especially towards the Captain. This savage was now
The Pilgrim Fathen. 2 M
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546 Good News from New England.
Qov. B. WiiMitow.
entered into confederacy with the rest ; yet, to avcnd
soapicion, made many signs of his continued affections :
and would needs bestow \give\ a kettle of some six or
seven gallons^ on him ; and would not accept of anything
in lieu thereof, saying, He was rich ; and could afford to
bestow such favours on his friends whom he loved.
Also he would freely help to carry some of the com:
affirming he had never done the like in his life before.
And the wind being bad, would needs lodge with him
at their randevous [enccunvpmerU] : having indeed
undertaken to kill him, before they parted ; which
done, they intended to fall upon the rest
The night proved exceedingly cold, insomuch as tiiie
Captain could not take any rest : but either walked, or
turned himself to and fro at the fire.
This, the other observed ; and asked. Wherefore he
did not sleep as at other times ?
Who answered. He knew not well ; but [he] had no
desire at all to rest.
So that he [the Iifidian] then missed his opportunity.
The wind serving on the next day, they returned
home ; accompanied with the [this] other Indian : who
used many arguments to persuade them to go to Paomet
[Pcumet] ; where [he] himself had much com, and many
others, the most whereof he would procure for us;
seeming to sorrow for our wants.
Once the Captain put forth with him [i,e, for
Pa/met]; and was forced back by [a] contrary wind.
Which wind serving for the Massachuset; [he] was
fitted to go thither : but on a sudden it altered again.
During the time that the Captain was at Manomet,
news came to Plymouth, that Massassowat was
like[ly] to die; and that, at the same time, there was
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a Datch ship driven so High on the shore, by stress of
weather, right before his dwelling \(hi Sotvama in
Pokanoket]y that, till the tides increased, she could not
be got off.
Now it being a commendable manner of the Indians,
when any, especially of note, are dangerously sick, for
all that profess friendship to them, to visit them in
their extremity ; either in their persons, or else to send
some acceptable persons to them: therefore it was
thought meet, being a good and warrantable action,
that as we had ever professed friendship, so we should
now maintain the same by observing this their laudable
custom; and the rather, because we desired to have
some conference with the Dutch; not knowing when
we should have so fit an opportunity.
To that end, myself having formerly been there [see
pp. 462-473], and understanding in some me€isure the
Dutch tongue; the Oovemor again laid this service
upon myself; and fitted me with some cordials, to
administer to him : having one, Master John Hamden
(a Oentleman of London; who then wintered with us,
and desired much to see the country) for my consort ;
and HoBBAMOGK for our guida
So we set forward; and lodged the first night at
Namasket [MidcUeboroiigh], where we had friendly
entertainment.
The next day, about one of the clock, we came to
a ferry in Conbatant's [or CSobbitant's] country : where,
upon discharge of my piece, divers Indians came to us,
from a house not far off. There they told us. That
Massassowat was dead, and that day buried ; and that
the Dutch would be gone before we could get thither,
having hpve off their ship already. This news struck
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QoT. EL Wimlow.
Q8 Uank [put vj^ oX a 7u>np2ti«]; but eq)6cially
HoBBAMOGK : who desired we might return [to Plymouth]
with all speed.
I told him, " I would first think of it. Considering
now that he being dead, Conbatant \(yr Cobbitant]
was the most like[ly] to succeed him ; and that we were
not above three miles from Mattapuyst [a neck of land,
now calied Oardner^s Neck, in Swanaey], his dwelling
place: although he were but a hollow-hearted friend
towards us, I thought no time so fit as this to enter
into more friendly terms vrith him, and the rest of the
Sachems round about ; hoping, through the blessing of
OOD, it would be a means, in that unsettled state, to
settle their afiections towards ua
" And though it were somewhat dangerous, in respect
of our personal safety ; because myself and Hobbamock
had been imployed upon a service against him [pp. 479-
482], which he might now fitly revenge : yet esteeming
it the best means, leaving the event to OOD in his
mercy, I resolved to put it in practice, if Master
ELampden and Hobbamock durst attempt it with me."
Whom I found willing to that, or any other course,
[that] might tend to the general good.
