USA > Massachusetts > Dukes County > Marthas Vineyard > The history of Martha's Vineyard, Dukes County, Massachusetts, Volume I > Part 8
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Meanwhile, however, an unexpected development oc- curred. "Mr. Richard Vynes," wrote Mayhew, "Steward Gen'll to Sir Ferdynando Gorges, heareing of it, Enterupted showing me his Master's Pattent and his Power, insomuch
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WILLIAM ALEXANDER, EARL OF STIRLING 1567-1640
Purchase of Martha's Vineyard by Mayhew
that I was convinced by him and Thomas Gorges who was then Governour of the Province of Maine that [it] was realy Sir Ferdynandoes Right." 1 It somewhat arouses our curiosity to know how Vines, - living a hundred miles distant, should have become aware within a few days of the sale by Forrett to Mayhew, unless we infer, as we are justified in doing by the light of subsequent events, that Mayhew was not satisfied with the title of Lord Stirling, and desiring to satisfy all pos- sible claimants and secure deeds from each, asked Vines to come to Watertown to effect the transfer of his master's right.2 However, Mayhew says that Vines "heareing of it, Enter- rupted," which would indicate that the agent of Gorges acted independently upon learning of the action of Forrett, and Mayhew, in order to secure himself, as he says, "for a some of Money did obtaine from said Vynes a Graunt alsoe." Again he wrote on the same topic: "Meeteing with Mr. Vynes steward general to Sir Ferdinando Gorges whom I then had much interest in he solemnely p'fesses it was his Masters so whereuppon I had it graunted by him & did p'cede mostly uppon that graunt, Mr. Tho. Gorges then gov'nor [of the Province of Maine] approuveing of it." 3
So far there has been no evidence disclosed that this purchase had any other than a purely business aspect, and in all the various statements made by the Governor about this transaction nothing is claimed by him as to a philanthropic plan of Christianizing the Indians. In a petition forty years after this for certain privileges, Matthew Mayhew gives us the only explanation we have for the purchase of the island by his father and grandfather. He stated that "nothing but the largeness of the grant that could induce [them] to essay the settlement of the said Iland, in hopes to obtain that gradually of the heathen which could not att once by any means be procured." The offer made was in the nature of a "bargain," and Mayhew concluded to accept. Accordingly, he entered into an agreement with Stirling's agent for the purchase of Nantucket, and on Oct. 13, 1641, the deed of sale was executed, granting to Thomas Mayhew of Water- town, merchant, and to Thomas Mayhew, his son, the right "to Plant and Inhabit upon Nantuckett and two other small
'N. Y. Col. Mss., XXIV, 92.
2For the authority of Forrett see Doc. Hist. of N. Y., III, 22. Soon after the death of the Earl in February, 1640-1, his agency ceased.
3Col. Papers, P. R. O., XXI, 93.
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History of Martha's Vineyard
Islands adjacent," meaning Muskeget and Tuckernuck. The price paid, £40, is not stated in the document,1 which is here printed in full: -
These presents doth witness that I, James Forrett, Gentleman, who was sent over into these Parts of America By the honourable the Lord Sterling with a commission for the ordering and Disposing of all the Island that Lyeth Between Cape Cod hudsons river and hath better unto confirmed his agency without any consideration, Do hereby Grant unto Thomas Mayhew of Watertown, merchant, and to Thomas Mayhew his son, free Liberty and full power to them and their associates to Plant and inhabit upon Nantuckett and two other small Islands adjacent, and to enjoy the said Islands to them their heirs & assigns forever, provided that the said Thomas Mayhew and Thomas Mayhew his son or either of them or their associates Do Render and Pay yearly unto the honourable the Lord Sterling, his heirs or assigns such an acknowledgement as shall be thought fitt by John Winthrop, Esq, the elder or any two magistrates in Massachusetts Bay Being chosen for that end and purpose by the honourable the Lord Sterling or his Deputy and By the said Thomas Mayhew his son or associ- ates: it is agreed that the government that the said Thomas Mayhew and Thomas Mayhew his son and their associates shall set up shall Be such as is now established in the Massachusetts aforesaid, and that the said Thomas Mayhew & Thomas Mayhew his son and their associates shall have as much privilege touching their planting Inhabiting and enjoying of all and evry part of the Premises as By the patent is granted to the Patent of the Massachusetts aforesaid and their associates.
In witness hereof I the said James Forrett have hereunto sett my hand and seal this 13th Day of October, 164I.
JAMES FORRETT.
