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TJJl', NEW Cliljhc.il (,)f T-hTK P.' i^.i^TUK.'- .SnLlLr\ LN PLYMOUTH , MASj
/'12* ,'' iy Mars?t . Caperi i: Lycm . Soyton, . I
HISTORY
OF THE
TOWN OF PLYMOUTH
FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT IN 1620, TO TH E YEAR 1832.
BY JAMES THACHER, M. D., A. A. S. &c.
Ask thy fathers, and they will show thee ; thy elders, and they will tell thee.
/ BOSTONi MARSH, CAPEN & LYON
183-2.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1839, by Marsh, Cafsc!' A»D Ltow, in the Clerk's OflSice of the District Court of Masscchusotts.
W*ITT AND DOW'S Pre SB.
PREFACE
The design of this publication is to present a minute iciarrative of the settlement of the oldest town in the New England territories.
^ Those who have reviewed the numerous local histo- ries produced by learned antiquarians, may imagine that httle remains of pilgrim story for the exercise of anoth- er pen, but the gleanings which escape the research, or would not comport with the views of the technical historian, may yet be found to bear a peculiar interest in a^ memoir of less import, and should not be lost to so- ciety. There are, moreover, numerous events and in- cidents of more recent occurrence, which the antiquari- an would lament should be consigned to the shades of ob- livion. The author has endeavored to exhibit a faith- ful delineation of the characters of our venerated fath- ers, from whom we inherit civil and religious founda^ tions incomparably the wisest and best that ever a po- litical body bequeathed to their posterity. It is from our fathers, that we receive instruction in the radical prin- ciples,which are recognized at the present era as the im- mutable laws of the rights of man, and their noble a- chievements were highly prized and gloriously sustained by the sages of our revolution in 1776. Let not, there- fore, the sons dishonor their father's holy standard ; it was their ardent zeal and heavenly mindedness, that prompted them to commence the race of liberty and freedom, and their spirits, tracing through the eye of faith the glorious destiny of future generations, were sustamed by a holy trust. Thej may have had a pro-
IV PREFACE.
phetic vision of their descendants assembling in mag- nificent temples, gratefully chanting their father's prais- es, and inculcating those pure principles of virtue and religion which they assiduously cherished as the ob- jects of their fondest attachment.
This work is the result of much investigation and research, the materials are derived from the most sub- stantial sources, as the Old Colony records, Judge Da- vis's edition of Morton's memorial, Historical society's collections, Belknap's biography, Winthrop's history by Savage. Hutchinson's history, and Baylies history of the Old Colony.
Although this is not to be considered as an elaborate history, it may be presumed that no essential portion of local matter interesting to the antiquarian has been overlooked. The invaluable document furnished by- Judge Davis's edition of Morton's memorial will ever be resorted to with peculiar interest, and this consider- ation precludes the necessity, if not propriety of a more extended narrative.
The author feels bound to express his acknowledge- ments to Rossetter Cotton Esq., for assistance from the public records, and to Dr Winslow Warren for his re- view of the manuscript, and to Isaac Goodwin Esq., of Worcester for useful communications. Other gentle- men who have encouraged the undertaking will please to accept of his thanks. We are indebted to George W. Brimmer Esq. for the drawings which embellish the work and for which our acknowledgements are due.
James Thacher
Plymouth, July 4, 1832.
P. S. The author would be much gratified were it in his power to enter particularly into genealogical de- tail of families, but this would greatly exceed the lati- tude originally prescribed and swell the volume to an inconvenient size. Could he have indulged in his own personal feelings many more worthies would have been mentioned which are entitled to a kind remembrance.
IN DEX.
A.
Adams, John, 165.
Adams, John Quinc-y, 165, 229.
A^awam, (Ipswich.) 21.
Agawam, (Buzzard's Bay,) 156.
Agriculture, 336.
Agents for obtaining charter, 166.
Akien, John, 31, 112, 167.
his death and character, 163.
. his descendants, 164, 165.
Allerton,John,81,85, Alarm in town, 214. Almshouse, 366. Anecdotes of Tories, 208, 209,
of Ma-sasoit,90.
of Indian constable, 158.
of Capt, M. Standish, 112.
Andros, Sir Edmund, 161,162, 165. Anawon and Tispiquin, hard late
of, 146. Anniversary of forefathers should
be 21st, not 22d Dec. 25. . celebration of, 180, 181,186,
192, 229. 232, 242, 246, 259,
267, 276, 277. Anniversary ot Independence,
269, 271. Assistants, 71,96.
their salary, 134.
Atwood, John, death of, 102. Aspinet, Sachem, 45. American Antiquarian Society,
252.
Archbishop Laud's arbitrary con- duct, 296.
Arch stone bridge built, 239.
B. Bacon, Rev. Ja.ob, 312. Balfour, Captain, and his officers,
210, 211 Bank, Plymouth, 368.
Old Colony, 368.
Savings, 368.
Baptist Society, 322.
Belknap, Rev. Dr. 112, 113,283.
Bay of Plymouth, 352.
ofMassachusetts,352.
Beach, Plymouth, 356.
Bell presented to the town, 225.
Billington, John, first offender, 39
— — executed, 86.
By-law of the town, 2.33.
Billington, Sea, 32, 346.
Birth day of our nation, 24.
^ of Washington, 278.
Blossom, Thomas, 291. Boarding house, 366. Bookstore, '^66.
Barque built at Plymouth, 99. Battle with Indians, 143. Bradford, William, Governor, 19,
23,41,49,70,73,85,90,98.
death and posterity, 113,
117,354.
— — his wife drowned, 23, 114.
Bradford, William, deputy Gov- ernor, 118, 354, 167.
Bradford, LeBaron, 221.
Brewster, William, Elder, 68.
. death of, 103, 292.
character and posterity, 292.
Brooks and ponds, 349.
Burial hill, 351.
Bradford, Alden, 119, 248, 253 277.
Bradlord, Gamaliel, 119.
Brazer, Kev. Mr. 278.
C.
Carver, John, first Governor, 18,
37, .39 death and burial, 40.
VI
INDEX.
Clark's Island, first landing on,23
description of, 359.
sold, 165, 360.
Clark, Thomas, 24, 355. Clark, Nathaniel, 162, 167. Clark's house destroyed, and peo- ple murdered, 143.
Clark, Silver Head Torn, 143,
Chilton, Mary, 31.
Commerce and navigation, 339.
Close of Colonial Government, 167.
Cod Fishery, 342.
Cape Cod, first landing at, 15,
Coasting vessels, 345.
Cattle and goats disiributed, 81.
Civic Festival, 224.
Careswell, 109.
Centennial celebration, 246.
Centennial birthday of Washing- ton. 278.
Cole's Hill, 29, 206, 355.
Compact of the Pilgrims, 16.
Combination against the settlers, 62.
Commission from King Charles I. 296.
Charier with the great seal, 85.
Charter uniting the t\vo colonies, 166,
Committee of corre?pondence, and of vigilance, 200, 206.
Committee respecting sale of spir- its, 241.
Club, Old Colony, 179 to 198.
Congregational Church, 289.
Church, Leyden, 81, 85.
Church of PlynK)uth send dele- gates to Salem ordination.85.
conlem plated a removal,
102, 291.
Church membership, a qualifica- tion for freemen, 96, *299.
Colonial confederacy, 100,101. Crumble, William, 321.
Corn hill, 19.
Cold Harbor, 19.
Cannonicus, a Sachem, 49, 50.
Corbitant, a Sachem, 45. 46, 48,
63, 79. Cordage company, of Plymouth,
365. Culprits punished, 41.
. Cotton, Rev. John, Jr. 299.
death of, 301.
Cotton, Josiah, 176, 309.
Cotton, Rev. John, 177.
Cotton, Theophilus, 210.
Cotton, Josiah, 177.
Cotton, Rosseter. 178.
Cotton, Ward, 178.
Cotton Factoi ies, 364.
Court house erected, 174, 335.
Coppin, the pilot, 23.
Cromwell. Thomas, 104.
Crosvvell, Andrew, 308.
Cow yard, 361.
Colonies divided into three coun-
ties, 157. Census at early periods, 168 Census including families and
house*, 332. Cows first brought over, 45. Cows lost on the passage, 86. Chauncy, Dr. Charles, 291. Cudworth, James, 125, 143, 150. Cushinan, Robert, 48, 69, 79. Cushman, Thomas Elder, 295,
303. Cushman, Isaac, 80, 300, 305. Christian Society, 322. Commission frora king Charles II.
131. ^
D.
Davis, Capt. Thomas, 221.
Davis, Thomas Hon. 229.
Davis, William, 270.
Davis, John Hon. 221, 249, 276.
Davis, Samuel, 274.
Davis, Isaac, 221.
Davis, Wendell, 221.
Deer in the forest, 338.
Deer-trap, 19.
De Razier visits Plymouth, 82.
Deputies first sent for legislation,
98. Dwelling houses, number of,
333. Duel, fir«tin the colony, 19. Dawson, Captain, skirmish with,
214. Drought, alarming one, 68. Dwight, Rev. Dr. his excellent
remarks, 169. 320, 354. Deacons, duties of, 289.
INDEX
Vll
E.
Earthquakes, 97, 176, 178. Eells, Rev. Niilhaniel, 311. Ellis, Rev. 307. Eel, river, 349. Elder, duties of, 289. Embargo, 233-
Engines, 346. ^ ,„ . ,
Execution of one of Weston s men, 55.
of John Billington, 86.
, of three young men, 97.
oflhree Indians, 142.
of a soldier foi desertion, 145.
of Elizabeth Colson, 173.
Ecclesiastical history. 281 to 328. Eel River church and society ,322. Everett, Professor, 267. Electors, qualificalions of, 167.
F.
threatenened in town,
Famine 68. Fanal, Captain, shipwrecked, 229.
Faunce, Thomas, Elder, 29, 30,
156, 303, 312, 355, note. First encounter, 23, First child born, 22. First patent, 67. First Jury, 70. First General Assembly, 98. First Selectmen, 105. First prison erected, 98. First water null, 86. First union of colonies, 100. Fishery, Cod and Mackerel, 342. Forefathers' day, 25. Forefathers' rock, 29, 201. Ferdiniind, Gorges, 297. Fortification., 53, 87, 92, 100,141. Fortune arrives with passengers,
48. Fort Hill, 351. Frink, Rev. Thomas. 312. Fuller, Dr. Samuel, 85.
death of, 89.
Fuller, Samuel and Bridget, 131,
(note) 304. Free schools, 329.
G.
Governors of Plymouth colony
from 1620 to 1692, 168.
Governor Winthrop visits Ply- mouth, 87.
. his death, 104.
Gorton, Samuel, 96.
Goodman, John, and Peter Brown lost in t ^^ woods, 32.
Goodwin, Nathaniel, 245.
Goodwin, William, 269.
Gray, Edward, and descendants, 353.
Gray, John, 354,
Gurnet and light house, 359.
Great herring pond, 347.
11.
Hampden, John, 59, 60.
Hai bor of Plymouth, 352.
Hills, 350.
Hmckley, Thomas, Governor,
156, 166, 167. Hatherly, Timothy, 69,
death of, 135.
Hayward, Beza, 275. Hobomok, 45, 46, 51, to 62, 63. Howl ami, John, 138. Horses first noticed, 120. Horse given to King Philip, 120. Hovey, Rev. Ivory, 307. Holmes, Rev. Abiel, D. D. 29,
145, 232. Hunt, captured and sold natives,
35, 44. House where the court held their
sessions, 89. High pines, 361.
1.
Jenney, John 99. Jackson, Abraham, 159. Judsoiu Rev. Adoniram, 321. Iron manufactures, 362. Jones, master of Mayflower, 14,
18, 55. Indians, description of, 38. Indian anecdote, 90, 158. Indian Pawaws, 33. Indian massacre, 143. Indian Sachems, miserable death
of, 66. Indian prisoners, treatment of,
146.
vm
INDEX.
Indians sold for slaves, 149. Indian lands purchased for equiv- alent considerations, 145. lyamugh, Sachem, 44. Independency, 212.
K. Kirkland, Rev. Dr. 112, 247. Kendal, Rev. James, D. D, 242 251, 319, 324.
L.
Leonard, Rev. Nathaniel, 306,
309,313,314. Little, Rev. Mr. Ephraim, 304,
306. Laws and penalties, 94.
against Quakers, 123, 126.
against stiong drink, 149.
against sale of tea, 200, 202.
against smoking in the
street, 233.
regulating the Indians, 157.
• of the colonv revised, 138,
158.
Location for settlement, 26.
Lothrop, Isaac, death of, 175.
LotJirop, Isaac, death and char- acter of, 235.
Lothrop, Nathaniel, M. D, 273.
Lafayette, correspondence with, 264.
Le Baron, Dr. Francis, and de- scen(!ants, 171.
Light house, 359.
Ly ford, John, 72 to 76.
Lincoln, Levi Hon. 252.
M.
Mayflower, her burden, 14. ■ arrives at Cape Cod, 15.
names of her passengers, 16.
enters Plymouth harbor, 26.
returns to England, 39.
Massasoit, Intiian chief, 36, 38,
50, 52, 59, 60, 61, 62, 99.
Morton, Nathaniel, Secretary, 167.
death, character and descen- dants, 158.
Morton, Perez, 159.
Morton, Maicus, 158.
Manomit Ponds Parish, 307. Memorial, New England, 136.
160, 161. Militia, 362, Magnanimity of the inhabitants
of Plymouth, 205. Manly, Captain, 214. Monk's Hill, 214. Mills, 348. Meeting house erected, 296, 303.
313, 320. Morton, Thomas, 84. Magee, shipwreckel, 216. Massachusetts tribe of Indians,
47. Murdock, John, 174. Morton, Capt. Nnthaniel, 211. Manufactures, 362. Market, 367. Massacre of English in Virginia,
53. Manomet Buzzard's Bay, 58, 80. Monumental edifice, 262. Meeting house, first parish, 324,
327.
N. Names of passengers in the May- flower, 16.
of those who landed on
Clark's Island, 23.
f those who came in the
Fortune, 48.
of those who have deliver- ed discourses at our anni- versaries, 369.
Narragansets, 45, 49.
Nausets, 35.
Non-importaiion of English
goods, 199. Norton, Rev. Mr. John, 290. Newspapers, 365. New Plymouth first named, 28. Nelson, Capt. Horatio, 220.
O.
Oldham, John. 72 to 76.
Old Colony Club, 179 to 19S.
Old Colony B.nk. .S68.
Oldest grave stone, 353.
Old Colony Peace Society, 368.
Orders by council of war, 103.
INDEX. "
P. ^
,a Quakers intrude themselves,120.
Vainet river, ly. 2! laws and penalties against,
Patuxet, 35. ^„ ,26.
llrolult'atZr °f' Ji^ts. Q«ad;,ui„a_. brothe. of Mass.
Plymouth laws, 94. j^
Paddy, William. 12T, 167,291. • 2^^ 2<,g
'■""'l^Ofi'miBT '"''' lentous tenets of the Plymo-
Persos'gad!,tt;d at Harvard thean fathers 289.
Co,le'ge.332. Sr:e"VonTs'a,d "brooks, 346.
PhiUp^ I^tan k,ng, 129, 142. B.ve.s. p ^^^ ^^^ _^_ ^^^
-Ph.hp s War 142. ^ „ ^^,^„„_ 286.
= 'h'ijt JeS:"™s,"44. ^ — M^ f--eineuer,286. _ hiswi.^aud son captured, _- h- ^ea*, 78, 287.^^ ^^^^
"niedand decapitated, 144. his widow and son Isaac,
— mT^ht^chfeT'us."''" "" P.ohi'n'on's church sentiments ^^;fs''^^„ cruel fate of, 147, as to ecclesiastical government,
Phlpptfsir William, arrives, 166. Robin'.on. congregational church. Patent fraudulently obtained by ^^^323. ^^^ ^h.^iUr, D. D. PategunlH^ngthetwo colonies, _-«• - ran*d"chrrfcter,3ia.
« I -nrv RC! Rock, forefathers' 29, 201.
Prophecying, 88. xvuv,^.
Prince, Tiiomas Governor, 97, ^
Itath of, and descendants, Selectmen first chosen 105
jgg Sausarnan, John, muidered, I4i.
Provision made for pubUc wor- Sacrifice rock, 351. ^shTpard public sdiools, 148, Ships Ann and Little James ar-
J 49 rive, 69.
SrS,1li,300,3i4, iS'JJ^hfppingpost.ae.
Pkin deiding, 189, 3.50. Stages, 366.
l:!i;:im s,|';%? V7. 276. fzj:qt....y school, 218.
?™dfri/err bfo'^ks, 346. Sn^ith^^Rev Mr. Ralph, 84, 290. Peeksuot 64 Statistics, .U2 to 335.
Fokanoket,seatofMassasoit,vis- Steamboat, 345. .
it to, 41 59. fcsickness among the settlers, o^,
Plymouth bp'acb, 356. 89,305.
Pdscilla Mullens, anecdote of, Streets and squares, 333.
112. Stamp act, 17». ^
Penalties inflicted, 93,105,106, Storm, tremendous, 91, 17^.
135,137. S'^IT ' f QiT
' South pond, 347.
INDEX.
Samoset visits the settlers, 34, 36. Standish, Capt. Miles, 33, 50, 57, 58, 64.
his personal combat, 65.
his death, 111.
Synod, 278, 398.
Southworth, Thomas, 116, 137.
Southworth, Constant, 116 , 137.
167. Southworth, Mrs. Alice, 116. Shirley, James, 82. Style, old and new, 15. Scammel Alexander, 182, 185. Shays's insurrection, 221. Spooner, Ephraim, 29, 30, 242.
death and character. 243.
Societies, 367, Souther, Nathaniel, 167. Shipwreck at Cape Ann, 92.
of Capt. Magee, 216.
ofCapt.Farral, 229.
Swords of Standish, Carver and
Brewster, 112. Ship from Plymouth taken by
Turkish man of war, 78. Squanto, 36, 50 to 52.
death of, 56.
Sampson, Capt. Simeon. 222, Sampson, Zabdiel, 272. Shaw, Ichabod, 259. Shaving mills, 219. Strawberry hill. 350. Stacy, Rev. Joseph, 306. Sullivan, William Hon. 276. Sargeant's paintings, 267, 268. Stores and warehouses, 345. Sprague, Samuel, 167.
T.
Terms of peace with Massasoit,
37. Treatment of Indian prisoners,
146. Town, spirited conduct of, 200 to
206.
provideslfor grammar school,
2 J 8.
petition against embargo
and war, 233, 328. petition Congress to repair
the beach, 2tio.
Town sells the town brook, 348. reduced (o great difficulties,
219. Town council, 156. Town meetings and proceedings,
200 to 206. ^
Taverns, 366. Tories and whigs, 207. Thomas, William, death of, 105. Thomas, Dr. William, 228. Thomas, Joshua, 105,
death of, 254.
Thacher, Anthony, 92.
Tea, sale of, prohibited, 200,202,
Topography, 346.
Tonnage, 341.
Temperance, 368.
Third church and congregation,
310, 314, 321. Torrey, Deacon, 313. Thomas, Col. John, 255.
U.
Universalist Society, 323. Vaccination in town, 241.
W.
Watson, John, and son John, 173.
Watson, George, death and char- acter of, 226.
Watson, William, 240,
Watson, John, 210, 248, 263,271
Watson's hill, 36.
Wharves and warehouses, 345.
Wampum, 83.
Wampum's war, 174.
Warren, Richard, and descend- ants, 84,
Warren, James, death of, 172.
Warren, James Hon. death and character, 235.
Warren, Henry, 238.
Wads worth, Peleg, 182, 183.
Whales at Plymouth, 20.
Whale fishery, 343.
Williams, Roger, 87, 290.
WinsIow,Edward Governor, 36, 59, 60, 63, 91.
his death and character,&c.
110.
Winslow, Josiah Governor, 140.
INDEX.
XI
his death and descendants,
150. Winslow, General John, 153,154. White, Susannah, (note) 22. White, Peregrine, 22. White, Hannah, 40, 156. Whitetield, 311. West, Francis, 67. Wittawainat, 58, 64, 65. Weston's settlement at Wattagus-
set, 64, 55, 65.
Winthrop, Governor, 87, 104. Wheelock, President, 112. Wilson, Rev. Mr. 87. Webster, Daniel lion. 247. W^ashington,. death of, noliced,
225.
centennial birth day of,278.
Whig and Tory, 207.
Washey, a Chinese gentleman,
240. Young men's celebration, 278.
Fold-out Placeholder
ut is being digitized, and will be inserted at a future date.
HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH
This ancient town, the cradle of New England, com- prised, in its original limits, the present town, together with Kingston, Plympton, Carver, that part of Ware- ham called Agawam, and part ofHahfax. Its Indian name was Patuxet. In its present state, it is 16 miles long, from north to south, and from 5 to 16 miles in breadth. It is bounded by Kingston on the north, Plympton and Carver west, Wareham southwest, and Sandwich, south. The whole extent on the east is bound- ed by the sea shore. It is situated in latitude 41° 58% and is 38 miles south of Boston. The bay, or har- bor, at the head of which the town stands is formed by a narrow beach, which extends from Marshfield south- erly six miles, the head of which is a high knoll, called Gurnet, on which stands the light-house; and by another beach, which extends from the mouth of Eel River in Plymouth, northerly about three miles. Within the Gurnet nose, and not very remote from the point of Plymouth beach, is situated Saquish and Clark's Island. Saquish is connected with the Gurnet by a narrow beach. On the shores of this bay, northerly, are situated the villages of Duxbury and Kingston.
History, The imperious causes justly assigned by the Pilgrims for their abandonment of their native soil, the numerous obstacles which they were called to en- 2
14 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1620
counter, and their preparations for the hazardous voy- ' age cannot be admitted uitliin the designed limits of , this work, but the inquisitive reader is referred to | more elaborate histories, for general information. I shall therefore commence my undertaking with the period when the exiles first reached the shores of unex- plored New England, and were in search for the most eligible place for settlement ; and where is the event in Divine Providence more worthy of particular and grateful commemoration ? It is a delightful task to re- trospect to those interesting scenes when, in every step, we discover a christian's faith and holy zeal, and in every exigence, the guidance and protection of Al- mighty power and wisdom. While the establishment of a colony and an Independent Church was their pri- mary object, it was ordained, that our fathers should be the founders of an empire. It will be my pleasing employment to search ancient records, and collate the memorials of their cheerless days. Not a step do we take, but we trace the footsteps of the pilgrims; our :! possessions have been their possessions ; not the town only, but the whole country is a monument of their sacrifices. In portraying the history of the town, we disclose the essential elements of the puritan character, and demonstrate the noble spirit by which the puritans were actuated. 'Of all monuments,' says an elegant writer, ' raised to the memory of distinguished men, the most appropriate, and the least exceptionable, are those, whose foundations are laid in their own works, and which are constructed of materials, supplied and wrought by their own labors. ' — /. (^uincy, Esq^s. Life of his Father.
It is incumbent, therefore, on the historian, faithfully * and impartially to transmit to posterity these materials^ that the noble fabric may with facility be constructed. The Mayflower, according to Secretary Morton, was of burden about nine score, or 180 tons, of which Mr. Jones was master. This ship after many discouraging
1620] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 15
vicissitudes sailed from Plymouth, their last English port, September 6, 1620; and having experienced a perilous voyage, tiiey made the land of Cape Cod on the 9th of November, and on the 11th, old style,* anchored safely in the harbor, having on board 101 English settlers, including 28 females who accompanied their husbands, and 42 children and servants. On their arrival their spirits aspired to heaven, and, falling on their knees, they blessed God who had brought them over the vast and furious ocean, and delivered them from many perils and miseries.
Tlieir original destination was Hudson's River, that they might be within the Virginia patent; but the Cap- tain, being bribed by the Dutch Governor, conducted them to New England, which placed them beyond the protection of English charters. Tiiis providential event, however, proved auspicious to their enterprise, as the native inhabitants of this place had been destroyed by pestilence a few years before. On the day of their arrival at Cape Cod, they landed 15 or 16 men, headed by Capt. Miles Standish, well armed, to procure wood and reconnoitre the place. They immediately com- menced repairing the shallop, that they might explore the harbors and shores. Well aware of the indispensa- ble necessity of adopting a salutary form of government
* Style is olrl and new. The correction of the calender by Pope Gregory, in 1582, was not adopted by the British parliament ill 1751, wlien it was directed that eleven days in September, 1752, should be retrenched, and the third day of that month wns reckon- ed the fourteenth. Tliis mode of reckoning is ca led weif style. and the year was made to commence on the first of January instead of the twenty-fifth of March, Before the year 1752, there was sometimes a confusion in dates, beiiig diffirult to determine wheth- er January, February and a part of March clo^ed-tlie yr'ar, or be- gsn the new one. Hence tlie made of double dates, as March 20th, 1676-7. This would be 1676 old stylf, because it would lack five day- to complete the year; but in the new style i iwould be '77, because according to that style the year commence < the first of JanuarVt and March is the third month in the new year. The double dating has not been practised since the year 1752, See note on pp. 23, 24.
^^ HISTORY OF PLY5I0UTH. [1620
to restrain the vicious and the perverse, after solemnly invoking (he throne of grace, they unanimously sub- scribed to the following judicious compact.
' [n the name of God, amen. We whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread sovereim lord. King James, by the grace of God, of Great Brit- am, 1^ ranee and Ireland, king, defender of the faith, &c havuig undertaken, for the glory of God and advance- ment of the christian faith and honor of our king and country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do, by these presents, sol- emnly and mutually, in the presence of God and of one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation, and furtherance of the ends aforesaid ; and by virtue hereof, do enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal laws and ordinances, acts, constitutions and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient, for the general good of t^he colo- ny, unto which we promise all due subjection and obedience. In witness whereof, we nave hereunto subscribed our names, at Cape Cod, the Uth day of November, m the year of the reign of our sovereiga^ l.ord King James of England, France and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth, Anno Dom- ini 1620.'
This compact was subscribed in the following order by
TIT T , r. No. in family. No. in family.
Mr. John Carver f 8 John Alden 1 Mr. William Bradford f 2 Mr. Samuel Fuller 2 Mr. Edward Winslow f 5 * Mr. Christopher Mar- Mr. William Brewster f 6 tin f 4 Mr. Isaac Allerton f 6 * Mr. William Mullins + 5 Capt. Miles Standish f 2 * Mr. William White f 5^
* Those with this mark Lrought their wives. t Thos-e who died before the^end of the next March are distin- guished by an astei ijsk.
1620]
HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH.
17
No, in family.
(Besides a son born in Cape Cod harbor, and named Peregrine) Mr. Richard Warren John Howland (of Car- ver's family)
* Edward Fuller f ^ John Turner Francib Eaton f
* James Chilton f
* John Crackslon John Bellington f
* Moses Fletcher
* John Goodman *Degory Priest
* Thomas Williams Gilbert VVinslow
* Edward Marge son
No. in family.
Peter Brow^n 1
* Richard Butteridge 1
Geoige Soule (of Ed- ward Winslow's family) Mr. Stephen Hopkins f 8 4 3 2 2 3 2 1 1 1 1
^ Edward Tilley f
* John Tilley f Francis Cook
* Thomas Rogers
* Thomas Tinker f
* John Ridgdale f ^ Richard Clarke Richard Gardiner
* John Allerton
* Thomas English Edward Dotey, Ed- ward Leister (both of Ste- phen Hopkins' flmiily.)
* This brief, and comprehensive, and simple instru- ment established a most important principle, a principle which is the foundation of all the democratic institutions of America, and is the basis of the republic; and how- ever it nsay be expanded and complicated in our various constitutions, however unequally power may be dis- tinguished in the different branches of our various gov- ernments, has imparted to each its strongest and most striking characteristic.
'Many philosophers have since appeared, who have, in labored treatises, endeavored to prove the doctrine, that the rights of man are unalienable, and nations have bled to defend and enforce them ; yet in this dark age the age of despotism and superstition, when no toiigue dared to assert, and no pen to write this bold and novel doctrine, which was then as much at defiance with common opinion as with actual power, of which the monarch was then held to be the sole fountain, and the theory was universal, that all popular rights were 2*
^
IS HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1620
granted by the crown, in this remote wilderness amongst a small and unknown band of wandering out- casts, ihe principle that the will of the majority of the people shall govern, was first conceived, and was first practically exemplified.
* The pilgrims, fi^om their notions of primitive Chris- tianity, the force of circumstances, and that pure moral feeling which is the offspring of true religion, discover- ed a truth in the science of government which had been concealed for ages. On the bleak shore of a barren wilderness, in the midst of desolation, with the blast of winter howling around them, and surrounded wiih dan- gers in their most awful and appalling forms, the pil- grims of Leyden laid the foundation of American liber- ty.'— Baylies, vol. i. p. 29.
John Carver v/as elected to officiate as Governor for one year. Seventeen days elapsed before the shallop could be repaired fit for service ; during the interval the new comers employed themselves in ex- ploring the shores in the long-boat, and traversing the woods on Cape Cod. On Monday, November 13th, the women were set ashore to wash, and their shal- lop brought on shore for repairs. The men formed a company to travel into the interior to view the land, and endeavor to discover the inhabitants: they were commanded by Capt. Miles Standish, well armed, and master Jones, of the Mayflower, being desirous of join- ing in the excursion, was made their leader. They spent two or three days ranging the woods, and saw five In- dians at some distance, but they were shy and made their escape. They discovered no houses, but found a large in n ship's kettle, and near it a considerable quantity of Indian corn in the ears, of various colors, buried under ground in handsome baskets. This was a new article to the settlers, and they availed themselves of the opportunity to supply their wants. They car- ried away the kettle and a quantity of corn, with the hon- est intention of replacing it when opportunity should offer, which they eventually did..
1620] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 19
The place which ihey visited was Pamet River, now in Truro. Whilst wandering in the woods they observed a young sappling bent down to the earth, and some acorns strewed underneath. Stephen Hopkins said it was a deer trap ; IVlr. William Bradford, after- wards governor, stepping too near, it gave a sudden jerk up and caught him by the leg ; it was said to have been a very pretty device, made with a rope of Indian fabric, and having a noose so ingeniously contrived as to answer all the purposes of entrapping deer. When 'the shallop was fit for service, 34 men embarked in her, and in the long-boat, on an excursion to explore the shores in search of a place for settlement. They landed at the mouth of Pamet River, in Truro, to which they gave the name of Cold Harbor, the weather being extremely cold and stormy. From hence they march- ed several miles into the woods, without making any satisfactory discovery, but shot two geese and six ducks, which seived them well for supper. In their travels they found sundry sand heaps, under which they found Indian corn, and named the place Corn Hill. They found also two or three basketf of Indian wheat, a bag of beans, and a bottle of oil. From this store they took to themselves about ten bushels of corn and beans, which afforded them essential relief, and supplied them with seed corn, for which they resolved to make resti- tution. Having marched 5 or 6 miles into the woods, they saw neither houses nor inhabitants, but came to a large square, having the appearance of a capacious burial-place. On digging in the ground, they met with mats, a bow, a carved boaid, bowls, trays, dishes, and trinkets. Under a large new mat were iw^o bundles ; on opening the largest, was discovered a quantity of fine red powder, in which was enveloped the bones and skull of a man. The skull was covered with yellow hair, and there were bound up with a knife a pack- needle, and pieces of old iron. It was hound up in a sailor's canvas cassock and a pair of cloth breeches.
20 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1620
The red powder was a kind of embalment, and yielded a strong but not offensive smell. In the lesser package was the same kind of powder, and the bones and head of a little child ; about the legs and some other parts were bound strings and bracelets of fine white beads: there were also a little bow and some trinkets. Whilst searching in the woods, two of the sailors discovered two Indian houses, from which the inhabitants had lately departed. They were formed with long young sapling trees, bended, and both ends stuck into the ground and covered, tops and sides, with well-wrought mats. Within were found wooden bowls, trays, and dishes, earthen pots, hand-baskets made of crab-shells wrought together, also an English pail or bucket. Here were also deers' heads and horns, deers' feet, eagles' claws, two or three baskets full of parched acorns, and pieces of fish and herring.
It now became a question with the settlers whether Cape Cod should be adopted as their permanent resi- dence, or search be made for a more eligible situation. In their deliberation on the occasion, different opinions resulted. In favor of the place, it was alleged, 1. that the harbor was convenient for boats, though not for ships : 2. there was good corn ground, as was evi- dent by the remaining stubble : 3. it is a place of profit- able fishing ; large whales of the best kind for oil and bone, came daily along side and played about the ship. The master and his mate, and others experienced in fishing, preferred it to Greenland whale-fishery, and as- serted that were they provided with the proper imple- ments £3,000 or £4,000 worth of oil might be obtained : 4. the place was likely to prove healthiul, secure and defensible. But the last nnd special reason was the unfavorable season, being the middle of winter, the weather exceedingly tempestuous, cold and stormy, every movement attended with imminent danger. And whether a more convenient place could be found, was very doubtful, as no one was acquainted with the coun"
1620] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 21
try. On the other hand, it was urged, 1. that the shore was so shallow that the men were obliged to wade in water over their knees in going to and from their shallop, by which many had taken colds and coughs, whereof some had died : 2. there was a place caJled Agawam, alias Angawam, (Ipswich,) about 20 leagues to the northward, which had been reported as an excellent harbor for ships, better soil, and better fishing : 3. there might be at no great distance a better seat, and it would be unfortunate to locate where they should be obliged to remove again : 4. there was a scarcity of water there, and none could be had without bringing it up a steep hill. Besides, Robert Coppin, the pilot, affii med that there was a navigable river and good harbor in the other head-land of this bay, over against Cape Cod, about eight leagues distance, where he had once been, and where a native having stolen a harping iron from .them, they named the place Thiev- ish Harbor. It was at length resolved to endeavor to make some further discovery within the bay, but not to range so far as Agawam. About this time an inci- dent occurred which might have been attended with fatal consequences. A son of Francis Billington in the absence of his father, having procured some gun-pow- der, made squibs and fired them, and finding his father's fowling-piece charged, shot her off in the crbin, where there was a small barrel iialf full of powder, and many people near the fire, but no one was injured.
On Wednesday, December 6th, the company sailed on a third excursion for discovery ; the weather was so intensely cold that the water froze every moment on their clothes, and two of the men were greatly overcome. On their approach to the shore at East- ham, they discovered iOor 12 Indians engaged in cut- ting up a grampus, but they soon fled. Two other grampuses were dead on the shore, having been cast on the land ; the fat on their sides was two inches thick, affording abundance of oil. The English landed oa
22 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1620
the shore, made a barricade, planted sentinels, and took lodw;ings beside a fire, and saw the smoke from the Indian's fire 4 or 5 miles fi-om them. In the morning part of the company kept in the shallop, and the rest ranged the woods. A large burial-place was 'discover- ed, partly encompassed with a pallisado, like a church- yard, and filled with graves of various sizes. At night they took their lodgings in the shallop, and at about mid- night hideous cries were heard, and the sentinel called, arms ! arms ! but by firing two guns the noise ceased. About five o'clock in the morning the noises were renew- ed and they had only time to cry out ' Indians ! Indians ! ' when the arrows came flying thick about them. The English ran with all speed to receive their guns, and [n a moment bullets were exchanged for arrows, but no exchange could be a match for the dreadful Indian yells. There was a lusty Indian, supposed to be their captain, who placed himself behind a tree, discharged three arrows, and stood three shots from a ruu^ket, till at length a charge struck the tree, when \>a' gave a horrid yell, and fled. Eighteen of their an .vs w^ere taken up and sent to their friends in England, by mas- ter Jones, of the Mayflower ; some were headed with brass, some with deer's horns, and others wiih eagles' claws; but the contest ended v^^ithout bloodshed on either siile. It was about this time that the wife of William White was favored with the birth of a son, whom they named Peregrine, being the first English child born in New England.*
After the skirmish with the Indians, the pilgrims ren- dered thanks to God for their preservation, and named
* William White Hied in the ensuing: Spring. Ilis widow, Su- sannah, married the celebrated Edward Winslow, who was the third Goveinoi of the colony; this marriasje wa> solemnized IVIay 12th, 1621, and was the first mrrriaiie in New England ; and she was the mother of Peregrine Whi'e, tl e first child born of English parents in the co'ony. Peregrine While died at Marshfield, July 2Uth, 1704, aged 83 years ahd 8 Oionths.
1620] HISTORY OP PLYMOUTH. S3
the place the First Encounter. In the afternoon of the same day, December 8lh, the shallop departed from the cape on a cruise of discovery, vvitli the following per- sons on board : — Governor Carver, Mr. William Brad- ford, * Edward Winslow, Capt. Miles Stand'sh, John Rowland, Mr. Warren, Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Edward Tilly, Mr. John Tilly, Mr. Clark, Jolin Allerton, Thomas En- glish, and Edward Dotey, together with Coppin, the pilot, the master gunner of the ship, and three of the common seamen, making eighteen in the whole. The pilot assured them that there was a harbor of which he had some knowledge, which they could reach before night. f They were in the afternoon overtaken by a violent storm, the wind and rain increasing, and the sea raging with rough and heavy surges, by which the hinges of their rudder were broken, and they were obliged to steer the shallop by oars in the hands of two men stationed at the helm. Not long after in their se- vere struggle their mast was severed into three pieces, and the sails went overboard. In passing the point called the Gurnet's nose, at the mouth of Plymouth har- bor, the pilot finding himself deceived, and greatly alarmed, exclaimed ' Lord be merciful ! ' my eyes nev- er saw this place before ; and he with the master's mate would have run the boat ashore before the wind in a cove among breakers ; which cove is between the Gur- net head and Saquish point. But a more resolute sea- man at the helm making uncommon exertions, and urging the oarsmen, the boat was with difficulty put about, and they fortunately reached the lee of a small island, in the midst of a heavy rain, and the darkness of night, where they came safe to anchor, and in the night they landed and kindled a fire. The next morning
* While at anchor in Cape Cod harbor, on December 7th, Mrs. Dorothy Bradford, wife of iVJr. William Bradford, accidentally fell overboard from the Mayflower, and was drowned, to the great grief of her husband, who was absent in the shallop at the time.
t It is not improbable that the pilot had visited this shore with Capt. Smith or Hunt, in 1614.
S^ HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1620
ikey found that the island was uninhabited, and as it was the last day of the week, and extremely cold, they em- ployed themselves in dryitig their clothes, cleaning their arms, and repairing their shallop. The following day, the tenth, being the christian sabbath, and the first ever observed in New England, they devoted them- selves in pious gratitude for their • preservation and safe arrival. As Mr. Clark, the master's mate, was the first to land on the island, it received his name, which it still retains.^
On Monday, the 11th day of December, O. S. they proceeded from the island in their shallop, to sound and examine the harbor, and, to their unspeakable joy, found it commodious and ' fit for shipping.' A part of their number, no names mentioned, landed, went some distance into the country, and examined the territory contiguous to the shore, where they found cleared land which had been planted with Indian corn, two or three years before, and a beautiful running brook, and nu- merous springs of the purest water were discovered. Having selected this as the most eligible situation for a permanent settlement yet discovered, they re-embarked on board the shallop and returned to the ship, at Cape Cod, announcing to the anxious pilgrims the joyful ti- dings of their discoveries, and the cheering prospects which Providence had opened to their view. This, then, is to be considered as the first stepping on the Rock of the Pilgrims from the shallop belonging to the Mayflower, and this is the birth day of our nation. The day which has been annually celebrated in com- memoration of this momentous event, the landing of the forefathers, is the twenty-second of December, N. S. which has hitherto been supposed to correspond with the eleventhj O. S ; but to reconcile the difference between old and new style in the century in which
■ See a tradition respecting this when describing the island, lat- ter end of the volume.
1620] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 25
they arrived, only ten days, instead of eleven, should be added to their computation, which would make the day of the landing correspond to the twenty-first, N. S. If, therefore, it be desirable to celebrate the precise portion of time corresponding with their date, as it un- doubtedly is, the twenty-first and not the twenty-second of Decemher should be commemorated as Forefathers Day.*
* The day of the landing by the exploring party in the shallop was Monday, December 11th, 1620, old style. This is established by the united testimony of Morton's Memorial, Mourt's Relation, and Governor Bradford's MS. History, as copied by Prince. In de- termining the anniversary of that day for any year whatever, the question occurs, What is the difference between O. S. and N. S. for 1620?
By order of Pope Gregory XIII. in 1582, ten days were omitted in the Julian calendar, then in use, and the 5th of October was reck- oned the 15th. This was done for the following reason. The Ju- lian calendar proceeded on the supposition that the year was 365 days and 6 hours ; but the time in which the sun performs his an- nual revolution is not exactly 365 days 6 hours, but 365 days 5 hours 48 minutes and 45^ seconds. The civil year, therefore, exceeded the solar by 11 minutes and 14^ seconds, which in about 130 years amounted to a whole day, i. e. the true equinox would precede the civil one by about a day in 130 years. In the year 1582, this an- ticipation of the equinox had amounted to ten days, so that the vernal equinox was now found to happen on the 11th of March instead of the 21st, as it ought to have done if the Julian calendar had agreed with the course of the sun. The Pope, therefore, ordered the 10 days to be suppressed ; and, to preserve the accuracy of the calendar from that time, it was ordered that three days should continue to be drop- ped every 400 years, which was nearly equivalent to one day every 130 years. Instead, however, of suppressing a day every 130th year, whether common or leap year, it was thought preferable to make the. correction in leap year only, thus leaving always 365 days at least in the year. Now in the former method of reckoning, every 100th year was a leap, year; but it was ordered by the Pope, that every 400th year only should be considered as leap year, and the other centiu id years reckoned as common years; the year 1600, however, being still continued as leap year. By making, there- fore, the years 1700, ISOO, and 1900 to be common years, instead of leap years, as they Vvould have been in the old style, the error arising from the odd time would be properly corrected.