So we went towards Mattapuyst. In the way,
Hobbamock, manifesting a troubled spirit, brake forth
into these speeches, Neen womaau Sagimual Neen
worrvasu Sagimus! &c,, " My loving Sachem ! My loving
Sachem! Many have I known; but never any like
thee!"
And turning him to me, said, "Whilst I lived; I
should never see his like amongst the Indians." Saying,
He was no liar. He was not bloody and cruel like [the]
other Indians. In anger and passion, he was soon
reclaimed ; easy to be reconciled towards such as had
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offended him; ruled by reason in such measure, as he
would not scorn the advice of mean men ; and that he
governed his men better with few strokes than others
did with many; truly loving, where he loved. Yea,
he feared we had not a faithful friend left among the
Indians: shewing how he, oft times, restrained their
malice, &c. Continuing a long speech, with such signs
of lamentation and unfeigned sorrow, as it would have
made the hardest heart relent.
At length, we came to Mattapuyst, and went to the
Sachimo Comaco ; for so they call the Sachem's place ;
though they call an ordinary house [wigvxiTri] Witeo:
but CoNBATANT the Sachem was not at home; but at
[Sowams in] Puckanokick, which was some five or six
miles off. The Squa[w] Sachem, for so they call the
Sachem's wife, gave us friendly entertainment.
Here we inquired again concerning Massassowat.
They thought him [to be] dead ; but knew no certainty.
Whereupon I hired one to go, with all expedition,
to Puckanokick: that we might know the certainty
thereof; and withal to acquaint Conbatant with our
there being.
About half an hour before sunsetting, the messenger
returned; and told us, That he was not yet dead: though
there was no hope we should find him living.
Upon this, we were much revived ; and set forward
with all speed, though it was late within night ere we
got thither.
About two of the dock, that afternoon, the Dutchmen
departed: so that, in that respect, our journey was
frustrate [of no avail].
When we came thither [ie. to Sowams], we found the
house so full of men as we could scarce get in ; though
they used their best diligence to make way for us.
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550 Good News from New EnglancL
QoT. E. Window.
There were they, in the midst of their charms for him :
making snch a hellish noise, as it distempered ns that
were well ; and therefore [was] unlike[ly] to ease him
that was sick. Abont him were six or eight women,
who chafed his arms, legs, and thighs; to keep heat
in him.
When they had made an end of their charming ; one
told him, That his friends the English were come to see
him.
Having [his] understanding left, bnt his sight was
wholly gone ; he asked, " Who was come ? "
They told him, "Winsnow." For they cannot
pronounce the letter I ; but ordinarily [use] n in the
place thereof.
He desired to speak with me.
When I came to him, and they told him of it ; he
put forth his hand to me, which I took. Then he said
twice, though very inwardly [in a low tone]. Keen
WiNSNOWf , which is to say, " Art thou Winslow ? "
I answered, Ahhe ; that is, " Yea"
Then he doubled [repeatedl these words, Matta meen
vxmckanet namen WiNSNOWi y that is to say, "0
Winslow, I shall never see thee again."
Then I called Hobbamock, and desired him to tell
Massassowat, That the Governor [Wiluam Bradford],
hearing of his sickness, was sorry for the same: and
though, by reason of many businesses, he could not
come himself ; yet he sent me with such things for him,
as he thought most likely to do him good, in this his
extremity. And wh'^reof, if he pleased to take ; I would
presently [at once] give him.
Which he desired. And having a confection
[prepa/ration] of many comfortable conserves &c.: on
the point of my knife, I gave him some ; which I could
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scarce get through his teeth. When it was dissolved in
his mouth, he swallowed the juice of it : whereat those
that were about him, much rejoiced; saying, He had
not swallowed anything in two days befora
Then I desired to see his mouth, which was
exceedingly furred; and his tongue [had] swelled in
such a manner, as it was not possible for him to eat
such meat as they had, his passage [guUef] being
stopped up. Then I washed his mouth, and scraped
his tongue; and got abundance of corruption out
of the same.
After which, I gave him more of the confection;
which he swallowed with more readiness. Then he
desiring to drink ; I dissolved some of it in water, and
gave him thereof. Within half an hour, this wrought
a great alteration in him, in the eyes of all that beheld
him. Presently after, his sight began to come to him :
which gave him and us good encouragement
In the mean time, I inquired, How he slept; and
when he went to the stool ?
