History of the town of Plymouth, from its first settlement in 1620, to the present time : with a concise history of the aborigines of New England, and their wars with the English, &c., Part 6

Author: Thacher, James, 1754-1844
Publication date: 1835
Publisher: Boston : Marsh, Capen & Lyon
Number of Pages: 424


USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > History of the town of Plymouth, from its first settlement in 1620, to the present time : with a concise history of the aborigines of New England, and their wars with the English, &c. > Part 6


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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40


January. Captain Standish made frequent successful ex- cursions during the winter, to traffic for corn and furs. While his shallop lay in a creek at Nauset, an Indian stole from him some beads, scissors, and other trifles. Standish complained to the sachem, and threatened him and his people with punish- ment, unless they were restored. The next day, the sachem with a number of his men appeared to make satisfaction. First, by way of salutation, he thrust out his tongue to its full length, and drew it across the Captain's wrist and hand to his finger ends. Next, he attempted to bow the knee in imitation of the English, having been instructed by Squanto. All his men followed his example, but in so awkward a manner, that the English could scarce refrain from breaking out in open laugh- ter. After this ceremony, he delivered back the stolen goods, assuring the captain that he had punished the thief. He then directed the women to make some bread for the company, and expressed his sorrow for the theft, and was glad to be recon- ciled.


February. Captain Standish, being on a visit to Mattachiest


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(Barnstable) to purchase corn, the people freely supplied him, pretending to regard him with great friendship and respect. Several strangers also appeared, wishing only to see him and his company, but Standish saw reason to suspect that they were planning to kill him. He, therefore, ordered that part of his company should remain awake, and watch all night. It was not long before some beads were stolen. Standish, having but six men with him, ordered that all should leave the boat, and surround the house which contained the sachem and his peo- ple. He now assured them that as he would not offer the least injury to one of them, so he would receive none from any person, and demanded the stolen articles. The sachem, having directed the thief to go slily and put them into the boat, de- sired the Captain to search for them there; he, suspecting their knavery, sent a man who found the articles lying in plain sight on the boat's cuddy. These people now supplied him with corn enough to load his shallop. These spirited mea- sures produced an admirable effect upon these faithless people, and kept them in constant fear.


March. On a visit to Manomet,* Captain Standish was apprehensive that the natives were plotting his destruction. Being some distance from his boat, with only two or three men, and the same number at the boat, he entered the house of Canancum, the sachem; soon after which, two of the Mas- sachusetts Indians entered. The chief one, called Wattawa- mat, was a notable, insulting villain, who had formerly imbrued his hands in the blood of English and French, and had often boasted of his own valor, and derided the weakness of the English, especially, as he said, because they died crying, mak- ing sour faces, more like children than men. This fellow took a dagger from his neck, and presented it to the sachem, ac- companied by a long speech, which the Captain could not un- derstand, but which was of the following purport. The Mas- sachusetts had concluded to destroy Weston's company, but dare not attempt it, till they could gather strength enough to destroy the Plymouth people also, as they would never leave the death of their countrymen unrevenged, and they could not


* Manomet is the name of a creek, or river, which runs through the town of Sandwich into the upper part of Buzzard's Bay, for- merly called Manomet Bay. Between this and Scusset Creek, is the place, which, for more than a century, has been thought of, as proper to be cut through, to form a communication by a navigable canal from Barnstable Bay to Buzzard's Bay. It is only six miles across.


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be safe unless both plantations were overthrown. To this end, they formerly had solicited this sachem, and also Iyanough at Mattachiest, and many others, to assist them; and now, since there was so fair an opportunity by the Captain's presence, it was best they should make sure of him and his company. The savages endeavored to persuade Standish to send for the remainder of the boat's crew, but he refused. At the same time there was a lusty Indian of Paomet (Truro) present, who had professed friendship for the English, especially for Stand- ish. This savage was in confederacy with the rest, but was very artful in keeping up appearances, offering many presents, saying he was rich, and could afford to bestow such favors on his friends whom he loved. He also offered to carry some of his corn to the shallop, a kind of labor which he said he had never performed for any man in his life before. And that he might have a better opportunity to kill the Captain, he impor- tuned him to lodge at his hut, but the weather was so exces- sively cold that he was unable to sleep, and kept about the fire. The Indian frequently inquired why he did not sleep as usual, and urged him to it, but he replied that he had no desire to rest. The next day, the Indian embarked with Standish, and . urged him to accompany him to Paomet, promising to supply him with corn, which the Captain complied with, not in the least suspecting an evil design; but the boat was forced back by a contrary wind, and returned to Plymouth. Thus the sav- age in two attempts was providentially frustrated in his diaboli- cal intentions.