The difference, then, between O. S. and N. S. in 1582 was ten days, and this continued to be the difference until 1700, the leap year being preserved in 1600 ; from 1700 to 1800, it was eleven days, because 1700 in O. S. was a leap year, and therefore, another
3
26 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [162(1)
Immediately on receiving the happy intelligence, the Mayflower weighed anchor, and proceeded to the newly discovered harbor, where she anchored in safe- ty on the sixteenth of December, O. S., and termina- ted her perilous voyage. Four of the passengers had die'd at Cape Cod. The weather for several days continued boisterous and intensely cold.
On the eighteenth and nineteenth the master of the ship, Mr. Jones, and three or four sailors, explored tlie land contiguous to the harbor, but could discover neither houses nor inhabitants. On the morning of the twentieth, after imploring Heaven for guidance, a consideible number landed with a view of selecting a location for settlement. The place selected was the high ground on the bank facing the bay, where the
day was to be suppressed ; from 1800 to 1900, twelve days ; from 1900 to 2000, thirteen days ; and irom 2000 to 2100, still thirteen days; because 2000 is a leap year in both styles. Of course, then, the llth of December, 1620, O. S. corresponds to the 21st of De- cember, N. S. — the year 1600 being reckoned as a leap year, and, therefore, no day being dropped in that century. Now in the year 17(j9, when the Old Colony Club fixed upon the day of their cel- ebration, the difference of styles had become, for that -century,
11 days, because the year 1700 was, as above stated, reckoned as a common year, and therefore, an additional day was dropped. For the same reason, the difference of styles for the present century is
12 days. But the true question is and should have been by the Old Colony Club, what is the difference of styles for 1620, and that is the true difference for that time, and continues so forever.—See Rees' Cyclopedia, articles Calendar and Style. — Judge Davis's let- ter in regard to the settlement of Boston. — Judge Davis's commu- nication in O. C. Memorial, Sept. A, 1830. American Almanac,
Vol. i. (in which, however, there is an inaccuracy in stating this matter.)
The above calculation is corroborated in the following manner:. By finding the Dominical Letter for 1620, O. S. which is A, it ap- pears that the llth of December that year fell on Monday, conforrn- ably to our historians. By finding the Dominical Letter for 1620, N. S. which is D, it appears that the 21st of December for that year would fall also on Monday, and the 22d on Tuesday, &c. — See the table in American Almanac, Vol. iii. p. 72.
There can be no doubt, therefore, that the 21st of December, in any year, is the day corresponding to the llth of December, 1620, 0. S. and is the true day of the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymoutlu
1620] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 27
J^ land had been cleared, and corn planted by the na- " tives a few years before. Here were numerous springs of the purest water, and a brook emptying its current into the harbor. Here also was a high hill well situa- ted for a fortification to command the surrounding country, and affording a fine prospect across the bay. A violent storm arose at night, and the weather con- tinued so tempestuous fof two or three days, that these people were unable to return on board, and remained on shore without shelter. On Saturday, the twenty- third, another party bid adieu to the Mayflower, went on shore, and began to fell and carry timber, and make preparations for the construction of their house of com- mon rendezvous. On the twenty-fourth, (Sabbath) the people on shore were alarmed, by the cry of Indi- ans, from whom an attack was expected, but it proved a false alarm. The pilgrims were now about to change the perils of the ocean, not for a friendly, hospitable shore — not to receive the fond embrace of affectionate relatives and friends, but to encounter the storms of winter in an unexplored wilderness, and to listen to the appalling } ells of the savages.* But it was their con- solation that they had disenthralled themselves from religious tyranny and persecution, and found an asy- lum of religious liberty and civil freedom for themselves and posterity. From the reports of those who had been on shore, they painted to their sanguine imagina- tion a capacious harbor and bay containing two islands^ abounding in wild fowl, fish of various kinds, and a good growth of timber on shore. On Monday, the
* Had the month of December, 1620, been as inclement as the present December, 1831, when our harbor and shores on all sides are a body of ice, and the thermometer below zero, those whom we honor and revere as our fathers and mothers, must have fallen a sacrifice to the season. But their courage and fortitude were un- doubtedly supported by the reflection, that when God decrees some momentous event, his instruments are prepared, and will be pre- served; as were Joseph, Moses and Joshua, and we may add, CO" luinbus and VVashiugton.
28 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1620
twenty-fifth, they began their common house, which was twenty feet square, for rendezvous and for stores ; no man was suffered to remain idle, although many of them, from a long voyage, were affected with scurvy, and others, from uncommon exposure to storms of snow and rain, were suffering under severe indisposi- tion. Such was their industry, that in four days one half of their store house was thatched.* It was one of their first objects to provide for their security by a platform for their ordnance, which they begun on the twenty-eighth, on a high hill. On the same day they divided their whole company into nineteen families, that fewer houses might suffice, and measured out the ground, assigning to every person by lot half a pole in breadth and three poles in length, for house lot and garden. It was stipulated that every man should build his own house, but the whole to be built in two rows, and compact, for greater security against the Indians. The inclemency of the weather and their own feeble health were essential impediments to their progress in erecting their houses, and many families were detained on board the ship till shelter could be provided on shore.
December 31 5^, Lord^s day. Although most of the company were on board the ship, almost a mile and half from shore, yet those who had landed kept the sabbath for the first time in their new house. ' Here, there- fore, is fixed the era of their settlement, which in grate- ful remembrance of the christian friends, whom they left in the last town which they visited in their native country, they called JVew Plymouth. This was the foundation of the first English town built in New Eng- land.'— Holmes^ s Ann.
Place of their location. — The place in which the set- tlers first located themselves for a town, is the whole ex-
* In the year ISOl, in. digging a cellar, sundry tools and a plate cf iron were discovered seven feet under the surface of the earth, on the spot where tradition places the common house, which is on the south side of Ley den street, near the declivity of the hill.
1-620] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 29
tent of our Leyden street and its environs. This street was laid out by them when planning the town, and ex- tends from the town square in a gradual descent to the shore, and terminates a little distance south from the memorable rock. During the first winter, the settlers buried their dead on the banks of the shore near their own dwellings, since called CoWs Hill, taking especial care to level the earth, to conceal from the Indians the number and frequency of deaths. Dr. Holmes men- tions a tradition that the graves at that spot, after the great mortality in the first stage of the settlement, were levelled and sown, to conceal the extent of their loss from the natives. An aged gentleman, Hon. Ephraim Spooner, since deceased, who gave this information to Dr. Holmes, received it from Elder Faunce, who died 1745, in the 99th year of his age, and who was well acquainted with some of the first settlers. Hon. Judge Davis relates that he has often had similar information from an aged lady, Mrs. White, who died at Plymouth, a few years since, and who in early life was familiar in the family of Elder Faunce. It has always been su))- posed that the remains of Governor Carver were de- posited on Cole's Hill, and it is to be regretted that no stone was erected to designate the. spot.
On reviewing the place where the puritan fathers first erected their rude comfortless huts, and where Carver and half of his associates closed their mortal career during the first winter, surely enthusiasm enough will never be wanting to consecrate the ground with tears, and to proclaim its sacredness to future genera- tions. It is the ground, where, unshielded from the rigors of a boisterous season, our ancestors were com- pelled to erect citadels of defence against the attacks of cru.el savages, while their hearts were pierced with the keenest anguish by the arrows of death depriving them of rulers, parents, liusbands and children !
The Rock. The identical rock, on which the sea- wearied Pilgrims first leaped from the shallop coming 3*
30 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1620
from the Mayflower, has never been a subject of doubtful designation. The fact was transmitted from father to son, particularly in the instance of Elder Faunce, as would be transmitted the richest inheritance, by .unquestionable tradition. About the year 1741, it was represented to Elder Faunce that a wharf was to be erected over the rock, which impressed his mind with deep concern, and excited a strong desire to take a last farewell of the cherished object. He was then ninety-five years old, and resided three miles from the place. A chair was procured, and the venerable man conveyed to the shore, where a number of the inhabit- ants were assembled to witness the patriarch's bene- diction. Having pointed out the rock directly under the bank of Cole's Hill, which his father had assured him was that which had received the footsteps of our fathers on their first arrival, and which should be per- petuated to posterity, he bedewed it with his tears and bid to it an everlasting adieu. These facts were tes- tified to by the late venerable Deacon Spooner, who at the age of fifteen years, was present on the interest- ing occasion. Standing on this rock, therefore, we may fancy a magic power ushering, us into the presence of our fathers. The hallowed associations which cluster around that precious memorial, inspires sentiments of love of country, and a sacred reverence for its primitive institutions. In contemplation, we may hold commu- nion with celestial spirits, and receive monitions from those who are at rest in their graves. What honors shall we pay to the fathers of our country, the found- ers of that empire, which through ages shall remain the rich abode of knowledge, religion, freedom, and virtue ! Criminal, indeed, would be our case were we not to cherish a religious sense of the exalted privileges inherited from our pious ancestors^ and re- solve to transmit them unimpaired to our children. Where is the New Englander that would be willing to have that rock buried out of sight and forgotten }
^01620] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. ^
* The man that is not mov'd with what he retad?,, That takes not fire at their heroic deeds. Unworthy of the blessings of the brave, Is base in kind, and born to be a slave' Cowper.
Common tradition renders the point doubtful, wheth- r Mary Chilton, or John Alden, have the best claim o the honor of being the first who leaped on the rock, md gained possession of New England ground. No nvestigation can now decide the claim, be it*more or ess important to those concerned. The name of fohn Alden is not included in the list of those who anded from the shallop on the eleventh of December, md it is not supposable that a lady would subject her- elf to such hazard and inconvenience 5 besides, such m exploit in a female must have been considered as [ieserving particular record at the time. The tradition jvhich renders the fact questionable must have had ref- erence to the boats which landed with the families af- er the Mayflower arrived in Plymouth harbor. The point of precedence must however remain undecided, dnce the closest investigation discloses no authority for the tradition, nor a shadow of evidence in favor of ny individual as being the first who landed. * In the ear 1774, when liberty, and the rights of man were
* 'Among those who came in the Mayflower, were Richard IJChilton, (who died the first winter) Mary and Susanna Chilton. IJMary it is said, married John Winolow, and Susanna Mr. Latham. (The descendants of Mr. Winsh)w are in Boston, and Mr. Latham in
Bridgewater. The tradition we have reason to believe is in both families. We are disposed, liowever, to generalize the anecdote. The first generation, doubtless, knew who came on shore in the first boats ; the second generation related it with less identity ; the third and fourth with still less ; like the stone thrown info the calm lake, the circles, well defined at first, become fainter as they re- cede. For the purposes of the arts, however, a female figure, typi- cal of faith, hope, and charity, is well adapted.' — His. Col. vol. 3, series 2, p. 174. By Samuel Davis.
* As there is a great degree of uncertainty on this subject, it is not only graieful, but allowable, to indulge the imagination, and we expect from the friends of John Alden, that they should give place
I to the lady.' — Judge Davis's Edit. Morton's Memorial.
32 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1620
the popular themes, it was determined to remove the hallowed rock from its original bed to the town square near the church and court house, that it might be' lo- cated beside the liberty pole. [This will be further noticed in this work under date of 1774.]
January \st, 1621. — About this date Francis Billing- ton, having mounted the top of a tree on a high hill, dis- covered.at a distance, as he supposed, another great sea, and on the eighth of December went with one of the master's mates to take a view of the place. They found the water divided into two lakes, the larger five or six miles compass, the smaller three miles.
January [2th. — Two of the settlers, John Goodman and Peter Brown, being abroad gathering thatch, came to a lake of water, (probably our Murdock's pond) near ^ which they discovered a fine large deer ; their two dogs ?' chased the animal, and the men followed till they were lost, and could not find their way back. They wan- dered till night, being lightly clad and without weapons or food, amidst frost and snow ; they were obliged to j make the cold earth their bed, and the clouds their covering. In the night they were greatly alarmed by noises which they supposed to be the roaring of lions. In their fright they mounted a tree for safety, which they found to be an intolerable cold lodging, and they sometimes walked under the tree in readiness to climb, holding their bitch by the neck, lest she should rush into the lions' paws. But fortunately the lions came not, and at early dawn they renewed their wandering, which they continued through the day. At night they reach- ed the setdement almost famished with cold and hunger, and having mistaken the howling of wolves for the roaring of lions.
Their friends at the settlement, being greatly alarmed on account of their absence, sent out ten or twelve armed men, who traversed the woods all day in vain, and returned with strong apprehensions that they were taken by tHe Indians. It was not long after the
1621] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 83
arrival of the planters, that the natives assembled all their pawaws in a dark swamp, to curse the new comers ; for three days they continued their horrid incantation, and consigned the English to utter destruction. It is to be regretted that we cannot ascertain the spot where this swamp was located, nor the particular tribe that were the actors in this diabolical business.
January iAth. — The settlers had the rnisfortune of their common house taking fire, from a spark falling among the dry thatch, and it was entirely consumed. It was remarkable that at the moment of this disaster, Governor Carver, and Mr. William Bradford were sick in their beds, the floor of the house was covered with beds and bedding, muskets were loaded, and a quantity of powder was stored within, yet little damage was sus- tained. The people on board the ship, seeing the fire, and unable to come on shore by reason of low tide and very tempestuous weather, were under painful appre- hensions that, the savages had attacked them. Being Sunday, and the major part of the people on shore, they performed public worship in their settlement.
January I9th. — John Goodman, who had been lost in the woods, took it into his head again to ramble into the woods ; having a spaniel with him, it was soon attacked by two wolves. The dog flew to the legs of his master for safety, and he having no weapon, snatch- ed a stick for defence ; the wolves sat some time on their tails, grinning and snarling at the affrighted man, but at length suffered him to escape.
The wife of Capt. Standish, and some others of their number, died this month. .
February. — Twelve Indians were discovered in the woods, but no interview could' be had with them. A general meeting was called to establish some military arrangements, and Miles Standish. was chosen Captain, and vested with command accordingly. During the meeting, two Indians presented themselves on the top of the hill, on the opposite side of the brook, and made
I
34 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1621
signs for the English to come to them, but on the ap- proach of Captain Standish and Mr. Hopkins, they fled from them.
21s^.-Capt. Jones, of the Mayflower, brought on shore one of the great pieces of cannon, called a minion, and [ he and his sailors assisted them to drag that, and an- other piece, up the hill, with three small pieces, which they mounted for defence.
The settlers suffered extremely this month by sick- ness and death : no less than seventeen of their number died during the month ; and the sick were destitute of almost all the comforts which their miserable condition rendered indispensable. Their sufferings were increas- ed by the want of well persons to perform the duties among the sick, there being, at one lime, not more than six or seven in tolerable health. But it is recorded, that Standish and Brewster manifested the tenderest concern, and devoted themselves, with unwearied assi- duity, to the relief and comfort of their suffering breth- ren, not declining the- meanest office.
March Sd.—The weather was fair and warm, and the^ planters were delighted to hear the singing of Ameri- can birds in the woods.
16th. — Much surprise was excited by the appearance- of an Indian who boldly walked to the rendezvous, and saluted cheeringly in broken English ' Welcome English- men, welcome Englishmen.' This was Samoset, a Sagamore, who had come from Monhigan, (District ofi; Maine,) where he had learned something of the En-j glish 'tongue from the Captains of the fishing vessels] on that shore, and he knew by name most of those! commanders. This was the first savage with whom thai whites had obtained an interview. No incident couldi have diffused greater joy into the hearts of the discon- solate and the infirm; it seemed like an angelic herald to the sick and dying. Samoset discoursed as though he possessed a general knowledge of the whole sur-e- rounding country, and the numbers and strength of ih©
L^
1621] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 35
several tribes. He said that the place they now occu- py is called Patuxet, and that about four years ago all the natives died of an extraordinary plague ; that there was neither man, woman, nor child remaining in the territory, of which the English had now possessed them- selves. He was a tall, erect man, and had a bow and two arrows. The English treated him with their best food and drink ; and as lie was inclined to tarry all night, they provided him a lodging and watched his move- ments. The next day he returned to a neighboring tribe, from whence he said he last came. The Nausets he represented as being highly incensed and provoked against the English, three of whom were, about eight months ago, slain by the Nausets. Their enmity was caused by one Hunt, a master of a ship who a few years ago deceived the natives, and, under pretence of trading with them, got twenty of the people of this very place, Patuxet, and seven from the Nausets, oa board his ship, and carried them off and sold them for slaves, for twenty pounds a head.
On his departure, the English gave him a knife, a bracelet, and a ring ; and he promised to return soon and bring other natives with him, with such beaver skins as they could collect. Not many days after, being Sunday, Samoset returned with five tall savages, dressed in deer skins, and the principal had a wild-cat's skin on one arm, their hair cut short before, but long to their shoulders behind, and orna- mented with feathers and fox tails. Their faces were painted in various colors and figures. They left their bows and arrows at some distance from the setde- ment, according to the charge given by the English to Samoset. They made signs of amity and friendship, and entertained the English with their dancing and singing, and they in return gave them a suitable enter- tainment. They brought with them some corn, parch- ed and reduced to a fine powder, called no-cake, which they eat mixed with water ; and they had a litde tobacco
36 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [16211
in a bag, of which they drank * frequently. Theyji brought with them, also, all the tools belonging to thei English, which had been taken when left in the woods. They offered a few skins to trade, but, being Sunday, the English dismissed them soon, desiring them to re- turn with more skins, which they promised. But Samoset either was sick, or feigned himself so, and would tarry till the next Wednesday, when the English gave him a hat, a pair of stockings and shoes, shirt, ⁣ and sent him to inquire why his friends did not return* Thursday, April 2t^.^-Samoset arrived bringing with him Squanto, alias Tisquantum, the only surviving na-* tive of Patuxet, who was one of the twenty captives carried away by the infamous Hunt : he had been in England, and could speak a little English. Three others came with him, and brought a few skins to truck and some red herring, newly taken and dried, but not salted. They informed, that their great Sagamore, M as- sasoit, was approaching, with Quadequina, his brother, , and all their tribe, and, within an hour, the king ap- peared on the top of a hill opposite, and had in his train sixty men, which he displayed to view. This hill 1 is on the south side of Town brook, and is called Wat- ■ son's hill, but the brook, where they forded, is now"' covered with an arch stone bridge. Both parties be- ing unwilHng to advance, Squanto went over to Mas- sasoit and returned with the message, that he desired peace and a trade with the English. The governor then sent Mr. Edward Winslow, with a pair of knives and a copper chain with a jewel in it, for the king, and for Quadequina a knife and a jewel to hang in his ear, and a pot of strong water, a quantity of biscuit, and sottie butter, all which were wellreceived. Mr. Wins low addressed Massasoit in the name of king James, as- suring him, that the king saluted him with words of love
* The term drinking tobacco is frequently used in the probably means using tobacco by smoking.
records ;
1621] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 37
and peace, and did accept of him as his friend and al- ly ; and that the governor desired to see him, and to confirm a trade and peace with him as his next neigh- bor. Massasoit was well pleased with the speech^ and after eating and drinking, he gave the remains to his people. He looked on Mr. Winslow's sword and armor with a desire to buy it, but he refused to gratify him. Massasoit now left Mr. VVinslow in the custody of Quadequina, his brother, and came over the brook, with twenty men, leaving all their bows and arrows be- hind them. Captain Standish and Mr. Williamson with six musketeers, met the king at the brook, and each party saluted the other, when the king was conducted to a house then in building, where were placed a green rug and three or four cushions. Governor Carver now appeared with a drum and trumpet, with a few musket- eers. After salutations, the governor kissed the king's hand, who, in return, kissed him, and they seated them- selves ; but the king all the time trembled for fear. The governor called for some strong water and drank to him, and he drank a copious draught, which made him sweat a long time after. Massasoit and his people having partook of some fresh meat, the following terms of peace were mutually agreed to : —
1. That neither he, nor any of his, should injure, or do hurt, to any of the English.
2. If any of his did hurt to any of ours, he should send the offender, that we might punish him.
3. That if any of our tools were taken away, when our people were at work, he should cause them to be restored ; and if ours did harm to any of his, we w^ould do the like to them.
