Chapter X: Front Matter (10)

“4. On _March 29. 1632._ a Peace being concluded between King
_Charles_ the First, and _Lewis_ the XIII. it was amongst other
things on the part of the King of _England_ agreed, That all the
Forts, as well in _L’Accadie_ as in _Nova Francia_, should be
restor’d into the Possession of the Subjects of the _French_ King,
which was exactly perform’d on the part of the _English_, though to
the great damage of the _Kirks_; but on the part of the _French_,
although it was agreed, as in the fourth and fifth Articles of Peace
is set down, (to which reference is had) yet nothing was ever
perform’d of their parts; so that the _Kirks_ did thereupon suffer
loss, to the value of five thousand Pounds _Sterl._ which were to be
paid them by _Monsieur de Cane a French-man_, but remain unpaid to
this day.

“5. _Anno 1633._ the King of _England_ taking notice, that although
the Forts and Castles, according to the League, were deliver’d up
into the Possession of the _French_, (especially such as had been
erected during their Possession thereof) yet that his _English_
Subjects were not to be excluded from Trade or free Commerce, in
those Regions that were first Discover’d and Possess’d by his
Subjects, did, with the advice of his Council, by his Letters
Patents, Dated _May 11. 1633._ upon consideration had of the
Expences, which the said _Kirks_ had laid out upon the reducing of
that Countrey with the Fort of _Quebeck_, to the value of
50000^{lb.}; and also of their ready obeisance in resigning up the
same on his Royal Command, Grant unto Sir _Lewis Kirk_, and his
Brother _John Kirk_ and his Associates, for the term of thirty one
years (not yet expir’d) full Priviledge, not only of Trade and
Commerce in the River _Canada_, and places on either side adjacent,
but also to Plant Colonies, and build Forts and Bulwarks where they
should think fit.

“6. By vertue of which Commission, Sir _Lewis Kirk_ and his Brother
_John Kirk_, and his Associates, in the Moneth of _February_ next
following, _viz._ in 1633. set forth a Ship call’d _The Merry
Fortune_, Laden with Goods of a considerable value, consign’d to
those parts, where during her Trading there, without any just
offence given; and in time of Peace, she was by the _French_
forceably seiz’d on, and carry’d into _France_ and her Lading, as if
she had been lawful Prize, Confiscated; whereupon the _Kirks_
suffer’d loss, to the value of twelve thousand Pounds. And although
the Lord _Scudamore_, Ambassador in _France_, by the King of
_Englands_ special Command, and the said _John Kirk_ being there in
Person, by the King’s Command, did often earnestly urge, that the
Moneys due to the said _Kirks_, and the said Ship, with her Lading,
might be restor’d, which for no other cause had been seiz’d upon and
sold, but only for that by the King’s Commission she was found
Trading at _Canada_; yet he could obtain nothing, but after some
years fruitless endeavors return’d into _England_ without
accomplishing his desires.

“7. In the year 1654. _Cromwel_, although an unjust Usurper of the
Government, yet upon consideration of the Premises, taking a just
occasion for requiring the Possession of _L’Accadie_, sends forth
several Ships under the Command of one _Sedgwick_, who by vertue of
the Authority granted him by _Cromwel_, assaulted and subdu’d the
aforesaid Forts in _Nova Scotia_, and restor’d them into the
Possession of the _English_: And although in the year 1655. a League
of firm Peace and Amity being concluded between _Cromwel_ and the
_French_ King, the _French_ Ambassador did often urge the
Restitution to the Possession of the _French_; yet for the same
causes aforesaid, which had mov’d _Cromwel_ to seize upon them, it
was thought fit still to retain the Possession of them; and although
according to the purport of the twenty fifth Article of the Peace,
Commissioners on both sides were to be appointed for the deciding
and determining that Controversie; yet nothing was done therein,
neither did the Commissioners ever meet within three Moneths, as in
the twenty fourth Article of the Treaty was provided and agreed: So
that now the case is very clear, that the Possession to the
_English_ remains firm and just, and that the Forts and Bulwarks
before specifi’d, are without all peradventure under the Power and
Jurisdiction of the King of _England_.”

Since the Restauration of his present Majesty, the _French_ Ambassador representing unto the King the Pretensions of the _French_ unto the several Forts and other places in _Accadie_, and urging the non-performance of the Articles of Agreement between _Oliver Cromwel_ and the _French_ King, mov’d the King of _England_, _As a profess’d Enemy to all Violence_, for a Restitution of all the Forts and other places which were then in the possession of the _English_: Not long after which, whether upon the Ambassadors request, or upon other important Affairs intervening, or upon what other ground soever it were, the _French_ were suffer’d to re-enter on the foresaid places, and do yet keep Possession of them, till such time as the _English_ claim under the just Title of the _Kirks_, shall meet with some fit occasion of being reviv’d.

That which we suppose gives the _French_ so much the more confidence in their claim of this Country, is their presumption upon the Expedition of _James Quartier_, whom they will have to be the first Discoverer, if not Possessor, not onely of the Isle of _Assumption_, but also of this Coast of _Nova Francia_, not taking notice it seems of _Sebastian Cabot_, under _Henry_ the Seventh.

The chief places of Note in this Countrey, are, 1. _Port Royal_, a Colony of _French_, said to have been Planted there by _Monsieur de Montz_ in 1604. by report, capable of receiving a thousand Ships; and in 1613. (the _French_ being driven out by Sir _Samuel Argal_, Governor of _Virginia_, who took Prisoners _Biard_ and _Masse_, and demolish’d the Fort at _Port Royal_) given by Patent, as aforemention’d, to Sir _William Alexander_; afterwards by him sold again to the _French_; then in the time of _Oliver Cromwel_ re-taken by Major _Sedgwick_; lastly, re-possess’d by the _French_. 2. St. _Luke’s Bay_, or _Portua Mouton_. 3. _Gaspe_, or _Gachepe_. 4. _The Haven of Passepay._ 5. The _Bay de Toutes Isles._ 6. _The Fort de la Heve._ 7. _The Cape of Sable._ Within the Southern Point _Forchu_, lies the Isle _Longu_, which boasts of a Silver Mine.

