what has been considered unreasonable and severe treatment of a portion of the Anabaptists and the Quakers, were, that the conduct, as well as the opinions, of these individuals and sects, was in de- fiance of legitimate authority, and that it tended not only to weaken the power of the church, but to disturb the public peace. They were punished and banished, not merely for the erroneous opinions they advanced, but for insubordination and disobedience, when in the colony, to the express orders of the · legislature. The confinement of Gorton may appear harsh and unnecessary, to those who consider the present state of opinion respecting fanatics or levelers ; but the extravagant tenets they advanced and published, were in derogation of the just authority of the civil government, and would have soon prostrated the religious institutions, which it cost so much to establish and maintain. In a society, very enlightened and long established, it may be good policy to permit the expression of all opinions, not of direct and immediate dangerous tendency ; but when
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opinions obviously tend to undermine the fundamental princi- ples of a community, and lead to misrule and disorder, it would be folly to tolerate them. In much later and more enlightened times, it has been considered necessary to punish the blas- phemer, and the active malignant infidel.
Gorton went to England and complained of Massachusetts for severe treatment, and the government there listened so far to his statement as to give directions, that he should be allowed to pass through their jurisdiction ; but the assistants were divid- ed in opinion, as to such indulgence to him, and the deputies were wholly opposed to it. He was not content with merely passing through the colony, but delayed his departure, in order to spread his obnoxious tenets, or to provoke the resentment of the government. The deputies and assistants joined in a remon- strance to the government of England against the order in favor of Gorton; and in their protest, while they recognised their dependence on the parent state, they contended for power, by their charter, to punish or banish all who were disturbers of the peace of the colony, and to make laws for the support of gov- ernment, as they had established it.
Other troubles, growing out of religious opinions and forms, shortly after arose with the friends of episcopacy. There were a few attached to the liturgy and other forms of the Eng- lish established church, from the early settlement of the colony. But they were not allowed publicly to observe those forms of worship. They were considered by the puritans, as unscrip- tural and merely of human authority ; and therefore, in their opin- ion, not to be tolerated in the colony. When charged by these few adherents of the episcopal church, with intolerant, arbitrary conduct, they referred to their charter, and insisted that they had a right to forbid the forms of worship inconsistent with the ecclesiastical system which was approved by the company in Massachusetts, and for the support of which they had suffered so much in settling the country. The wisdom of this policy may be justly doubted, since particular forms and rites of religion are not essential to its spirit and tenor ; but the right in a legal view perhaps will not be denied; and the toleration pleaded for would have been fatal to the design which they had in view. The error of the puritans consisted in assuming, that they had at last discovered the true meaning of revelation, in all things, and that it was their duty to allow no deviations from it. Governor Winslow, who was then in England, was employed by Massachusetts to defend the measures, of which both the fanatical Gorton, and the advocates of episcopacy complained. He prevented the evil which threatened the
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colony, by his zeal and fidelity; but the indignation of the ministry was visited on him personally. On this occasion, as well as others, a protest was made against sustaining appeals to the parent government, by individuals, from the decisions given in the colony against them.
The general court of Massachusetts showed their abhorrence of the slave-trade in 1645, by ordering a Captain Smith to send back, at his own charge, some negroes, which he had brought to Piscataqua that year. It was proved that they had been taken by force or fraud on the coast of Guinea : and man-steal- idg was made a capital crime by a law passed in 1649. There were some instances of negro slavery, however, in the colony, at an early period, and even to the time of the revolution ; but they were few, and public sentiment appears to have been unfavorable to the practice. The slave-trade was never per- mitted by the government of Massachusetts.
About this period, an unpleasant dispute with the French, at Penobscot and St. Johns, which had given alarm and trouble for some time, was amicably terminated. Endicot was then gov- ernor (1644) ; and the commissioners of the united colonies at their meeting, in 1645, confirmed the treaty. The difficulty began when Winthrop was governor, in 1643; and he was censured, at first, for favoring the claims of La Tour, a French- man, in that quarter, against his rival, Monsieur D'Aulney. But Governor Winthrop was afterwards justified for the course he had pursued. The people of Plymouth, and Massachusetts, and the French at the eastward of Kennebec, depredated on each other, at that period; and the termination of the contest was highly beneficial. The seizures and the losses were not very great, but were severely felt, when the colony was feeble, and its navigation and trade just beginning to expand. England was then so much engaged in its internal affairs, that the colony adjusted the dispute with the French settlements, of its own authority and choice, though it had the sanction of the com- missioners of the then New England colonies. D'Aulney was then in possession of Penobscot, and claimed as far as Pena- quid, a few leagues east of Kennebec.