4. If any did unjustly war against him, we would aid hirn ; if any did war against us, he sfrould aid us.
5. He should send to his neighbor confederates, to certify them of this, that they might not wrong us, but might be likewise comprised in the conditions of peace.
4
38 HISTORY OF PLYxMOUTH. [1621
6. That when their men came, they shoulJ leave their bows and arrows behind them, as we should do our pieces when we came to them.
Lastly, that doing thus, king James would esteem him as his friend and ally.* The above treaty was pleas- ing to the Sachem, and approved by his people. f In his person the king was a lusty, able-bodied man, and grave in his countenance. His attire differed little from that of his people, except a great chain of white bone beads about his neck. His face was painted with a dull red, like murray, and oiled, both head and face, so that he looked greasily. He had in his bosom, hanging in a string, a large long knife : he marvelled much at the trumpet, and made some attempts to sound it. All his followers were painted of divers colors ; some were clothed with skins, and some were naked. Samoset and Squanto tarried all night with the English, and the king and his people, ^^ith their wives and chil- dren, spent the night in the adjacent w^oods. They said that within eight or nine days they would come and set corn on the other side of the brook, and dwell there ail summer. That night the English kept a good watch, but no danger occurred ; and the next morning several of the savages visited the English, with the hope, as supposed, of obtaining some food. Some of them said the king wished some of the English to come and see
* ' The new Plymouth associate?, by the favor of the Almighty, began the colony in New England, at a place called by the natives, Apaum, alias Patuxet ; all the I uids being void of inhabitants, we the said John Carver, William Bradford, Edward Winslow, William Brewster, Isaac Allorton. and the rest of our associates, enterinoj into a league of peace with Massa^oit, since called Woosamequin, Prir.ce or Sachem of those parts : he, the said Massasoit, freely gave them all the lands adjacent to theni, and their heirs forever.' [' Preface to Plymou h laws, declaring the warrantable orounds and proceed- ing of the governnient of New Plymouth.'] — Holmes's Annals.
t ' This treaty, the work of one day, being horestly intended on both sides, was kept with fidelity as long as Massasoit lived, but was afterwards (in 1675) broken by Philip, his successor.' — Bel- knap's Biography.
1621] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 39
him. Captain Standish 'and Isaac Allerton went ven- turously, and were welcomed, and presented with three or four ground-nuts and some tobacco. Massa- soit, being at war with a potent adversary, the Narra- gansets, manifested every disposition to be at peace and friendship with the English, whose fire-arms were a great terror to his enemies.
At a meeting in April, on common business, Mr. Car- ver was confirmed in the office of governor for one year.
The Mayflower was detained a considerable time, in consequence of sickness and deaths among the sea- men, more than one half of their number having died during the winter ; and Mr. Jones, the master, was un- willing to commence his return voyage until the survivors had recovered their heahh. He sailed on the 5th of April, and arrived in England on the 6ih of May. Not one of the settlers expressed a desire to return to iheir native country, but all remained true to their pledge to their brethren whom they left in Leyden, and made every possible exertion to prepare comfortable accom- modations for their rece-ption.
The first offence committed and punished since the arrival of the colonists, was in the person of John Bil- lington, who shipped on board at London, and was not of the company. He was charged with contetnpt of the captain's lawful commands, and of opprobrious speeches. He was tried by the whole company, and sentenced to have his neck and heels tied together ; but, on humbling himself and craving pardon, and It being his first offence, he was released from his painful situ- ation before the time had expired. In the spring of this year, the colonists planted 20 acres \Vith Indian corn, being the first planted in New England, of which they had a good crop. They were instructed in the manner of planting; by Sqnanto ; but they were un- successful in their first trial with English grain, by rea- son, as supposed, of the lateness of the season, and bad quality of the seed.
40 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1621
In the month of April this year, governor Carver was taken sick in the field, while engaged in planting, and died in a few days. His death was extremely af- flictive, and was universally lamented. He was one of their wisest counsellors, and most indefatigable labor- ers. His remains were consigned to the earth, with all the affectionate solemnity which circumstances, at the lime, would admit, and with the discharge of all their fire-arms. Many able pens have been employed in portraying his character. According to Dr Belknap, ' he was a- man of ^reat prudence, integrity, and firmness of mind. He had a good estate in England, which he spent in the emigration to Holland and America. He was one of the foremost in action, and bore a large share of suffering in the service of the colony, who con- fided in him as their friend and father. Piety, humility, and benevolence were eminent traits in his character, and it is particularly remembered, that in the time of general sickness, which befel the colony, and with which he was affected, after he had himself recovered, be was assiduous in attending the sick and performing the most humiliating services for them, without any dis- tinction of persons or characters. ' His affectionate wife, overwhelmed wuh grief and sorrow, survived but six weeks after his death. He sustained the office of governor four months and twenty-four days only. His posterity have been very numerous. ' One of his grandsons lived to the age of one hundred and two years, and about the middle of the last century5(1775) that descendant, with his son, grandson, and great grandson, were all at the same time at work in the same field, whilst -an infant of the fifth generation was with- in the house at Marslifield.' — Belknap^s Amer. Biog, At the death of governor Carver the whole number of deaths was as follows : —
December, 6 ; January, 8; February, 17; March, 13. Of this number were 21 of the subscribers to the civil compact; and in April governor Carver was added
16211 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 41
to that number. The whole number of survivors at this time was 55. Mr. William Bradford, while yet a convalescent from dangerous sickness, was chosen gov- ernor of Plymouth, as successor to governor Carver, and Mr. Isaac Allerton was chosen his assistant.
On the eighteenth of June, two culprits were ar- raigned before the company for trial. These were, Edward Dotey and Edward Leister, servants of Ste- phen Hopkins, who had fought a duel with sword and dagger, in which both were wounded. They were sentenced to have their head and feet tied together and to remain in that situation for twenty-four hours, without food or drink. Even this slight punishment for an offence so criminal was remitted by the govern- or, after one hour's endurance, in consequence of their pleadings and promises, and the earnest desire of their master.
A Journey to PoJcanoket — forty miles. This place was otherwise called Sowams. It was deemed advisa- ble to send a friendly deputation to Massasoit, in order to ascertBin the exact place of his residence, and his strength, and disposition, and to cultivate and perpetu- ate a leagne of peace and amity between the two par- ties, and to procure corn for seed. For this purpose, the governor made chjice of Edward Winslow and Stephen Hopkins, to be accompanied by Squanto, as guide and interpreter, and taking a horseman's coat of red cotton laced with slight lace as a present to the chief. The deputies commenced iheirjourney on the second or third day of July, and reached Namasket, a part of Middleborough, in the afternoon, fifteen miles. The native inhabitants received them with joy, and entertained them in their best manner, giving them a kind of bread, and the roes of shad boiled with musty acorns. The natives complained greatly of the damage they sustained in their corn by the ravagesof the crows, and desired to see the experiment of shooting them with English guns : about fourscore of these birds 4*
42 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1621
were soon brought down, to the great amusement of the natives. The gentlemen proceeded on their jour- ney eight miles further, and, at sun-set, reached a fish- ing wear at Titicut, on Taunton river, where abun- dance of bass were caught. The natives received them in a friendly manner, and supplied them with fish ; but, destitute of houses, they took lodgings in the open field. An interchange of friendly civilities look place. The land on this river appeared rich and fer- tile, but the native inhabitants had a (ew years before been swept off by pestilence. Massasoit hud his resi- dence on this river. The next day they resumed their maich, accompanied by six volunteer savages, and, having travelled six miles by the river side, they come to a lording place at low water. Here they were struck with the valor and courage of two savages on the opposite side of the river, two only remaining alive at that place, both aged — one about threescore. Seeing a company of men entering the river, they ran to meet them at the bank, where, with shrill voices and man- ly courage, they charged with their bows, and de- manded if they were enemies, and prepared to take advantage while in tlie w^ater. But finding them friends they welcomed them with such food as they had, and the English bestowed on them a small bracelet of beads. The six savages proved useful companions to the ambassadors during their tedious march, affording them much assistance in crossing rivers, and offering to carry their clothes and guns to relieve them from fatigue and heat. The country through which they passed abounded in good timber, consisting of oak, walnut, fir, beech, and chesnut, of immense size ; also fine springs of water, but without inhabitants. Having arrived at a village in Massasoii's territories, they were treated with a meal of fish and oysters, whence they proceeded to Poknnoket ; but the chief was absent. One of the Englisl] attempted to charge his gun. The women and children fled, and could not be pacified till he laid it
1621] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 43
aside, and the interpreter assured them of their safety. But on the arrival of Massasoit, they saluted him by a full discharge of muskets, and he received them with every mark of favor and respect ; and, having clothed him with the laced red coat, and put the chain about his neck, he was delighted with the figure he made, and his people viewed their king with pride and won- der. In reply to their message, the chief assured them that it was his desire to continue in peace and friend- ship, and that he would direct his people to that effect, and would send seed-corn to Patuxet, as desired. He then addressed his own people as follows : ' Am not 1 Massasoit, commander of the country around you ? Is not such a town mine, and the people of it ? Will you not bring your skins to the English ? After this manner he named at least thirty places, to every one of which they gave an answer of assent and ap- plause. At the close of his speech, he lighted tobac- co for the envoys, and proceeded to discourse about England and the English king^ wondering that he would live without a wife. He talked also of the Frenchmen, bidding the English not to suffer them to come to Narraganset, for it was king James's country, and he was king James's man. Night approaching, and Massasoit having provided no food, as he had been absent from home, the gentlemen desired to retire to rest. The lodging place was on a platform of plank raised a foot from the ground ; and their companions were Massasoit and wife and two other Indians, and they were more weary of their lodging than of their jour- ney. The next day, many of the petty sachems and a large party of the people assembled to amuse them- selves and the strangers with their games for skins and knives, and one of the English fired at a mark, and they were much surprised to see so many shot-holes. At noon, Massasoit brought home two fish, which he had caugljt, and this was the repast for forty people, and ihe only meal afforded to the messengers for two
44 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [l631
nights and a day ; yet he importuned them to tarry long- er. But, starving for food, and anxious to keep the ensuing sabbath at home, and moreover despairing of sleep, for the filthy lodgings, the noise of the savages singing themselves to sleep, the annoyance of pestiferous insects within doors, and musquetoes without, left no chance for repose ; and should they protract their visit, they might not be able to return lor want of strength. On Friday morning, therefore, before sunrising, they took leave and departed, leaving the chief both grieved and ashamed that he could entertain them no better. Squanto was retained to collect articles for traffic, and Tockamahamon appointed to guide them to Plymouth, where tbey arrived after two days' journey.
John Billington, a boy, having been lost in the woods, and inquiry being made, Massasoit sent word that he was at Nauset (Chatliam). He had wandered about five days, subsisting on berries. The governor sent ten men in a shallop, with Squanto and Tokamahamon, to recover him. In July, the party sailed toward Nauset, but were overtaken by a violent storm, attended with lightning and thunder ; they took shelter that night in the bay near the harbor of Commaquid, (Barnstable harbor). The next morning, some savages, in pursuit of lobbters, informed them that the boy was well, but was at Nauset. They invited the English on shore to eat with them ; four savages entered the boat as hosta- ges, while six went on shore from tlie boat. The En- glish were introduced to their sachem, or governor, named lyanough, a man not exceeding 25 years of age, of comely appearance and courteous, and he afforded them a plentiful entertainment. Here they were ac- costed by an old woman, supposed to be not less than a hundred years old, never having seen an Englishman : she was weeping with great lamentation, complaining that she had three sons who went on board Captain Hunt's ship to trade with him, and he carried them cap- tives into Spain, by which means she was deprived of the comfort of her children in her old age. The Eng-
1621] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 45
lish told her they were sorry, that Hunt was a bad man, and all the English condemned him, and that no such injury should be offered by themselves ; and, having given her a few trifles, she was somewhat pacified. After dinner, they proceeded, accompanied by the sa- chem, lyanough, and two of his men,, to Nauset, and Squanto was sent to Aspinet, the sachem of Nauset, to inlorm him of their arrival. After sunset, Aspinet came with the boy, and a great train, consisting of not less than one hundred, one half of whom .went to the shal- lop unarmed, carrying the boy in their arms through the water, while the rest remained at a distance, with their bows and arrows. The boy was now delivered, decorated to excess with beads ; and having agreed to a peace, and presented the sachem and the man who brought the boy with knives, the parties separated. On their return, lanough landed at Commaquid, and, to show his kindness, he took a runlet and led the seamen in the dark to some distance for water. In the mean time, most of his people, men, women, and children, as- sembled : the women joined hand in hand, singing and dancing, and the scene was closed by lanough taking a bracelet from his neck and hanging it on one of the English. It was reported by the Nausets, that the Narragansets had captured Massasoit, and killed some of his people; and, about the same time, Hobomak a Pinese, or chief captain under Massasoit, a lusty young man, attached himself to the English, and devoted his life to their interest and service. On the other hand, it was understood that Corbitant, another sachem, had given indications of his attachment to the Narragansets, a powerful tribe, and was endeavoring to disaffect the subjects of Massasoit towards the colonists,and manifest- ed his enmity to all that favored their interest.* Squan-
* Corbitant resided at Mattapuyst, a neck cf land in the township of Swansey. Mr. Winslow, who had frequent conferences with him at his wigwam and at other places, represents hrnn as 'a hol- low-hearted friend to the English, a notable politician, yet full
46 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1621
to and Hobomak, anxious to ascertain the situation of their chief, Massasoit, undertook a journey privately for that purpose. They were discovered by Corbitant the first night, and threatened with death. He seized Squanto, and held a knife at his breast, but Hobomak effected his escape to Plymouth, with news that Squanto was killed. The governor, sensible of the justice and importance of protecting the friendly natives, and of showing his own authority, after consulting the whole company, resolved to despatch a parly of armed men, with orders to attack their enemies in the night, and in case that Squanto had been killed, to put Corbitant to death, and bring his head to Plymouth. On the 14th of August, Captain Standish, at the head of ten of the English, and accompanied by the friendly Hobomak, commenced the expedition; and reached Corbilant's cabin in the night : three Indians, attempting to escape, were badly wounded, but it appeared that Squanto had suffered no injury. The next morning, Slandish break- fasted at Squanto's, and finding that Corbitant and his friends had escaped, and having accomplished the ob- ject of his expedition, commenced his return home.
The consequence of this display of authority on the part of the English was extremely favorable ; the natives in that quarter were greatly intimidated, and numerous sachems, nearly all in the vicinity, solicited the friend- ship of the colonists. It appeared, on inquiry, that the report of the capture of Massasoit was a mistake, and Corbitant solicited his good offices to reconcile him to the English ; and he, together with several other chiefs, repaired to Plymouth, to acknowledge them- selves the loyal subjects of King James, and subscrib- ed the following paper :
' September 13th, 1621.
* Know all men by these presents, that we, whose names are underwritten, acknowledge ourselves to be the loyal subjects of King James, King of Great Brit-
of merry jests and squibs, and never better pleased than when the like are returned again upon him.*
1621] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 47
ain, France and Ireland, defender of the faith, &ic. In witness whereof, and as a testimonial of the same, we have subscribed our names, or marks, as follovveth.' Subscribed by nine sachems. The colonists had now secured the entire friendship and good services of the great sachem, Massasoit, and, partly by bis influence, brought most of the petty sachems to terms of submis- sion and peace. One event had previously occurred, which the natives had in remembrance, and which serv- ed to restrain their evil propensities. A French ship had been wrecked on Cape Cod, and most of the crew sacrificed. One Frenchman only was permitted to live among the natives. He told them that God was angry with them for this wickedness, and would de- stroy them, and give their country to another people ; that they should not live like beasts, as they did, but should be clothed, &;c. But they, in derision, replied, that they were so many that God could not kill them. He answered that though they were never so many, God had many ways to destroy them that they knew not. The pestilence which depopulated their country took place soon after the death of the Frenchman, and the arrival of the English soon followed. The prediction being fulfilled, produced a salutary influence on the na- tives.
A tribe called the Massachusetts, had manifested in- dications of hostility against the English. The gover- nor and company, therefore, desirous to ascertain their strength, their particular situation, and circumstances, resolved to send a party to explore the bay on which they resided, and to propose to them terms of peace, trade, and friendship. Accordingly, on the eighteenth of September, the shallop was dispatched with ten Englishmen, Squanto for their interpreter, and two other Indians. They arrived in the harbor of Shawmut, (Boston,) the next day, and anchored under a cliff, which Dr. Belknap supposes to be Copp's Hill, at the bottom of the bay, and twenty leagues from Plymouth.
48
HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH.
[1621
Here ihey had an interview with the Sachem Obtain- naa, one of the parties to the submission signed a few days before at Plymouth. He renewed his submission, receiving a promise of defence against his enemies, particularly against the Sachem of Massachusetts. They were treated by the natives with hospitality and respect, after their fears had subsided ; and having collected a quantity of beaver, on the 20lh, in the evening, having the benefit of a light moon, set sail, and arrived at Ply- mouth before noon the next dav. The shallop's crew made such a favorable report respecting the country which they had just visited, as to excite the envy of the colonists, who regretted that it had not fallen to their lot to be seated there. Although health was now restored to their dwelling, they were gathering in their harvest; provisions were plenty ; water fowl and fish abounded ; deer and wild turkey were in the forest ; they had opened a successful traffic with the natives, and their houses were in good condition for the approaching winter.
On the tenth of November, the Fortune, a vessel of fifty-five tons burthen, arrived at Cape Cod, bring
ing Mr. Robert Cushman,
gers, whose names follow
Robert Cushman
William Hilton
John Winslow
William Coner
John Adams
William Tench
John Cannon
William Wright
Robert Hickes
Thomas Prence (Prince, afterwards Governor,
Stephen Dean
Moses Simonson (Sim- mons)
and thirty-five more passen-
Philip De La Noye (De- lano) Edward Bompasse
(Bumpus and Bump) Clement Brigges (Briggs) James Steward (Stewart) W^illiam Pitts William Palmer, probably
two in his family Jonathan Brewster Bennet Morgan Thomas Flavill, and his son Hugh Stacie (Stacy) WiUiam Beale
1621] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 49
Thomas Cusliman Tliomas Morton
Austin Nicolas (Nicholas) William Basslte (Basset!,)
Widow Foord, piohably two probably -in his Ikmily, four in her family
It was unfortunate that this ship was so long on the voyage, that she had expended nearly all her provisions. She was soon laden with a cargo, valued at £500, consisting of furs, clapboards, and sassafras, and being provisioned by the planters, (though, greatly to their damage) she was dispatched on her return voyage, on the 13th of December ; but near the English coast she was captured and carried into France, but afterwards released.' Mr. Cushman returned in the ship, as the adventurers had directed, to give them information re- specting the plantation.
- Soon after the departure of the Fortune, the new comers were distributed amongst the several families, and, on taking an estimate of their provisions, it was found necessary to put the whole company on half allowance, to which they cheerfully submitted. At this critical juncture, the Narragansets, learning that the ship brought neither arms nor provisions, began to manifest hostile intentions. Their threats and prepcira- tions were well known to the English. At length they sent messengers to the plantation, with a bundle of arrows tied together with a snake's skin. This the English received as a wnr challenge, and governor Bradford informed the chief sachem, Cannonicus, that if they loved war they might begin it, as he was not unprepared. By an Indian, the governor, after consult- ing the settlers, sent back the snake's skin stuffed with gunpowder and bullets, with a verbal message of de- fiance. This produced the desired effect. The sa- chem was intimidated, dared not touch the snake's skin, nor let it remain in his house, but returned it to the English unopened. The settlers now judged it pru- dent to enclose their houses by a strong impalement, 5
50 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [l622
which was completed in February. They also, for further security, enclosed part of the hill, and formed bulwarks with gates to be locked at night, and watch and ward was kept dining the day. The ground en- closed afforded a garden for each family. The whole company was divided into four squadrons, and each one had its particular posts assigned it, in case of alarm. One of the companies was directed to attend partic- ularly to any fires that might happen, while others were to serve as guards with their muskets. In all these military anangements for the security of the town, Captain Standish was their main dependence, and he proved himself well deserving their confidence.