They said. He slept not in two days before ; and had
not had a stool in fiva
Then I gave him more [of the confection in water] ;
and told him of a mishap we had, by the way, in
breaking a bottle of drink; which the Governor also
sent him : saying, If he would send any of his men to
Patuxet, I would send for more of the same ; also for
chickens to make him broth; and for other things
which I knew were good for him : and would stay the
return of the messenger, if he desired.
This he took marvellous[ly] kindly ; and appointed
some, who were ready to go by two of the dock in the
morning: against which time, I made ready a letter,
declaring therein our good success, the state of his body,
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552 Good News from New England, got. b. wimiow
<&c. ; desiring to send me such things as I sent for, uid
such physic as the Surgeon [Samuel Fuller] durst
administer to him.
He requested me that, the day following I would
take my piece, and kill some fowl \geese^dvjck» &c?^\ and
make him some English pottage, such as he had eaten at
Plymouth : which I promised.
After, his stomach [appetite] coming to him, I must
needs make him some without fowl, bef^e I went
abroad. Which somewhat troubled me, being
unaccustomed and unacquainted in such businesses;
especiflJly having nothing to make it comfortable
[tasty]: my consort [Master John Hamden] being
as ignorant as myself. But [it] being, we must do
somewhat; I caused a woman to bruise some com,
and take the flour from it: and we set the grut
[groaia], or broken com, in a pipkin; for they have
earthen pots of a31 sizes.
When the day broke, we went out, it being now
March [1623], to seek herbs: but could not find any
but strawberry leaves ; of which I gathered a handful,
and put in the same. And because I had nothing to
relish it ; I went forth again, and pulled up a saxafras
[sassafras] root : and sliced a piece thereof, and boiled
it [in the broth] till it [the broth] had a good relish ; and
then took it [the slice of sassafras] out again. The
broth being boiled ; I strained it through my [pocket]
handkerchief : and gave him at least a pint, which he
drank; and liked it very well. After this, his sight
mended more and more: also he had three moderate
stools; and took some rest. Insomuch as we, with
admiration [wonderment\ blessed GOD, for giving his
blessing to such raw and ignorant means : making no
doubt of his recovery ; [he] himself, and all of them,
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acknowledging as [to be] the Instruments of his
preservation.
The morning, he caused me to spend in going £rom
one to another, amongst those that were sick in the
town: requesting me to wash their mouths also, and
give to each of them some of the same [that] I gave
him; saying, They were good folk. This pains I took
with willingness ; though it were much offensive to me,
not being accustomed with \td\ such poisonous savours.
After dinner, he desired me to get him a goose or
duck ; and make him some pottage therewith, with as
much speed as I could.
So I took a man with me, and made a shot at a
couple of ducks, some six score paces [« 100 yan^l off;
and killed one : at which he wondered. So we returned
forthwith, and dressed it : making more broth therewith,
which he much desired. Never did I see a man, so low
brought, recover in that measure in so short a time.
The fowl being extraordinary fat, I told Hobbamock,
I must take off the top thereof [the fat on the top of the
pottage] ; saying. It would make him very sick again,
if he did eat it This he acquainted Massassowat
therewith, who would not be persuaded to it : though I
pressed it very much, shewing the strength thereof ; and
the weakness of his stomach, which could not possibly
bear it Notwithstanding he made a gross [heavy]
meal of it ; and ate as much as would well have satisfied
a man in health. About an hour after, he began to be
very sick ; and straining very much, cast up the broth
again : and in overstraining himself, began to bleed at
the nose, and so continued the space of four hours.
Then they all wished he had been ruled; concluding
now he would die: which we much feared also.
They asked me. What I thought of him ?
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5 54 Good News from New England, got. e. window.
I answered, " His case was desperate : yet, it might
be, it would save his life. For if it ceased in time, he
would forthwith sleep, and take rest: which was the
principal thing he wanted." Not long after, his blood
stayed \ihjt bleeding ceased^ ; and he slept at least six or
eight houra «.
When he awaked, I washed his face; and bathed
and sappled his beard and nose with a linen doth. But^
on a sadden, he chopt [pvU] his nose in the water ; and
drew np some therein, and sent it forth with snch violence
as he began to bleed afresh. Then they thought
there was no hope : but we perceived [that] it was but
the tenderness of his nostril ; and therefore told tiiem,
*' I thought it would stay presently," as indeed it did.