Signed Sealed and Delivered in the presence of Robert
Nicholas Davison 2 Richard Stileman 3
This resulted, doubtless, in a conference between the conflicting interests, and as a consequence further amplifi- cation of Mayhew's territorial jurisdiction. Forrett added "Martin's" Vineyard and the Elizabeth Islands, in a second instrument which he drew up, and authorized the grantees to plant upon and inhabit those parts, as follows: - 4
Whereas By virtue of a commission from the Lord Sterling, James Forrett, Gentleman, hath granted Liberty and full Power unto Thomas Mayhew of Watertown, merchant, and Thomas Mayhew his son, and their
1Edgartown Records, I, 12.
2Nicholas Davison was a Charlestown merchant, agent of Matthew Cradock, and later a land-owner on the Vineyard, but not a resident.
3Richard Stileman was of Cambridge at this date, but later removed to Ports- mouth. It is probable that this document was executed in Boston.
4Edgartown Records, I, II.
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Purchase of Martha's Vineyard by Mayhew
associates to Plant the Island of Nantucket according to the article In a deed to that purpose expressed: Now for as much as the said Island hath not Been yett whole surrendered whereby it may appear that Comfortable accomodations for themselves and their associates will be found there, this therefore shall serve to testifye that I, the said James Forrett, by virtue of my said commission, Do hereby grant unto the said Thomas Mayhew and Thomas Mayhew his son and their associates, as much to plant upon Martins Vinyard and Elizabeth Isles as they have by virtue heretofore of the Deed granted unto them for Nantuckett as therein plainly In all con- siderations Both on the Right honourable the Lord Sterling's part and on the said Thomas Mayhew & Thomas Mayhew his son and their associates Doth appear In Witness whereof I, the said James Forrett have hereunto sett my hand the 23rd Day of October, Annoque Domini 1641.
JAMES FORRETT.
Signed and delivered In Presence of us his John X Vahane.1 mark
Garret Church.2
But this was not entirely satisfactory, and so he con- cluded to "make assurance doubly sure" by securing the rights as well from the Gorges interests; and two days later the following instrument, executed by Vines, authorized the elder Mayhew to "plant and inhabit upon the Island Capa- wok alias Martins Vineyard," as set forth in the following copy : - 3
I, Richard Vines of Saco, Gentleman, Steward General for Sir Ferdi- nando Gorges, Knight and Lord Proprietor of the Province of Maine and the Islands of Cappawok and Nautican, Do by these presents give full power and authority unto Thomas Mayhew, Gentleman, his agents and associates to plant and Inhabit upon the Islands Capawok alias Martins Vinyard with all privileges and Rights thereunto belonging to enjoy the premises to himself heirs and associates forever, yielding and Paying unto the said Ferdinando Gorges, his heirs and assigns annually, or two Gentle- men Independently By each of them chosen Shall Judge to Be meet by way of acknowledgement.
Given under my hand this 25th Day of October, 1641.
RICHARD VINES.
Witness: Thomas Payne 4 Robert Long.5
1John Vahane (Vaughan) was a resident of Watertown in 1633, and bore a not very savory reputation for a number of years.
2Garret Church was also of Watertown. From the appearance of these two names, it is presumed the document was signed in Mayhew's home town.
3Edgartown Records, I, 9.
4There was a Thomas Paine, resident of Salem, another resident of Dedham, and a third of Yarmouth. It is not possible to identify this witness. It was not Mayhew's step-son, as he was only nine years old.
5Robert Long was a resident of Charlestown.
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History of Martha's Vineyard
Armed with these three documents the elder Mayhew was doubly assured of his title to the islands from two sources, and there yet remained, according to his view, one more party to satisfy - the aboriginal owners; "and forthwith," he writes, "I Endeavoured to obtain the Indian right of them." This of course, necessitated a visit to the islands, and it is to be presumed that he made the journey with his son, and · possibly others interested in the new territory, and secured the required release. We may consider that his first visit to the island, which was to become his home for the remainder of his life, was made some time prior to Dec. 1, 1642, when he had already selected his own home lot and granted 'another to John Daggett on "the point next to my lot." 1
Cape Cod
MARTHA'S VINEYARD, NANTUCKET AND ELIZABETH ISLANDS. [MAP OF COUNCIL FOR NEW ENGLAND.] 16242
Mayhew, with this island domain now under his control, began to consider plans for colonization and settlement. Watertown neighbors became interested at the first, and on the 16th of March following (1641-2), he made a grant to five of them "to make choice for the Present of a large Towne" with authority equal to that of the proprietors in admitting subsequent inhabitants, and also a future grant of "another Townshipp for Posterity." 3 These five associates were John Daggett, Daniel Pierce, Richard Beers, John Smith, and Francis Smith. Of these only John Daggett took up his
1Dukes Deeds, I, 189.