The most noted People of the ancient Inhabitants of _Accadie_ were the _Iroquois_, lying most South-Westerly upon the Sea Coast, who us’d to drive a great Trade in Beavers and other Commodities.

Westerly before the River _Chovacoet_ lies _Bacchus Isle_, full of Vineyards.

[Sidenote: Remarkable manner of living.]

The Inhabitants thereof differ very much from other Salvages, for they shave all the Hair from the Crown of their Head, wear long Locks behind, pleited together, and stuck full of Feathers, Paint their Faces black and red, and go arm’d with Clubs, Bows, Pikes, and Arrows pointed with Fish-bones: They Till their Ground very handsomly, and divide their Fields with Hedges; they Plant Tobacco, Vines, Cabbages, _Maiz_, and divers Colour’d Beans; the stalks of the _Maiz_ serve in stead of Poles for their Beans to run up upon.

Beyond _Cape de Rocher_ lies the brave Harbor _Beauport_, which is secur’d from all Winds by an Isle which lies in the midst of it. The Countrey Manur’d in most places, and Fruitful, feeds store of Men and Cattel.

The Haven of _Malabar_ is surrounded in a manner with little Huts, cover’d with Mats, which in the Middle of the Room have a hole for the Smoke to go out at. The Southern shore is Sandy, and very dangerous.

For the more full exemplification of what concerns this part of _Nova Francia_, we shall conclude with an account of all Material Passages relating to the _French_, from their own Narrations as followeth.

[Sidenote: _Quartier_’s Expedition.]

[Sidenote: Scurvy, when known.]

[Sidenote: Exploit of _de la Roque_.]

The first discoverer of this Coast was _Jaques Quartier_, sent out
_Anno 1534._ by the _French_ King, _Francis_ the First, in which
Expedition he spent five Months; and going from thence to St.
_Male_, discover’d the Inlet _Lawrence_, _Terreneuf_, and
_Natiscotec_. The following year prosecuting his Voyage, he Sail’d
into the great River _Canada_, and Winter’d near St. _Croix_, where
he lost divers of his Men by the Scurvy, a Distemper till that time
altogether unknown; and such was his condition, that none of his Men
had escap’d with life, had not the Inhabitants taught him to cure
the same with the Bark and Leaves of the Tree _Annedda_; with which
many recovering, _Quartier_ Weigh’d Anchor, and treacherously
carry’d the King _Donnacona_ with many of his Nobles, Prisoners to
_France_; but most of them dying, _Quartier_ brought only a few of
them back with him in his third Voyage, six years after the first,
when arriving in the Haven St. _Croix_, he cast up a strong Fort,
which he nam’d _Charlesbourg Royal_, where he staid a whole Winter.
_Joan de la Roque_, whom the _French_ King had made Governor of
_Quartier_’s new-discover’d Countries, Sailing thither with three
Ships, met with _Quartier_’s Fleet near _Terreneuf_; from whence he
was then going home, because he saw no hopes of subduing the
Salvages with so small a Force as he had brought with him from
_France_. But _de la Roque_ endeavoring to make a further discovery
of _Canada_, Sail’d up the River _Saguenay_, where spending both
time and Money, he was Commanded home by the _French_ King, and the
fruitless Expeditions lay dead till about 1604.

[Sidenote: Of _de Monts_.]

[Sidenote: Of _Poutrincourt_.]

When _Peter de Monts_ obtaining Letters Patents to Trade for Furs in
the foremention’d Countries, Sail’d with two Ships beyond _Accadie_,
up St. _Lawrence Bay_, where he Landed on the Isle St. _Croix_,
where of ninety seven Men, with which he staid there a whole Winter,
he lost thirty five; but having fresh Supplies sent him from
_France_, he remov’d to _Port Royal_, where leaving forty Men, he
return’d home; these forty being reduc’d to twenty three, and in
great want, walking along the Sea-shore in a despairing condition,
espy’d a Ship coming up with full Sail, which upon nearer approach,
prov’d a _French_ Vessel, of which _Poutrincourt_ was Commander, who
receiving his wretched Countrey-men with great joy, took them with
him to _Port Royal_, being sent thither on purpose to settle a
Plantation in _Accadie_: Meanwhile the Letters Patent granted to
_Monts_, being call’d in, the first Planters in _Port Royal_ were
forc’d to desert the same, and return home; and also _Poutrincourt_
returning, came back again three years after to _Port Royal_, where
finding the Houses standing as he had left them, he Manur’d the
Countrey all about, and endeavoring to Plant _Christianity_ among
the Natives, Christen’d among others an _Accadian_ Lord, who was
above a hundred years old; all which _Poutrincourt_ Sailing back to
France, related at the Court.

[Sidenote: Remarkable Transactions of some _Jesuits_.]