The advancing prosperity of the colony, and the enterprising spirit of the people, were witnessed, as by many other improve- ments, particularly by the introduction of iron works, which were established at Lynn and Braintree ; and by ship-building, which had much increased. A ship of four hundred tons was built in Boston, in 1645. There were, at this time, twenty-six military companies, making three large regiments.
A period of tranquillity for several years, as to foreign nations
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and Indian tribes, now succeeded. Meanwhile difficulties arose within the colony, which required the exercise of wisdom and prudence in the rulers. Some new laws were enacted, which the situation of the colony was believed to demand; ecclesias- tical affairs received the attention of the civil authority, as well as of the clergy ; the government of the church was regulated ; the magistrates claimed the right to be consulted in the settle- ment of ministers, and in cases of controversies in churches, and in some cases to decide as to the correctness of theological opinions; supposed heresy was condemned ; and the Baptists and Quakers were mulet by heavy fines, and banished from the jurisdiction. It appears that great stress was laid on what was unimportant, both as to religious tenets and forms; but the manners of the people were generally sober and correct. And while much concern was manifested about speculative senti- ments, and the external forms of religion, which, in the opinion of enlightened men, are of little moment, a wise care was also displayed, by providing for the education of children of all classes in the colony. Intemperance was punished, and all excess and extravagance were discountenanced. Those in power were religious characters, and generally were examples to the common people, by their virtuous and sober conduct. Efforts were also made, at this period, to instruct the Indians in the knowledge of the gospel, at Newton, Stoughton, and afterwards, at Natick, by Mr. Elliot, of Roxbury ; while May- hew was already laboring at the Vineyard, in the same benev- olent work.
During the political disputes in England at this period, which so much excited the feelings of the people in that country, the colony of Massachusetts carefully avoided all interference ; and, with great prudence, warned the inhabitants from engaging either against the king or the parliament. No doubt they really wished success to the cause of liberty, but they did not feel obliged publicly to declare themselves against either party.
In 1646, a synod was held at Cambridge, by recommenda- tion of the civil authority. This was the second in the colony ; the first was in 1637, and was called to consider the alarming prevalence of antinomianism and fanaticism. The synod in 1646, was for the purpose of settling some form of church government and discipline, and to prepare a confession of faith for all the churches in the country. There were various supposed heresies then beginning to prevail, which it was thoughit should be suppressed ; and some attempts were made to have a presbyterian form of church government. The result, as to church government, was favorable to the
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congregational form, as already maintained in Massachusetts and Plymouth ; and the doctrines professed were such as the puritans had then long received. Objections were made to the manner of calling the synod, which was by order of the General Court. The court explained, " that they meant only to recommend or advise ;" and this explanation was satisfactory to those who were jealous of the interference of the civil power in ecclesiastical affairs. The synod did not finish its labors, and report, till 1648.
The laws enacted, and in force in the colony, after having been carefully collated, and revised by committees of the General Court and several clergymen, were this year printed at Cambridge, for circulation among the people. An abstract of the fundamental laws of Massachusetts, prepared or collected by Rev. Mr. Cotton, and Governor Vane, in 1636, was .pub- lished in England in 1641; but it does not appear that they were printed by order of the colonial government .*
The first instance of pretended witchcraft in the colony, which arrested the notice of the civil authority, was in 1648; when a Mrs. Jones was condemned and executed on a charge of that diabolical act. It is, truly, a subject of astonishment, that the belief of the black art should have prevailed with the learned men of that time ; and that such frivolous stories and circumstances should have been received as evidence.
