CHAPTER XXIV. Who was their guide? What intelligence did they re Winslow's second visit to Mas-ceive in Conbatant's country? sasoit. Indian conspiracy. What important news respecting Massasoit, was received at Plymouth in the spring of 1623? + Whom did Gov. Bradford send to visit him? What distinguished patriot accompanied him? † NOTE J. What is that country now called? Swanzey. In what state? Ms. Who manifested very great anguish, when he heard Massasoit was dead? Can you mention some of the virtues, that Hobbamak ascribed to Massasoit? meet, that as we had ever professed Winslow's second visit to Mas- friendship, so we should now main sasoit. Edward Winslow was born in Worcestershire, in 1594. He was one of the most distinguished and useful of the Plymouth Pilgrims. He was one of the 14, who coasted the bay of Cape Cod, and discovered the harbor of Plymouth. When Massasoit visited Plymouth, Winslow offered himself as a hostage while a conference was held, and a treaty formed, with that sachem. Twice he was sent by Governor Bradford, to visit Massasoit; and for three years, he was governor. Probably, the most important business, that he ever performed, was that of his second mission to Pokanoket. This he discharged in March, 1623, in company with John Hambden, afterwards so illustrious by his opposition to the tyranny of Charles I. The following account is in the words of Winslow himself. "News came to Plymouth, that Massasoit was like to die, and that at the same time, there was a Dutch ship driven so high on the shore, before his dwelling, by stress of weather, 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; therefore it was thought tain 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, and understanding in some measure the Dutch tongue, the governor again laid this service on myself, and fitted me with some cordials to administer to him; having one Mr. John Hambden, a gentleman of London, who then wintered with us, and desired much to see the country, for my consort, and Hobbamak for our guide. So we set forward, and Todged the first night at Namasket, where we had friendly entertain ment. "The next day, about one of the clock, we came to a ferry in Conbatant's country, where, upon discharge of my piece, divers Indians came to us, from a house not far off. They told us that Massasoit was dead, and that day buried; and that the Dutch would be gone, before we could get thither, having hove off their ship already. This news struck us blank; but especially Hobbamak, who desired me to return with all speed. I told him, would first think of it, considering now, that he being dead, Conbatant, or Corbitant, was the most likely to succeed him, and that we were not above three miles from How did they ascertain, that Massasoit was not dead? What rendered it difficult for them to enter Massasoit's house, when they arrived? For what purpose, were the Indians there making a horrible noise? Who, did they tell him, was come to see him? Mattapuyst, his dwelling place. Although he were but a hollowhearted friend to us, I thought no time so fit as this, to enter into more friendly terms with him, and the rest of the sachems thereabouts; hoping, through the blessing of God, it would be a means in that unsettled state, to settle their affections towards us; and though it were somewhat dangerous, in respect of our personal safety, yet esteeming it the best means, leaving the event to God in his mercy, I resolved to put it in practice, if Mr. Hambden and Hobbamak durst attempt it with me, whom I found willing. So we went toward Mattapuyst. In what state, did Winslow find him? Quite blind, and extremely sick. With what success, did Mr. Winslow use means for the restoration of Massasoit's health? He was immediately better, and soon recovered. For whom else, did Mr. Winslow use the same means? of lamentation and unfeigned sorrow, as would have made the hardest heart relent. "At length, we came to Mattapuyst, and went to the Sachem's place. Conbatant was not at home, but at Pokanokick, five or six miles off. The squaw sachem gave us friendly entertainment. Here we inquired again concerning Massasoit. They thought him dead; but knew no certainty. Whereupon, I hired one to go with all expedition to Pokanokick, that we might know the certainty thereof, and withal to acquaint Conbatant with our being there. About half an hour before sun-setting, the mes"In the way, Hobbamak mani- senger returned, and told us, that festing a troubled spirit, brake forth he was not yet dead, though there into these speeches, Neen womusu, was no hope, that we should find Sagamus, Neen womasu, Saga-him living. Upon this, we were mus, &c. My loving Sachem! My loving Sachem! many have I known, but never any like thee!' Then turning to me, he said, whilst I lived, I should never see his like among the Indians. He was no liar; he was not bloody and cruel, like other Indians; in anger and passion, he was soon reclaimed; easy to be reconciled towards such as had offended him ; ruled by rea son, much revived, and set forward with all speed, though it was late within night, when we got thither. About two of the clock, that afternoon, the Dutchman had departed, so that, in that respect, our journey was frustrate. "When we came thither, 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. They were in the midst of their charms for him, mak. ing such a hellish noise, as distem pered us that were well, and therefore unlike to ease him that was sick. About him, were six or eight women, who chafed his arms and legs, to keep heat in him. When they had made an end of their charming, one told him, that By whose request ? What most important information did he communicate to them? reside? In the region between Plymouth and Boston. Against whom, was the plot formed? Who were Weston's colony ? Information of an Indian conspir- A small colony, planted by Mr. bis friends the English had come to see him. Having his understanding left, though his sight wholly gone, he asked, who was come. They told him Winsnow; (for they cannot pronounce the letter L.; but ordinarily N in place of it:) he desired to speak with me. When 1 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, Thomas Weston, When? In 1622. Where? At Wessagusset. 1 dis that it was not possible for him to eat such meat as they had. Then I washed his mouth, and scraped his tongue; after which, I gave him more of the confection, which he swallowed with more readiness. Then he desired to drink. solved some of it in water, and gave him thereof; and within half an hour, this wrought a great alteration in him, and presently afKeenter, his sight began to come to him. Then I gave him more, 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 Plymouth, 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. This he took marvellous kindly, and appointed some, who were ready to go, by two of the clock in the morning; against which time, I made ready a letter, declaring our good success, and desiring such things as were proper. He requested me, that I would the next day take my piece, and kill him some fowl, and make him such pottage, as he had eaten at Plymouth, which I promised; but his stomach coming to him, I must needs make him some without fowl, before I went abroad. I caused a woman to bruise some corn, and take the flour from it, and set the broken corn in a pipkin, (for they have earthen pots of all sizes.) When the day broke we went out to seek herbs, (it be Winsnow?' 