The _Jesuits_ being also inform’d thereof, obtain’d leave of the
Queen to send _Peter Biard_ and _Euemond Masse_ thither, on
pretence, that _Henry_ the Fourth had himself promis’d them the same
Priviledge in his Life time. But the Merchants at _Diep_, which were
concern’d in the new Plantations with _Poutrincourt_, opposing the
going over of the foremention’d _Jesuits_, express’d themselves very
violent against them, and laid to their charge the Blood of the late
King, which they said was yet reaking in _Paris_: _What assurance_
(alleadg’d they) _had their Goods which were in the Custody of Men
inclin’d to the_ Spaniards? _Must the_ Christian Religion _be
promulgated? There are so many Orders of_ Monks _which may easily
produce two Men; but if the Queen was resolv’d to send_ Jesuits
_thither, they desir’d restauration of the Monies which they had
disburs’d_: To which _Biard_ and _Masse_ harkening, gather’d up the
demanded Monies, under pretence of being requir’d towards the
Preaching of the _Christian Religion_ amongst these remote
_Heathens_; by this means getting great Sums, they bought out the
foremention’d Merchants, so that the new Plantations fell half to
the _Jesuits_, who setting Sail, and arriving at _Port Royal_,
turn’d all things topsiturvy, and so thwarted _Poutrincourt_ in his
designs, that he was forc’d to complain to the _French_ Court of the
_Jesuits_ oppression, whose aim it was to get all things into their
own Possession; whereupon they Excommunicated _Poutrincourt_’s Son
(who serv’d in his Father’s place at Court), and gain’d the Duke
_Guereheville_ in _France_ to be of their Party, by promising him,
that he should share in the new Plantations for a contracted Sum of
Money: After this they receiv’d all sorts of Arms and Ammunition,
with several Brass Guns, of the then King _Lewis_ the XIII. and
other gifts Collected and gather’d out of their several Societies,
for two new _Accadian_ Apostles. _Gilbert du Thet_, a subtile man of
the same Order, transported their Necessaries.

At this time all things going favorably with the _Jesuits_, they
made themselves Masters of _Port Royal_, and began to raise a Fort
on the River _Pemtagovet_; but there their happy Proceedings were
stop’d, for Captain _Argal_ before-mention’d, Sailing thither in
vindication of the _English_, was encounter’d by _du Thet_, (who
firing the first Gun on _Argal_, was by him taken off with
Chain-shot) and taking _Biard_ and _Masse_, carry’d them Prisoners
to _Virginia_, and dismantled the Fort built at _Port Royal_, after
which it was by King _James_ given by Patent to Sir _William
Alexander_, as hath been already related, together with what of most
remarkable hath happen’d since.

SECT. VI.
Norumbegua.

[Sidenote: Whence denominated.]

_Norumbegua_, lying between _Nova Scotia_ Northward, and _New England_ Southward, is so utterly not taken notice of by many as a distinct Province, that it might seem to be swallow’d up and lost in the two Countreys between which it lies, or at least to be thought a part of _Virginia_ or _New England_ (for _Virginia_ largely taken is said to contain _New England_, _Novum Belgium_, and _Virginia_, especially so call’d) and that so much the rather, because the _Bessabees_, accounted by _Sanson d’Abbeville_ an ancient People of _New England_, are written to have liv’d near the River _Penobscot_, which is reckon’d to be the same with _Pemtegovet_, or (as some will have it) _Norumbegua_, from which, or from a certain great City of that Name, the Country for fancy’s sake must needs be denominated; but since most commonly we find it nam’d and treated of apart, it will not be improper to follow that method, carrying the Bounds of _New England_ no farther Northward than the River _Quinnebequi_ or _Sagadahoc_, and so determining the main part of this Countrey to that space between the aforesaid River and _Pemtegovet_, excepting a small Southerly portion upon the Banks of the River _Chovacovet_; so that it appears chiefly situate under the forty third Degree of Northern Latitude.

[Sidenote: Towns and Cities not certainly known.]

As for the Towns or Cities of this Province, there is but a very uncertain account to be given, forasmuch as the pretended great City _Norumbegua_, from whence the Province should take its Appellation, is not acknowledg’d by any of the most authentick modern Writers, nor in any late Voyage or Discovery any mention made either of that or any other considerable Town or City. Dr. _Heylin_ supposeth it to be no other than _Agguncia_, a poor little Village, that seems compos’d of a company of Hutts or Sheaves, cover’d with the Skins of Beasts, or the Barks of Trees. But the most favourable conjecture is, that it might haply be the Ruines of an ancient Town, which the Natives call’d _Arambeck_, and had probably deserted it long before the arrival of the _Europeans_ in those parts; however, it is not very probable that the Name of the Countrey should be deriv’d from this City, if ever there were any such, or from the River, which appears to have been term’d _Norumbegua_ on purpose to make way for this derivation, whereas _Pemtegovet_ is the ancient Appellation that properly belongs to it; nor hath any modern one been apply’d to it but that of _Rio Grande_, by _Buno_ in his _Comment_ upon _Philip Cluverius_, upon what ground is hard to tell, since it is observ’d by _Heylin_ and others, to be neither large, nor otherwise much to be commended, being Navigable not above twenty or thirty Miles, in respect of its many great Cataracts and Falls of Water, an Inconvenience with which many other Rivers of _America_ are prejudic’d, and rendred impassable.

Before and about the Mouth of this River, which is judg’d to be about eight or nine Miles broad, lie many small Islands, or rather Hills, inviron’d with Water, the chiefest of which is by the _French_ call’d _La Haute Isle_, from the high and Mountainous appearance of it to those that see it from afar off at Sea.

The aforemention’d _Buno_, though he names, as belonging to _Norumbega_, these several places, _viz._ _Porto del Refugio_, _Porto Reale_, _Paradiso_, _Flora_, and _Angolema_, from some obscure _French_ testimonies, without particularising any Author, yet he afterwards confesses, that the Names given by the _French_, and those apply’d by the _Spaniards_, are so various and disagreeing, and breed such a confusion, that no Charts or Descriptions had concluded upon either.

As for those who will have _Norumbega_ deriv’d from _Norwegia_, in respect of a Colony brought thither from _Norwey_, if the Etymologie be not a little too much forc’d, the Invention may pass well enough till a better be found out.

[Sidenote: The temperature and nature of its Soil.]

