USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Sudbury > The history of Sudbury, Massachusetts, 1638-1889 > Part 19
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messenger much endangered by the younger men, and not with any satisfaction by the sachems, as the event showed." Lieutenant Curtis went on more than one expedition to the Nipnets. June 25, he was sent "to make a perfect discovery of the motions of the Nipmug Indians." In a letter to the colonial authorities, dated July 4, he says that he delivered the letter to the committee at Brookfield, and from there went directly to the Indians, whom he found at the same place where he had met them before. The task undertaken by Curtis in carrying out his embassy was dangerous in the extreme, and his thrilling experiences as set forth in a letter addressed to the Governor and Council, July 16, show a sagacity and daring unsurpassed even in those heroic times. We will give this letter in substance, quoting verbatim as far as space will allow : " Whereas your Honors employed your servant to conduct and also to make a perfect discovery of the motions of the Nipmugs and western Indians, Your Honor may be pleased here to see my return and behaviour." After giving some incidents of the journey before he reached Brookfield, he goes on to say, that, entering the woods, they proceeded westward, till they discovered an Indian trail, which they followed many miles, till they came to " the low river by Springfield old road." He says, " Here we saw new footings of Indians, and so, looking out sharp, in about two miles riding we saw two Indians, which when I saw, I sent the Indians that were with me from Marlborow, to speak with them, but as soon as they had discovered us, they ran away from us, but with fast riding and calling, two of our Indians stopped one of them, the other ran away. We asked this Indian, where the other Indians were. He being surprised with fear, so he only told us that the Indians were but a little way from us. So then I sent the Marlborow Indians before, to tell them that the messenger of the Governor of the Massachusetts was coming with peaceable words, but when he came to them they would not believe him." Mr. Curtis describes their place of encampment as being an island, in area about four acres, encompassed by a broad, miry swamp. Before reaching the river there met them at least forty Indians, some with their guns on their shoulders,
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others with them in their hands ready cocked and primed ; and most of those next to the river presented at them. He addressed them in the name of the Governor, whom he called his master, the Great Sachem of the Massachusetts, and required them to own their fidelity. He informed them that he came not to fight or to hurt them, but as a messenger from the Governor. He states that there was a great uproar among them, and some would have him killed. Says he, "I requested their sachems to come over the river, but they refused, saying that I must come over to them. My com- pany was something unwilling, for they thought themselves in very great danger where they were. I told them we had better never have seen them, than not to speak to the sachems, and if we ran from them in the time of this tumult they would shoot after us, and kill some of us. So with much difficulty we got over the river, and moist meadow, to the island where they stood to face us at our coming out of the mire, many Indians with their guns presented at us ready cocked and primed, so we rushed between them and called for their sachems. Still the uproar continued with such noise that the air rang. I required thein to lay down their arms, and they commanded us to put up our arms first and come off our horses, which I refused to do. With much threatening and persuasion at last the uproar [ceased]. Many of them said they would neither believe me nor my master, without he would send them two or three bushels of powder. At length I spoke with their sachems which were five, and their other grandees, which I think were twelve more. Our Natic Indians seemed to be very industrious, all this time to still the tumult, and so persuade the Indians, and as I came to speak with the sachems we dismounted and put up our arms." Mr. Curtis says their number was about two hundred. (State Archives, Vol. LXVII., p. 215.) Thus important and perilous was the work in which Curtis engaged for the colony; and that he was selected for the undertaking indicates the confidence of the authorities in both his courage and sagacity. It may be in connection with work among the Nipnets that the following order came to the constables of Sudbury, July 16, directing them " to im-
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press two or three valuable horses with men and arms as Ephraim Curtis shall require." These were to be delivered to Curtis, and to accompany him, with two or three "able and confiding Indians which Captain Gookin will provide to go with him on the country's service." The order was to be carried out with all speed. If the carrying out of this order related to work among the Nipnets, then more than one Sud- bury citizen participated in it and encountered its perils.