By the death of Governor Winthrop, in 1649, Massachusetts sustained a severe loss. He had been the principal character in the colony, from its first settlement in 1630. Alike firm and mild in his disposition, he was qualified to govern with decision and clemency. His was the popularity, which arises from the approbation of the intelligent and virtuous in the community ; but he never sought for popular applause by flat- tering a party, or forbearing to do what the public good required. Dudley succeeded him ; and he had the public confidence for his integrity and disinterestedness ; but he was less tolerant than Winthrop, and wanted somewhat of the prudence and discretion of that truly eminent man ; and Endicot, Belling- ham, and Bradstreet, still remained to assist in directing the public affairs of the colony.
The colony of Plymouth, during several years, had slowly
* There is some difficulty in deciding when the laws of Massachusetts were first printed, as the early writers give different dates on the subject. It appears, that there were several orders for collecting them for publication ; but that they were not printed till 1648, according to Johnson and Hutchin- son. Hubbard says in 1654; and Minot, in 1658. Perhaps there were separate editions at these periods. Johnson gives the reason, " that they might be seen by all men."
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advanced in population and wealth. They built some vessels in this time, and had trading houses on the Kennebec and on Connecticut. For many years, both the executive and legis- lative authority were in the hands of the governor and assist- ants. But now (1646,) a house of representatives was added to the legislative body, consisting of two from each town. This continued till the usurpation of Andros, in 1686. They were almost invariably on terms of amity and friendship with Massachusetts, of which they became a part in 1692. They were always ready to afford aid to each other; and friendly intercourse was dictated alike, by public interest, and sympa- thy in religious views.
In the time of the commonwealth of England, Massachusetts had little concern, as to complaints for its exercise of political power to any extent ; and the maintenance of order and peace in the colony made it necessary for them to assume all the authority of a sovereign state. They had always made war and peace with the Indian tribes, without asking the sanction of England ; they had denied the right of appeal to that gov- ernment, and had enacted laws, which, if not directly repug- nant to those of the parent state, were of a very different character, and were obnoxious to those in power in the king- dom. They now coined money, for circulation, which had been considered an exclusive prerogative of sovereignty ; and which indicated no other authority over that of Massachusetts. The coin was issued for several years, but all bore the date of 1652. But after the restoration of Charles II. this measure was enumerated in the catalogue of complaints against the colony.
A misunderstanding arose between Massachusetts and Con- necticut, a few years after the confederation, in which the conduct of the former was generally censured. Connecticut had required a small duty or custom on goods carried out of the river, for the support of the fort at its mouth. Massachu- setts complained of this, particularly as it was a tax on their trade from Springfield. In revenge for this measure, Massa- chusetts demanded a duty of the vessels belonging to all the colonies trading with Boston. Plymouth and New Haven complained of this act, as oppressive and unjust ; and in 1650, the order of Massachusetts was rescinded. At this period, Massa- chusetts was far the most able colony ; more powerful than all the others united. And in all associations of men, the strong- est has dictated, more or less, to the weaker. The propor- tions of the sum of £1043, levied on the four colonies, for the benefit of all, were as follows, viz : Massachusetts, £670 ; Plymouth, £128; Connecticut, £140; and New Haven, £104.
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The subject of a treaty between Massachusetts and the French governor of Canada, was in agitation, in 1658. A proposition was made to the government of Canada two years before, for maintaining a mutual trade. . The French were so much pleased with the proposal, that they now expressed a desire to establish a treaty, not only to regulate trade between them, but for the purpose of an alliance with Massachusetts and Plymouth. The subject, affecting all New England, was referred by Massachusetts to the commissioners of the united colonies. The French were desirous of the aid of the English against the Mohawks, and the six other Indian tribes in their vicinity. And unless a treaty of alliance should be formed, they declined making any agreement respecting com- merce. The commissioners, though ready to enter into a friendly intercourse, as to trade, were not willing to agree, at that time, to the proposed alliance.
The political disputes, and the internal wars of England, which were followed by the death of Charles I., who was beheaded in 1649, directed the attention of that government from the proceedings in the colonies, and prevented the plans which had been proposed for ruling them in an arbitrary man- ner without regard to the powers and rights secured to them by their charters. This state of the parent kingdom permit- ted them, for several years, to exercise all the powers which had been granted them ; and, in some respects, those powers were exceeded, and the authority of the king and parliament almost entirely disregarded. Still, they were in fear of the exertion of political power from the parent government; and claims were often set up, though not put in force, inconsistent with the rights they contended for, and liad assumed.