March. Visit to Massasoit. Information being received that Massasoit was dangerously sick, and that a Dutch ship was stranded near his house, the governor sent Edward Win- slow and John Hampden, with Hobomak, to visit him and min- ister to his comfort, as this act is not only commendable in it- self, but is conformable to the prevailing custom among the natives in case of sickness. Mr. Hampden was a gentleman from London, says Winslow, who was spending the winter at Plymouth, and was desirous of seeing the country. Dr. Bel- knap supposes this to be the same person who distinguished himself by his opposition to the illegal and arbitrary demands of King Charles I .* [Biog. vol. ii. p. 229.] Winslow was


' When wandering about the woods of Pakanok, or along the banks of Taunton river, or sleeping in Indian huts, little did Hamp- den dream of the fate which awaited him. Little did he think that it was reserved for him to commence the overthrow of the British monarchy, and to shed his blood in the first daring attempt for a


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acquainted with the Dutch language, and it was desirable to have a conference with them; he was, moreover, a warm friend of Massasoit, and he provided for the occasion some comfortable cordials, &c. The first night they lodged with their Indian friends at Namasket; the next day, about one o'clock, they came to a ferry in Corbitant's country, (Slade's ferry in Swansey) where they met with many Indians, who in- formed them that Massasoit was dead, and was that day to be buried, and that the Dutch ship would be off before they could arrive. This was unwelcome news, and Hobomak wished to return immediately to Plymouth. But Winslow, conceiving that Corbitant would probably succeed Massasoit, and that the distance was only three miles to his dwelling-place, (Matta- poiset), prevailed on Hampden and Hobomak to proceed, al- though the visit might be attended with danger, as Corbitant was considered to be unfriendly. Hobomak immediately be- gan to manifest his great grief, exclaiming often on the way, 'Neen womasu sagimus, neen womasu sagimus, &c. My lov- ing sachem, my loving sachem, many have I known, but never any like thee.' And turning to Mr. Winslow, he said, ' Whilst I live I shall never see his like amongst the Indians; he was no liar, he was not bloody and cruel, like other Indians. In anger and passion he was soon reclaimed; easy to be recon- ciled towards such as had offended him; ruled by reason, not scorning the advice of mean men; governing his men better with few strokes than others did with many, truly loving where he loved, and he feared that the English had not a faithful friend left among the Indians,' &c. In this strain of lamenta- tion and sorrow he continued, till they arrived at Corbitant's house; but he being gone to visit Massasoit, the squaw sachem gave them a kind entertainment, and informed them that the


free constitution in England.'- Baylies, vol. i. p. 110.


We are not aware that such a visit by Hampden is mentioned by any British writer. We have never met with 'the memorial of John Hampden, by Lord Nugent,' but, from the notice of this work in the Edinburgh Review, we infer there was no knowledge of the fact of such a visit. At this period, (1620) he had not risen to dis- tinction, but he was the father of a family, and a member of Parlia- ment, and a total silence as to such a voyage, especially in epistolary correspondence, is a little difficult to be accounted for. It is a known fact, however, that Hampden had a partiality for the puritans, and was a warm friend to the New England Colonies, and it is cer- tain also, that, at a subsequent period, he, with his relative, Oliver Cromwell, was actually on ship board, bound to New England, and was stopped by order of the royal government.