1622. — About the beginning of April, another expe- dition on a trading voyage to the Massachusetts was in preparation, when Hobomak intimated his fears that the Narragansets and the Massachusetts had farm- ed a private league against the English for their de- struction, and, by sending off a part of their force, the town would be exposed to great danger from the Nar- ragansets, while those on the expedition would be de- stroyed by the Massachusetts. These apprehensions, however did not prevent the expedition. Captain Standish, with ten principal men, and taking both Squaoto and Hobomak, proceeded on the voyage. Having reached the mouth of the haibor near the Gur- net's nose, they were becalmed, and came to anchor. While there, an Indian of Squanto's family came run- ning into town with his face covered with blood, calling to the people abroad to make haste home, saying he received the wound in his face for speaking for the English, and frequently looking back as if the assail- ants were fast behind him. He informed the Gover- nor that" there w«^re many Narragansets, together with Massasoit and Corbitant and others approaching to assault the town, in the absence of Captain Standish. Upon this information, the governor ordered three pieces of cannon to be fired. Standish and his crew
1622] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 54
taking the alarm, immediately returned, prepared for action. Hobomak was positive that it was all fiction, as it proved. He was a pinese, he said, and such an enterprize would not be undertaken by Massasoit with- out consulting him. At the request of the Governor, he sent his wife to Massasoit's residence, pretending other business, to inform herself of the true state of things. She foiuid all quiet, and that no mischief had been intended. She then informed Massasoit of what had occurred at Plymouth, who was much offended with Squanto for his conduct. After this affair, Stan- dish prosecuted his voyage to the Massachusetts, made a i;ood trade, and returned in safety. It was now seen by the English that Squanto was not to be relied on, that he was actuated by selfish views, endeavoring to make his countrymen believe that he had great Influ- ence with the English, as he understood their lan- guage ; in consequence of which he deluded many, atid gained some advantages to himself He made the natives believe, that the English were their ene- mies, that they kept the plague buried in the ground, and could spread it through the country at pleasure, wdiich created great terror among the Indians, and in- duced them to place much dependence on him, to se- cure for them the friendship of the English. Some barrels of gunpowder were buried under ground In the store house, and when taken out, Hobomak inquir- ed of Squanto, what they were } He replied, that they contained the plague, which he had formerly mentioned. Hobomak inquired of an Englishman if this was true ; he answered, No ! but the God of the English possessed it, and could use it for the destruction of his enemies, and the enemies of the English. Such were the devices, and such the duplicity of Squanto, to increase his influence among his brethren ; and it was perceived that he had succeeded but too well in obtaining for himself the respect due to Massasoit only. The planters spared no pains. to counteract these pro-
52 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH, [1622
ceedings, by assuring the natives that Squanto was a deceiver, and that they had no reason to fear the En- glish, so long as they conducted peaceably towards them. Massasoit at length became so embittered against Squanto, that, on a visit at Plymouth, he de- manded of governor Bradford that he should be put to death ; but this was refused, and after his return home, he sent messengers to repeat.the demand, as- serting his claim to Squanto as his subject, according to the terms of the existing treaty. The demand was repeated with such pressing importunity, that the gov- ernor admitted ihat he deserved death, and was about to delivered him up, though with great reluctance, as Squanto was the only one who understood both lan- guages, by which the necessary intercourse could be kept up. Massasoit offered many beaver skins in ex- change for Squanto, but the -governor disdained to sell his life, but assured the messenger that Squanto had justly forfeited it by his falsehood and deceit. With the messengers, Massasoit sent his own knife for the avowed purpose of cutting ofFSquanto's head and hands, and the culprit readily yielded himself and sub- mitted his life, without the least apparent reluctance to the will of the governor. At the moment when he was about to be delivered into the hands of the messen- gers, a shallop appeared in the offing ; the governor having h^feard many rumors of the French, and, doubt- ful whether there were not combinations between them and the savages, refused to deliver Squanto up, until he should first have ascertained what boat was ap- proaching. Thus Squanto escaped ; for the messen- gers, vexed at the delay, immediately departed in great rage. The boat in question proved to be a shallop belonging to a fishing vessel, the property of Thomas Weston, a merchant in London, which, with about thirty others, was employed in the fishing business, on the eastern shore near Penobscot. This was in the month of May, when the wiiole colony was entirely
1622] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. - 53
destitute of bread, and their other provisions were al- most expended. It was out of season for sea fowl, and they were unprovided with seines and hooks for fishing. They had subsisted on clam's and odier shell fish, until they were greatly debilitated. The shal- lop above mentioned brought six or seven passengers from the fishing vessels from London to be added to the planters, but no supply of provisions. Governor Bradford dispatched Edward Winslow to purchase articles of provision of the fishermen, but none could be obtained, excepting fiom the generosity of one Captain, who supplied them gratuitously wiih bread, sufficient to give each person in tiie plantation a quarter of a pound daily until the harvest. * This was the daily portion/ says Mr. Winslow, ' which was dis- tributed : until now, we were never without some bread, the want whereof much abated the strength and flesh of some, and swelled others — and, indeed, had we not been in a place where divers sorts of shell fish are, that may be taken with the hand, we must have j)er-
j ished, unless God had raised some unknown or extra-
j ordinary nieans (or our preservation.'
In addition to this calamity, the Indians threatened thern, and boasted how easily they could effect their destruction, and Massasoit, even manifested a coolness and indifference about his English friends. In the mean time, news arrived of a horrihle massacre of the English in Virginia on tlie27ih of March, 1622. Three hundred and f ^rty-seven of the English were slain by the Indians. ' The massacre was conducted with indis- criminate barbarity. No regard was shown to dignity, no gratitude for benefits.' Justly alarmed for their safety, they immediately began to build a strong and handsome fort,, taking in the top of the hill, under which our town is seated with a flat roof and battle- ment, on which cannon were mounted, and a watch kept. The lower part was used as a place of public worship. Thus did these pious people offer their de- 5*
54 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1622
vout aspirations to God with the sword in one hand and the Bible in the other. ' About the end of March/ says Mr. Winslow, 'our store of victuals was wholly spent, liaving Hved long before on a bare and short al- lowance. As to tlie insufficient stock of provisions, brought by the Fortune, he suggests as an apology for their friends in England, certain among ourselves were too prodigal in writing and reporting that we en- joyed a plenty.'
The colonists now, in June and July, consisted of about one hundred persons in tolerable health ; they had, this season, planted sixty acres of corn, and their gardens afforded ample supplies of vegetables.
Thomas Weston, a merchant in London, was origi- nally one of the merchant adventurers. He encour- aged the emigration, and actively promoted the Ply- mouth settlement, till this year. Why he now with- drew his patronage, could not be known ; but by a let- ter from him, addressed to governor Carver, ' We find,' says governor Bradford, ' he has quite deserted us, and is going to settle a plantation of his own. And hav-. ing procured for himself a patent of a tract of land in Masaschusetts Bay, he sent two ships, the Charity and the Swan, with fifty or sixty men, at his own charge, to settle a plantation. These adventurers arrived at Ply- mouth about June or July, many of them in a sickly condition ; and most of them remained there the great- er part of the suiitmer, and received from the inhabit- ants every hospitality and kindness which the place could afford. But they were ungrateful enough to com- mit numerous thefts, and waste the provisions of the planters who furnished them. . At length they located themselves on Weston's land, at a place called Wessa- gusset, in the Massachusetts Bay, (now Weymouth.) This was a rival settlement, and consisted of profligate miscreants altogether unfit for such an enterprise, and proved very troublesome neighl)ors.
In the month of August, another ship arrived from
1622] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 95
England called the Discovery, commanded by Captain Jones, the; former commander of the Mayflower; and also the Sparrow, belonging to Mr. Weston, which bad been employed on a fishing voyage. Captain Jones brought a large supply of trinkets, suitable' for traffic with the natives, but his enormous demand for the ar- ticles, and unwillingness to sell but in large quantities, showed his disposition to take an ungenerous advantage of the famishing planters, and compel them to pur- chase at exorbitant prices that they might traffic with the natives for corn.
Weston's undeserving company soon squandered away their provisions, and were reduced to a state of starvation ; thieving among the natives was their next resort. They were continually exasperating the sava- ges against both settlements, till at length they became contemptible in the eyes of the natives themselves. One of them was so greatly enfeebled for want of food, that, in attempting to dig clums, his feet got caught in the mud and before he could be extricated he perished. They would debase themselves by the most abject ser- vices for the natives, and they in return would rob them t5t their miserable food and their blankets while asleep. Pressing and clamorous complaints were made by the Indians to the governor, and some were stocked and some whipped, without amendment ; at length to appease the injured savages, it was thought ne- cessary to hang on(3 of those who had been convicted of stealing. ' A waggish report became current that the real offender was spared, and that a poor decrepid old man. that was unserviceable to the -company, was hung in his stead.' 'Upon this story,* says Mr. Hubbard in his MS. History of New England, ' the merry gen- tleman that wrote the poem called Hudibras did, in his poetical fancy, make so much sport.' * The pas- sage referred to is well known.'
• Our brethren of New England use Choice malefactors to excuse.
66 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1623
And han^ the guiltless in their stead, Of whom the churches have less need.'
Hudibras, part ii. canto 2.
' Mr Hubbard seriously contradicts the story, but with a quahfication, that would not perhaps have^ deprived the poet of an allusion, so convenient for his purpose, and so congenial to his feelings. As Mr. Hubbard had the account from the Plymouth people, the person hanged was really guilty of stealing, as were many of the rest ; yet, it is possible, that justice might be executed, not on him that most deserved it, but on him that could best be spared, or who was not likely to livelong, if he had been let alone.' — JVew Eng-' land JVIemoriaL
1623. Pardy to benefit Weston's starving peo- ple, and partly to provide for his own families, gov- ernor Bradford agreed to accompany them in the Swan, their own ship, on an expedition to Cape Cod, to procure corn from the natives. He afterwards went a second time, in company with Captain Stan- dish in another shallop, after the Captain had recov- ered from sickness. These voyages 'were attend- ed with the greatest hazard, by reason of Solent storms ; but they returned in safety, and brought a good supply of corn, which they divided equally between the two plantations. At Nauset the shallop was stranded in a storm ; part of the corn and beans, of which they had 26 or 28 hogsheads, was stacked and covered with mats, and left in charge of the Indians. The governor, procuring a guide, travelled home on foot, receiv- ing all respect from the natives by the way, and weary with galled feet and disappointment. In tliis first voyage the governor took Squanto as an interpreter and pilot, but unfortunately he was seized with a mor- tal fever at Cape Cod, of which he soon died. This loss was severely felt, as his place could not be sup- plied.
Although on a former occasion his conduct was
1623] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 57
somewhat exceptionable, yet, as interpreter and pilot, the En2;lish always found him faithful and ready to de- vote himself to their service. * A short time previous to his deaUi, he requested governor Bradford to pray that he might go to the Englis*hman's God in heaven ; and he bequeathed his little property to his English friends, as remembrances of his love.'
January. Captain Standish made frequent successful excursions during the winter, to traffic for corn. and furs. While at Nauset, and his shallop in a creek, an Indian stole from him some beads, scissors, and other trifles. Standish complained to the sachem, and threatened him and his people with punishment, unless they were re- stored. 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 fingers 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 laughter. After this cere- mony, he delivered the stolen goods, assuring the Cap- tain 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 reconciled.
February. Captain Standish, being on a visit to Mat- tachiest (Barnstable) to purchase corn, the people freely supplied him, pretending to regard him with great friend- ship 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 sa-
58 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1623
chem and his people. 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 demand- ed the stolen articles. The sachem having directed the thief to go slyly and put them into the boat, desired the Captain to search for them there ; he, suspecting their knavery, sent a man who found the articles laying in plain sight on the boat's cuddy. These people now supplied him with corn enough to load his shallop. These spirited measures 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 de- struction. 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 Mass:ichusetts Indians en- tered. The chief one, called VVattawamat, was a no- table, insulting villain, who had formerly imbrued his bands in the blood of English and French, and had often boasted of his own valor, and derided the weak- ness of the English, especially because, as he said, they died crying, making sour faces, more like children than men. This fellow took a dagger from his neck, and presented to the sachem, accompanied, by a long speech, which the Captain could not understand, but which was of the following purport. The Massachu- setts 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 unre--
* Manomet is the name of a creek, or river, which runs through the towr of Sandwich into th'^ upper part of Buzzard's Bay, foircer- ly called Manomet Bay. Between this and Scuss^U Creek, is the place, which, for more than a century, has been thought of, as pro- per to be cut through, to form a communication by a navigable ca- nal from Barnstable Bay to Buzzard's Bay. It is only six miles across.
1623] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 59
venged, and they could, not be safe unless boih planta- tions were overthrown. To this end, they formerly had solicited this sachem, and also lyanough at Malta- chiest, and many others, to assist them ; and now, since there was so fair an opportunity by tlie Captain's presence, it was best they should make sure of him and his company. The savtiges endeavored to persuade Standish to send for the remainder of the boat's crew, but he refused. At the same lime there was a. lusty Indian of Paomet (Truro) present, who had professed friendship for the Enghsh, especially for Standish. 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 havii a bet- ter opportunity to kill the Captain, he importuned him to lodge at his hut, but the weather was so excessive- ly 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 In- dian embarked whh Standish, and urged him to ac- company 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 savage in two attempts was providentially frustrated in his diabolical intentions.
March. Visit to Massasoit. Information being re- ceived that Massasoit was dangerously sick, and that a Dutch ship was stranded near his house, the governor sent Edward Winslow and Johij Hampden, with Hobo- mak, to visit him and minister to his comfort, as this act is not only commendable in itself, but is conforma- ble to the prevailing custom among the natives in case
60 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1623 1
of sickness. Mr. Hampden was a gentleman from Lon- don, says Winslow, who was spending the winter at,: Plymouth, and was desirous of seeing the country. Dr. Belknap supposes this to be the same person who dis- tinguished himself by his opposition to the illegal and arbitrary demands of King Charles I.* \_Biog. vol. ii. p. 229.] — Winslow was acquainted with the Dutch lan- guage, and it was desirable to have a conference with i them.; he was, moreover, a warm friend ol Massasoit, , and he provided for the occasion some comfortable cordials, &tc. 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 lerry in Swansey,) where they met with many Indians, who informed them that Massasoit was dead, and was that day to be buried, and that the Dutch ship > would be off before tliey could arrive. This was un- welcome news, and Hobomak wished to return imme- diately to Plymouth. But Winslow, conceiving that . Corbitant would probably succeed Massasoit, and that . the distance was only three miles to his dwelling-place, , (Mattapoiset,) prevailed on Hampden and Hobomak to proceed, although the visit might be attended with
* ' When wandering about the woods of Pakanoket, or alongj the ; banks of Taunton river, or sleeping 'n Indian huts, little did Hamp- den dream of the fate which awaited him. Little did he tliink that it was reserved for him to commence the ovei throw of the British monarchy, and to shed his blood in the first daring attempt for a 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 ' Jofin 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 paitiality 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, boiind to New England, and was stopped by order of the royal government.
1623] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 61
danger, as Corbitant was considered to be unfriendly. Hobomak immediately began to manifest bis great grief, exclaiming often on the way, ' Neen womasu sagimus, neen womasu sagimus, &,c. My loving sachem, my I loving sachem, many have I known, but never any like I thee.' And turning to Mr. Winslow, he said, ' Whilst I live I never shall see his like amongst the Indians : he was no liar, he was not bloody and cruel, like other Indians. In anger and passion, tie was soon reclaim- ed ; easy to be reconciled towards such as had offend- ed 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 faith- ful friend left among the Indians, &ic.' In this strain of lamentation and sorrow he continued, till they arrived at Corbitant's house ; but he being gone to visit Massa- soit, the squaw sachem gave them a kind enti^rtain- raent, and informed them that the death of Massasoit was not certain, but supposed to be true. Winslow hired an Indian to go with all expedition to Pokano- ket and ascertain the fact, and to 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 living. On their arrival, they found 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 expiring, 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 M^insnow ? Art thou Winslow ? Yes. Then he doubled these words, maire neen wonekanet naimen 6
02 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1623
WinsnowJ' * O Winslow, I shall never see you again ? Winslow then desired Hobomak to tell him, that the governor was grieved to learn of his sickness, and be- ing unable to come himself, he 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 swallowed a little, which he had not done for the two last days. Winslow next endeavored to cleanse his mouth from filth, with which it was excessively loaded, and his tongue so much swollen as to impede his swallowing. He con- tinued his kind attention to his patient, repeating his application, till, within an hour, all appearances were favorable, and he soon obtained some sleep.
IVJr. 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. Jn the mean time, Winslow made him some broth of corn meal, boiled with sassa- fras 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 expressed their sincere gratitude. He exclaimed, now I see the English are my friends, and love me, and whilst I live I never will forget this kindness they have shown me. He earnestly desired tliat 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 to him. Winslow and Hampden, on taking their departure, received the blessings of the king and his people. When about to depart, Massasoit privately informed Hobomak, that there was an extensive combination of Indians for the destruction of Weston's colony ; that the Massachusetts had drawn a great number of sachems into the confederacy; and that during his
1623] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 63
sickness he had been earnestly solicited to join them, but he had refused, and forbid his people to be influ- enced 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 En- glish regard their own safety, let thtm strike the first blow, for after the settlers at VVessagusset had been 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 Metiapoiset, on their way to Ply- mouth. They complied with this request, and were much entertained with his merry humor and jocose conversation. He asked if he were sick and should send word to Plymoutl^ the governor would send him physic, and whether Mr. Winslow should visit him ; and ha-.ifi^ ansv^cred in the affirmative, he returned his thanks. He inquired of Winslow, how he dared to come, beiiig but two men, so far into the country? * Winslow replied, that his heart was upright towards them, that he had no fear in coming amongst them. But, said Ci^i bitant, if your heart be so pure, and it produce such fruits, why when we come to Plymouth are the mouths of your pieces presented towards us ? This, said Winslow, is an honor whicli 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 return- ing thanks before and after eating. Winslow answer- ed 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 23c?.-— This being their annual court day, the governor laid before the whole company the evidence which he had obtained of the hostile combinaiion of the several tribes of Indians against the settlement at Wes-
^ HISTORY OF FLYMOUTH. [1623
sagnsset. It was resolved, that Captain Standish should take with him as many men as he should deem neces- sary to encounter all the Indians in Massachusetts Bay — that he should disclose his designs to Weston's peo- | pie, and secure Wattawamat, a bold and bloody war- rior, and bring home his head.
Captain Standish would take but eight men for this service, besides Hobomak, lest he should excite sus- picion. On his arrival, 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 Indian, and a Pinese, that is, counsellor and wai;rior, 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 dare, he will not take us unawares. Many of them would often whet and sharpen their knives, and use in- sulting 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 En- glish, 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 were a great Captain, he was but a little man, but himself, though no sachem, yet was a man of great strength and courage. Standish, though high-spirited and irritable, submitted patiently to these abusive prov- ocations, till a favorable opportunity should occur. The next day the valiant Captain found means to get Pecksuot, Wattawamat, and a third Indian, with Wat- tawamat's brother, eighteen years old, an insulting vil- lain, 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 5 he snatched
65
16^3] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH.
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 uito his bosom, and repeated strokes were given, the victun resisting to the last breath. Wattawamat and the other Indians were also slain at the same time, and^ihe young man was taken, and afterwards hanged. I he 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, brai>;ging of his own strength and stature, said, though you\vere a great Captain yet you were but a little man ; but to day I see you are big enough to ay him on the ground. Two more Indians were slain by Weston's men. Proceeding to another place, Standish killed an Indian ; and afterwards he met a file of sava- ges which he encountered, and, after a skirmish, they fled into a swamp ; he challenged the sachem to a sin- gle combat, but he refused.
Weston's people, now seeing their danger, resolved to quit their plantation, and requested the assistance of Captain Standish in conveying them to the fishing ves- sels at Munbiggin, hoping to find a passage to i.ng- land. The Captain told them that he should not leel him- self 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, til! they could arrive at the fishing vessels, although it would almost exhaust their store, and stint them for seed corn, bee- ins; them under sail in their own vessel, and clear ot Massachusetts Bay, he returned to Plymouth m his own shallop, bringing with him a few men that prefer- red a residence in Plymouth. Thus, within one year, was the settlement at 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 6*
66 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. ^ [1623
this time an Indian chained to the floor in the fort, having been detected in the conspiracy : he recognis- ed 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 Indians generally who had been prepared to join the Massachusetts, 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 lyanough, were among the victims to these complicated miseries. When Rev. Mr. Robinson received the news of these transac- tions, he wrote to the church at Plymouth, ' to consider the disposition of their Captain, who was of a warm temper.' He hoped the Lord had sent him among thenj for good, if they used him right ; but he doubt- ed 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. Robin- son. They indicate a generous philanthropy, which must always gain our affection, and should ever be cherished. Still the transactions, to which the stric- tures relate, are defensible. As to Standish, Dr. Bel- knap 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 persuaded of its existence, and, with the terrible example of the Virginia massacre in fresh remembrance, they had solemn duties to discharge. The existence of the whole settlement was at hazard.' — Judge Daviis edit, JYew England Memorial, p. 91,
1623] HIbTORr OF PLYMOUTH. 67
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 prom- lising state of their settlement, and the favor which their success had obtained for them with the council for New England, he, without their knowledge, but m 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, he, in the autumn , of the last and beginning of this year, made repeated attempts to send a ship to New England, but it was forced back by storms. In the last attempt the mar- iners, about the middle of February, were obliged in a terrible storm to cut away their main-mast, and return to Portsmouth. Pierce was then on board with luy souls. After these successive losses, he was prevailed on by the company of adventurers to . assign to them for £500 the patent, which had cost hira but i^.^O. The soods, with the charge of passengers m the ship, cost the company £640. Another ship was hired to transport the passengers and goods ; and it arrived at Plymouth in July. Soon after arrived a new vessel of 44 tons, which the company had built, to remam m the country ; both brought ^supplies for the plantation and about sixty passengers.'