2This map was probably used by Mayhew and Forrett to show the location of the territory purchased by the former. It was the only English map of the region available at that date to show the island. Wood's map of 1633 had no representation of the Vineyard or Nantucket, and only a shapeless delineation of what he called " Elizabeths Ile."
3Dukes Deeds, VIII, 83.
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Purchase of Martha's Vineyard by Mayhew
share in this first grant from the two Mayhews, and as he will be considered later as one of the first settlers, we may take a momentary glance at the others who joined with Mayhew in his venture. Daniel Pierce was a proprietor of Watertown in 1637 and a freeman in 1638. He removed later to New- bury. Capt. Richard Beers was one of the original proprietors of Watertown.1 He was killed by the Indians Sept. 4, 1675. Francis Smith was a freeman in 1631, and he became a pro- prietor of Watertown in 1637. He removed to Reading and died there in 1651. It is not sure to claim identification of the John Smith who is the last of the five. He had been a resident of Watertown for a number of years, and there is more than a possibility that he was the person who had used this name as an alias and when he came to the Vineyard resumed his proper family name, John Bland. John Smith of Watertown became a freeman in 1636, having previously resided in that place for the five preceding years. His wife Isabel died in 1639, and thenceforth he disappears from the records. The evidence bearing on this is considered more at length under the sketch of John Bland, one of the early settlers.
Whether any Englishman settled even temporarily on Martha's Vineyard before the Mayhews came is not now known, and Thomas Lechford, who was personally acquainted with Mayhew and who sailed for England in August, 1641, wrote in his descriptive work on New England, published the following year, that "Eastward of Cape Codd lyeth an Island called Martin's Vineyard uninhabited by any English." 2 Two months after Lechford sailed Mayhew consummated his two purchases of the agents of Gorges and Stirling, and if Lechford is to be received as a good witness, the Vineyard was "uninhabited by any English," at the time he left the country in the summer of 1641.
The next question that confronts us is the one relating to the date of the first settlement under the purchase just consummated. The Rev. Experience Mayhew writes as fol- lows: "In 1642 he [Thomas Mayhew] sends Mr. Thomas Mayhew Junior his only Son, being then a young Scholer, about 21 years of Age, with some other Persons to the Vineyard, where they settled at the East End, and quickly
1" He was one I loved much" wrote Mayhew in later years (4 Mass. Hist. Coll., VII, 42).
2Plaine Dealing, 107.
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+
History of Martha's Vineyard
after the Father followed."1 Again he says: "This person (Towanquatack) was the Chief Sachim of the East End of Marthas Vineyard, where the English first settled in the yeare 1642."2 It is within the probabilities that the younger Mayhew made one or more visits of reconnoisance to the island perhaps with friends who later joined his colony, and that he and they made preliminary explorations to choose a site for the town, and to arrange a modus vivendi with the savages.
But the most competent witness on this subject is Gov- ernor Winthrop, whose invaluable "Journal" of the begin- nings of the Massachusetts Bay settlements down to his death, is, next to the public records, the most unimpeachable au- thority of the times he treats. His book is almost a diary of events under his personal observation or knowledge, and he records the most trivial as well as the most pregnant circum- stances with impartial hand. It has stood the test of com- parison as to times, places, persons, and events, with the offi- cial records bearing upon them, and has merited the credence universally accorded it by historians. Following a previous entry in his "Journal" of the date of Dec. 3, 1643, and before an entry dated "18 Jan 1642," Winthrop states that "some of Watertown began a plantation at Martin's Vineyard beyond Cape Cod, divers families going thither."3 It is hardly to be supposed, however, that this entry represents the exact date as to month and day, nor that the colonists went in the winter months. The inference which may be drawn is that the first of the colonists, "divers families," had gone by the time Winthrop made the above entry. He knew every move- ment of this sort in the colony of which he was governor, and was in the habit of entering anything worthy of notice at the time it occurred. The departure of "divers families" for Martha's Vineyard was an event of some importance, and is so recorded by him.