Still another service that was rendered by Curtis was in connection with the ill-fated expedition sent out under com- mand of Capt. Edward Hutchinson. July 27, 1675, Captain Hutchinson was ordered to take with him Capt. Thomas Wheeler of Concord. and a score or more of his troop of horse, Ephraim Curtis as a guide, and three Christian Indi- ans as interpreters, and forthwith to repair to the Nipmuck country, to ascertain the movements of the Indians. The company went from Cambridge to Sudbury, July 28, 1675, and August 1 they arrived at Brookfield. They there learned that the Indians were about ten miles away. Messengers were sent to inform them of the approach of the English with friendly intentions. An interview was had with the sachems, who promised to meet the English near Brook- field the next morning. At the appointed time the English repaired to the place agreed upon, but the Indians were not there. It was considered inexpedient to follow them fur- ther; but, urged by the people of Brookfield, they pro- ceeded, contrary to the advice of their guides, several miles, to a place near a swamp, when they found themselves in an ambuscade. The Indians, consisting of two or three hun- dred, suddenly attacked the little company, killing eight and wounding three. Among the killed was Sydrack (or Shad- rack) Hapgood of Sudbury, and among the wounded were Captains Hutchinson and Wheeler. A retreat was at once made to Brookfield ; and, having reached there, the soldiers entered one of the strongest houses and prepared for defense. Ephraim Curtis and Henry Young from Concord were sent to acquaint the Council at Boston of their imperiled condi- tion. The brave emissaries started at once on their venture- some mission ; but the town was so beset with the savages
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that they were forced back to the garrison. Soon afterwards the house was assailed with great fury. Young, looking from the garret window, was shot and mortally wounded. The night that followed was terrible. The shot pelted on the walls like hail, and the Indians attempted to set the building on fire. The situation was critical, the ammunition was growing scant, and unless something was done to bring relief all would inevitably be killed or taken captive. The undertaking was extremely hazardous. To succeed required a man of great courage and endurance, with a sagacity suffi- cient to outmatch the foe. Few were fit for such a service, even if any could be found to serve. But the task was to fall upon some one, and the man selected was Ephraim Cur- tis. Again the bold adventurer set forth from the garrison, a lone soldier, to rely on his prowess and a protecting Provi- dence to shield him on his course. Captain Wheeler in his official report states of the affair as follows: "I spake to Ephraim Curtis to adventure forth again on that service, and to attempt it on foot as the way wherein was the most hope of getting away undiscovered. He readily assented, and accordingly went out; but there were so many Indians every where threatened, that he could not pass, without apparent hazard of life, so he came back again, but towards morning the said Ephraim adventured forth the 3d time, and was fain to creep on his hands and knees for some space of ground that he might not be discovered by the enemy, but through God's mercy he escaped their hands, and got safely to Marl- boro, though very much spent and ready to faint by reason of want of sleep before he went from us, and his sore travel night and day in that hot season till he got thither." On arriving at Marlboro he met Major Simon Willard and Capt. James Parker of Groton, with forty-six men, who were there to scout between Marlboro, Lancaster, and Groton. These, on receiving intelligence of affairs at Brookfield, hastened at once with relief. They arrived August 7, just in season to rescue the survivors. After this narration, it is unnecessary to speak of the bravery of this Sudbury scout, or the value of his services to the country. It was a forlorn hope upon which he went forth, and none better than he knew the haz-
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CHAPTER XXXIX.
Public Bequests. - Action of the Town relative to the Publication of the History of Sudbury. - Preparations for the Observance of the Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the Incorporation of the Town.
Till at last in books recorded, They like hoarded Household words, no more depart. LONGFELLOW.
BEQUESTS.
