The Early History of New England: Illustrated by Numerous Interesting Incidents

Front matter

Google to make the world's books discoverable online.

Il has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one thai was never subject

to copy right or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books

Preface

It has been the growing conviction of the author of these pages, that there is much in the early history of New England suited to ^effect the happiest results ; that it contains numerous incidents highly adapted to exhibit God in a most glorious and delightful view ; to give us admiring thoughts of his wisdom, benevolence, and faithfulness ; to inflame the love, strengthen the faith, and awaken the gratitude of his people; to interest and instruct the mind, and to promote morality and religion in the community. .^

With this impression, it seemed exceedingly fe*" sirable that these incidents should be extensively read. But hitherto they have been confined to a few rare works, so that, to most persons, they have been inaccessible, and to a great degree unknown. The design of this volume is, to embody these incidents, and present them to the reader in one view.

Selections have been made from the following works, viz. Mather's Magnalia, Winthrop's Journal, Morton's New England Memorial, Prince's Chronology, ^Hubbard's History of New England ; the Histories of Hutchinson, Trumbull, Belknap Willvsxass

PRXFACl

Whiton, Williamson, Sullivan, Morse and Parish ; NeaPs History of New England ; Dwight's Travels;' the Annals of Holmes; Trumbull's History of the United States, Hoyt's Antiquarian Researches *aAd Indian Wars, Barber's Historical Collections of Massachusetts, Collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society, Goodrich's Church History, Annals of Portsmouth, Memoirs of Roger Williams, Drake's Indian Biography, Allen's Biographical Dictionary, Hubbard's Indian Wars, Thacher's History of Plymouth, WiJJis' History of Portland, Collections of the New Hampshire Historical Society, Hawes' Tribute to the Memory of the Pilgrims, Mirick's History of Haverhill, Williams' Memoir of Rev. John Williams, Turner's Traits of Indian Character, Bacon's Historical Discourses, and Barber's Historical Collections of Connecticut. Some incidents have been taken from Miss Leslie's Boston Cards, and from other small works.

Miscellaneous ••••••• 360

INCIDENTS

IN TBS

EARLY HISTORY OP NEW ENGLAND.

Chapter I. Causes Which Led To The Emigration Of The Fathers Of New England

During the reign of Elizabeth, who ascended the throne of England in 1558, there arose a class of people who were called Puritans. They were so named from the superior purity and simplicity of their mode of worship. In them were seen the happy fruits of the reformation from popery, which was to the church the ushering in of a bright and glorious day, after a dark and dismal night of ten centuries. They were lights upon the earth. They increased in number, until they were found in evetfy portion of the kingdom. For a length of years they were united in their mode of worship ; but, in 1602, a portion of them, being dissatisfied with certain usages and ceremonies practised by the great body, which they deemed unscriptural, withdrew, and, " as the Lord's free people, joined themselves by covenant into a church state to walk in all his ways, made known, or to be made known to them, according to their best endeavors, whatever it might cost them."

This church, having elected Rev. John Robinson their pastor, emigrated to Holland, and settled at Leyden in 1610, where they remained nearly eleven years. But their situation being unfavorable to their prosperity as a community, — their youth being greatly exposed to. the evil example of the Dutch, and their opportunities for usefulness limited and ill suited to their enlarged desires of doing good, — they, after mature consideration and mas^ fcrcs&L

8 INCIDENTS IN THE EARLY [CHAP. I*

prayers for divine direction, resolved to emigrate to the unexplored shores of America. "It was agreed/' says Morton, " that part of the church should go before their brethren into America, to prepare for the rest ; and if, in case the major part of the church did choose to go pver with the first, then the pastor to go along with them ; but if the major part stayed, he was then to stay with them." Accordingly, a vessel was procured, and * less than half their number sailed for England, where they arrived about the 2d of July, 1620.. Having engaged another vessel, on the 6th of September following, they embarked for America, and, on the 11th of November, anchored in Cape Cod harbor ; having been more than Iwo months on the passage.

