USA > Maine > The history of Maine > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
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 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51
Verrazano was the first European, after the Northmen, who entered this lovely bay. It is interesting to observe how singu- larly his description accords with theirs in his allusions to the beauty of the scenery, the fertility of the soil, and the luxuri- ance of its vines and grapes.
On the 5th of May he again spread his sails. Coasting along the shores of New England, a distance of four hundred and fifty miles, keeping the land ever in view, he must have entered the great gulf of Maine. He gives quite a minute report of the coast of Maine, and of his intercourse with its inhabitants.1
He found the region mountainous, with dense forests of pines, hemlocks, spruce, firs, and such other trees as flourish in cold climates. He did not know that his predecessor in visiting that coast, Gaspar Cortereal, had practised, but three or four years before, villany upon the natives even surpassing his own ; for, while he had stolen but one boy, Cortereal had kidnapped fifty-seven of the unoffending Indians. He was therefore sur- prised to find that the Indians of Maine did not receive him with smiles of welcome. He writes, -
" They seein very different from the other Indians we have met. The others were very courteous and gentle. But these are rude and hostile. They are so barbarous, that by no efforts could we induce them to have any traffic with us. They clothe themselves with the skins of beasts. Their food, so far as we could perceive, was obtained from hunting and
1 Hakluyt's Voyages, vol. iii. p. 295. London, 1600.
27
THE HISTORY OF MAINE.
fishing, with certain fruits and roots which grew spontaneously. They had no grain, and we saw no sign of tillage. They would sometimes come to the seashore, and stand upon craggy rocks, while we approached in our boats beneath. They would let down a rope with whatever they were pleased to offer, demanding, in return, knives, fishhooks, and tools. They took no account of our courtesy, but kept a careful watch, that we should not be permitted to land. When we had nothing more to exchange, and departed, they showed all the signs of hatred which it was possible to invent. We went on shore with twenty-five armed men. They shot at us with their bows, made great outcries, and fled to the woods." 1
There is something truly affecting in the account thus given of the dread with which these outraged Indians regarded the kidnapping Europeans. Everywhere in the New World, where the Europeans first landed, they were received with truly brotherly kindness by the natives. They manifested no hostility until they became exasperated by the most atrocious wrongs.
During these years there were many private expeditions fitted out from England, France, Spain, and Portugal, of which no record has been made. It is certain that many of these unprincipled and reckless adventurers cheated, robbed, and insulted the Indians without any mercy.
Verrazano returned to the port of Dieppe, in France, in July, 1524. In his report to the king, he had the assurance to say that he had discovered a new country which had never been seen by any one in ancient or modern times.2
About a year after the voyage of Verrazano, which we have described, the Emperor Charles V. of Spain sent an expedition to the north-east coast of North America to search for a pas- sage to the East Indies. Estevan Gomez was placed in command. He sailed from Corunna on the 10th of February, 1525. We know but little of his voyage, except that he entered many of the bays and ports of New England; that he named the terri- tory, of which Maine is a part, the " Country of Gomez ; " and
1 It is supposed that this landing could not have been many leagues from Portsmouth. But whether it was within the present bounds of Maine, or New Hampshire, cannot be known.
2 The Italian historian, Ramusio, says that Verrazano made another voyage to the New World, where he was killed in a battle with the natives. Others say that he was taken by the Spaniards, and hanged as a pirate.
28
THE HISTORY OF MAINE.
that he was guilty of the enormous crime of "catching as many Indians as he could take on board his small vessels, and carrying them to Spain." We are not told how these poor cap- tives were taken. But it seems probable that he conveyed them to Cuba, a Spanish colony, where he sold them as slaves.
The French had given the territory, then claimed and par- tially occupied by Spain, the Indian name of Norumbega. The limits of the region were exceedingly undefined. At one time it included the whole coast to the southern extreme of Florida. Then it was restricted to New England, afterwards to Maine, and finally to the region of the Penobscot alone. The Penob- scot they called The Great River of Norumbega.1
We have very vague accounts of an English expedition to the coast of Maine in a ship " The . Mary of Guilford," commanded by John Rut. This was in the year 1567. It is said that he frequently landed, with parties of his men, to explore the in- terior. The account which we have of this enterprise is meagre in the extreme. This was the second English expedi- tion after that of Sebastian Cabot. Though Northmen, French- men, and Spaniards had previously landed on the coast of New England, this is the first occasion upon which we are distinctly . informed that the feet of Englishmen pressed our soil.