In this Countrey the temperature of the Air is not bad, nor the Soil unfruitful, if it were well cultivated, chiefly towards the Rivers, and where it is not either overgrown with Woods, or craggy with Hills and mountainous Rocks: neither are the Woods unprofitable, for they afford good Timber, and all kind of necessary and useful Wood, especially Beeches, Fir-trees, Wallnut-trees, and other Nuts: The Plains are very pleasant, and yield good Pasturage, onely the Maritime Coasts are so shallow and full of Sands, that the Sailing near them is accounted somewhat dangerous; and this may be imagin’d to be the reason that no Authors have yet met with any Ports or Havens belonging to this Countrey, which they have thought worthy their notice.

CHAP. II.
New England.

As _Canada_ is by some accounted a general Province, containing _New France_, _L’Accadie_, _Norumbega_, and other places, so under _Virginia_ largely taken, are comprehended _New England_, _New Netherlands_, and _Virginia_ properly so call’d; however, since that part which vulgarly goes under the Name of _Virginia_ and _New England_ were possess’d, if not discover’d, at several times, and their Plantations promoted and propagated upon several occasions, and by distinct Interests, and since _New England_ hath been look’d upon as a place considerable enough for Persons of very eminent quality to concern themselves in it, we rather are induc’d to consider this Countrey as a principal part, than as any way depending on, or being any Branch or Portion of _Virginia_.

[Sidenote: Situation of _New England_.]

It lies between _Norumbega_, which it hath Northward, and _New Netherlands_ Southward, from forty one to forty five Degrees of Northern Latitude, in the midst of the temperate Zone, and paralell to _France_ and some part of _Italy_ in the Western Hemisphere, so that one would think it should enjoy the same temperature of Air; but the contrary is found, for that part which borders upon the Sea is colder, partly by reason that the Sea-waves break the reflexion of the Sun-beams, partly by reason of the abundance of Vapors, which mounting upward, abate the ardor of them; but the more Inland parts of the Countrey are indifferently warm: Moreover it hath been found by certain experience, that those Countreys which look towards the East, or Sun-rising, are colder than those which lie towards the West, or Sun-setting, and those that have the Evening Winds on them, warmer than those which have the Morning Winds; which being so, it should follow, that the temperature of the Air in those Regions is peculiar to the Bodies of those of our Nation, who being accustom’d to a Climate somewhat temperate, are neither able to endure extremity of Cold, nor immoderate Heat: Yet there are who affirm, that _New England_, though situate in the midst of the temperate Zone, nevertheless feels both extremities of the two opposite Zones, in the Summer the heat of the Torrid, and in the Winter the cold of the Frigid.

[Sidenote: First discovery.]

As for the first discovery of this Countrey, it is not to be expected otherwise than that of the discovery of those other Countreys hitherto discours’d of, that is to say very uncertain; but because the _French_ boast of _Joannes Verrazanus_ (who though an _Italian_, was employ’d by the French King _Francis_ the First) as the first Discoverer, not onely of _Nova Francia_, as hath been already intimated, but also of this Countrey and the adjoyning Coast and Regions, we shall not think it impertinent to give from their own Relations, a brief view of his Voyage, and afterwards a particular Description of the _English_ Plantations there, and of their Transactions, both one with another, and between them and the Nations. The Narration of _Verrazanus_’s Voyage is as followeth:

[Sidenote: Remarkable Voyage of _Verrazanus_.]

“On command of the _French_ King _Francis_ the First, _John
Verrazanus_, _Anno 1524._ setting Sail Westward from the _Canary_
Isles, discover’d a low _American_ Coast, in thirty four Degrees
North Latitude, inhabited by naked People, which behind the sandy
Hills facing the Sea, Manur’d many fruitful Plains. Then Sailing a
hundred Leagues along the Shore Northerly, he view’d a Countrey full
of Vines, which grew up amongst the Boughs of high Trees; and
Sailing up a pleasant River, Landed on the Island _Clandia_, full of
woody Mountains: thence he stood for the main Continent; where after
having visited a King, Clad in wrought Deer-skin, he Sail’d by a
Bay, at whose Mouth appear’d a Rock in an Inlet, twenty Leagues;
where appear’d five small Isles, all of them exceeding fruitful.
After this (being got a hundred and fifty Leagues to the Northward)
he found very salvage People, whose Heads appear’d through
Bear-skins and Sea-Calves. By this time having _Terreneuf_ on his
Starboard, he return’d back to _Diepe_.”

Thus far _Verrazanus_ made some discovery of the Coast, which hath since not onely been farther inspected by the _English_, but also by them Planted and call’d _New England_.

[Sidenote: The setling of Plantations.]