Causes of the chief influence in the removal of our forefathers are found in the oppression of ecclesiastical intolerance which prevailed in England, and in the desire and hope of establishing the gospel and its institutions in foreign parts.

Love of religious freedom is natural to man. We inhale it with our very being. Accordingly, in every age, men have been tenacious of the privilege of worshiping the Supreme Being in a way suited to their own views of duty.

With this spirit the fathers of New England were deeply imbued. They were men of enlightened views — magnanimous in their character — of warm and ardent feelings. And no men living better understood the subject of human rights than they. For several successive reigns, a spirit of intolerance had oppressed and afflicted the Lord's people in the mother country. Laws, prescribing certain usages and modes of worship, and threatening the severest penalties, were promulgated, and, more or less, severely executed. A few brief facts will show the condition of those times.

" An act," says Hoyt, " was passed in 1593, for punishing all who refused to come to church, or were present at any conventicle, or unauthorized meeting. The punishment wa& imprisonment until the convicted agreed to cooform, and made declaration of his conformity; and if that was not done in three months, he was to quit the realm, or go into perpetual banishment. In case he did not

Chap. I.] '« Bistort Of New England. 9

depart within the time limited, or returned without license, he was to sutler death."

In 1567, one "Bolton, with twenty-three men and seven women, were sent to Bridewell, and kept there a year," for absenting themselves from the meetings of the established church, and repeatedly assembling to attend upon the worship and ordinances of God in a way they deemed according to the rules of Christ. #

Prince says, that " in J 592, a company set up another church in London, choosing Mr. Francis Johnson pastor, and Mr. Greenwood teacher ; who, with fifty-four of their church, were soon seized by the bishop's officers, and sent to several jails, where some were loaded with irons, some shut up in dungeons, some beat with cudgels, some, both men and women, perished, Mr. Greenwood and Barrow executed, others kept in close prison for four or five years."

Goodrich says of those times, " Toleration was a virtue \ unknown on English ground. In exile alone was security to be found from the pains and penalties of non-conformity to the church of England ■ Speaking of Mr. Jlobinson and his people, when about to embark for Holland, he says, " The design of this congregation being suspected, strict orders were given that they should not be suffered^ to depart. They were necessitated to use the most secret methods, to give extravagant fees to seamen, by whom they were often betrayed. Twice they attempted to embark, were discovered and prevented. At another time, having got on board a ship, with their effects, the shipmaster sailed a little distance, then returned and delivered them to the resentment of their enemies. The next year they made another attempt, in which, after the severest trials, they succeeded. Having engaged a ship belonging to Holland for their conveyance, they were going on board. By some treachery, their enemies had been informed of their design, and, at this juncture, a great number of armed men came upon them. A part of the men were on board, without any of their effects; the women and children were in a bark approaching the ship. The Dutch captain, apprehensive of danger to himself, hoisted sail, and with a fair wind directed his course to Holland. The passengers used every effort to persuade him to return.* uv

10 nrCUMENTS w the kahly [chap. I vain. They saw their wives and children fall into the hands of merciless enemies, while unable to afford them any relief. They had none of their effects, not even a ehange of clothes, on board. — 'After some time, all their, friends who had been left, by the favor of a gracious Providence, in perils of robbers, in perils by their own countrymen, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren, arrived safely in Holland, where they mingled their mutual congratulations with grateful praise to God."

Such being the character of the times in the mother country, our fathers were induced to make their escape from the windy storm and tempest, and finally to take refuge in this distant land, where they could breathe the vital air of religious freedom.

Nor was it merely with the view of escaping the evils which assailed them at home, that they crossed the Atlantic, and took up their abode in a strange land. No, a benevolent desire to benefit others greatly influenced their proceedings.