'Art thou Winslow? I answered 'Ahhe,' that is 'Yes.' Then he doubled these words, Matta neen wonckunet namen Winsnow!' that is to say, 'O Winslow, I shall never see thee again!' Then I called Hobbamak, and desired him to tell Massasoit, that the Governor, hearing of his sickness, was sorry for the same; and though, by reason of many businesses, he could not himself come, yet he had sent me, with such things for him, as he thought most likely to do him good in this extremity; and whereof, if he pleased to take, I would presently give him; which he desired; and having a confection of many comfortable conserves on the point of my knife, I gave him some, which I could scarce get through his teeth. When it was dissolved in his mouth, he swallowed the juice of it, whereat those that were about him, were much rejoiced, saying, he had not swallowed any thing in two days before. Then I desired to see his mouth, which was exceedingly furred, and his tongue swelled in such a manner, tween Plymouth and Boston, a little nearer to Boston than to Plymouth. Present name of Wessagusset? Weymouth. Object of this conspiracy? First to destroy all Weston's men, and then all the Plymotheans. Why did the Massachusetts wish to destroy Weston's colony ? Some of Weston's men had greatly incensed the Massachusetts by stealing their corn, &c. and by telling them, that their governor would come, and take away their corn by force. Why did the Massachusetts wish ing the middle of March) but could not find any but strawberry leaves, of which I gathered a handful, and put into the same, and because I had nothing to relish it, I went forth again, and pulled up a sassafras root, and sliced a piece, and boiled it, till it had a good relish. Of this broth, I gave him a pint, which he drank, and liked it well; after this, his sight mended, and he took some rest. That morning he caused me to spend in going among the sick in the town, requesting me to wash their mouths, and give them some of the same I gave him. This pains I took willingly, though it were much offensive to me. "When the messengers were returned, finding his stomach come to him, he would not have the chickens killed, but kept them for breed. Neither durst we give him any physic, because he was so much altered, not doubting of his recovery, if he were careful. Upon his recovery, he brake forth into these speeches: Now I see the English are my friends, and love me. Whilst I live, I will never forget this kindness, they have shewed me. At our coming away, he called Hobbamak to him, and privately told him of a plot of the Massachusetts against Weston's Colony, and so against us. But he The greatest exploit of Captain Standish. On this alarming occasion, the whole company of the Plymotheans were assembled in court. Such was their confidence in Gov. Bradford, that they requested him and Mr. Allerton his assistant, to concert the best measures for their safety. The result was, to strengthen the fortifications, to be vigilant at home, and to send such a force to the Bay of Ms. under Captain Standish, as he should judge sufficient to crush the conspiracy. Standish with 8 chosen men, and the faithful Hobbamak for a guide, went in the shallop to Weston's plantation, having goods, as usual, to trade with the Indians. Here he met the persons, who had been What Indians there insulted and threatened Capt. Standish? What ensued? Who commenced the attack? Capt. Standish. With what, did he slay Pecksuot ? How many Indians were slain in the whole ? What was done with the head of Wittuwamat? - Why? What did Mr. Robinson say, when he heard of the death of these Indians? "O that you had converted some, before you had killed any!" What was the effect of this sudden execution? What did the sachem Ianough say, in the midst of these distractions? Why did not the surviving conspirators sue for peace? What measure did Weston's men adopt, to avoid the evil consequences? How soon was this after its commencement? What method did the Plymotheans adopt, to increase their crop of named as conspirators, particularly Pecksuot and Wittuwamat. These Indians insulted and threatened Capt. Standish. A quarrel ensued. Standish, snatching a knife from the neck of Pecksuot, killed this proud boaster with his own weapon. Others killed Wittawamat, whose head, according to their orders, they carried to Plymouth, to terrify the rest of the conspirators. Five other Indians were slain. This sudden execution so terrified and amazed the other conspirators, that they forsook their houses, running to and fro, like men distracted, living in swamps and deserts. In this way, many of them died of cold, disease and hunger. One of these poor wretches was Ianough, sachem of Mattachiest, now part of Barnstable and Yarmouth. In the midst of these corn? Each family had a separate field. What had been their practice the two first years? They had labored in common upon fields belonging equally to all." Consequence of separate fields Greater industry, and the prospect of much more corn. What great calamity were they soon called to endure? Almost entire want of provision, except what they could procure from day to day. How long were they destitute of bread? Three or four months. Upon what, did they subsist? Principally upon clams, lobsters, fish, and occasionally, a little wild fowl and venison. What greater calamity did they fear? Famine. From what cause? Drought. For how many weeks, had they no rain? Eight or nine. What special means did they adopt to avert the evil? p. 45. How long did the public religious exercises continue? Eight or nine hours. distractions, Ianough said, that the God of the English was offended with them, and would destroy them in his anger. The surviving conspirators would have sued for peace; but were afraid to go to Plymouth. Weston's people were so apprehensive of the consequences of this affair, that they quitted the plantation. Thus ended Weston's plantation, within one year after it began. He had been one of the adventurers to Plymouth; but quitted them, and took a separate patent; and his plantation was intended to rival that of Plymouth. He sent his colony, without coming in person to America, till after the dispersion of his people; some of whom, he found among the eastern fishermen, and of them he first heard of the ruin of his enterprise. - Belknap. |