This Countrey, whether first discover’d by the said _Verrazanus_, or together with the rest of largely-taken _Virginia_, by Sir _Walter Raleigh_, or, as some say, by Captain _Gosnald_, in the Year 1602. was so well known to the _English_ in the beginning of King _James_’s Reign here, that the setling and carrying on of Plantations in this part of _America_, was vigorously promoted by many of the most eminent Persons in _England_: whereupon it was about the Year 1606. being the fourth Year of the said King, granted by Patent to several Lords, Knights, Gentlemen and Merchants, under the denomination of _The Plymouth Company_, both in favour of those generous Spirits, who studied and endeavor’d the good of the Publick by foreign Plantations, and indulgence to those, who not well satisfi’d with the Government of Church and State, and willingly transporting themselves and Families thither, as to their _Asylum_, could more conveniently be spar’d than the better affected part of the People: And although the Colonies at first sent over succeeded not according to expectation, yet in a short time there Plantations were brought to very great perfection. Captain _Weimouth_, who had been employ’d there by the Lord _Arundel_ of _Warder_, for the discovery of the North-West Passage, falling short of his Course, hapned into a River on the Coast of _America_, call’d _Pemmaquid_; from whence he brought five of the Natives for _England_, three of whose Names were _Mannida_, _Skettwarroes_ and _Tasquantum_, and Landing at _Plymouth_, presented them to Sir _Ferdinando Gorges_, whom he made use of as Instruments for the farther advancement of these Plantations: they were all of one Nation, but of several parts, and several Families; he kept them with him three years, and observing in them an inclination to vertuous Designs, and Spirits above the Vulgar, he gain’d information from them what great Rivers ran up into the Land, what Men of note were seated on them, what Power they were of, how Ally’d, what Enemies they had, and the like; and taking some light from thence, sent away a Ship, furnish’d with Men, and all kind of Necessaries convenient for the Service intended, under the Command of Captain _Henry Chaloung_, a Gentleman of a good Family, and very capable for Undertakings of this nature; and giving him sufficient Instructions what to do, sent along with him two of the said Natives for his better Conduct and Direction, ordering him by all means to keep the Northerly Gage as high as _Cape Briton_, till they had discover’d the Main, and then to beat it up to the Southward as the Coast tended, till they found by the Natives they were near the place to which they were assign’d. By that time they were about a hundred Leagues off the Island of _Canara_, the Captain fell sick of a Feaver, and the Winds being Westerly, his Company shap’d their Course for the _Indies_, and coming to _St. John de Porto Rico_, the Captain went ashore for the recovery of his Health, whilst the Company took in Water, and such other Provisions as they had present need of, and spent some time in Hunting, and other Recreations; after which steering their intended Course, they were met with by the _Spanish_ Fleet that came from the _Havana_, taken Prisoners and carried into _Spain_, the Ship and Goods being confiscated, the Voyage overthrown, and the Natives lost.

Not long after the setting out of _Chaloung_, _Thomas Haman_ was sent by Sir _John Popham_, Lord Chief Justice of _England_, towards the River of _Sagadehoc_, to the succour of _Chaloung_, if need were; but not finding him, after he had scowr’d the Coast all about, he return’d back into _England_.

Captain _Prinne_ was likewise sent from _Bristol_, who arriving happily in those Parts, brought back with him at his return the most exact Discovery of that Coast that ever had been gain’d till then.

A while after, at the Charge of the said Sir _John Popham_, a hundred Men were sent to settle a Colony at _Sagadehoc_, under the Command of _George Popham_, _Raleigh Gilbert_, Master of the Ship, who seated themselves in a _Peninsula_, at the Mouth of this River; which attempting to discover, they met with a Wood near to an Island, distant from the Line about forty five Degrees, and some odd Seconds, where they easily went on Shore. In the Year 1608. the Commander of the Colony deceasing, and not long after him the Lord Chief Justice, who had been the chief that had furnish’d them with fresh Supplies, they return’d for _England_ in those Ships that had been sent them with Succours: At which unexpected return, the Patrons of the Design were so offended, that for a certain time they desisted from their Enterprizes. In the mean while the _French_ making use of this occasion, Planted Colonies in divers places, when Sir _Samuel Argal_ from _Virginia_ disturb’d their Designs, and brought away Prisoners all he could lay hold on.

Suddenly after Captain _Hobson_ and divers others were set out with very great Preparations, and with them two of the Natives which had been detain’d for some time in _England_, whom they thought to have made use of, the better to draw the rest of the Natives to their Commerce; but because a little before twenty four of them had been treacherously dealt with by one _Hunt_, they contracted from thence so great an animosity towards the _English_, that Captain _Hobson_ was constrain’d to return without effecting any thing.

In the Year 1614. Captain _John Smith_ being sent to Fish for Whales, and seek after Mines of Gold and Silver, Landed upon the Island of _Monahiggan_, where he found some store of Whales, but not such as those by whose Oyl they use to make so much profit.

About the same time (two of the Natives being recover’d, _Erpenow_ of _Capawick_, that had escap’d from Captain _Hobson_, and _Assacumet_ of _Pemmaquid_, one of those that had been taken Prisoners with _Chaloung_) Captain _Harly_, with Necessaries convenient for such a Voyage, was dispatch’d away by Sir _Ferdinando Gorges_, the Earl of _Southampton_ favouring the Design, and furnishing him with some Land-Soldiers under the Command of Captain _Hobson_, who not discourag’d with his former ill Success, resolv’d upon a second Adventure.

In the Year 1615. Sir _Richard Hakings_ undertook a Voyage into those Parts by authority of the Council of the second Colony, but by reason of the great Wars among the Natives, his Observations could not be such as might give any farther light than what had been already receiv’d.

Soon after which Captain _Dormer_ coming for _England_ from _New-found-Land_, and Landing at _Plymouth_, apply’d himself to the Governor, by whom he was dispatch’d away, with Direction to meet Captain _Rocroft_, sent away a little before; but _Rocroft_ being dead by that time _Dormer_ could come after him to _Virginia_, where he heard he was, he returning to _Capawick_, was there set upon by _Erpenow_, the foremention’d Salvage, and other _Indians_ that were Conspirators with him; and within a short while after at _Virginia_, whither he went to be cur’d of the Wounds he receiv’d in that Assassination, he fell sick and died.

About the Year 1623. Captain _Robert Gorges_, newly come out of the _Venetian_ War, was employ’d by the Council of _New Englands_ Affairs as the Lieutenant-General, to regulate the Abuses of divers Fisher-men and other Interlopers, who without License frequented those Coasts: for which Service he had assign’d to him all that part of the main Land situate upon the North-East side of the Bay of the _Messachasets_.