Massachusetts was subject to alarm from the government of England, in the days of the commonwealth, as well as in the reign of Charles I. The parliament meditated a new charter for the colonies, and authorized the council of state to appoint governors over them. It was proposed, that warrants should be issued, and the courts held in the name of the parliament of England (or of a council by them appointed.) This was considered as prostrating the authority which the colony had a right to exercise ; and which it had exercised even in the life of Charles I. Massachusetts remonstrated against these pro- jected measures, through their agent, Mr. Winslow, of Ply- mouth, then in England, and pleaded the royal charter, which permitted them to have a governor and magistrates of their own choice, and laws of their own making, if not repugnant to those of England ; and that they had emigrated, settled, and
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maintained the colony, without cost to the parent state. They said " they were able enough to have lived in England, and had removed to a wilderness, to escape ecclesiastical persecu- tion ; and, if their hopes were now blasted, they should have cause to say, they had fallen on hard times, and must sit down and sigh out too late repentance for coming hither." The parliament did not then proceed any further in the meditated plan. In conformity with these views of a qualified indepen- dence, when there was war between England and Holland, in 1652, they informed Cromwell, that they considered it their duty to remain at peace with the Dutch in America. Massa- chusetts chose, indeed, to call it an offensive war on the part of England ; and though the commissioners of the other colo- nies declared the causes for war sufficient, they insisted, that they were not bound, in such case, to observe their directions. In truth, this colony did not consider itself in danger from the Dutch, at that time. But the year following, when it was recommended by Cromwell, whose favor they wished to retain, to engage with the other colonies in the war on the Dutch, they made preparations for that purpose ; but peace soon took place between the two nations. The general court were careful to assert their rights, even in the order to author- ize the raising of troops at this time. They said, " that they desired to keep in grateful remembrance the Protector's favor- able regard to the colony, and should be always ready to attend to his Highness' pleasure, wherein they might, with safety to the liberty of their consciences, and the public peace and welfare."
The chief reason, with the colonies of New England, for war against the Dutch near Hudson river, was their alleged instigation of the Indians against the English. The Dutch had great influence with the Narragansett and Niantick tribes, and with the Indians on Long Island; and these were often committing petty hostilities on the English settlements. Their depredations were such, that the commissioners of the four colonies concluded to send a military force to quell them. Major Willard was appointed to command.
But his conduct was not marked by the energy or success expected, and he received the censure of the commissioners for his inefficiency. These two tribes were not sufficiently powerful, however, to put the colonies in great danger. Had the Dutch, as it was alleged they attempted, excited all the Indians in New Eng- land, and adjoining territories, to unite against the English, they might have entirely broken up the settlements.
Another execution for witchcraft took place in 1655, to the
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great reproach of the judges and others of that period, and a lamentable instance of human weakness and credulity. Mrs. Hibbins, the widow of a very respectable character, who had been assistant, an agent for the colony to England, and an emi- nent merchant, was tried on the charge of being a witch ; was declared guilty and executed. Mr. Hibbins lost his estate, and left his wife poor. She did not bear this reverse of con- dition with due christian resignation, but became very queru- lous ; and her frequent complaints and repining habits rendered her an annoyance to her neighbors. « It is strange, that even an excess of this unhappy temper, should have subjected her to the charge of witchcraft. But there was, in fact, no greater proof against her, unless conjectures and prejudices were allow- ed to be proofs. Her conviction led one to say, "that the charge was made because she had more wit and shrewdness than her neighbors."
When the religious character and views of the early inhabit- ants of New England are duly considered, it will not be a mat- ter of surprise, that they discouraged luxury and extravagance publicly in every form. Governor Winthrop and others, his associates, set examples of sobriety and economy, which were long followed ; and all superfluity in dress was expressly dis- countenanced. In 1651, the general court passed sumptuary laws, and while they admitted the difficulty of legislating on the subject, they said they considered it their duty to recommend a sober and temperate use of riches. A law was also passed, in 1655, to encourage " the useful occupation of spinning."
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