The messengers were now returned. But finding
his stomach [appetite] come to him ; he would not have
the chickens killed : but kept them for breed. Neither
durst we give him any [of the] physic which was then
sent ; because his body was so much altered since our
instructions: neither saw we any need, not doubting
now of his recovery, if he were careful
Many, whilst we were there, came to see him : some,
by their report, from a place not less than a hundred
miles. To all that came, one of his chief men related
the manner of his sickness ; how near[ly] he was
spent; how, amongst others, his friends the English
came to see him ; and how suddenly they recovered him
to this strength they saw : he being now able to sit
upright of himself.
The day before our coming ; another Sachem, being
there, told him, That now he might see how hollow-
hearted the English were. Saying, If we had been such
friends in deed, as we were in shew, we would have
visited him in this his sicknesa Using many arguments
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to withdraw his affections ; and to persuade him to give
way to some things against us, which were motioned
[sTiggeeted] to him, not long before.
Bat upon this his recovery, he brake forth into
these speeches, '' Now I see the English are my friends,
and love me : and whilst I live, I will never forget this
kindness they have shewed me."
Whilst we were there, our entertainment exceeded
[that of] all other strangera
Divers other things were worth the noting : but I
fear I have been too tedious.
At our coming away, he called Hobbamook to him,
and privately (none hearing save two or three of his
Pineaes, who are of his Coimcil) revealed the plot of
the Massacheuseucks, before spoken of, against Master
Weston's Colony [at Wessagusset] ; and so against ua
Saying that the people of Nauset [Eaetha/m] Paomet
[Pcmiet] Succonet [Falmfumth] Mattachiest [Ba/mstahle]
Agowaywam [Wa/reharri] and the Isle of Capawack
[Mcurtha*8 ViTieyard] were joined with them. Himself
also, in his sickness, was earnestly solicited : but he
would neither join therein ; nor give way to any of his.
Therefore (as we respected the lives of our countrymen ;
and our own after-safety) he advised us to kill the men
of Massachuset ; who were the authors of this intended
mischief.
And whereas we were wont to say, We would
not strike a stroke till they first began; if, said
he, upon this intelligence, they [at Plymouth] make
this answer, tell them, When their countrymen at
Wichaguscusset [WeasaguBset] are killed, they being
not able to defend themselves; that then it will be
too late to recover their Uvea Nay, through the
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556 Good News from New England, got. e. wiMiaw
mnltitade of adversaries, they shall, with great difficnlty,
preserve their own. And therefore he ooonselled,
without delay to take away the principals [origiTicUors] ;
and then the plot would cease.
With this, he charged him thoroughly to acquaint
me by the way ; that I might inform the Gtovemor
[William Bradford] thereof, at my first coming home.
Being fitted for our return, we took our leave of him :
who returned many thanks to our Gbvemor, and also to
ourselves, for our labour and love. The like did all
that were about him. So we departed.
That night, through the earnest request of Ck>NBATANT
[or CJorbitant], who till now remained at Sowams or
Puckanukick [Pokanoket]^ we lodged with him at
Mattapuyst.
By the way, I had much conference with him; so
likewise at his house. He being a notable politician:
yet full of merry jests and squibs [quips or aarcaams] ;
and never better pleased than when the like are
returned again upon him.
Amongst other things he asked me, If, in case he
were thus dangerously sick, as Massassowat had been,
and should send word thereof to Patuxet for maakiet,
that is, " physic " : Whether then Master Governor would
send it? and if he would, Whether I would come
therewith to him?
To both which [questions], I answered, " Yea " :
whereat he gave me many joyful thanks.
After that, being at his house, he demanded further.
How we durst, being but two, come so far into the country ?
I answered, " Where was true love, there was no fear ;
and that my heart was so upright towards them, that,
for mine own part, I was fearless to come among them."
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Good News from New EnglamL 557
" But," said he, " if your love be such, and it bring
forth such fruits ; how cometh it to pass that, when we
come to Patuzet, you stand upon your guard, with the
mouths of your pieces presented towards us \i.e. fi/ring
a BoJAUe] ? "
Whereunto I answered, *' It was the most honourable
and respective [re&pectfull entertainment [reoeption] we
could give them. It being an order [cvsUym] amongst
us, so to receive our best respected friends. And as it
was used on the land ; so the ships observed it also at
sea : which Hobbamock knew, and had seen observed."