Gookin, writing in 1674, says that the elder Mayhew "about the year 1642 transplanted himself to Marthas Vine- yard with his family,"4 but this statement, general in its char- acter, thirty-two years after the event, does not outweigh the evidence of the records that the elder Mayhew, in the late
1Indian Converts, 28o. 2Indian Converts, So. 3 Journal, II, 152. 41 Mass. Hist. Coll., I, 201.
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Purchase of Martha's Vineyard by Mayhew
fall of 1642, was chosen first in the list of selectmen at Water- town and "ordered to make the rates."
In another place, when relating the early life of Thomas Mayhew, Sr., before his removal to the Vineyard, his move- ments are traced sufficiently to show that he did not himself remove here until four years after his purchase. But it is evident from all the surrounding circumstances that the young Thomas took posession of the island about 1642, and with a few associates formed the vanguard of English settlers who first established the white man's supremacy here under the laws of the kingdom of England. It was a hazardous and a lonesome task for these few pioneers, cut off from com- munication with the distant settlements of the main. At this period there were probably not less than three thousand Indians on the islands, and it is doubtful if there were three dozen whites at the new settlement for ten years following its purchase. It was a delicate situation, as a contemporary author, writing in 1641, stated, that the Indians of Nope were "very savage."1 The memory of the battles of Champlain in 1606 with their tribesmen on the Cape, of the kidnapping of a score of them in 1614 by Captain Hunt, including Epenow of their own people, the battles with Captain Chalownes and Captain Dermer (1619), as a consequence, were still fresh in their minds, and the natives of the Vineyard looked askance at this promised renewal of trouble with the "pale faces." The chief men and powwaws held aloof from the little band who had dropped anchor inside of Chappaquiddick and landed on the shore of Nunnepoag, and they influenced their subjects to maintain the same attitude. Apparently there was no in- tercourse between the settlers and the natives, until Hia- coomes, of one of the Nunnepoag families, who lived near to the newly-erected settlement, began to show signs of famili- arity with the whites in 1643, after they had visited him in his wigwam. "His Descent was but mean" according to an authority, "his Speech but slow and his Countenance not very promising. He was therefore by the Indian Sachims and others of their principal Men, looked on as but a mean Person, scarce worthy of their Notice or Regard."2 Not- withstanding this inferiority according to their social stand- ards, the leading chiefs and medicine men observed his con- tinued association with the settlers, and they were "much
1Lechford, "Plaine Dealing," etc., 107.
2Mayhew, Indian Converts, p. I.
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History of Martha's Vineyard
alarmed at it: and some of them endeavoured with all their Might to discourage him from holding Communications with the English." In the following year, "Hiacoomes going to an Indian's House, where there were several Indians met together, they laughed and scoffed at him, saying, Here comes the English Man." Whereupon, the great Sagamore of Chappaquiddick, Pahkepunnassoo, who was present de- livered this warning to the butt of their jests: - "I wonder that you that are a young Man, and have a Wife and two children, should love the English and their Ways, and forsake the Pawwaws. . . . If I were in your Case there should nothing draw me from our Gods and Pawwaws." 1 But the peaceable intentions of the English were in time made clear to the sus- picious savages, and under the leadership and influence of the high-minded youth who came hither ready to be their benefactor, the natives ceased to be a menace, and ever after the two races lived in unusual harmony.
'Mayhew, Indian Converts, 4. The personal names of Indians were complex and difficult of translation. Pahke-pun-asu means "he abides or walks uprightly," or "he is honorable."
ARMS OF SIR FERDINANDO GORGES.
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The Legendary Settlement Before 1642
CHAPTER VI.
THE LEGENDARY SETTLEMENT BEFORE 1642.
It becomes necessary at this point to enter, somewhat at length, into the consideration of the legendary account of a settlement on the island prior to the arrival of the Mayhews. This story, which, if true, upsets the plain historical evidences of original ownership and occupation immediately following the purchase from Vines and Forrett, and imposes on us the necessity of discarding it either as unworthy of serious thought or of accepting it as true in fact as well as fancy. Like all traditions it is entitled to an impartial investigation, a careful examination of all collateral facts bearing upon the points raised, and some kind of a judgment passed upon the case as made up from the material evidence. It has all the un- satisfactory qualities of a tradition, as well as all of the attrac- tive ingredients of one. It is based upon nothing but hearsay, and yet is of a circumstantial detail easily calculated to inspire our credulity and engage our assent. It may be stated from an historical standpoint that all traditions are to be disbe- lieved, and the burden of proof placed upon the propounders, where it belongs, according to all the rules of evidence. One corroborating fact gives a tradition a standing in court, and each succeeding one removes it from the doubtful list of pleasing legends.