Tru#>benevolence is expafluve. It extends to all its kind regards. It seeks the welfare of those it never saw. This lovely principle dwelt in the bosom of our fathers, and under its influence they lived and moved. They knew that the savage tribes, which roamed this western wilderness, were immortal like themselves ; that they were lost in sin ; and that, without a knowledge of the blood of Christ, they must perish. They knew, also, that they had never seen the Bible, nor heard the gospel. A view of their condition moved the pity of their heart. They felt an unquenchable desire to come over and help them ; and moved by this desire, as well as by the cause before mentioned, they came over. Prince mentions, as a prominent reason of their removal, " an inward zeal and great hope of laying some foundation, or making way for propagating the kingdom of Christ to the remote ends of the earth, though they should be as stepping stones to others"

Here is the spirit of missions. Here is seen its true character. It attempts great things — expects great things —is not influenced by a regard to self It was not in pursuit of fame — it was not to amass wealth — it was not to aggrandize themselves or families, that the fathers of New

CHAP.Il] HISTORY Or NEW«lfCHUAlfD. 11

England visited these shores, and took up here their reai- * deuce. No, like their descendants,- — who, in these latter - days, have gone far hence to the heathen ; like Paul, the great apostle of the Gentiles ; yea, like the Son of Cfaf^ who came down to this world upon an errand of infinite kindness,— they were influenced by a regard to the good of others, were moved, by a spirit of benevolence, a spirit of mission*: r ;

CHAPTER n.

DIFFICULTIES AND PERILS OF THE VOYAGE.

Two vessels, the Speedwell and Mayflower, the one 60, the other 180 tons, having been procured, and all things made ready, the pilgrims went on board, and sailed from Southampton the 5th of August, 1620. But it is not every cloudless morning that is fallowed by a clear ana pleasant day. Before them were difficulties and perils that would have unnerved the resolution of any but those who could say, " It is not with us as with other men, whom small things can discourage or small discontentments cause to wish ourselves at home again." They had not sailed far, before the Speedwell was discovered to. be leaky, and -they put into Dartmouth. Having refitted at great expense, with loss of time and fair wind, they again put to sea. When they bad sailed about 100 leagues beyond Land's End in England, the Speedwell was again found . to be leaky. Both vessels then returned and went into Plymouth. Here it was resolved to dismiss the Speedwell, and as many as could,- one hundred and one in all, went on board the Mayflower. The rest, twenty in number, after a sorrow* fill parting, returned to London. Having now been detained on the coast of England, perplexed with disappointments and delays, a full month, on the 6th of September, they put to sea with a fair wind, and proceeded on their way. About the middle of the voyage they were met by eross winds, and severe and heavy storms lay on them tot many days together. They could carry no sail, and warn

12 INCIDENT* IN THE EARLY [CSAP. B.

obliged to lie wholly at the mercy of winds and waves. The vessel, through the violence of the storm, became ■battered and leaky, and one of the main beams in the mid- Jfehip was cracked, and removed from its place. Strong fears were now felt that they should not be able to proceed. Accordingly, a consultation was held between the passengers and officers of the ship, upon the subject of returning. But there was a passenger on board who had brought from Holland a large iron screw, by means of which the fractured beam was brought to its place, and made fast They then renewedly committed themselves to the care of a kind Providence, and proceeded on the passage, and, on the 9th of November, at break of day, to their exceeding joy, they made the land of Cape Cod. But as it was their intention to settle somewhere about Hudson's River, they bore away to the southward. Proceeding on in that direction about half a day, they found themselves in the midst of perilous shoals and breakers, Seeing that it would be exceedingly hazardous for them to proceed, they returned to Cape Cod harbor, where they anchored in safety on the 1 1th of November. " And being brought safe to land, they fell upon their knees, and blessed the God of heaven, who had brought them over the vast and furious ocean, and delivered them from many perils and miseries."