But, shaking the head, he answered, That he liked
not such salutationa
Further, observing us to crave a blessing on our
meals, before we did eat ; and after, to give thanks for
the same : he asked us, What was the meaning of that
ordinary custom ?
Hereupon, I took occasion to tell them, of OOD's
works of Creation and Preservation; of his Laws and
Ordinances, especially of the Ten Commandments: all
which they hearkened unto with great attention;
and like well of. Only the Seventh Commandment
they excepted against; thinking there were many
inconveniences in it, that a man should be tied to one
woman. About which, we reasoned a good time.
Also I told them, That whatsoever good things we
had ; we received them from GOD, as the Author and
Giver thereof ; and therefore craved his blessing upon
that we had, and were about to eat, that it might
nourish and strengthen our bodies; and having eaten
sufficient, being satisfied therewith, we again returned
thanks to the same our GOD, for that our refreshing,
&C.
This all of them concluded to be very well; and
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558 Good News from New England, oor. b. wiadow.
saidy They believed abnocit all the same things: and
that the same Power that we called GOD, they called
Kietitan.
Much profitable oonferenoe was occasioned thereby;
which would be too tedious to relate : yet was no less
delightful to them, than comfortable to us.
Here we remained only that night: but never had
better entertainment amongst any of them.
The day following, in our journey, Hobbamock told
me, of the private conference he had with Massassowat ;
and how he charged him perfectly [tAoroti^AZy] to
acquaint me therewith: as I shewed before.
Which having done, he used many ai^uments himself,
to move us thereunto.
That night, we lodged at Namasket [ JficIcUe&orau^A].
And the day following, about the midway between
it and home, we met two Indians; who told us
that Captain Standish was, that day, gone to Uie
Massachuseta
But contrary winds again drove him back ; so that
we found him at home. Where the Indian of Paomet
still was: being very importunate that the Captain
should take the first opportunity of a fair wind, to go
with him. But their secret and villanous purposes
being, through GOD's mercy, now made known: the
Governor caused Captain Standish to send him away,
without any distaste, or manifestation of anger, that we
might the better effect and bring to pass that which
should be thought most necessary.
Before this journey [to Sowams], we heard many
complaints, both by tiie Indians, and some others of
best desert amongst Master Weston's Colony, how
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exceedingly their Company abased themselves, by
undirect means, to get victuals from the Indians who
dwelt not far from them, fetching them wood and water
&& ; and all for a meal's meat. Whereas, in the mean
time, they might with diligence have gotten enough to
have served them three or four times [over]. Others,
by night, brake [through] the earth; and robbed the
Indians' store; for which they had been publicly
stocked \pVii in the stocks] and whipt: and yet there
was there small amendment. This was about the end of
February [1623]: at which time, they had spent all
their bread and com, not leaving any for seed ; neither
would the Indians lend, or sell, them any more, upon
any terms.
Hereupon they had thoughts to take it by violence ;
and to that [end], spiked up every entrance into their
town [Wessagusset], [it] being well impaled, save one:
with a full resolution to proceed.
But some, more honestly minded, advised John
Sandebs, their Overseer, first to write to Plymouth;
and if the Governor advised him thereunto, he might
the better do it This course was well liked; and an
Indian was sent, with all speed, with a letter to our
Governor; the contents whereof were to this eflTect:
That being in great want, and their people daily falling down ;
he intended to go to Munhiggen [MonAeffan] (where was a Plantation
of Sir FxRDiNANDO GrOROEs), to buj br^ from the ships that came
thither a fishing, with the first opportunity of wind : but he knew
not how the Colony would be preserved till his return.
He had used all means, both to buy and borrow [com] of [the]
Indians; whom he knew to be stored, and, [as] he thought,
maliciously withheld it: and therefore was resolved to take
it by violence ; and only waited the return of the messenger,
which he desired should be hastened.
Craving advice therein : promising also to make restitution
afterwards.
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560 Good News from New Etigland. ^^. b.
The GK)vemor, upon the receipt hereof, asked the