By these several Colonies sent so thick one after another, both a full Discovery of the Countrey came to be made, and a large gap open’d to the free possession thereof; yet in regard of the many disappointments and misfortunes the several Companies sent over met with, and counting the vast Charges their setting forth cost the Undertakers, which would have been still increas’d by the need of continu’d Supplies, in all probability _New England_ would have been but thinly peopled to this day, had not a great Tide of People, possess’d with an aversion to the Church-Government of _England_, and fled into _Holland_ for _Liberty of Conscience_, eagerly taken hold of this opportunity to make themselves Masters of their own Opinions, and of a Place where they might erect a Government suitable thereunto: and though at first there were some Exceptions taken, as if this Countrey was to be made a Receptacle of Sectaries, and such as condemn’d the Ecclesiastical Government of the Nation, insomuch that Sir _Ferdinando Gorges_, to whom they apply’d themselves, desiring him to mediate for them to the Council of _New Englands_ Affairs, when they perceiv’d the Authority they had from the _Virginia_ Company, could not warrant their abode there, had enough to do (notwithstanding his Apology, _That these things hapned contrary to his expectation_) to wipe away the jealousie which was entertain’d of him, it being Order’d, that no more should be suffer’d to pass into _New England_, but such as should take the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy: yet at last there was little notice taken who went, perhaps upon consideration, that the vast resort of People thither would be of greater advantage to the Plantations, than their different Opinions, at so remote a distance, could be prejudicial, so long as they acknowledg’d Obedience to the King and Civil Power: However, Sir _Ferdinando_, to clear himself the better, mov’d those Lords that were the chief Actors in the Business, to resign their Grand Patent to the King, and pass particular Patents to themselves of such part of the Countrey along the Sea-Coast, as might be sufficient for them: To this Motion there being a general Assent given by the Lords, and a Day appointed for the conclusion thereof, an Act was made for the Resignation of the Patent, alloting to each Man their several Bounds. From the uttermost parts began the Limits of the Lord _Mougrave_, and ended at _Hudson_’s _River_. To the Eastward of which River, for the space of sixty Miles in length, was placed the Duke of _Richmond_’s Assignment: Next to him was setled the Earl of _Carlile_: Next him the Lord _Edward Gorges_: Next the Marquess of _Hamilton_: Then Captain _John Mason_: And lastly his own, which extended to the great River _Sagadehoc_, being sixty Miles, and so up into the Main Land a hundred and twenty Miles, which he was pleas’d to call by the Name of _The Province of Main_.

The Landing of the _English_ in _Plymouth_ Plantation was very much facilitated by the great Mortality that hapned amongst the _Indians_ about that time, amongst the _Pecods_, _Narragansets_, _Nianticks_, _Tarantines_, _Wippanaps_, and those of _Abargini_, _Agissawang_, and _Pockanekie_, their _Powwows_, or Doctors, seeing with amazement their _Wigwams_, or Streets, lie full of dead Bodies, and in vain expecting help from _Squantam_ their good, or _Abbamoch_ their bad God. Not long before, that blazing Comet, so much talk’d of in _Europe_, apppear’d after Sun-setting in their Horizon South-West for the space of thirty Sleeps, (for so they reckon their Days). They Landed at first with little or no resistance, a handful of Men onely being sent before to keep possession for their Companions, who arriv’d eight days after; when the Natives appearing with their Bowes and Arrows, let flie their long Shafts amongst them; whereupon one Captain _Miles Standish_ with his Fowling-piece shot the stoutest _Sachem_ amongst the _Indians_, as he was reaching an Arrow from his Quiver; which the rest seeing, fled into the Woods and Thickets.

The same Year the _Merchant-Adventurers_ in _England_ sent forth store of Servants to provide against the Wants of that place; amongst whom came over a mix’d Multitude, who setled themselves in the Bosom of the Cape now call’d _Gloucester_.

About the Year 1631. there fled to the _English_ at _Water-town_ the _Indians_ that dwelt thereabouts, for protection against the _Tarratines_, a sort of cruel and salvage Cannibals, by whom near the Town of _Saugust_, in the very dead time of the Night, one Lieutenant _Walker_ being on a sudden alarm’d, was shot through his Coat and Buff Jacket with two Indian Arrows. That Night the _English_ stood upon their Guard, and the next Morning sent word to other parts; who gather’d together, and taking counsel how to quit themselves of these _Indians_, agreed to discharge their great Guns; whose redoubled noise, ratling in the Rocks, struck terror into the _Indians_, and caus’d them to betake themselves to flight. The Autumn following, others of the _Indians_, who till then had held a good correspondence with the Planters, began to quarrel about the Bounds of their Land; but a great Mortality, by the raging of the Small-Pox, breaking out amongst them, put an end to that Controversie: There died amongst the rest one of the chief of the _Sagamores_ of the _Mattachusets_, call’d _Sagamore John_, who before his Death had been instructed in the _Christian_ Faith, and took care that his two Sons should be nurtured therein.

In the Year 1635. there arrived several Ships with great plenty of Provisions, and many Persons of good Quality, and amongst the rest Sir _Henry Vane_.

The same Year the People of _Cambridge_, otherwise call’d _New-town_, hearing of a fertile place upon the River _Canectico_, remov’d thither, and erected a new Corporation by the Name of _Banectico_, being encourag’d thereunto by the Lord _Say_ and the Lord _Brooks_, and planting a Forrest at the mouth of the River, call’d it _Saybrook Forrest_.

About the Year 1638. the _Pequods_, a stout and Warlike Nation, lying to the South-West of the _Mattachusets_, were discover’d upon their March within some few Miles of _Hartford_: Their coming very much terrifi’d all that inhabited thereabouts; but they took onely three Women and return’d; one of whom making a violent resistance, had her Brains beaten out; the other two they carried away with them, without abusing their Persons, as it was suppos’d they would, for they esteem’d their own _Shaws_, being black, beyond our Women. Their chief Design was to learn to make Gunpowder; which seeing they could not effect, they look’d upon their Prize as nothing so precious as they imagin’d.