How strongly are we here reminded of the fact which often meets us on the page of history, that great and important events are preceded by dark and trying providences ! TO the Israelites God gave the land of Canaan, but not until they had passed through all that great and terrible wilderness, and endured many privations and sufferings. Columbus discovered and gave to the nations of Europe a nbw world, but not until he had been severely tried by disappointments and the frowning disapprobation of those in power; not until he had crossed a pathless ocean, outbraved fierce and appalling storms, and been in jeopardy from a mutinous and daring crew. Our fathers were put in possession of this goodly land ; but not until they had endured difficulties and perils, such as have fallen to none of their sons; such as were suited to deject and ley low the courage of the firmest mind

.-"4

Chap. Iii.] History Of New-england. 13

Let none, after reading this account, conclude that they. ; are not in the path of duty, simply because their way is beset with trials and discouragements.

Nor let it pass unnoticed how small a circumstance sometimes controls a great event The fate of this vdy» age, it appears, turned on the mere incident that one of the passengers had on board a screw, by means of which a fractured beam was repaired and held in its place.

And it should be remembered that, even at this distance of time, our hearts should swell with devout gratitude to the great Ruler of the universe for bearing our fathers through the perils of the deep, and landing them in safety upon, our shores. Who that treads the so2 of New England has not cause to be grateful ? For all, in one way or another, are reaping the advantages of those noble institutions our ancestors established. And how many, who have gone before us, have partaken of similar benefits 1

Chapter III

HARDSHIPS, PRIVATIONS, AND SUFFERINGS OF THIS COM PANY, AND OF OTHERS, AFTER THEIR ARRIVAL.

We have followed this little band in their trials along the English coast, and at length across the stormy and perilous ocean.

We now behold them on the unexplored coast of America, in a northern latitude, just at the setting in of Winter ; having no place of settlement, and not knowing that any would or could be discovered ; without a shelter to screen them from the piercing cold and storms of a severe climate; with a vast ocean rolling between them and the civilized world ; their only place of retreat a waste, howling wilderness, wearing the gloom of November, and inhabited only by savage beasts and more savage men ; with no kind friends to welcome them to these shores and to their hospitable dwellings; some of them having left

14 INCIDENTS IN THE EARLY [CHAP. ITL

their wives either in Holland or England, while others had left part, and some even all their children.

What a spectacle is here presented to oar view ! One, it should seem, that might awaken 'emotion in the breast of the most unfeeling, and bring the tear of sympathy into the dryest eye.

But true greatness does not sit down in despondency. It looks upward to God's merciful throne for guidance and support, and goes steadily forward in the path of duty, trials and discouragements notwithstanding.

Before leaving Holland, this little company had sent over to England, and, after long delay, and no little difficulty, obtained of the South Virginia Company a charter, which secured to them the right of settlement about Hud* son's River. But it gave them neither right nor power on the coast of New England, which was in another jurisdiction. Consequently, this instrument was useless, and they were in a manner " reduced to a state of nature."

This being their condition, they deemed it important to form themselves " into a body politic under the crown of England." Accordingly, on the 11th of November, after uniting in prayer to Almighty God, by mutual conpent they entered into a solemn combination, as a body politic, to submit to such government and governors, laws and ordinances as should, by general consent, from time to time, be made choice of, and consented to." They elected Mr. John Carver their governor for the first year.

Having taken these preparatory measures for their security and prosperity, they, on the same dayj set fifteen or sixteen men on shore to make discoveries and procure wood. They returned at evening, having seen neither house nor inhabitant.

On Monday, the 13th of November, many went on shore to refresh themselves, and the women for washing. In passing from the ship to the shore, they were obliged to wade through the water quite a distance ; and the weather being cold and freezing, numbers caught cold, which brought on a severe cough. Many of them did not survive the approaching winter.