The story to be considered is to the effect that John Pease and some companions landed on the Vineyard and effected a permanent settlement before the purchase by the Mayhews, and in order that the claims may be fairly placed before the reader, a verbatim copy of the legend as prepared by the late Richard L. Pease, in August, 1857, is here inserted :-
The ship in which John Pease came was bound to Port Penn, in the Delaware, with 140 persons on board; it was in the fall of the year, and they were short of provisions, and sickness prevailed. Owing to a head westerly wind they came to anchor near Stony Point. They landed in a boat at Pease's Point. The Indians came to meet them, holding forth a pine bough to denote their desire for peace. As the whites advanced, the Indians retreated. John Pease, who had on a red coat, took it off, laid it on the ground and made signs for the Sachem to put it on. The Indians approached it with caution, poking it with a stick, until gathering courage
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History of Martha's Vineyard
the chief put it on, when Pease by signs give him to understand that he gave it to him.
A good understanding being thus effected, the Indians led Pease and his companions to the cove, near where Mr. Zachariah Pease lived for many years, and showed them how they procured fish. From thence they went to their herring fishing at Mattakeeset. The old creek, the natural outlet of the Great Pond, which at that time existed has for many years been swallowed up by the encroaching sea. They then went to the Green Hol- low, beyond the old Burial Ground, where the Indians obtained both fish and fowl. In this Hollow they dug caves-the places are still plainly seen on the North side of the Hollow-and spent the winter. Tradition says four men remained. The vessel proceeded on her voyage.
In the spring they went to the Great Marshes (Sandwich or Plymouth) and spent some time, returning to the Vineyard to winter. The next season they again sought the mainland and took to themselves wives.
This story was written out fifty years ago, as told to him by the late Capt. Valentine Pease (born 1764). From another source, Rev. David Pease (born 1783), Mr. R. L. Pease was given the same story as told by the widow Susannah (Butler) Pease (born 1777), who "had heard the story from a very aged person of your family." This account will be quoted later on in the course of this chapter. It is also stated by other members of the Pease family as part of the story, that Obed Pease (born 1743) had talked about a "black book," which mysteriously disappeared in the early days and is supposed to have contained some records bearing upon this question. But of this collateral topic consideration will be given later. It will thus be seen that the legend is one which has its sup- port and origin, probably, among members of the family bearing this name, and unfortunately too, for it thus acquires the coloring of family sentiment and pride in a matter which depends so much upon impartial support for its acceptance. It may be said however that, if true, the descendants of John Pease would be quite as likely as any others to be more fam- iliar with the story.
The tradition became public property a century ago, in the year 1807, as a result of a visit of the late Rev. James Freeman to the island in search of facts and material to aid him in preparing "A Description of Dukes County," which he subsequently published in the collections of the Massa- chusetts Historical Society. Dr. Freeman was largely aided in the preparation of his sketch by the Rev. Joseph Thaxter of Edgartown, both in personal conversation and by letter. The following is the printed version of the story of the Pease landing which he obtained at that date: -
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The Legendary Settlement Before 1642.
A DESCRIPTION OF DUKES COUNTY.
At the beginning of the year 1623, however, the people of Plymouth received information that the Indians of Marthas Vineyard and others had joined in a conspiracy with those of Massachusetts to extirpate the English. But the principal conspirators at Massachusetts being slain, such a terrour was struck into the minds of the other Indians, that they forebore to execute any act of hostility.
Afterwards, in what year is unknown, but before the arrival of Thomas Mayhew, eight or ten English families settled in Edgartown. They first landed at Pease's Point, which is part of Starbuck's Neck. The ship in which they came was bound for Virginia, but fell by accident into this port; and being short of provisions these families preferred remaining and taking their chance with the Indians, to proceeding on the voyage. Four of their names have been handed down to us,-Pease, Vincent, Norton, and Trapp, the three former of which still remain on the Island. They landed late in the autumn, and were supplied during the first winter with fish and corn by the Indians. These hospitable natives led them to Great Pond, and showed them their manner of taking fish, which was as follows: A passage was opened from the sea into the Pond and through it the fish entered. There are many coves in this pond. At the entrance of the coves, the Indians placed hurdles under water, in a horizontal position; and when the fish had run over them into the coves, they went in their canoes, lifted the hurdles upright, by means they prevented the escape of the fish, and with their spears struck them in the mud. This event has been preserved by tradition both among the natives and the whites; but has not before appeared in any printed book.
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