A little after another _Indian_ War threatning the _English_, they resolv’d together to send an Ambassador to _Cannonicus_, chief _Sachem_ of the _Naragansits_, endeavoring to prevent him from confederating with the _Pequods_, who (as they had Intelligence) were about sending to him to joyn with them: _Cannonicus_ being grown old, had resign’d the Government to his Nephew _Mantinemo_, a stern Man, and of a cruel Nature. The Ambassadors arriving at his Court, which was about eighty Miles from _Boston_, the _Indian_ Prince assembled his chief Councellors, and having Entertain’d the Ambassadors Magnificently, and Feasted them Royally, gave them Audience in his State-house; where the _Sachem_, to manifest his greater State, lay along upon the Ground, with all his Nobility sitting about him, with their Legs doubled up, and their Knees touching their Chin: The _English_ Interpreter having made his Speech in the Name of the rest, both _Cannonicus_ and the young King gave discreet Answers, signifying their Resolutions to keep a fair Correspondence with the _English_, and yet not to fall out with the _Pequods_: Who a little after making also their Addresses to the same King, he disswaded them by many Reasons from making War with the _English_, and to deliver into their hands those Persons that had murther’d any of them. The _Pequods_ nevertheless, though they seem’d inclinable to his Counsel, yet they acted as Enemies; for when the _English_ sent a Company of Soldiers into their Countrey to treat with them about delivering up the Murtherers, they made shew of willingness, but spying their advantage, betook themselves to their Heels; and whomsoever they took stragling by surprise, they revil’d and insulted over in a most cruel manner, vilifying the _Christian_ Religion, and uttering all the Blasphemies they could invent. Whereupon they rais’d fresh Souldiers for the War, to the number of fourscore, out of the several Towns in the _Mattachusets_, and with some _Indian_ Guides came to their Fort, within which they had pitch’d their _Wigwams_, the Entrance being on two sides, with intricate Meanders to enter; at which were plac’d _Indian_ Bowe-men, who shot the foremost of the _English_; yet they had little to boast of in the end, for the _English_ rushing in through the winding Ways, and placing themselves round the _Wigwams_, made a very prosperous Shot, by directing the Muzzles of their Musquets against the _Indians_ which lay sleeping on the Ground: In the midst of which rouzing terror and confusion they were defeated with little ado, most of them being either wounded, kill’d, or taken. The _English_ thus animated with the first Victory, send their Prisoners to the Pinnaces, and prosecute the War in Hand, marching against the next Body of the _Indians_, which lay Encamp’d on a Hill about two Miles distant, where they gave them a second Overthrow, slaying many more than in the first Engagement; the rest flying to a very thick inaccessible Swamp or Bog, were there besieg’d by the _English_; and skulking up and down, as they saw their opportunity they would Shoot at them with their Arrows, and then suddenly fall flat along in the Water; at last the _English_ finding out a Passage into the Swamp, utterly defeated them, and put an end to the War with the loss of few Mens Lives, and not many wounded.

In the Year 1640. there came over a fresh Supply of People into _New England_, and finding no place to settle in within any of the former erected Colonies, they repair’d to a place call’d _Long Island_, sever’d from the Continent of _New-Haven_, about sixty Miles off the Sea.

The Year following the four Colonies, namely the _Massachusets_, _Plymouth_, _Canectico_, and _New-Haven_, taking into consideration the many Nations that were on all sides of them, as the _French_, _Dutch_, _Jews_, and native _Indians_; as also how the three first went to lay claim to Lands they never had any right to, and the last to be continually quarrelling and contending, where they saw any hopes of prevailing, by Commissioners chosen from the respective Colonies, concluded a firm Confederation to assist each other in all just and lawful Wars; upon which there came in certain _Indian Sachems_, as _Pomham_, _Miantonemo_, _Soccanocoh_, and _Uncas_, who not onely submitted to the _English_ Government, but also, if occasion were, in matters of Controversie submitted to their Arbitration: But the Contest between _Miantonemo_ and _Uncas_ was too hot to be appeas’d, (though the _English_ were not wanting to interpose) unless by the Blood of one of them, as will appear by the Consequence: _Uncas_ was a Prince of _For_, whose Life _Miantonemo_, though a much more potent Prince, sought to take away by treachery, hiring a young Man of the _Pequod_ Nation to murther him, as the following Story renders suspected; for one dark Evening this _Sachem_ passing from one _Wigwam_ to another, was Shot through the Arm with an Arrow; but recovering the Palace, had the Arrow pull’d out, and his Arm cur’d: the young Man that was suspected being examin’d, how he came by that great store of _Wampompeage_ which was found about him, and being able to give no good account, it increas’d the suspicion, and induc’d _Uncas_ to complain to the _English_ at a General Court held at _Boston_: Whereupon the young Man was Examin’d in the presence of _Miantonemo_, who came thither with his Attendants; but the young Man tutor’d, as suppos’d, by _Miantonemo_, pretended that _Uncas_ had enjoyn’d him to feign that he was hir’d by _Miantonemo_ to kill him: To which Tale of his little belief being given, it was concluded upon farther Examination of him in private that he had done the Fact: nevertheless they let him depart with _Miantonemo_, advising him to send him home to _Uncas_; but he in stead of returning him cut off his Head, and forthwith gather’d an Army of a thousand Men to fight with _Uncas_; who met him with half the Men: the Battel being joyn’d, the _Narragansets_, though the far greater multitude, were beaten by the _Wawhiggins_, through the Valour of _Uncas_ their Prince; who perfected his Victory by possessing himself of the Person of _Miantonemo_, whom, having put his Life-guard to flight, he carried away with him in triumph to the Town of _Hartford_, desiring to have the advice of the United Colonies what to do with his Prisoner: Whereupon the Commissioners having had sufficient proof of _Miantonemo_’s treachery towards this Prince, advis’d _Uncas_ to put him to death, but not to exercise that barbarous kind of cruelty which is usual amongst them in these Cases. The _Sachem_, upon this advice, not long after pretended to remove him to a safer place, but by the Way caus’d him to be Executed: His Subjects and Kindred were troubled at his Death, but the little Princes his Neighbors, over whom he had tyranniz’d, rather rejoyc’d.