5*


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death of Massasoit was not certainly known, but supposed. Winslow hired an Indian to go with all expedition to Pokano- ket and ascertain the fact, and inform Corbitant that they were at his house. News was soon brought that the king was not dead, though there was no hope that they would find him liv- ing. On their arrival, they found that the Dutch ship had sailed, and that Massasoit still breathed. His hut was filled and surrounded with people. The pawaws were in the diligent exercise of their incantations and charms for him, making a ' hellish noise,' terrifying both sick and well, and six or eight women were chafing his limbs, Massasoit was apparently ex- piring, his sight had wholly left him, but being told that his English friends had come to see him, he inquired who had come, and on being told Winslow, he desired to speak to him; on his approach he put forth his hand and said twice, though very feebly, keen Winsnow ? Art thou Winslow ? Yes. Then he doubled these words, matre neen wonekanet naimen Winsnow.' ' O Winslow, I shall never see you again.' Winslow then de- sired Hobornak to tell him, that the governor was grieved to learn that he was sick, and being unable to come himself, had sent him with some comfortable things for his relief, and gave him some conserve on the point of a knife. With much difficul- ty he got this through his teeth, and Massasoit swallowed a little, which he had not done for the last two days. Winslow next endeavored to cleanse his mouth, which was excessively loaded with filth, and his tongue so much swollen as to impede his swallowing. He continued his kind attention to his patient, repeating his applications till all appearances were favorable, and he, within an hour, obtained some sleep.


Mr. Winslow now proposed to send a messenger to Plymouth for a further supply of such articles as he required; with which the chief was delighted, and soon despatched a messenger. In the mean time, Winslow made him some broth of corn meal, boiled with sassafras root and strawberry leaves, which he relished. He requested Winslow the next day to take his piece and kill him some fowl and make him some broth. The sachem derived great benefit from the kindness of Mr. Winslow, of which he and all his people were truly sensible, and for which they expressed their sincere gratitude. He exclaimed, now I see the English are my friends, and love me, and whilst I live I will never forget this kindness they have shown me. He earnestly desired that Winslow would visit the sick people in the town, and wash their mouths also, and give to each of them some of the same good things which he had given him. Winslow and Hampden, on taking their departure, received


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the blessings of the king and his people. When about to de- part, Massasoit privately informed Hobomak, that there was an extensive combination of Indians for the destruction of Wes- ton's colony; that the Massachusetts had drawn a great num- ber of sachems into the confederacy; and that during his sick- ness he had been earnestly solicited to join them, but had re- fused, and forbidden his people to be influenced by them. He advised that the Massachusetts should be immediately attacked and cut off, as the only way to avert the threatened danger. If the English regard their own safety, let them strike the first blow, for after the settlers at Wessagusset should be killed, it would be too late for the Plymouth people to withstand so many enemies. Corbitant earnestly desired that Winslow and Hampden would lodge one night with him at Mattapoiset, on their way to Plymouth. They complied with this request, and were much entertained with his merry humor and jocose con- versation. He asked whether if he were sick and should send word to Plymouth, the governor would send him physic, and whether Mr. Winslow would visit him; and being answered in the affirmative, he returned his thanks. He inquired of Wins- low, how he and Hampden dared to come, being but two men, so far into the country? Winslow replied, that his heart was so upright towards them that he had no fear in coming amongst them. But, said Corbitant, if your heart be so pure, and pro-


duces such fruits, why, when we come to Plymouth, are the mouths of your pieces presented towards us? This, said Wins- low, is an honor which it is our custom to bestow on our best friends. But, shaking his head, he answered, that he liked not such salutations. He next inquired into the reason of asking grace and returning thanks, before and after eating. Wins- low answered that all the good things of this life, came from God, and it is proper that we should crave his blessing and express our thankfulness on all such occasions; to which he assented. The gentlemen left Corbitant's dwelling much gratified with their entertainment.


March 23d .- This being their annual court day, the gover- nor laid before the whole company the evidence which he had obtained of the hostile combination of the several tribes of In- dians against the settlement at Wessagusset. It was resolved, that Captain Standish should take with him as many men as he should deem necessary to encounter all the Indians in Massa- chusetts bay-that he should disclose his designs to Weston's people, and secure Wattawamat, a bold and bloody warrior, and bring home his head.