1 Ramusio, tom. iii. fol. 433. See also Charts of French Discoveries, Maine Historical Collection, vol. i. p. 231. Ramusio writes, "Going beyond the cape of the Bretons, there is a country which extends west south-west to Florida, a good five hundred leagues. The inhabitants of this country are a very pleasant, tractable, and peaceful people. The country is abounding with all sorts of fruit. There grow oranges, almonds, wild grapes, and many other fruits of odoriferous trees. The country is named by the inhabitants Norumbega. Between it and Brazil there is a great gulf, in which are the islands of the West Indies."
-
CHAPTER II.
VOYAGES OF THEVET, PRING, DE MONTS, AND WEYMOUTH.
Journal of Thevet - Pring's Voyage - His Description of Penobscot Bay - De Monts Patent - His Strange Adventures-Takes Possession in the Name of the King of France -- Alarm in England-Weymouth's Expedition -- Anchors at Mohegan and Pemaquid - Friendly Intercourse with the Natives - Infamous Conduct of Weymouth - Kidnapping the Natives - Exploration of the Kennebec - Planting the Cross - The Homeward Voyage.
TN the year 1556, a French gentleman by the name of André Thevet, a scholar and a writer of much repute, desiring to see the New World, took passage in a vessel which sailed along the entire east coast of both South and North America.1 Thevet visited the coast of Maine, and gives the following description of the Penobscot River : -
" Here we entered a river which is one of the finest in the whole world. We call it Norumbega. It is marked on some charts as the Grand River. The natives call it Agoncy. Several beautiful rivers flow into it. Upon its banks the French formerly erected a small fort, about ten leagues from its mouth. It was called the Fort of Norumbega, and was surrounded by fresh water.
"Before you enter this river, there appears an island surrounded by eight small islets. These are near the country of the Green Mountains. About three leagues into the river, there is an island four leagues in cir- cumference, which the natives call Aiayascon .? It would be easy to plant on this island, and to build a fortress, which would hold in check the whole surrounding country. Upon landing, we saw a great multitude of people
1 Thevet gave a very interesting account of this voyage in a work entitled, "Les Singularités de la France Antarctique, autrement nomme Amerique." (The Singularities of Antarctic France, otherwise called America.)
2 Islesborough.
29
---
30
THE HISTORY OF MAINE.
coming down upon us in such numbers that you might have supposed them to be a flight of starlings. The men came first, then the women, then the boys, then the girls. They were all clothed in the skins of wild animals.
" Considering their aspect, and mode of advancing, we mistrusted them, and retired on board our vessel. They, perceiving our fear, made signs of friendship. The better to assure us, they sent to our vessel several of their principal men, with presents of provisions. We returned a few trinkets of little value, with which they were highly pleased. The next morning, I, with some others, was commissioned to meet them, to see if we could obtain more provisions, of which we stood in great need. As we entered the house of the chief, who was called Peramick, we saw several slaughtered animals hanging on the beams.
" The chief gave us a hearty welcome. To show his affection he ordered a fire to be built, on which meat and fish were placed to be roasted. Upon this some warriors came in, bringing to the chief the dissevered heads of six men whom they had taken in battle. The sight terrified us. Fearing that we might suffer in the same way, we, towards evening, secretly retired to our ship, without bidding our host good-by.
" This greatly displeased him. In the morning he came to the ship with three of his children. Ilis countenance was very sad, for he thought he had offended us. He said to me, in his own language, -
"' Go back on land with me, my friend and brother. Come and eat and drink such as we have. We assure you upon oath, by heaven, earth, moon, and stars, that you shall not fare worse than we do ourselves.'