' Francis West arrived at Plymouth in June, with a commission to be admiral of New England with power to restrain 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 L him, he sailed for Virginia The owners of the fishing vessels complaining to the Par lament ot this atten^^pted restraint, procured an order that fishmg
^^ The Ccbnlsts were essentially benefited by a vast abundance of bass, caught in the creeks ; ^n so ^e oc- casions, 1500 were taken at one tide, when these fad-
68 HISTORY OF PLTMOUTH. [1623 1
ed they resorted to the never-failing clam banks. Itt was their misfortune, in the early part of this summer, , to be reduced to the sev erest sufferings by a scantiness > of provisions, threatening a famine. A vessel with i supplies, which they expected in the spring, was obli- ged twice 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 fa- vorable 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 sufferers invoked the God of heaven for relief A day of humiliation and prayer was appointed ; the morn- ing was fair and the sky cloudless ; their fervent re- ligious worship was continued eight or nine hours with- out 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, ex- pressed 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 rejoiced and said, ' Now I see Englishman's God is a good God, for he hears you and sends rain, and without storms and tempests, which break down our corn ; surely he is a good God.' At a convenient season they also solem- nized a day of public thanksgiving for rain, and for a supply of provisions from England. ' 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 cheer- fulness, and rest on Providence.' The devout elder Brewster lived for many months together without
1623] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 69
bread, and chiefly on fish and clams, yet, with this scanty fare, he, with his family, would give tlianks 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 marsh- es and creeks, and not unfrequently a deer was brought from the forest, which was 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 main- tain a community of interest, ns respects the cultiva- tion of the land, and the product was necessarily thrown into the common slock. By the articles of agreement with the merchant adventurers in England the personal services of the planters, and of their wives and children, were estimated at a stipulated rate^ and to make common stock with property advanced, either by them or their adventurers. But this year it was judged advisable to change the system imd cre- ate an individual interest, by allowing every family the product of its labor to its own particular use. Each family to have a certain parcel of land in propor- tion to its numbers, on the condition only of a certain portion of the corn set apart at the harvest for those who were engaged in public business and for the fish- ermen. This arrangement operated as a stimulus to individual industry, and a larger quantity of corn was planted this year than before.
In July and August, two ships, the Ann and the little James, arrived with supplies, and 60 passengers, among whom were Timothy Hatherly, George Mor- ton, and John Jenney, with the wives and children of some who had arrived before. By these ships letters were received from their agent, Mr. Cushman, and from the adventurers. Mr. Cushman writes, 'Some
70 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1623
few of your old friends are come ; they come dropping to yon, and by degrees; I hope ere long you shall en- joy them all.' The adventurers write, ' Let it not be grievous to you, that you have been instruments to break the ice for others, who come after with less difficulty ; the honor shall be yours to the world's end. We bear you always in our breasts, ar.d our hearty af- fection is towards you all, as are the hearts of hundreds more, which never saw your faces, who doubtless pray for your safety as their own.'
These new comers were extremely affected with the miserable condition of those who had been almost three years in the country. An interview with old v friends under such suffering circumstances was truly | appalling. ' The best dish we could present them with,' ' says governor Bradford, ' is a lobster or piece of fish, without bread, or anything else but a cup of fair spring water; and the long continuance of this diet with our labors abroad, has somewhat abated the freshness of our complexions; but God gives us health.'
First Jury. — It appears from the following ordinance that this little band of exiles duly appreciated the pri- vilege of trial by jury.
*lt is ordained, this 17th day of December, A. D. 1623, by this court, then h^ld, that all criminal facts, and also all matters of trespass and debts between man and man, shall be tried by the verdict of twelve hon- est men, to be impanneled by authority in form of a jury upon their oaths.' — Colony R(:co7'cIs.
Under August 14th of this year, Mr. Prince places the fourth marriage in the settlement, governor Brad- ford to Mrs. Alice Souihworth. This is taken, it is said, from the governor's register. A more particular account will be given under the year 1657.
On the 10th of September, the Ann sailed for Lon- don, on company account, laden with clapboards, and all the beaver and other furs which they had collected at Plymouth. Mr. Edward Winslow went passenger
1624] HISTOKV OF PLYMOUTH. 71
in the Ann ' to inform how things are,' says governor Bradford, ' and |)rociire wliat we want.'
1624. — Tiie colonists had hitljerto appointed but one assistant to ttie jrovernor; but the present year, by the request of Mr. Bradford, four others were added, and to the governor was given a double vote. Gov- ernor liradlord on this occasion strongly recorrjrnended a rotation in the office, alleging that if it were any honor or benefit, otfjers beside hinriself should partake of it ; if it were a burden, others sfiould Ijeip to bear it. But he was notwithstanding re-elected, and re- peatedly afterwards.
On the request of tlie peo[)le to the governor that they might have some land for permanent use, instead of the accustomed assignment by annual lot, he gave every person an acre for himself and his family, as near as it was convenient to the town.*
Edward Winslow, having been sent to England, the last year, as an agent for the colony, on his re- turn liome brought three heifers and a bull, which were the first rjcai cattle brought to Plymouth. Tlie settlers were desiitute of fnilk the first four years. Mr. Wins- low was absent but six months, and brought with him provisions and clothing.
When we consider the sequestered situation of our })uritan fatliers, and their privations and sufferings, it is scarcely credible that a sfiirit of enmity should sub- sist a'ialnsl them on the other side of the Atlantic. Bui such was the fact ; a division among the adventur- ers took place, a party of them were dissatisfied with the affairs of the colonists ; groundless calumnies were urged against them; and it was determined, if possible, to prevent Rev. Mr. Robinson and the remainder of his church from coming over, alleging that their narrow
* The particular Ic^cation of these Jots to each iri'Jivuiual family refepecliviy, may he firjund in Jiidj^e IJaviw's ettition ol the Memo- rial, and ii\so in Hon. Mr. Jiaylierf's lJi»lorical Memoir, vol. i. page 257.
72r HISTORY OF PLYxMOUTH. [1624
scheme of religious polity was unfriendly to a trading establishment. With Mr. Winslow, one John Lyford, a preacher, but a man of loose morals, was sent over by some of the adventurers. This man, on his first arrival, saluted the planters ppparently with great reverence and humility, bowing and cringing in a very unbecoming manner, and even wept when blessing ' God that had brought him to see their faces.' The governor treated him with all respect, and admitted him into his councils with Elder Brewster and others. He soon desired to be received into fellowship with their church, making a confession of his faith, and a humble acknowledg- ment of his former sinful courses, and blessed God for the opportunity of disburdening his conscience, he. It was not long before he was observed in close intima- cy with one John Oldham, a man of turbulent and rest- less spirit, and the mischievous effects of this associa- tion soon became manifest. They diffused a factious spirit among the more vicious part of the populace who could be brought in opposition to the colonists, and in aid of their enemies in England. Eyford was observ- ed to be much engaged in writing letters to go by the return ship to England, and was not very careful to conceal a knowledge of their contents from those whom they most concerned. It was even boasted openly, among the confidants of Lyford and Oldham, that their letters would effect a change of affairs at Plymouth. The governor, apprehensive that these letters would be productive of evil consequences, should they reach their destination in England, thought himself bound to intercept them. He went on board the vessel in the harbor, and, on representing to Capt. William Pierce, the commander, his suspicions, it was agreed that the letters should be unsealed, as the welfare- of the colony was doubtless deeply involved in the issue. A scene of perfidy was now disclosed, making it evident that they were scheming a total subversion of the civil au- thority, and of the church government. That the af-
1624] BISTORT OF rLYMOUTH. 'J'S
\ fairs of the colony might devolve on themselves. Their letters were filled with base invective, and false accusa- tions against both church and state in the new colony. The governor deemed it proper to take copies of these letter?; but of some of the most palpably obnoxious, he retained the originals, and replaced them with co- nies The breaking the seals of private letters may Lays be justified, when for the purpose of detecting a treasonable correspondence, which may effect the ru n of a community.' Amongst the Ly ord letters wa one to John Pemberton, a minister well known to be inimical to the colony, and in this letter were endosed <,opies of a letter from a gentleman - E"f ^>"1 ^^ M^' Brewster, and of another from i\Ir. Wmslow to Rev Mr. Robinson. These two copies were taken from the original sealed letters by Lyford, when on board the •ship while laying at Gravesend, bound to America.
Governor Bradford remained silent respecting the information which he had obtained, but kept a strict watch over the conduct of the culprits, that their ad- herents and their designs might be more '^l«^''b'^ ^ i; covered. Oldham soon become obstreperous refusing to comply with his military duty when called on to watch according to rule. He even insulted the cap- Tah^and attacked him with a knife, and ranted furious- y against all who attempted to q^iet.'"'"- . "V;^^^ imprisoned, and a slight punis Im.ent be."? .nfl-ted he made confession and was released. Soon aftet this Lyford, with his accomplices, proceeded to extremity, b defiance of the ruling authority and without con- sulting the governor, church, or elder, set up a publ c meeti'ng apa^t on the Lord's day, and a.tempte o ad- minister the sacrament. In this crisis of aflTaus, the "L summoned a court of the whole co,n,,any, Ind preferred his charges against Lyford »"d Oldhatn. With audacious face they denied the cha^S.^^' «°d '«- ouired proof. On this extraordinary occasion, gover- nor Bradford expatiated on the principal objects and 7
74 HISTORY OF PLMYOUTH. [1624
views of their emigration here, the toils and sufferings to which they had been subjected, that they might en- joy the ordinances of God in freedom and quietness. In adverting to the case of Lyford, he reminded him that he had not participated in those sufferings, nor in the expense, but was sent over, and, with his large family, received kindly and supported at much expense; and now to plot against them and seek their ruin, was most unjust and perfidious. Lyford still denied the charge, and pretended not to understand the language addressed to him. The governor could no longer withhold the overwhelming truth. The letters from his own hand were now produced, and where is the man with sufficient effrontery not to be utterly confound- ed ? Oldham began to be furious, and to rage bitter- ly that their letters had been intercepted. He endeav- ored to excite a mutiny among the people, exhorting them to show their couiage, that now was the time to side W'ith him in open rebellion, and he would stand by them. But he gained not a man ; all were confounded and even the seditiously disposed were quelled through fear. The governor now proceeded to reprove Ly- ford for his base hypocrisy and treachery ; in abusing his friends, in breaking the seals of private letters and taking co[)ies ; and at this time he caused Lyford's letters to be read to the whole company. He was next reminded of his confession when admitted to church- fellowship, and his saying at that time that he did not hold himself a minister till he could have a new call- ing for that purpose, and yet, now he had drawn a par- ty aside, and, without acquainting the governor or the church, he was about to administer the sacrament, by virtue of his former calling. He only replied, that many persons had complained to him of abuses, but the persons he named denied his assertions. At length the miscreant, with eyes streaming with tears, confes- sed ' that be feared he was a reprobate, and that his sins were so great that God would not pardon them ;
1624] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 75
he was ' unsavory salt,' and that ' he had so wronged them that he could never make thetn amends ;' confes- sing ' all he had written against them was false and i naught, both for motive and manner.' • Both of these men were convicted, and the court sentenced them to be expelled the plantation. Old- iham to depart immediately, though his wife and family had liberty to tarry all winter, or till he could rem:)ve them comfortably. Lyford had liberty to tarry six months, and the governor intended to remit his punish- ment, if his repentance proved sincere. He acknovvl- ecLod that his sentence was just, far less than he de- served, and afterwards confessed his sin before the church with tears in abundance. He acknowledged that he had slanderously abused the people expecting that a majority would side with him, and that he should gain his point, and he now blessed God that his designs were frustrated. He confessed himself to be actuated by pride, vain-glory and self-love ; that his eyes and his ears were shut against all good ; and that if God should make him a vagabond on the earth, as was Cain, it were but just. Such was the apparent sincerity of these professions of sorrow and repentance, that many ; * tender-hearted persons, had pity and compassion on j him, and he was again permitted to teach, and some i were willing to fall on their knees to have his sentence remitted.'
Can it be credited, that in less than three months af- ter his conviction, and before the term of his probation had expired, notwithstanding all his tearful confessions before God and the church, he should be found guilty of a new offence ? He actually wrote another slander- ous let^ter to his abettors in England, but the person to whom it was entrusted delivered it to the governor. John Oldham departed from Plymouth to Nantasket, and Lyford accepted of an invitation to be the minister of Cape Ann. At the annual election in March, 1625, Oldham returned to Plymouth, in violation of his sen- tence the last year, which prohibited his return without
76 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1624
the consent of the Governor. He conducted again in such a factious and abusive manner, that his own asso- ciates were ashamed to be seen in his company, andi it became necessary to confine him, till some punish- ment could be prepared for him. He was made to* run the gauntlet through a double file of armed men, and each man was ordered to give him a blow as he passed, with the butt end of his musket, saying at the same time, ^ go and mend your manners f he was then conducted to his boat, which lay at the water's side for his departure.
Oldham afterwards applied himself to trade at Nan- tasket, with commendable industry and good success. He undertook a voyage to Virginia, and while in immi- nent danger of shipwreck, his mind was deeply impres- sed with a sense of his evil course of life, and he made many confessions and promises of amendment, if God should spare his life, and these vows he verified by a more correct course, insomuch, that the people of Plym- outh permitted him to come into the place, whenever it migfit be convenient. Some time after, while on a trading voyage at Block Island, having some conten- tion with the Indians, he fell a sacrifice to their bar- barity. As to Lyford, Mr. Winslow, while in Eng- land, made sucli disclosures of his conduct while in Ireland, as could not fail to confound his best friends and adherents ; and among the adventurers he was final- ly condemned, as unfit for the ministry. After suffer- ing many disappointments and troubles, he went to Nantasket, then to Salem, and afterwards to Virginia, wliere he sickened and died. The affair of Lyford and Oldham is narrated by Secretary Morton, in lan- guage of great severity if npt prejudice, and some sug- gestions of caution in its perusal are found in other au- thors.
Captain Smith's statistical account of Plymouth, at this period is thus condensed in Prince's Chronology,. 'At New Plymouth, there are now about 180 persons^
1625] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 77
some cattle and goats, but many swine and poultry Thirty-two dwelling-houses ; the town is impaled about a mile in compass.'*
' On a high mount in the town they have a fort well built of wood, lime and stone, and a lair watch-house ; the place it seems is healthful, for in tlie three last years, notwithstanding their great want of most neces- saries, hath not one died of the first planters ; and this year they have freighted a sbip of 180 tons. The gen- eral stock already employed by the adventurers to Plym- outh is about seven hundred pounds.'
In the same ship which brought i\Ir. Lyford to Plymouth, came a carpenter and salt maker, both sent by the adventurers. ' The carpenter,' says gov- ernor Bradford, ' is an honest and very industrious man, quickly built us two very good and strong shallops, with a great and strong lighter, and had hewn timber for two ketches ; but this was spoilt ; for in the beat of the season of the year, he falls into a fever and dies, to our grief, loss and sorrows' The salt man he describes as ignorant, foolish, and self-willed, and pro- duced nothing. On the 5th of August, Mr. Thomas Prince, who was afterwards governor, w'as married to Miss Patience Brewster, being the ninth marriage which had been solenmized in th^ colony.
Great dissensions having prevailed among the mer- chant adventurers in London, and being under consid- erable pecuniary embarrassments, the company this year, 1625, dissolved, and the major part of its mem- bers relinquished all interest in the affairs of the com- pany, and lelt the colonists to provide for themselves. The colonists were, this year, so successful in their
* This statement cannot be correct ; an impalement consists of large logs or posts set into the «;round, so noar together that nothino can enter between them, and generally they are about ten feet hi2;h An impalement of a mile would be out of proportion to the number of people, and the labor would exceed their abilities, with their other cares and avocations, 7*
78 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [16^
crops of Indian corn, that they were overstocked, and wis-hing to convert part of it to some profit in trade, and having no other vessels than two shallops, they laid a deck on one of them, and sent her, laden with corn, to Kennebec. Although the shallop was pro- vided with a deck amid-ship to keep the corn dry, yet the men were exposed to the weather without shelter. Having no seaman for this service, Mr. Winslow and some of the ' old standards,' performed this voyage, in a tempestuous season, on the approach of winter. They disposed of the corn to advantage, and returned with seven hundred pounds of beaver^ besides other furs, and at the same time opened a profitable trade for future occasions.
The merchant adventurers at London, having sent two ships on a trading voyage to New England, one of them returning, laden with cod-fish, and having on board also eight hundred pounds of beaver, with other furs, and the other also laden with dry fish, both sailed from Plymouth, the larger towing the smaller ship till they reached the Englisli channel, when, being cast off, she was surprised by a Turkish man-of-war, by whom she was captured and carried Into Sallee, where the master and his men were made slaves. In the larger ship, Capt. Miles Stfmdish went over as agent in be- half of the plantation, in reference to some afl^airs de- pending between them and the adventurers. He pro- videntially escaped the fate of those in the other ves- sel.
1626. — In April of this year, Caot. Miles Standish reiured from England. He was the bearer of tidings which occasioned universal grief and sorrow. It was the death of the Rev. John Robinson, the beloved pastor of the Leyden and Plymouth church. Mr. Robinson died at Leyden, March 1st, 1625, in the fif- tieth year of his age. A greater loss could not have been sustained in their circumstances. A particular detail of the character of this great and good man will
1626] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 79
be found under the head of Ecclesiastical History, in this volume. His widow and children came over to Plymouth colony. His son, Isaac, lived to the age of ninety. ' A venerable man,' says Mr. Prince, ' whom I have often seen.' He left male posterity in the county of Barnstable. Another instance of death very afflictive to the colonists, was announced by cap- tain Standish. It was Mr. Robert Cushman, one of their most valued friends. Mr. Cushman had resided* in England since his return from Plymouth in 1621. He was a man of estimable character, and rendered essential service to the colonists. When at Plymouth in 1621, although a layman, he preached a sermon ' on the sin and danger of self love.' This was the first sermon ever preached in New England : accord- ing to tradition, the spot where it was delivered was the common house of the plantation, on the southerly side of Leyden street. It was printed in London in 1622, and afterwards reprinted in Boston, in 1724. Another edition was puhlished at Plymouth in 1785, with an appendix, giving some account of the author. In 1822 this celehrated sermon was again published at Stockbridge, with the appendix.
In governor Bradford's letter-book, a fragment of which is preserved, is a letter from four of the adven- turers written eighteenth December, 1624, said by Governor Bradford to be in Mr. Cushman's hand-writ- ing. It gives much insight into their affairs, especial- ly relative to their connexion with the adventurers, and evidences the good sense and excellent spirit of the writer. He wrote about the same time to governor Bradford. In the same letter- book, is a copy of gov- ernor Bradford's reply, dated June 9th, 1625, probably sent by Captain Standish. In his letters to governor Bradford, Mr. Cushman expresses a hope of coming to them in one of the next ships. His son Thomas, at that time a youth, whom he brought with him in the Fortune, in 1621, was then in the family of governor
80 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1627
Bradford. * I must entreat you,' says he in his last letter, ' to have a care of my son as your own, and I shall rest bound unto you.' The request, we can have no doubt, was sacredly regarded. This son became a useful member of the society in which he was nur- tured from childhood. He was chosen ruling elder of the church in 1649, after the death of Elder Brewster. He married Mary, a daughter of Mr. AUerton, and <iied 1691, aged eighty-four. A tombstone was erect- ed to his memory in 1715, by the church and congre- gation at Plymouth. He left several children. One of them, Isaac, was the first minister of Plympton. His widow survived till 1699. She is the person mentioned by Hutchinson, vijI. ii. p. 408, as the only one of the first comers surviving in 1698. 'Descend- ants from this respectable stock are numerous, espe- cially in Plympton, Duxbury and Middleliorough.' Memorial. In the will of Elder Thomas Ciishman, dated October 22d5 1690, he mentions his sons Thom- as, Isaac, Elkanah, and E'eazer. Also his wife Mary, and his daughter Sarah Hook, and Lydia Harlow. His son Thomas, Isaac, and Elkanah settled in Plymp- ton and died there, and probably Eleazer also.
l627.-For greater convenience oftrade, the Plymouth colonists this summer built a small pinnace at Manomet, a place twenty miles to the south of Plyniouth, (Buz- zard's Bay,) to which place they transported tlieir goods. Having taken them up a creek within four or five miles, they carried them over land to the vessel, and thus avoided the dangerous navigation around Cape Cod, and made their voyag- to the southward in far less time, and with much less hazard. For the safe- ty of their vessel and goods, they also built a house, and kept some servants ihere, who planted corn, rais- ed hogs, &nd were always ready to go out with the bark, and this became f ^ establishment of some im- portance. In the time of the late war with Great Britain, the editor of the Memorial says he had an op- portunity to witness at Sandwich a revival of this mode
1627] HiSTORr OF Plymouth. 81
of conveyance, to which the inhabitants of Cape Cod found it convenient to resort for the purpose of avoid- ing the risk of capture by the enemy's cruisers on the coast.