Captain Standish would take but eight men for this service,


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besides Hobomak, lest he should excite suspicion. On his ar- rival, his designs were suspected. An Indian said he saw by his eyes that he was angry in his heart, and, therefore, believed that their plot was discovered. Pecksuot, a bold-spirited In- dian, and a Pinese, that is, counsellor and warrior, said to Ho- bomak, that he understood that the Captain had come to kill him and the rest of the tribe. Tell him, said he, we know it, but fear him not; let him begin when he dares; he will not take us unawares. Many of them would often whet and sharpen their knives, and use insulting speeches and gestures before his face. They were in the habit of wearing knives suspended at the breast, in sheaths tied about the neck. Wattawamat bragged of the excellency of his knife, having on the handle a woman's face; but he said he had another at home, with which he had killed both French and English, having a man's face on it, and these two must marry, and by and by it shall see and it shall eat, but not speak. Pecksuot, being a large man, said, that though Standish was a great Captain, he was but a little man; but he himself, though no sachem, was yet a man of great strength and courage. Standish, though high-spirited and irritable, submitted patiently to these abusive provocations, till a favorable opportunity should occur. The next day the valiant Captain found means to get Pecksuot, Wattawamat, and a third Indian, with Wattawamat's brother, eighteen years old, an insulting villain, into a room, and having about an equal number of his own men he made the door fast and gave the signal, beginning himself with Pecksuot; he snatched his own knife from his neck, a struggle for life ensued, the knife was two-edged and the savage had sharpened it to a needle's point. This was instantly plunged into his bosom, and repeat- ed strokes were given, the victim resisting to the last breath. Wattawamat and the other Indians were also slain at the same time, and the young man was taken, and afterwards hanged. The struggle was awful, but without noise. Hobomak was a calm spectator of the appalling scene; after it was closed, he said to the Captain, yesterday Pecksuot, bragging of his own strength and stature, said, though you were a great Captain yet you were but a little man: but to-day I see you are big enough to lay him on the ground. Two more Indians were slain by Weston's men. Proceeding to another place, Stand- ish killed an Indian; and afterwards met a file of savages, which he encountered; and, after a skirmish, compelled them to fly into a swamp; he challenged the sachem to a single com- bat, but he refused.


Weston's people, now seeing their danger, resolved to quit


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their plantation, and requested the assistance of Captain Stan- dish in conveying them to the fishing vessels at Monhiggon, hoping to find a passage to England. The Captain told them that he should not feel himself in danger to reside there with fewer men than their number; but, at their desire, he would furnish them with corn sufficient for their subsistence, till they could arrive at the fishing vessels, although it would almost exhaust their own store, and stint them for seed corn. Seeing them under sail in their vessel, and clear of Massachusetts Bay, he returned to Plymouth in his own shallop, bringing with him a few men that preferred a residence in Plymouth. Thus, within one year, was the settlement of Wessagusset broken up, and the worthless rabble dispersed.


Captain Standish, on his return, brought with him the head of Wattawamat, as directed, and it was placed on the fort as a terror to the Indians. There was at this time an Indian chained to the floor in the fort, having been detected in the conspiracy ; he recognised the head, and was exceedingly terrified; he ac- knowledged the existence of the plot, but not his own guilt. He entreated earnestly for his life, which was granted, and he returned with a message of caution to his brethren. ‘The In- dians generally, who had been prepared to join the Massachu- setts, were terrified by these acts of severe execution. They forsook their dwellings, wandered about bewildered, living in swamps and deserts, and contracted diseases, of which many died. Canancum, sachem of Manomet, Aspinet of Nauset, and the interesting Iyanough, were among the victims of these : complicated miseries. When Rev. Mr. Robinson received the news of these transactions, he wrote to the church at Ply- mouth, 'to consider the disposition of their Captain, who was of a warm temper.' He hoped the Lord had sent him among them for good, if they used him right; but he doubted whether there was not wanting that tenderness of the life of man, made after God's image, which was meet; he thought ' it would have been happy if they had converted some, before they had killed any.' These sentiments are honorable to Mr. Robinson. They indicate a generous philanthropy, which must always gain our affection, and should ever be cherished. Still the transactions, to which the strictures relate, are defensible. As to Standish, Dr. Belknap places his defence on the rules of duty imposed by his character, as the military servant of the colony. The government, it is presumed, will be considered as acting under severe necessity, and will require no apology, if the reality of the conspiracy be admitted, of which there can be little doubt. It is certain, that they were fully per-