THE " Goodnow Library Fund," $20,000, donated by John Goodnow. The "Samuel D. Hunt Fund, $1,000; the in- come of this fund is to be distributed among the poor, sick, and needy, who are not inmates of the almshouse or other- wise assisted by the town. Accepted, Nov. 3, 1874. The "Elisha Goodnow Fund," $4000; the income of three- quarters of this is to be distributed in substantially the same manner as the "S. D. Hunt Fund ; " and the income of the other fourth is to be used in the purchase of books for poor children attending the public schools. The " Jerusha Howe Fund," $1000; the income to be expended in fuel for the industrious poor. The " Ancient Donation Fund," $453.78 ; given to the town by Joshua Haynes, two-thirds of the in- come to be used for the poor, and one-third for schools. A considerable portion of the original fund last named has been lost by bad investment. The "George Goodnow Fund," $10,000 ; the income to be used for the industrious poor not otherwise assisted by the town. Accepted, November, 1884. The " Henry Plympton Fund," $250. The " George Good- now Fund," $400. The "Lois Hunt Fund," $500. The income of the last three are to be used for cemetery purposes or improvements.
Total amount of bequests, $37,603.78.
653
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HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
ACTS RELATIVE TO THE PUBLICATION OF THE HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
The subject of publishing a History of Sudbury was first brought before the town at a meeting held Nov. 4, 1862. under the following article : -
" To see if the town will take any measures to have a his- tory of the town written."
The result was that a committee, consisting of Dr. Lev Goodenough, Rev. Limus H. Shaw and Charles Thompson Esq., was appointed "to consider the matter and report a some future meeting what action, if any, may be advisable for the town to take in reference to said subject." This committee made a verbal report April 6, 1863, and were au thorized to make arrangements with Mr. Andrew Ward o Newton to prepare a history of the town. Mr. Ward com menced the work, but soon afterwards died. The subjec/ was again brought forward, March 6, 1876. A committed composed of Steven Moore, Jonas S. Hunt, and Richard R Horr was appointed to consider the matter and report at : subsequent meeting. Their report was submitted to the town and accepted April 3, 1876. The following is a part o this report : -
" Your committee believe that when this ancient Towr has its history compiled it should not be done hastily, bu with care and skill, and with such research as may be neces sary to such a history as will not only be a matter of satis faction but of pride to the town. As the history of Sudbury is also a history of Wayland to a comparatively recent date. it seems proper that she should be consulted as to the pro- priety of uniting with us in the preparation of the joint his- tory of the two towns, at least to the time of their separation. It is therefore recommended that the town choose a com- mittee whose duty it shall be to ascertain if Wayland will unite with Sudbury in having a joint history of the two towns prepared ; to collect such material as they may be able. and report their doings at November meeting, with estimates of the probable cost of the completed work." This report was accepted by the town, and the committee making it were
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ardous nature of his task, or the sad consequences of capture. Many weary miles of travel lay between him and the sea- board settlements, but, tired and faint, he sped on his way till he had faithfully discharged his trust, and sent the res- cuers to his beleaguered comrades.
But the time was near when Sudbury was to need all her resources for the defense of her own territory. The foe that hitherto largely operated in the county of Plymouth was soon to invade that of Middlesex, and make Sudbury the scene of most important events. The first approach of the Indians to the town and its vicinity with hostile intent was, we judge, in small bands, which ranged the forest in an inde- pendent way, or which acted as detachments to spy out the land. These scouting parties alarmed the inhabitants, who sent messages to the colonial authorities, with a statement of facts and request for relief. The indications are that the colonial authorities did not anticipate that great peril was so near. After the defeat of the Narragansetts in the swamp fight, it was supposed that the Indians were in a crippled condition, and that the devastating effect of that fight would tend to discourage and keep them in check. To so great an extent was a sense of security felt by the authorities, that in some cases soldiers were dismissed from the garrison-houses. Captain Brocklebank, who was stationed at Marlboro. asked to be dismissed from that place, stating that he had little to do. But the weakness of the enemy was evidently overesti- mated ; and it was not long before the frontier towns were made aware that a formidable foe was near. Feb. 23, 1675, Hugh Clark stated to the Council, that he "being the last week upon the scout with Capt. Gibbs, about Lancaster, Concord and Sudbury, found several houses deserted, having corn in them, and cattle about them, belonging to the late inhabitants thereof, who for fear left their habitations." He states that they found at least about sixty bushels of corn in one house. And he assured the Council that "it would be of advantage to the Indians and straighten the English unless something is done to prevent it."