" Seeing the good affection of this old man, twenty of us went again on land, all well armed. We went to his house, where we were feasted, and presented with whatever he possessed. Meanwhile large numbers of his people arrived. They all greeted us in the most affectionate manner, de- claring that they were our friends. Late in the evening, when we wished to retire, they all entreated us to remain through the night. But we could not be persuaded to sleep with them. And so we retired to our vessel. Having remained in this place five days, we weighed anchor, and, parting from them with a marvellous contentment on both sides, went out upon the open sea." 1
Nearly half a century passes away before we have any other tidings of importance in reference to Maine. There were many expeditions to other parts of the New World, an account of which would not be in place here. In the year 1602 an English naviga- tor, Bartholomew Gosnold, crossed the Atlantic ; and it is said by some, while it is disputed by others, that he touched the coast of
1 Mass. Hist. Coll., vol. vii. p. 243.
---
31
THE HISTORY OF MAINE.
Maine near Mount Desert.1 The next year (1603) Martin Pring, with two vessels, " The Speedwell " and " The Discover," sailed from Milford Haven, with clothing, hardware, and trinkets, to trade with the natives for furs and for sassafras, which was deemed an herb of great medicinal value.
On the 7th of June, Pring entered Penobscot Bay. He gives a glowing account of the almost unrivalled scenery there pre- sented. They found excellent anchorage, and fishing-ground never surpassed. The majestic forests deeply impressed them. Upon one of the islands they saw a number of silver-gray foxes. This led them to give the name of Fox Islands to the group. Sailing along the coast in a south-easterly direction, they passed by the beautiful islands which stud Casco Bay, and entered a river which was probably the Saco. This they ascended about six miles. It seems probable that they also entered the Kenne- bunk and York Rivers. Finding no natives to trade with, they sailed farther south, where they obtained quite a valuable cargo.2
The same year (1603) Henry IV. of France issued a patent granting to De Monts the region of North America between the fortieth and forty-sixth degrees of latitude ; that is, all the terri- tory between the island of Cape Breton and the mouth of the Hudson River. There was no western boundary but the Pacific Ocean. He was entitled to the exclusive trade with the natives, and was authorized to colonize and rule this vast territory accord- ing to his discretion. This realm of truly imperial territorial grandeur was called Acadia, a corruption of Arcadia in Greece.3
De Monts first made the land near the present site of Liver- pool in Nova Scotia. It was on the 6th of May, 1604. Sailing around Cape Sable, he entered the Bay of Fundy, and, cruising along the eastern shore, found an admirable harbor, encircled by protecting hills, and yet opening to fertile valleys. This place
1 Mr. Rufus King Sewall, in his valuable book entitled " Ancient Dominions of Maine," argues that Norumbega was not a province, but a large Indian town at the mouth of the Damariscotta River, between the Kennebec and the Penobscot. See the question fully discussed pp. 31-35.
2 A Brief Narration of the Original Undertakings for the Advancement of Plan- tations in America. By Sir Ferdinando Gorges. London, 1658.
8 British Dominion in America, book iii. part ii. 246. Some have argued that the name was derived from an Indian tribe.
32
THE HISTORY OF MAINE.
was selected for the location of a small colony, and it received the name of Port Royal. Subsequently, upon the province . being ceded to England, the name was changed to Annapolis, in honor of the British queen Anne. This was in the extreme west of the present province of Nova Scotia.
De Monts, leaving a companion, M. Poutrincourt, in charge of the colony, continued his voyage.1 Crossing the Bay of Fundy to what is now New Brunswick, he discovered a large river, to which he gave the name of St. John, which name it still retains. He then continued his course to Passamaquoddy Bay, now the extreme eastern border of the State of Maine. He explored this bay, and ascended the St. Croix and Schoodic Rivers to an island containing about fifteen acres. It being late in fall, De Monts decided to pass the winter there. Selecting a spot easy of defence, in the midst of a grand forest which afforded shelter from the piercing northern winds, he built several log-cabins for his men.
The winter was very severe, so that they kept much of the time within their dwellings. Occasionally savages were seen ; and it would appear that De Monts stood in great fear of them. He planted cannon to command the approaches, kept a constant watch night and day, and seems to have discouraged all advances on the part of the Indians. He was probably unwilling to have them know his weakness. His people suffered terribly from the scurvy. Out of a ship's company of about eighty, thirty-six died during the winter.2
It was not until the middle of May that the survivors were able to re-embark in search of a milder climate. Coasting west- wardly, they entered Penobscot Bay. Thence, continuing their cruise, they cast anchor at the mouth of the Kennebec. Here De Monts raised a cross, and took possession of the country in the name of the King of France. He traversed Casco Bay, occa- sionally casting anchor at attractive spots along the silent shores, which seemed to invite a settlement. But his company being greatly diminished, and the Indians being manifestly
1 In reference to this settlement, see Holmes's Am. Ann., p. 148.
2 History of De Monts' Voyages, par Mark L'Escarbot, translated in Churchill's Coll., p. 796. L' Escarbot accompanied De Monts on this expedition.