At this period the colonists received numerous let- ters from their affectionate friends and brethren at Leyden. They were sorrowing under the irreparable loss of their beloved pastor, and pining with little hope for a re-union with their christian brethren at Plymouth. They were poor and dejected, and the society was hastening to a dissolution. The event of a re-union was equally desirable on the part of their friends at Plymouth. Governor Bradford and his associates were determined to make every possible effort to effect the object ; no pecuniary sacrifices were deemed too great. Mr. Allerlon had been sent several times, as agent to London, to negociate a settlement of all pe- cuniary concerns with the company of adventurers, and to solicit assistance in behalf of the Leyden church. He returned in the spring of this year, after a success- ful execution of his commission, and was so fortunate as to purchase all the interest of the company of ad- venturers for the planters at Plymouth.
This year it was deemed expedient to distribute portions of land to each person, allotting to each twen- ty acres of arable land, five acres in breadth by the water side and four acres In length, in addition to the acre of homstead and garden plot, formerly allotted. There was also a division of the cattle and goats. In the edition of the Memorial, by Judge Davis, page 389, will be found a particular allotment of cows and goats to individual families, and by that list the state of several families, may be determined. The di- vision of cows and goats took place soon after the con- nexion of the Plymouth settlers with the company of merchant adventurers in England was dissolved. In 1624, Mr. James Shirley, merchant of London, and one of the adventurers, a warm friend to the pilgrims,
82 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1627
gave a heifer to the plantation to begin a stock for the poor. In 1638, the townsmen of New Plymouth met at the governor's, all the inhabitants from Jones' river to Eel river, respecting the disposition of the stock of cows given by Mr. Shirley. The amount of the stock was very consideratlle, and a respectable committee was appointed to dispose of the same. In one of his letters, this benevolent gentleman says , ' If you put off any bull calves, or when they grow to bigger stature, 1 pray let that money or money's worth purchase liose and shoes for the poor at Plymouth, or such necessa- ries as they may want ; and this I pray make known to all.' ' All this gentleman's letters,' observes the ed- itor of the Memorial, ' exhibit the most estimable dis- positions. When Plymouth shall distinguish its streets and public places with the name of ancient worthies, that of Shirley should not be forgotten.'
In March of this year, messengers arrived at Plym- outh from the governor of the Dutch plantation at Hud- son's river, with letters dated at Manhattas, Fort Am- sterdam, March 9ih, 1627, and written in Dutch and French. In these letters, the Dutch congratula- ted the English on their prosperous and commendable enterprise, tendered their good will and friendly ser- vices, and offered to open and maintain with them a commercial intercourse. The governor and council of Plymouth sent an obliging answer to the Dutch, ex- pressing a thankful sense of the kindness which they had received in their native country, and a grateful ac- ceptance of the offered friendship. The letters were signed by Isaac De Razier, Secretary.
In September, of the same year, the Plymouth plant- ers received a visit from De Razier. Having ar- rived at the Plymouth trading-house at Manomet, ac- cording to his request, governor Bradford sent a boat for him, and he arrived at Plymouth, in the Dutch style, with a noise of trumpeters. He was a chief merchant, and second to the governor.
1627] HISTORY or Plymouth. 8S
The people of Plymouth entertained him and his company several days, and some of them accompanied him on his return to Manomet, and purchased of him some commodities, especially tvampum peack, or wam- pum. The Plymouth settlers were unacquainted with wampum, as an article of commerce, but, from the in- formation received from the Dutch, they were induced to purchase the article of the Indians, to the value of £50, for traffic ; it was unsaleable the two first years ; but afterwards became a very important article of trade, especially with the inland Indians, who did not make it. ' Wompompague,' says Mr. Gookin, ' is made, artificially, of a part of the wilks shell ; the black is double the value of the white. It is made principally by the Narraganset and Long Island Indians. Upon the sandy flats and shores of those coasts, the wilk shells are found.' In Roger Williams' key, wampum is considered as the Indian money, and is described in the twenty-fourth chapter of that interesting tract. * One fathom of this, their stringed money, is worth five shillings. Their white money they call wampum, which signifies white ; their black, suckawhock, suki signifying black.^ The editor of the Memorial says he received from the late professor Peck, a reply to some inquiries on this subject. He was satisfied that wam- pum was made from the shell of the paquawhock, or quawhaug. A traveller in this country in the year 1760, describing his journey from Newark to New York, by the way of Staten Island, has the following remark : ' In my way, I had an opportunity of seeing the method of making wampum. It is made of the clam shell ; a shell consisting within of two colors, purple and white, and in form not unlike a thick oys- ter shell. The process of manufacturing it is very sim- ple. It is just clipped to a proper size, which is that I of a small oblong parallelopiped, then dulled, and af- terwards ground to a round smooth surface, and pol- ished. The purple wampum is much more valuable
S4 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1629^
than the white ; a very small part of the shell being of that color.'
1628. — The Plymouth company had, for some time,.! been endeavoring to obtain a patent of a tract of landi on the Kennebec river, as a place of trade. This- year their object was accomplished, and they erected! a house high up the river, and furnished it with corn i and other commodities, for a market. This year died I Mr. Richard Warren, one of the passengers in the Mayflower, and a man of great usefulness during the sufferings and difficulties of the first settlement. ' Eli- zabeth Warren, the widow of Richard Warren, sur- vived her husband about 45 years. She died in 1675, aged 90. Honorable mention is made of her in the Plymouth records. They had seven children, two sons and five daughters, all of whom married in Plymouth, excepting Abigail, the youngest daughter, who married Anthony Snow, of Marshfield. Richard Warren stands at the head of the ninth share in the division of cattle in 1627. His location of lands was near Eel river, and the farm has remained in possession of his descend- ants till within about three years. The late Honora- ble James Warren, of Plymouth, was a descendant from Richard Warren.
This year commenced the troubles occasioned by the eccentric Thomas Morton, of famous * Merry Mount ' and * May Pole ' memory ; bnt as this ' Lord of Misrule ' was not an inhabitant of Plymouth, and as his affairs were transacted chiefly at Mount Wollaston, (Braintree,) the reader is referred to the New England Memorial for particulars.
In 1628, or 1629, some Plymouth people, putting into Nantasket, met with a Mr. Ralph Smith, in a very miserable condition, but finding him to be a sober-mind- ed man, and having officiated as a minister, they, by his earnest desire, brought him to Plymouth, where he was settled as their first minister. See Ecclesias- tical History.
1630] HISTORY OF PLYMOtTTH. 8B
1629. — This year, Dr. Fuller, one of the first comers over, a skilful physician as well as pious man, was called to visit some sick people at Salem, as a malig- nant disease prevailed there among a company of emi- grants from England, under the care of Mr. John En- dicott, afterwards governor.
Governor Bradford, and some others from the church tDf Plymouth, went to Salem, to assist in the ordination of Mr. Skelton, pastor, and Mr. Higginson, teacher, or ruling elder. Governor Bradford, and the other mes- sengers from the church of Plymouth, gave them the right hand of fellowship.
In August of this year, thirty-five families of the church of Ley den arrived at Plymouth. They were received with great joy, and the expenses of their trans- portation were paid gratuitously by the undertakers, and they were subsisted out of the public stores for more than a year. Mr. Allerton, who made a third voyage to England in the autumn, of 1628, as agent for Plymouth, returned this year, in the month of August. He was greatly useful in assisting the fami- lies of the Ley den church in their removal to this place.
The Plymouth colony received this year a new charter, with the great seal of James I. dated January 13th, 1629. The grant is to William Bradford and his associates. It recites the rise and progress of the plantation, and that it had increased to 300 people. The charter also includes a tract of land thirty miles square on Kennebeck river. This charter, with the box in which it came, is now in the office of the regis- ter of deeds in this town.
1630. — Another portion of the Ley den people, about sixty in number, arrived on the 8th of May. Their transportation, amounting to £550, was paid by the undertakers. 'The generosity of the chiefs of the colony to their Leyden brethren,' says Mr. Baylies, ^ is unparalleled. They almost deprived themselves 8
S6 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1632!
of the common necessaries of life to get them over, and] to support them, until they were able to support them- selves.'
Execution. John Billington, indicted for murder, was found guilty, and executed in October. This was the first execution in Plymouth colony. Govern- or Bradford says, ' He was one of the profanest amongst us. He was from London, and I know not by what friends shuffled into our company. We usedi all due means about his trial ; he was found guilty, both by grand and petit jury ; and we took the advice of Mr. Winihrop, and others, the ablest gentlemen in i the Massachusetts Bay, who all concurred with us that he ought to die, and the land be purged from blood.' He was guilty of the first offence in the colony in 1621, when he suffered an ignominous punishment. Gov- ernor Bradford, writing to Mr. Cushman in 1625, says, * Billington still rails against you, and threatens to ar- rest you, I know not wherefore ; he is a knave, and so will live and die.' Billington waylaid and shot one John Nevvcomen, in revenge for some affront. It was Francis, who in 1621, discovered the lake that has the name of Billington Sea. In October of this year, the ship called the Handmaid arrived at Plymouth ; having been twelve weeks at sea, and lost all her masts. About sixty passengers arrived, all well, but of twenty-eight cows shipped ten were lost.
I{jfi2.— First Water Mill. Stephen Dean was al- lowed to set up water works to beat out corn ; after- wards he was allowed to erect a grinding mill, but to surrender up his beating mill. His mill was erected near Billington Sea, where he had a house.
A law was made in the colony this year, inflicting a penalty of twenty pounds on any person who should refuse to accept of the office of governor, unless he was chosen two years in succession, and whoever should re- fuse the office of counsellor or magistrate, was required to pay ten pounds.
163
I
1632] HISTORY OF PLTxMOUTH. 87
* Whereas our ancient work of fortification, by con- tinuance of time is decayed, and christian wisdom teacheth us to depend upon God in the use of all good means for our safety, it is agreed by court, that fortifications be made in March or April, and the gov- ernor and council measure the work, and appoint the whole their joint and separate part of labor, and, in case any shall fail to do their part, they to forfeit ten shillings a day for each default, and to pay his or their part of labor, as the overseers shall agree.'
In the autumn of 1632, governor Winthrop, of Mas- sachusetts, Rev. Mr. Wilson, and some other gentle- men from Boston, visited Plymouth. In Winthrop*s Journal the party is thus described : ' The governor, with Mr. Wilson, pastor of Boston, and two captains,' &c. The two captains, it may be presumed, were Endicott and Underbill. ' They went on board captain Pierce's ship, (October 28th,) which had just before arrived from England, and were put on shore at a place called Massagascus. The next morning, the governor and his company went on foot to Plymouth, and arrived witliin the evening. The governor of Plymouth, Bradford, with Mr. Brewster the elder, and some others, came forth and met them without the town and conducted them to the governor's house, where they were kindly entertained and feasted every day at several houses. On the lord's day was a sacra- ment, which they did partake in, and in the afternoon Mr. Roger Williams, (according to their custom,) pro- pounded a question, to which their pastor, Mr. Smith, spake briefly. Rev. Mr. Williams prophesied, and after, the governor of Plymouth spake to the question ; after him, the elder, then some two or three more of the congregation. Then the elder desired the gov- ernor of Massachusetts and Mr. Wilson to speak to it, which they did. When this was ended, the deacon, Mr. Fuller, put the congregation in mind of the duty of contribution, upon which the governor and all the
8S HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH, [1633^
rest went down to the deacon's seat and put into the bag, and then returned.
October 31 5^.— Wednesday, about five in the morning, the governor and his company came out of Plymouth; the governor of Plymouth, with the pastor and elder, he. accompanying them near half a mile out of town in the dark. ^ The lieutenant. Holmes, with two others, and the governor's man, came along with them to the great swamp, about ten miles. When they came to the great river, they were carried over by one Ludham, their guide, (as they had been when they came,) the stream being very strong and lip to the hips ; so the governor called that passage Ludham's Ford. Then they came to a place called Hue's Cross : the governor being displeased at the name, in respect that such things might hereafter give the papists occasion to say that their religion was first planted in these parts, changed the name, and called it Hue's Folly ; so they came that evening to Massa- gascus, where they were bountifully entertained as be- fore, with store of turkeys, geese, ducks, &c., and the next day to Boston.'
The great swamp mentioned in this narrative was in Pembroke ; the great river is supposed to be what is now called JVorth River. Ludham's Ford was prob- ably in Hanover, about fourteen miles from Plymouth. Massagascus was probably written Wessagascus, and indicates the place which w^as commonly called Wes- sagasselt. The term prophesyiiig , in the sense intended by governor Winthrop in his account of the religious exercises at Plymouth, has become obsolete. It orig- inated in the reign of Elizabeth, when the puritans maintained frequent religious exercises, in which texts of scripture were interpreted or discussed, one speak- ing to the subject after another, in an orderly method. 1633.— This year, Mr. Edward Winslow was cho- sen governor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth, IMr. William Bradford, captain Miles Standish, Mr. John Howlandj Mr. John Alden, Mr. John Done, Mr
1633] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 89
Stephen Hopkins, and Mr. William Gilson were cho- sen to be his assistants in government. Governor Bradford, having served in the office of governor about twelve years, now, by importunity, got off.
At a general court, held 28th October, it was by full consent agreed upon, that the chief government be held in the town of Plymouth, and that the governor live there, and keep his residence and dweUing, and there also to hold such courts as concern the people.
It is a current tradition, that the house, in which the general court held their sessions for many years, occu- pied the identical spot on which now stands the dwelling house of Mr. Thomas Jackson, in Main street, and that some of the original timber was incorporated into the present house. The walls of the chamber were high, in which sat the governor and assistants, and the lower room was occupied by the house of deputies.
All and every person in the colony to be subject to such military orders for training and exercise of arms, as agreed upon by the governor and assistants.
The town of Plymouth was this year visited with a mortal sickness, of which upwards of twenty men, wo- men, and children died. Among others, was that most excellent and pious man, Dr. Samuel Fuller. He had attached himself to the puritan interest, while at Ley- den, and came over as a member of Robinson's church, in the Mayflower. He twice visited Salem in the discharge of his professional duties, and, being ex- perienced in the church afl:airs at Plymouth, commu- nicated some useful information to governor Endicott, relative to the formation of a church at Salem, for which he received his grateful acknowledgments. He was an ardent friend to the church, of which he was deacon, and was distinguished for his moral and christian virtues. ' The spring before this sickness,' says Morton, (Memorial), 'there was a numerous company of flies, which were like for bigness unto wasps or bumblebees ; they came out of little holes in 8*
ll
90 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [l635 I
the ground, and did eat up the green things, and made : such a constant yelling noise as made the woods ring ; of them, and to deafen the hearers. They were not ' heard nor seen hy the English in the country before this time, but the Indians told them that sickness would follow ; and so it did. Very hot in the months of June, July, and August, of that summer.' The insect here described, is the locust, which has appeared in our woods at distant intervals since.
In the inventory of Dr. Fuller, three cows were ap- praised January 2d, 1633, at sixty pounds sterling.
1634. — This year Mr. Thomas Prince was chosen governor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth. Mr. William Bradford, first assistant, or deputy governor, and six other gentlemen were chosen assistants.
Indian Anecdote. Governor Winthrop mentions in his Journal, that * Mr. Winslow, coming in his bark from Connecticut, left his bark at Narraganset, to re- turn to Plymouth by land. Asamequin (INIassasoit), his old ally, offered to be his guide, but before they took their journey, the Sagamore sent one of his men to Plymouth, to tell them that Mr. Winslow was dead, and directed him to show where he was killed ; whereupon there was much fear and sorrow at Plymouth. The next day, when Asamequin brought him home, they asked him why he sent such word ; he answered, that it was their manner to do so, that they might be more welcome when they came home.
1635. — William Bradford chosen governor, Edward Winslow, Thomas Prince, and five others assistants.
Mr. E. Winslow again visited England, as agent for the colony, and was joint agent for Massachusetts also. While before the council, on the affairs of the colonies, archbishop Laud, being greatly incensed against him, as against all the colonists, as separatists from, the church of England, accused him of officiating in the celebration of marriages, and as religious teacher. Mr. Winslow acknowledged that he had occasionally taught
1635] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 91
publicly in the church, and that he had officiated in Tthe celebration of marriages as a magistrate, and that he himself had been married by a magistrate. The archbishop pronounced him guilty of separation from the national church, and ' by vehement importunity,' says governor Bradford, 'got the board at last to con- sent to his commitment. He was conveyed to the Fleet prison, and was there confined about seventeen weeks.' — See Ecclesiastical History.
On the 15th of August, Plymouth was visited by a tremendous storm or hurricane, which is thus de- scribed in INIorton's Memorial. * It began in the morn- ing a little before day, and grew, not by degrees, but caine with great violence from the beginning to the great amazement of many : itblew^ down sundry houses, and uncovered divers others ; divers vessels were lost at sea in it, and many more ^vere in extreme danger. It caused the sea to swell in some places to the south- ward of Plymouth, as it rose to twenty feet right up and down, and made many of the Indians to climb into the trees for safety. It threw down all the corn to the ground, which never rose more, and the which, through the mercy of God, it being near the harvest time, was not lost, though much the worse ; and had the wind continued without shifting, in likelihood it would have drowned some part of the country. It blew down many hundred thousand of trees, turning up the stronger by the roots, and breaking the high pine trees, and such like, in the midst, and the tall young oaks and walnut trees of good bigness w^ere w^ound as withes by it, — very strange and fearful to behold. It began in the southeast and veered sundry ways, but the great- est force of it at Plymouth was from the former quarter : it continued not in extremity above five or six hours, before the violence of it began to abate ; the marks of it will remain this many years in those parts where it was sorest. The moon suffered a great eclipse two nights after it.' There is a close similarity between
92 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1635)
the hurricane described by Mr. Morton, and that which we experienced in the same place in 1815.*
March 13th. — Thomas Boreman agreed with, to be paid in beaver, at ten shillings a-piece, or other com- modities of valuable price, to be levied on the com- pany, to do the fort in manner following : all the posts, ten inches square, and not to stand above ten feet asun- der ; to be done with three rails between every post, the post and rails to be sawed, he to enclose the whole with sawed boards ; to be nine feet high, and to be cut sharp at the top.
It appears that previous to this date the general
* Although not strictly coincident with the history of Plymouth, , the following interesting detail may not be deemed altogether for- eign from the subject.
In the abore-mentioned tempest, a bark, belonging to Mr. Aller- ton of Plymouth, was sbipwrecked at Cape Ann, and twenty-one persons drowned ; among others, Mr. John Avery, a minister, re- cently from Wiltshire in England, with his wife and six children. None were saved but Mr. Anthony Thatcher and his wife, who were cast on shore. The vessel was returning from Ipswich to Marblehead. Thomas Thatcher, nephew to Anthony, unwilling to encounter the voyage, travelled the journey by land, and thereby escaped the shipwreck. Mr. Thomas Thatcher, so providentially preserved, was the first pastor of the third church in Boston, and is believed, by the recent editor of Winlhrop's Journal, to have been the progenitor of all who have rendered this name in church and state illustrious, in Massachusetts. Dr. C. Mather says, the storm drove the vessel on a rock, that it was quickly broken all to pieces; that almost the whole company were drowned, by being succes- sively washed from the rock; that, while Rlr. Avery and Mr. Thatcher were hanging on the rock, Mr. Thatcher holding his friend by the hand, ' resolved to die together.* Mr. Avery, having just finished a short and devout ejaculation, was by a wave swept off into the sea. The island has been called Thatcher's Island ever since; the next island, Thatcher's Wo. The rock, Avery's Fall. A cradle, and a cradle covering, of scarlet broadcloth, elegantly embroidered, saved from the wreck, is still preserved in the Thatch- er family at Yarmouth, and was shown to me a few years since. Anthony Thatcher took up his residence at Yarmouth, from whom hath sprung a very numerous progeny, and from whom I trace my own ancestry. In 1643, and several subsequent years, Anthony Thatcher was si deputy from Yarmouth to the general court, at Plymouth. John Thatcher died at Yarmouth, May 8th, 1713, aged seventy- five. At the time of his death, he was a counsellor of Massachusetts.