The Rev. Edmund Brown, who, as we have before noticed, fortified his house, sent information to the authorities by
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Ensign Grout about the presence of a lurking enemy in Sud- bury. He says: " It is reported that our woods are pestered with Indians. One Adams within our bounds was shot at by a lurking Indian or more. He was shot through the coat and shirt near to the arm pit. One Smith walking the woods was assailed by 3 or 4 Indians, whom he discovered swooping down a hill toward him, but Smith saved himself by his legs. One Joseph Freeman coming up about 4 mile Brook discovered two Indians, one in the path presenting his gun at him in the way (in a bright moonlight night), but Freeman dismounting shot at him, and mounting rode for it. One Joseph [Shaley] coming home from Marlboro on Thurs- day last discovered Indians in our bounds, one of which made a shot at him, the bullet passing by him, but being mounted and riding for it he escaped. One Joseph Curtis, son to Ephraim Curtis on Saturday last heard 3 volleys of shot made by Indians between us and Weston. This being to long. Ensign Grout can give a full narrative to your Honor and Councill. The consideration of all which I hope will excite you : : : to order that these woods may be scoured and that our town of Sudbury a frontier town may be ena- bled to contribute aid therein and defend itself with its quantity of men, I humbly move. And this I shall [present] unto the Honorable Councill that we may not have men pressed out of our small town." Date, "Sudbury 26th 7th mo." In another letter dated "Sudbury 7th of 12th mo. 75," Mr. Brown refers to a late order of the authorities dismissing garrison soldiers, and requests that John Gleason, who had been impressed but returned in safety, might be at his dis- posal. He also speaks of Zenias Parmenter, whom they "were pleased to free from impress." He objected to having his guard dismissed, on any general order for the dismissal of garrisons, since he maintained it at his own expense.
Thus, towards the close of 1675, Sudbury and its vicinity felt a sense of insecurity, because of a lurking foe. The indications are, that before the Indians made an advance in great force they came in small detachments or bands, doing occasional mischief, and keeping the inhabitants in
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a state of suspense. No one was safe who went abroad unarmed; and those living in the more exposed localities had even abandoned their homes. In the instance related by Hugh Clark, the flight was precipitous, the corn being left in the crib. But it was not long after these evidences of a mere scattered foe before there were indications that the town was to suffer a more general attack by a considerably increased force. In the towns beyond its western border more or less havoc had already been made, and one after another of them had already succumbed. Feb. 10, 1675, Lancaster suffered by the loss of fifty killed or taken cap- tive ; and the same month a requisition was made upon Con- cord and Sudbury requiring them "forthwith to impress 8 carts in each town for the bringing down of goods of such persons of Lancaster as being bereaved by the late hand of God are disabled from continuing there." By March 13, Groton was made desolate, and forty dwellings were burned; and Marlboro alone remained between Sudbury and the vast wilderness that sheltered the foe. The first blow that fell on the town, that has been noted by historians of that day, was on the 10th of March, 1676. Says Mather, " Mischief was done, and several lives were cut off by the Indians. An humbling Providence, inasmuch as many churches were this day fasting and praying." This attack on the town was evi- dently sufficient to put the people more on their guard, and the better prepared them to meet the great force which was to assail them in the following month. It was about three days before this attack of March 10 that Rev. Edmund Brown's letter was dated, in which he writes to the authorities, and mentions the " eminent danger yet remaining over our heads which occasions divers of our towns to make address for some grant and with good success." Eleven days after this attack, " at the motion and request of Ensign Grout of Sud- bury, on behalf of Lieut. Ephraim Curtis, it was ordered that the said Curtis, together with any other volunteers which shall join with him, shall march under his command into the woods, and endeavor to surprise, kill, or destroy, any of the Indians our enemies : : : and he may expect such encour- agement as the late order of the General Court directs."
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THE NEAR APPROACH OF THE INDIANS, THEIR REPULSE, AND THE DEATH OF NETUS.