33
THE HISTORY OF MAINE.
unfriendly, as well they might be, after going as far south as Cape Cod, he returned to Port Royal.
Here De Monts found another ship from France, and an acces- sion of forty men to strengthen the colony. He constructed a fort, built several log-houses, and, having given minute direction for the management of affairs, returned to France. Four gentlemen of much distinction were left to administer the government of the colony, and to explore the country.
Rumors of these important movements reached the British government. The immensity of the territory which France claimed, and the efforts of the French to colonize those countries, created alarm. The Earl of Southampton, with Lord Arundel and others, under the patronage of the crown, fitted out a ship to visit these coasts. The object proclaimed was to find a north- west passage to India. The real object was to watch the proceedings of the French, and to prepare the way for the establishment of English colonies.
A thoroughly-built, well-furnished ship, " The Archangel," sailed from the Downs on the 31st of March, 1605. Capt. George Weymouth was in command. On the 12th of May the white sands of Cape Cod hove in sight. He directed his course northerly toward the coast of Maine. On the 17th he came to an island about six miles from the shore, and about noon cast anchor upon its north side.
The island, to his eyes weary of gazing upon the drear expanse of the ocean, appeared very beautiful. He judged the island to be about six miles in circumference, embracing an area of a thousand acres. The anchorage was good, and cod and had- dock were caught in abundance. Waterfowl in large flocks were hovering over the cliffs. Weymouth went on shore in his long-boat, and took possession of the island in the name of King James I., King of England. He also erected a cross, in token that the Christian religion was to be there established. He soon after gave a very terrible exhibition of his practical piety. From his mast-head he discerned far away in the distance the peaks of a ridge of mountains. To the island he gave the name of St. George. It is now generally admitted that this was the present island of Monhegan.
8
34
THE HISTORY OF MAINE
After a tarry here of two days, taking in wood and water, on Sunday the 19th Weymouth again spread his sails, and, passing several other islands, reached the mainland at the distance of about nine miles. Rosier, the historian of the voyage, writes : "It pleased God to send us, far beyond our expectations, in a most safe berth, defended from all winds, in an excellent depth of water for ships of any burden, and which was named Pente- cost Harbor."
Weymouth, with a well-armed party, explored the shores : others engaged in fishing. They obtained an abundance of delicious salmon, and other fishes in great variety. They also feasted upon lobsters and other shell-fish. Wild currants were found, and luxuriant vines which promised an abundance of grapes. They found the soil to be very rich. Digging a gar- den, they planted pease, barley, and other seeds, which in sixteen days grew up eight inches. This was the first attempt made by Europeans to cultivate the soil of Maine.
Fourteen well-armed men were sent out in a boat on an exploring tour. From the account given, it is supposed that they visited Squirrel Island and Cape Newagen. In accordance with the custom of the times, Weymouth raised a cross upon every important point at which he touched. On the 30th of May, Capt. Weymouth, leaving fourteen men in charge of the ship, which was carefully moored, took thirteen men, in the pinnace, to survey the channels and the adjoining region.
About five o'clock in the evening of this day three canoes were seen, in a distant part of the harbor, moving towards the ship. They landed upon a point not far from the anchorage, and the men built a fire. The crew of " The Archangel" tried to make friendly signs, and beckoned them to come on board. Soon a canoe, with three men, put off from the shore. Drawing near, one of the men, standing up in the canoe, hailed the crew in a loud tone of voice, but in language which they could not understand.
The crew exhibited knives, hatchets, beads, and other trin- kets, to lure them on board. But the Indians had doubtless heard of the fiendlike treachery which previous European vis- itants had practised. They dared not trust themselves with
·
35
1766767
THE HISTORY OF MAINE.
men who had been guilty of kidnapping crimes, at which even savages might blush. But the bribe presented was almost resistless. Cautiously they paddled alongside. A few articles were tossed to them, which they received with evident delight ; but nothing could induce them to go on board the ship. They soon returned to their companions on the shore.