J 1636] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 93
J court promulgated no penal laws, but the people were governed by the moral law of Moses and the New Tes-
; lament, as paramount to all others. These laws hideed
. accord with that patriarchal simplicity of manners and morals which were the crownins; characteristics of the puritan fathers. Among the penalties inflicted on in-
[ dividuals under the administration of governor Brad- ford, governor Winslow, and g;overnor Prince, from 1632 to 1640, we find the following instances recorded. Frances Sprague, for drinking overmuch, fined ten shil- lings ; Frances Billingham, and John Phillips, for drink- ing tobacco in the high way, twelve shillings, each — this was probably using tobacco by smoking. Stephen Hopkins, presented for selling beer at two pence per quart, which was worth but one penny. John Barnes, for sabbath breaking, was fined thirty shillings, and set one hour in the stocks. Edward Holman, less guilty, fined twenty shillings. Thomas Clark, for selling a pair of boots and spurs for fifteen shillings, which cost him but ten, fined thirty shillings. William Adey, for working on Sunday was severely whipt at the post. 1636. — Edward Winslow chosen governor this year. Plymouth Declaration of Rights. The body of laws adopted by the colony of Plymouth, styled ' The General Fundamentals,' was now established. The first article is, ' That no act, imposition, law, or ordi- nance, be made or imposed upon us at present, or to come, but such as has been, or shall be, enacted by the consent of the body of freemen or associates, or their representatives legally assembled ; which is ac- cording to the free liberties of the free born people of England.'
The second article is, * And for the well governing this colony, it is also ordered, that there be a free elec- tion annually of governor, deputy governor, and assist- ants, by the vote of the freemen of this corporation.*. The fundamentals are dated, 1636. The style of en- actment is, ' We, the associates of the colony of New
94 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1636
Plymouth, coining hither as free born subjects of the kingdom of England, endowed with all and singular the privileges belonging to such, being assembled, do enact, ordain, and constitute, &,c.
Plymouth Laws. ' For the better government of the Indians, and for their improvement in civility and Christianity, the assembly of Plymouth colony made several laws for preaching the gospel to them ; for ad- mitting Indian preachers among them, &c. with the concurrence of the principal Indians ; for making or- ders and constituting courts, for appointing civil rulers, ^' and other officers, to punish misdemeanors, with the liberty of appeal to the county court and court of assist- ants.'— Holmes^ Annals.
Capital offences punished with death. Rebellion against the king, murder, solemn compaction or con- versing with the devil, by way of witchcraft, or the like.* In the formation of the laws, regard was had, * primarily and principally, to the ancient platform of God's law.'
I have hitherto detailed the concerns of the colony and the town, hand in hand, without distinction. While the governor and assistants acquitted themselves of ap- propriate duties, they fulfilled those of magistrates and of selectmen. The court of assistants was composed of the governor and assistants, and the general court consisted of the governor and assistants, and the dep- uties from the several towns forming the lower house. Here it may be proper to introduce an abstract, relative to their mode of government, from the valuable history of the old colony, by Hon. Francis Baylies.
' The pilgrims,' says Mr. Baylies, ' had adopted no constitution or instrument of government, except
* ' Whatever imperfections may be justly ascribed to our fathers, (which, however, were as few as any mortals have discovered,) their judgment in forming their policy was founded on wise and be- nevolent principles. It was founded on revelation and reason too. It w^as consistent with the best, greatest, and wisest legislators of antiquity.' — Pres. Adams.
1636] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 95
the simple compact which was signed in the cabin of the Mayflower, November, 1620, and which recog- nized no principle but that of allegiance to the king, and the controlling power of the majority of the peo- ple in the transactions of the colony. No laws were made for the general organization of the government ; the limits of political rights and political powers not defined ; the governor and assistants maintained their small portion of authority rather by common consent, than by a lawful delegation of power.* =^** Crimes and punishments were neither declared nor defined. The only magistrates were the governor and assistants. The office of justice of the peace was unknown. Trials were had in the general court before juries, selected from the whole body of the freemen of the colony ; and, until 1634, the governor and assistants were not by law considered a judicial court. The magistrates had no jurisdiction of civil actions, and in criminal of- fences their jurisdiction was confined to the power of binding over the accused to appear at the general court. The duties, powers, and obligations of husband and wife, parent and child, guardian and ward, master and servant, &c.- were controlled and influenced by usages which had been varied from the usages of England, &LC. Marriage was deemed a civil contract, and was solemnized by the civil magistrate, and not by the pastor or elder. With respect to political objects, previous to the year 1636, the Plymouth colony may he considered to have been but a voluntary association, ruled by the majority, and not by fixed laws. It does not appear, except in a very few instances, that they availed themselves of their delegated powers under their patent to enact laws, until 1633. A few laws only, and such as were of the most urgent necessity, were then established.**** The power of the church in effect was superior to the civil power, but in terms was confined to the infliction of censure only.'
Literally abstracted from the civihzed world, our
96 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [l63l '
revered puritan fathers held the bible in estimation as ; the basis of all laws ; the precepts of the gospel the : rule of their lives and the fountain of their dearest hopes. It was the inwoven sentiment of their hearts, that the sovereign power resides with the people, and this was the fundamental axiom upon which their gov- ernment was reared.
It was this year enacted, that, on the first Tuesday of June, a governor and seven assistants should be chosen, ' to rule and govern the plantation within the limits of this corporation,' and the election was con- jj fined to the freemen, church membership being an in- *i dispensable qualification for freemen.
An oath was to be administered to the governor, the assistants, the freemen, and to all who resided among them. A treasurer and constable w^ere annually cho- sen, but no sheriff.
It was ordered, that every constable-wick should be ; provided with stocks and whipping-posts. These were appendages to every meeting house till within the last fifty years. ■
It was provided that no servant, coming out of hisi time, or single person, be suffered to keep house for themselves, until they were completely provided with arms and ammunition ; and were not allowed to be housekeepers, or to build any cottage or dwelling, till such time as they be allowed by the governor and council of assistants, or some one or more of them.
1637. — Edward Winslow chosen governor this year. Great disturbance and perplexity was occasioned by one Samuel Gorton, lately from Boston. He en- deavored to introduce heretical or obnoxious doctrines, and seduce the people to his opinions, and having pro- voked Mr. Ralph Smith, the minister, to a controversy, he was, on his complaint, summoned before the court for trial, and, conducting most insolently towards magistrates and ministers, he was fined and ordered to find security for good behavior, and to quit the place
1638] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 97
in fourteen days. He next w€nt to Rhode Island, where he so conducted that he was sentenced to suffer corporal punishment by whipping, and was banished.
1638. — Thomas Prince chosen governor this year. There was a great earthquake in New England this year, on the first day of June. The earth shook with such violence, that, in some places, the people could not stand without difficulty in the streets, and most moveable articles in their houses were thrown down. This phenomenon formed a memorable epoch in the an- nals of New England.
Execution, Four young men who were servants at Plymouth absconded from their masters, and, ram- ih'ng abroad, they met with an Indian in the woods near Providence, but within the jurisdiction of Ply- mouth ; they killed him to rob him of his wampum ; tone of the murderers escaped, the other three were tried, and, confessing their guilt, were condemned and executed."^ It may be thought extravagant to hang three Englishmen for one Indian, but it serves to show the stern purpose of (he puritans, that the most rigid justice should not be withheld from the defenceless na- tlves.
It is ordered, that if any man make a motion of mar- riage to any man's (laughter or maid, without first ob- taining leave of her parents or master, he shall be punished by fine not exceeding five pounds, or corpo- ral punishment, or both, at the discretion of the bench, according to the nature of the offence.
Any person denying the scriptures to be a rule of life, shall suffer corporal punishment at discretion of the magistrates, so as it shall not extend to life or limb.
The court granted that Clark's Island, the Eel River Beach, Saguish and the Gurnet's Nose, shall be
* The court which tried the above mentioned murderers con- sisted of governor William Bradford, Edward Winslow, Thomas Prince, Capt. Miles Standish, John Alden, John Jenney, John Brown, and John Atwood. 9
98 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1639IJ
and remain unto the town of Plymouth, with the wood* i thereupon.
1639. — William Bradford chosen governor this year, ' The towns in Plymouth colony, for the first time, sent deputies for legislation. Their first general assembly was on the 4th of June. Hitherto, the governor and bis assistants, under the general name of the associates of the colony of New Plymouth, were virtually the ' representatives of the people. All laws w^ere enacted, \ and all government managed by them, for nearly twenty ' years. They had a few laws, which they termed gen- eral fundamental ; but, in general, they were governed by the common law and statutes of England.'
The representatives from the town of Plymouth to the legislative assembly in general court this year, were William Paddy, Manasseh Kempton, Jr., John Cook, Jun. and John Dunham.
This year the general court of Massachusetts passed the following order for the regulation of the ladies' dress. ' No garment shall be made with short sleeves ; and such as have garments with short sleeves, shall not wear the same, unless they cover the arm to the wrist ; and hereafter, no person whatever shall make any garment for women, with sleeves more than half an ell wide, (twenty-two and a half inches).
The first prison was ordered to be erected at Ply- mouth ; to be twenty -two feet long, sixteen feet wide within walls, and two stories high ; to have three floors, and covered with boards, and well finished. This prison was probably completed in 1641, as it is men- tioned by some writers that the first prison was erected in that year. According to the Old Colony records, it was seated near Little Brook, hence called Prison Brook, where Mr. N. Russell's house now stands. Jt was this year ordered, that the grand juiy in each town should take notice of all idle persons, and inquire how they live ; if they cannot give a good account of themselves, the constable to bring them before the governor or
1642] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 99
magistrate. In 1640, by an additional law it was pro- vided, that each complaint should be made on oath.
It was ordered, that profane swearing should be punished by setting in the stocks three hours, or by imprisonment. Telling lies, for every offence, fined ten shillings, or stocked for two hours.
This year the great Sachem, Massasoit, and Mooanam his son, came into the court held at Plymouth on the twenty-fifth day of September, and desired that the ancient league and confederacy, formerly made with the government of Plymouth, wherein he acknowledged i himself subject to the king of England and his succes- sors, may stand and remain inviolable.
The ancient confederacy was fully confirmed for perpetuity by Massasoit and his son, and also by the governor of Plymouth colony, on their part.
1640. — William Bradford was chosen governor, and John Jenney, John Rowland, John Atwood, and Wil- liam Paddy were the representatives to the legislature. J. B. was presented for buying rye at four shillings per bushel, and selling it for five shillings ; also for sell- ing thread for five shillings per pound.
1641. — Mr. John Jenney was allowed certain privi- leges at Clark's Island to make salt, which he was to sell to the inhabitants at two shillings the bushel. Herring wear let for' three years to three persons, who are to deliver the shares of herrings, and to receive is. 6d. the thousand for their trouble. A barque, of forty or fifty tons, was built at Plymouth, January 24, 1641. The estimated expense was £200, and the whole was divided into shares of one eighth or one sixteenth, and were contributed by thirteen persons. This was doubtless the first vessel of size ever built at Plymouth.
1642. — William Bradford was elected governor, and John Doane and John Cooke deputies. Thirty acres of land were granted at Clark's Island, (the use of them) to the five partners that make salt for twenty- one years. A keeper was hired to take charge of the
100 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1643
COWS from May 1st, to the last of October, for thirty- six bushels of corn and a pair of hose and shoes. A fortification was erected, and ordnance mounted on Fort Hill this year.
1643. — Edward Winslow was this year elected governor, Mr. Prince, Mr. Jenney, ]\]r. Hopkins, Mr. Paddy, and Mr. N. Sowther were the deputies.
This is the memorable epoch of the First union of the JVew England Colonies. A confederacy had been in agitation several years. As early as 1631, the subject was discussed ; and the following year, articles of union, for amity, offence, and defence,, mutual advice and assistance upon all necessary oc- casions, were drawn, and referred to the next year for fmlher consideration. Difficulties, however, occur- red, which retarded the execution of the design until the present year. The colonies of Connecticut, New Haven, and Plymouth, despatched Commissioners to Boston in May, at the time of the session of the Massachusetts general court. This court appointed commissioners to meet those of the other colonies. A spirit of harmony and mutual condescension was au- spicious to the great object, and on the 19th of May the articles were completed and signed at Boston. The reasons assigned for this union were, the dispersed state of the colonies, the vicinity of the Dutch, Swiss, and French, who were inclined to encroachments ; the hostile disposition of the neighboring Indians ; the ap- pearance of a general combination of these savage tribes, to extirpate the English colonies ; the com- mencement of civil contests in the parent country ; the impossibility of obtaining aid from England in any emergency ; and in fine the alliance already formed be- tween the colonies by the sacred ties of religion. The commissioners declared, that, as in nation and religion, so in other respects, they be and continue one ; and henceforth be called by the name of the United Colo- nies of New England. Here we may discern the gefiia of our present national system.
') 1643] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 101
I The members of this league were deemed by all their neighbors as one body, with regard to their public transactions, though the peculiar affairs of each con- tinued to be managed by its own courts and magistrates.
On the completion of the colonial confederacy, sev- eral Indian sachems came in and submitted to the En- glish government, among whom were Miantonomoh, the Narraganset, and Uncus, the Mohegan chief. The union rendered the colonies formidable to the Dutch as well as Indians, and respectable in the view of the French ; maintained general harmony among them- selv^es, and secured the peace and rights of the country ; preserved the colonies during the civil wars and unset- tled sia^e of England ; was the grand instrument of their defence in Philip's war, and was essentially ser- jviceable in civilizing and christianizing the Indians. The proportion of men assigned to the colonies by this alliance, was 100 to Massachusetts, and 45 to each of the other three colonies, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven. This union subsisted with some altera- tions until the year 1686, when all the charters were in effect vacated by a commission from King James II. This confederacy was acknowledged and countenanced by the authority in England, from its beginning until the restoration, and in letters from King Charles II. no- tice is taken of it, without any exception to the es- tablishment.'— Holmes^ Annals, wltere he notices nume- rous other authorities.
A watch-house was this year built of brick, on Fort Hill. The bricks were furnished by Mr. Gromes at lis. the thousand. This is the earliest notice of brick. In digging a grave on the summit of Fort Hill, a (ew years since, a large body of brick was discovered a few feet beneath the surface of the earth.
Householders were ordered to provide themselves
with fire arms and ammunition, and drum-heads to be
procured by subscription. In September, the whole
township was classed in a watch, to be kept from sun-
9*
102 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1644 :
set to sunset, in regard of danger from the Indians. Six ; men and a corporal assigned to a watch, when these • persons were chosen the council of war.
Wolf traps were, by the colony court, ordered to be made ; w^hen the whole town was classed to make them at various places. The wolves made distressing dep- redations on their herds and folds many years. Gov- ernor's assistants were classed on this occasion.
1644. — John Atwood, who had been one of the as- sistants, and also a deputy to the general court, died this year. He was a man of much usefulness in the place, and in life and death exemplified the christian . character. In the course of this year the inhabitants of the town, but chiefly the church members, had in contemplation a singular project, which well nigh ef- fected a total abandonment of their first labors and foot- paths on our shore. It appears by the church records,, that a considerable part of their body viewed their present establishment as barren and unproductive. They became so dissatisfied with their unpromising lo- cation, that they were willing to relinquish all their in- terest in it for a more advantageous situation. Indi- viduals were frequently removins;, and the church be- gan seriously to think, whether it were not better tore- move jointly and bodily, than to be thus weakened and insensibly dissolved. Many meetings and much con- sultation resulted in indecision and contrariety of opin- ions. Some, who opposed the removal, would yet assent to it, rather than see a dissolution of the church, provided a more eligible situation could be agreed on, and a majority at length acquiesced. The place se-- lected w^as no other than JVauset, now Eastham, on Cape Cod, and the purchase was made, merely from a superficial view. But, on a further examination, the new territory disappointed their expectations, and they changed their resolution. It was found to be 50 miles from the centre of the setdements, remote from all so- ciety, and surrounded by a wilderness of savages. Its extent so limited as to be insufficient to accommodate
1644] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 103
the whole society, much less capable of receiving in- creasing numbers. The harbor incomparably less com- modious, and more exposed to enemies than Plymouth. From these, and other considerations, the church, as a body, changed their determination, but a considerable number of respectable individuals resolved on a remo- val, and the church relinquished their rights, which were purchased by individuals, who removed and took possession.* ^
Orders agreed upon by the council of war. 1 . That the lead be made up into bullets, and men hired to do it. 2. That when an alarm is made and continued in Plymouth, Duxbury, or Marshfield, there shall be 20 men sent from Plymouth, and as many from Dux- bury, and ten from Marshfield, to relieve the place where the alarm is continued. 3. And when any oth- er places stand in need of help, upon the continuing of the alarm, then a beacon to be fired, or else a great fire to be made, for Plymouth, upon the gallows hill, on the captain's hill for Duxbury, and on the hill by Mr. Thomas's house for Marshfield.
* It is worthy of serious remark,' says the writer m Historical Collections, vol. iii. second series, ' that near- ly the same regulations have been resorted to by their posterity, in the war of the revolution, and now, (1815) not with the savages, but with a people of kindred
origin.' , , i j
On the 16th of April of this year, the church and society were most grievously afflicted by the death of William Brewster, their ruling elder and kind benefac- tor. The life of this excellent man was protracted to the 84th year of his age.— *See his character in the Ecclesiastical History.
* Amonff the principal people who removed from Plymouth to Eastham, were Thomas Prince, who had been twice governor ot the colony, John Doane, one of the deacons of the church Nicholas Snow Josiah Coolc, Richard Hi^^ins, John Smalley, and Edward
* Hangs. Duxbury and Marshfield had before been settled entire- ly from Plymouth.
104 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1649
1646. — Great agitation was occasioned in Plymouth this year, by the arrival of Capt. Thomas Cromwell, with three ships of war, bringing with them several rich prizes, taken from the Spaniards. His seamen were exceedingly intemperate and riotous ; one of them attempted the life of his commander, who, wresting his rapier from him, gave him a mortal wound on his head. The captain was tried by a court-martial, and acquitted.
The town was at this time almost deserted, in con- sequence of the removals to Eastham, and other towns, at different times. Governor VVinthrop represents it as a special interposition of divine providence, that Cap- tain Cromwell's squadron should have been compelled by stress of weather to put into the harbor, as, during their continuance of fourteen days, they spent liberally, and gave freely to the poorer sort. The freemen and townsmen, were, in number, seventy-nine only in town, at this time.
Mr. Edward Winslow was this year a third time des- patched as agent to England, for the adjustment of some difficulties respecting the colonies of both Mas- sachusetts and Plymouth. He executed his commis- sion with great ability, and such was his high standing in that country, that he accepted some employment there, under O. Cromwell, and never returned to Ply- mouth, which was much lamented by his brethren in the colony. — Sec Life of E. W. further on.
1649. — The death of Governor Winthrop, of Mas- sachusetts, this year, 1649, was considered as a heavy loss to all New England. It occasioned much grief and sorrow at Plymouth, where his counsel and advice had been often sought and received, as from one of sound judgment and the purest integrity. He died at the age of sixty. His life and character are ably de- lineated in the American Biography, and by many other wrhers who have been justly impressed with his worth and excellence. His Journal, edited by
1651] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 105
Hon. James Savage, is deserving of the perusal of every family in New England.
Town meetings were first warned to be held in the meeting house, and selectmen were first chosen this year. The number were seven, five being a quorum.
1651. — William Thomas died this year, and was honorably buried at Marshfield. Mr. Thomas was one of the merchant adventurers in England, connected with the Plymouth planters, and came over about the year 1630. Secretary Morton says of him, ' that he was a well approved and well grounded Chiistian, and one that had a sincere desire to promote the common good both of church and state. He was chosen an assist- ant in 1642, and was re-elected to that office annually until his death.' His son, Nathaniel, served in Phil- ip's war, in 1675. Many of his descendants reside at Marshfield. One of his descendants, General John Thomas, formerly of Kingston, commanded the Amer- ican forces at Roxbury, at the commencement of the revolutionary war, and, after the death of general Montgomery, succeeded him in the command of the army in Canada. The late Hon. Joshua Thomas, of this town, another descendant, was