While the prospect was thus threatening, the design of the Indians for a season was effectually stayed, and a disas- trous invasion prevented, by a bold move made by the inhab- itants of the town. The event referred to occurred March 27, 1676. A force of savages, near three hundred in num- ber, were within about a half mile of Sudbury's western boundary. The force was led by Netus, the Nipmuc cap- tain. (See Chapter II.) This band was intent on mischief. It was on the trail for prey. Flushed with the expectation of easy victory, they waited the dawn of day to begin their foul work, and seize such persons and spoil as were found outside the garrisons. On Sabbath night they made their encampment within half a mile of a garrison. Their mis- chievous course through the previous day had been so little opposed that they felt secure as if in a world of peace. But the English were on their track.
Intelligence of their presence at Marlboro had reached Sudbury, and a movement was made to oppose them. A score of bold citizens set forth for the beleaguered place. On their arrival at Marlboro they were reinforced by twenty soldiers, who were taken from the garrisons, and the two forces went in search of the enemy. Before daybreak they discovered them asleep about their fires. The English, in night's stillness, crept close upon the camp. Wrapped in slumber, and unsuspicious of what was so near, the Indians were suddenly startled by a destructive volley from an unex- pected foe. The English took them by complete surprise. So effectually had they directed their fire that the Indians speedily fled. About thirty of their number were wounded, of whom it is said fourteen afterwards died. Not only were the Indians numerically weakened, but demoralized some- what by such a bold and unlooked-for assault. Probably this act saved Sudbury for a time. Netus was slain, and for near a month there was a cessation of hostilities within and about the town.
As the importance of this event is considerable, and the
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evidence is quite clear concerning it, we will present the narrative as given by several authorities. Says Mather: " March 27th some of the inhabitants of Sudbury being alarmed by what the Indians did yesterday to their neigh- bors in Malbury, apprehending that they might come upon the enemy unawares, in case they should march after them in the night time, they resolved to try what might be done, and that, not altogether without success, for toward the morning whilst it was yet dark, they discovered where the Indians lay by their fires. And such was their boldness, as that about 300 of them lay all night within half a mile of one of the garrison houses, in that town where they had done so much mischief the day before. Albeit the darkness was such as an English man could not be distinguished from an Indian ; yet ours being 40 in number discharged several times upon them, and (as Indians taken at that time do con- fess) God so disposed of the bullets that were shot at that time, that no less than thirty Indians were wounded, of whom there were 14 that died, several of which had been perpetrators in the late bloody tragedies. They fired hard upon the English, but neither killed nor wounded so much as one man in the skirmish."
Captain Brocklebank, garrison commander at Marlboro, states thus in his report to the colonial authorities: "Sabbath day night there came about 20 men from Sudbury, and we out of the several garrisons drew 20 more, and in the night time they went out to see if they could discover the enemy and give them some check." He states, that " they found them by their fires, and fired on them, and they ran away ; but their number being few, and not knowing the number of the enemy, but apprehending by their noise and firing at them that the force of the enemy was considerable, they returned home without the loss of any men or wounds from the enemy, and only one man had his hand shattered by the breaking of a gun."
Thus straightforward and plain are these authorities in their description of this nightly encounter. No better evi- dence could be desired than Captain Brocklebank's letter. From these narratives we are informed that the people of
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Sudbury formed this bold project ; that a score of her brave citizens went forth to stay the course of the Indian invaders ; that they went beyond the limits of Sudbury into a neigh- boring town that had already been attacked by the foe; and that, upon receiving aid from a government official in command of the garrison, they made this successful assault. There is no evidence that when they started they had any assurance that reinforcements would be afforded them. They knew the enemy were in force at Marlboro, and courageously marched to check their advance. Whether the reinforce- ments that they received at Marlboro were citizens of that town, or some of the soldiers who were sent there by the government, we are not informed. We know that Captain Brocklebank was a government commander, and that a part of the Marlboro garrison were government men, some of whom subsequently accompanied Captain Brocklebank to the Sudbury fight.
That Sudbury people in this affair acted not simply in their own defense is implied in "The Old Petition," in which it is stated that "the Indians in their disastrous invasions were resolved by our ruine to revenge ye reliefe which our Sudbury volunteers approached to distressed Marlborough, in slaying many of ye enemy & repelling ye rest."
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