This canoe was of birch-bark. The Indians were men of ordinary size, and of very symmetrical forms. Their bodies and faces were painted with various colors. They were very slightly dressed, with mantles of neatly tanned deer-skin fas- tened around the neck, and hanging nearly to the knees ; a flap of beaver-skin covered the loins ; and their feet were shod with leather buskins. The hair on the top of the head was long, and bound in a tuft.
The next morning, apparently the same men came alongside again. They were finally induced to come on board. They ate heartily of the food which was presented, and gazed with astonishment upon the various objects which met their eyes. Being informed, by signs, that the object of the expedition was to open a friendly trade with the Indians, exchanging with them hatchets, knives, and other articles, for skins and furs, they seemed much pleased, and returned to their companions on the shore in a very happy frame of mind.
It is inferred, from the narrative, that Weymouth, in his pinnace, ran along the coast to the north-east about sixty miles, that he entered Penobscot Bay, and ascended the river as far as Camden Heights, there they landed, and spent a day in hunt- ing. They then followed up the stream as far as Belfast Bay. Here they erected a cross ; " which," Rosier writes, " was a thing never omitted by any Christian travellers."
The charms of Penobscot Bay and River, as witnessed in the illumination of bright June mornings, seem to have delighted these voyagers as they had others who preceded them. The scenery is described as beautiful in the extreme, with luxuriant forests and verdant meadows. The river was wide, deep, and of crystal purity. A great variety of birds of varied plumage flitted through the groves, and their songs filled the air. There were many sheltered groves, with grassy banks, luring the voy-
-
36
THE HISTORY OF MAINE.
agers to the shore. In glowing phrase the journalist of the expedition writes, -
" Many who had been travellers in sundry countries, and in most famous rivers, affirmed them not comparable to this. It is the most beautiful, rich, large, secure-harboring river that the world affordeth."
The shallop returned to the ship. There is some diversity of opinion as to the spot of this anchorage. Some have supposed it to be at what is now called Townsend Harbor in Boothbay ; others think that the vessel was moored in the harbor of what is called Fisherman's Island.
The Indians began to regain confidence, and soon twenty- eight appeared. Gradually they went on board the ship. Quite a brisk trade was carried on in the exchange of knives, beads, and such articles, for the skins of the beaver, the otter, and the sable. The natives were quite astonished at the process of writing, and watched with intense curiosity the writing down the names of the articles bought and sold. The captain excited their amazement by magnetizing the point of his sword, and then taking up with it needles, knives, and other such articles.
Two of the Indians were invited to sup with the captain ; and they remained to attend the evening religious service. They behaved with the utmost decorum. Very modestly, and with kind regard for their wives and daughters, which was hardly to be expected, they asked the favor that a portion of a delicious dish of pease might be sent to the ladies It was given to them in pewter dishes, which in their eyes were more splendid than plates of gold to their entertainers. The dishes were all carefully brought back.
Some of the ship's company visited the little Indian encamp- ment on the shore. They were treated with all the hospitality which could possibly be shown. A large fire was built, around which the Indians silently and respectfully gathered. Seats were carefully prepared for the guests, with cushions of deer- skin. The Indians had no delicacies with which to feast them, but they offered pipes and tobacco. The interview was a very pleasant one, though it could only be carried on by signs. The
37
THE HISTORY OF MAINE.
bows, arrows, and javelins of the Indians were examined. The bows were very strong: a feeble arm could scarcely bend them ; but sinewy muscles would throw an arrow to a great distance. The javelins were very skilfully made of wood, which had almost the toughness and flexibility of steel. They were barbed with some very hard bone.
One of the ship's company, Owen Griffin, was left on shore for the night. He was watchfully to observe every movement, to see if there were any indications of treachery. Three of the Indians were taken back to the ship as hostages for the safety of Griffin. The sumptuous couch prepared for the sav- ages was a mattress of old sails spread on what is called the orlop deck. There were one or two dogs on board. It would seem that these Indians were not very kindly received by the fierce dogs of the English : they stood in great terror of them, and feared to move about until the dogs were tied up.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.