On the 15th, while the boat, called the shallop, was refitting, Capt. Standish with sixteen men set out in search

CHAP. III.] HISTORY OF NBW ENGLAND. 15

of a place of settlement. Directing their course southward, they had not marched far, before they saw five or six Indians, who fled from them into the woods. They pursued, but could not overtake them. Night coming on, they passed it in the wilderness. The next day they found a number of Indian graves ; near which they discovered a quantity of corn buried in the ground. They took part of it, intending to satisfy the natives the first opportunity. They now set out on their return. Having arrived at a large pond they had visited in coming from the ship, they built a barricado, kindled a fire, set sentinels, and retired for the night, which proved very rainy. The next day they lost their way, wandering about, not knowing what course to take. At length, after travelling through woods, over sands, and in water, sometimes up to the knees, they reached the ship, where they received a joyful welcome.

On the 27th of November, the shallop being repaired, twenty-four of their number, Mr. Jones, the master of the ship, and nine sailors, set out upon another expedition for discovery. Before they had proceeded far, the weather became rough and the wind contrary, and they were forced to row for the nearest shore, wading above their knees to the land. It blew, and snowed, and froze, all this day and night ; and disease, which soon terminated the life of many of them, originated in this exposure. The next day they sailed for the port they were in -pursuit of, but found it unfit for shipping. They landed, however, and marched four or five miles along a creek, passing over hills and valleys, the snow being half a foot deep. Having become weary, they encamped for the night under a cluster of pine-trees. They had eaten little during the day ; but a kind Providence furnished them with three geese and six ducks for their supper, which they ate with a good appetite. The next day, in digging for the discovery .of corn, they found the ground to be frozen a foot in depth — such had been the severity of the weather. Capt. Jones, with fifteen others, some of whom had become weak and feeble, and others sick, set out on their return to the ship. Eighteen remained to make further discoveries. On the following day, they marched five or six miles into the woods^ but discovering no signs of inta&\m\&i\^&\&&*

16 INCIDENTS IN THE EARLY [CHAP. OT,

The shallop arriving, they went on board at night, and the next day returned to the ship. They remained on board several days ; during which, one of their number, named Edward Thomson, died, and, before the close of Decernber, five others were called down to the grave.

On the 6th of December, a company set out on a third expedition. The weather being very cold, the spray of the sea froze upon their clothes so that they were completely covered with ice. At night they found themselves at the lower end of the bay. As they drew near the shore, they saw ten or twelve Indians cutting up a fish. They landed a league or two from them ; but.it was with much difficulty that they reached the shore, on account of shoals. After making preparations for the night, they betook them selves to their lodgings, such as they were, the smoke of the Indians' fire being in full view, about four or five miles distant. The next morning they divided their company, apart travelling along the shore, while the rest coasted along the shoals. About nine or ten o'clock, they lost sight of the shallop. They roved about, making discoveries, until night, when they hasted out of the woods, and seeing the shallop, they made a signal for her to come into the creek. Here they passed the night. At five in the morning, they arose, united in prayer, and were expecting soon to go on board the shallop, when one of their number came running in, calling out, " Indians ! Indians !" At this moment the arrows came flying about them. The cry of the Indians was dreadful. The company defended themselves most manfully. One of the enemy, who was more stout and brave than the rest, stood behind a tree and discharged his arrows. He kept his position until three muskets were fired at him, when one, taking good aim, hit the tree, and " made the bark or splinters fly about his ears, after which he gave an extraordinary shriek, and away they went all of them." Some of the arrows shot by the Indians " were headed with brass, others with hart's horn, and others with eagle's claws." The English received no injury, though their clothes, which hung up in their barricado, were shot through and through. This was the first encounter with the Indians. After they had united in giving solemn thanksgiving to Ood for this deliverance, they went on