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suaded of its existence, and, with the terrible example of the Virginia massacre in fresh remembrance, had solemn duties to discharge. The existence of the whole settlement was at hazard.'*


First Patent. The first patent of Plymouth had been taken out in the name of John Pierce, in trust for the company of adventurers; but when he saw the promising state of their set- tlement, and the favor which their success had obtained for them with the counsel for New England, he, without their knowledge, but in their name, procured another patent of larger extent, intending to keep it for his own benefit, and hold the adventurers as his tenants, to sue and be sued at his courts. In pursuance of this design, in the autumn of the last year he despatched the ship Paragon, of which William Pierce was master, for New-England, but in 14 days she was forced back by severe storms, having got no farther than the Downs. The Paragon was repaired at the expense of one hundred pounds, and again despatched, but in this attempt the mariners, about the middle of February, were obliged in a terrible storm to cut away their mainmast, and return to Portsmouth. Pierce was then on board with 109 souls. After these successive losses and disappointments, he was induced to assign to the company of adventurers for £500, the patent which had cost him but £50. A new ship called the Ann, which had been built by the company to be sent to this country, was now employed to trans- port the passengers and goods, and she arrived at Plymouth in July, of which William Pierce, having quit the Paragon, was master. The Ann and the Little James of 44 tons, which soon followed her track, brought supplies for the plantation which were much needed, and about sixty passengers. The goods, with the charge of passengers in the ship, cost the com- pany £640. The Paragon arrived at Plymouth in the month of June, under the command of Francis West, who was com- missioned to be Admiral of New-England, with power to re- strain such ships as came either to fish or trade on the coast without license from the New-England council; but finding the fishermen too stubborn and strong for him, he sailed for Vir- ginia. The owners of the fishing vessels complained to the Parliament of this attempted restraint, and procured an order that fishing should be free.


The Colonists were essentially benefitted by a vast abundance of bass, caught in the creeks; on some occasions, 1500 were taken at one tide: when these resources failed they resorted to


* Judge Davis's edit. New-England Memorial, p. 91.


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the never-failing clam banks. It was their misfortune, in the early part of the summer, to be reduced to the severest suffer- ings, threatening a famine, by a scantiness of provisions. A vessel with supplies, which they expected in the spring, was twice obliged to put back by stress of weather, and did not arrive till August. In May, they planted an unusual quantity of Indian corn, but it was so ordered, that a drought of six weeks continuance cut off all their favorable prospects. Until the middle of July, the earth was as ashes, the produce scorched as before a fire, and the hopes of man were overthrown. In this extremity, as in all adverse circumstances, these pious suf- ferers invoked the God of heaven for relief. A day of humil- iation and prayer was appointed; the morning was fair and the sky cloudless; their fervent religious worship was continued eight or nine hours without ceasing. At night the clouds were seen to gather, and the sky was overcast; the next morning they were cheered with moderate refreshing showers, and the rains continued to descend at intervals for fourteen days. The natives were struck with amazement. Hobomak, during the continuance of the drought, expressed his grief and concern lest the English should lose all their corn, and starve. The Indians, said he, can live on fish. But after the rain he re- joiced and said, 'Now I see Englishman's God is a good God, for he hears you and sends rain, and without storms and tem- pests which break down our corn; surely he is a good God.' At a convenient season they also solemnized a day of public thanksgiving for rain, and for a supply of provisions from Eng- land. 'By the time our corn is planted,' said Bradford, 'our victuals are spent, not knowing at night where to have a bit in the morning, and have neither bread nor corn for three or four months together; yet bear our wants with cheerfulness, and rest on Providence.' The devout elder Brewster lived for many months together without bread, and chiefly on fish and clams, yet with this scanty fare, he, with his family, would give thanks that they could ' suck of the abundance of the seas, and of the treasures hid in the sand.' In winter, much use was made of ground nuts instead of bread, and wild fowls were constantly to be obtained in the marshes and creeks, and not unfrequently a deer was brought from the forest, which were divided among the whole company. It has been stated that they were at one time reduced to a single pint of corn, which being equally divided gave to each person five kernels, which were parched and eaten. The first establishment of the planters embraced such circumstances, as to maintain a com- munity of interest, as respects the cultivation of the land, and




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