CHAP. III.] HISTORY 09 NEW ENGLAND. 17

board the shallop, and sailed along the coast about fifteen leagues, in pursuit of a convenient harbor. Not finding any, they set out for one their pilot told them he had seen, and which it was thought they might reach before night. But after some hours' sailing, it began to snow and rain, and about the middle of the afternoon, the wind increasing, and the sea becoming very rough, the rudder broke, and it was with great difficulty that two men with pars could steer the shallop. The storm increased more and more, and night approaching, they bore what sail they could, in order to get in before dark ; but their mast giving way, broke into three pieces, and the sails fell overboard into the sea. They were now in the most imminent danger of foundering ; but the tide being favorable, they succeeded in reaching the harbor, supposing it to be the one they were in pursuit of. The pilot, at this crisis discovering his mistake, cried out, " Lord be merciful to us ! my eyes never saw this place before." He, with the mate, would have run the shallop ashore in a cove full of breakers : but the sternsman called out to the rowers, " About with her, or we are cast away." Immediately they got her about, and although it had become very dark, and rained powerfully, they got under the lee of a large island. It was now a matter of doubt with some of them, whether it were best to go ashore on account of the savages. At length, the most hardy among them concluded to remain in the boat, while a number were so feeble, and wet, and cold, that they thought they could not endure it. They therefore ventured on shore, and with great difficulty kindled a fire. After midnight the wind shifted into the north-west, and the weather became cold ,and freezing. Those in the boat were now glad to join their companions on the land. The next morning, finding that they were in no danger from the Indians, they remained and dried their clothes, fixed their fire-arms, rested themselves, and united in rendering thanks to Almighty God for the merciful deliverances he had afforded them ; and as this was the last day of the week, they staid and kept the Sabbath. On Monday they sounded the harbor, and finding it fit for shipping, they marched into the main land, and after exploring the ground, concluded it to be a suitable place for settlement They

a*

18 INCIDENTS IN THE EARLY [CHAP. III.

accordingly returned to the ship, and reported, to the great joy of those on board, the discovery they had made. During their absence, Dorothy, wife of William Bradford, had fallen overboard, and was drowned.

On the 15th of December, the ship sailed for the newly discovered port, and having arrived within two leagues, was met by a heavy north-west wind, which drove her back. The next day, however, they entered the harbor. On the two succeeding days, small parties went on shore for the purpose of making further discoveries. On the morning of the 21st, after imploring the divine guidance, twenty of their number went on shore with a view to fix upon some place for immediate settlement. This was the day on which the pilgrims first stepped on the memorable " Forefathers' Rock." After surveying the country, they selected what they thought the most eligible place. At evening a storm of wind and rain arose, which lasted du* ring the night, and for two days the wind blew so violently that they were unable to reach the ship, but were obliged to remain on shore without a shelter.

On Saturday, the 23d, as many as could, went on shore, and commenced cutting and carrying timber for a common . x building. On the Sabbath, those who remained on shore, were alarmed by the cry of Indians ; but no foe appeared On Monday, the 25th, they commenced building the first house. It was about 20 feet square — designed for common use. Durigg the night and the next day, they were visited by another storm of wind and rain. On the 28th, they reduced themselves to nineteen families — measured out, and assigned to each, their lots. In consequence of exposures and hardships, many of them were taken ill of heavy colds. On the 29th and 30th, it was very cold and stormy ; and at the distance of about six or seven miles, were seen great smokes arising from the fires of the In* dians.

" Though most of the company were on board the ship on the Lord's day, December 31st, yet some of them kept the Sabbath for the first time in their new house. Here therefore is fixed the era of their settlement, which, in

Sateful remembrance of the Christian friends, whom they and at the last town they left in their native country,

't

CHAP. Ill*] HISTORY OF NEW ENGLAND. 19

they eaUed Plymouth. This was the foundation of the first English town built in New England."

January 12th.— About the middle of the day, two of the company, going out to gather thatch, discovered a deer, which, with their dogs, they pursued until they were lost in the woods. After wandering in the wilderness until the close of the day, they spent the night, which proved freezing and snowy, in walking about under a tree. Their friends were greatly distressed on their account, fearing that they had fallen into the hands of the Indians. Two parties went in search of them, but in vain. The next evening, the two men, after spending the day in travelling from place to place, reached home almost spent with cold and hunger.