In the Year 1645, the Sons of old _Canonnicus_, their Father being dead, began to fall into hot Contentions with their Neighbors, and being forbidden by the United Colonies, they did not stick to threaten Wars to the _English_ also. Whereupon the Commissioners rais’d an Army of Horse and Foot, and made Major General _Edward Gibbons_ Commander in Chief over them. But the _Indians_ hearing of this Preparation, sent some of their chief Nobility to the Commissioners of the United Colonies, who were assembled at _Boston_, to Treat about Peace; to which the Commissioners agreed, upon condition they should pay a part of the Charges of the War; and that they should send four of their Sons for Hostages till the Sum was paid; and the Hostages being sent back before the _Wapom_ was all paid, the two Princes, _Pesicus_ and _Mexanimo_, upon the sending a Company of Armed Men to demand it, sent the remainder of the Money.

In the Year 1647. divers Persons of Quality ventur’d their Estates upon an Iron Mill, which they began at _Braintree_, but it profited the Owners little, rather wasting their Stock, the price of Labor in matters of that nature, being double or treble to what it is in _England_.

These are the most material Transactions we find deliver’d by any one which hapned from the first discovery till the Year before mention’d: what hath hapned from that time to this, chiefly relates to the several Revolutions that have been in _England_, and shall be therefore taken notice of when we come to speak of the Government of these Plantations.

[Sidenote: The Commodities of this Countrey, together with the Trees and
other sorts of Plants.]

Though there are, who having remain’d some time, and been concern’d in those Parts, affirm the Soil of _New England_ to be nothing so fruitful as it is believ’d and commonly deliver’d to be, yet we think it not improper to give a brief account of the Trees and other Plants; also the Beasts, Birds, Fishes, and other Commodities which most Writers will have to be the production of this Countrey, especially since we find them compactly summ’d up by an unknown Writer in the Language of the _Muses_. The recital of the Plants and Trees, which (excepting the Cedar, _Sassafras_, and Dyers _Sumach_) are all of the same kind with those that grow in _Europe_, onely differing in nature, according as the Epithets of many of them declare, is as follows:

_Trees both in Hills and Plains in plenty be;
The long-liv’d Oak, and mournful Cypress Tree;
Skie-towring Pines, and Chesnuts coated rough;
The lasting Cedar, with the Walnut tough;
The Rozen-dropping Fir, for Mast in use;
The Boat-men seek for Oars light, neat grown Sprewse;
The brittle Ash, the ever-trembling Asps;
The broad-spread Elm, whose Concave harbors Wasps;
The Water-spungy Alder, good for nought;
Small Eldern by the_ Indian _Fletchers sought;
The knotty Maple, pallid Birch, Hawthorns;
The Horn-bound Tree, that to be cloven scorns;
Which from the tender Vine oft takes his Spouse,
Who twines embracing Arms about his Boughs.
Within this_ Indian _Orchard Fruits be some;
The ruddy Cherry, and the jetty Plumb;
Snake-murthering Hazle, with sweet Saxafrage,
Whose Leaves in Beer allay hot Feavers rage;
The Dyers Shumach, with more Trees there be,
That are both good to use, and rare to see_.

[Sidenote: Beasts.]

The Beasts peculiar to this Countrey are the _Moose_, the _Rackoon_, and the _Musquash_; the two first Land-Animals, the last Amphibious, which with others common to them with us, are thus versifi’d by the abovesaid Author:

_The Kingly Lyon, and the strong-arm’d Bear;
The large limb’d Mooses, with the tripping Deer;
Quill-darting Porcupines, that Rackoons be
Castled ith’ hollow of an aged Tree;
The skipping Squirrel, Rabbet, purblind Hare,
Immured in the self-same Castle are,
Lest red-ey’d Ferrets, wily Foxes should,
Them undermine, if Ramper’d but with Mold;
The grim-fac’d Ounce, and rav’nous howling Wolf,
Whose meagre Paunch sucks like a swallowing Gulph;
Black glittering Otters, and rich Coated Beaver;
The Civet-scented Musquash smelling ever._

Of such of these as are altogether unknown to us, take these brief Descriptions.

[Sidenote: The _Moose_.]

The Beast call’d a _Moose_, is not much unlike red Deer, and is as big as an Ox, slow of Foot, Headed like a Buck, with a broad Beam, some being two Yards wide in the Head, their flesh is as good as Beef, their Hides good for Clothing; if these were kept tame, and accustom’d to the Yoke, they would be a great Commodity: First, because they are so fruitful, bringing forth three at a time being likewise very uberous: Secondly, because they will live in Winter without any Fodder. There are not many of these in the _Massachusets_ Bay, but forty Miles to the North-East there are great store of them.

[Sidenote: The _Rackoon_.]

The _Rackoon_ is a deep Furr’d Beast, not much unlike a Badger, having a Tail like a Fox, as good Meat as a Lamb: These Beasts in the day time sleep in hollow Trees, in a Moon-shine night they go to feed on Clams at a low Tide, by the Sea side, where the _English_ hunt them with their Dogs.

[Sidenote: The _Musquash_.]

The _Musquash_ is much like a Beaver for shape, but nothing near so big; the Male hath two Stones, which smell as sweet as Musk, and being kill’d in Winter, never lose their sweet smell: These Skins are no bigger than a Coney-skin, yet are sold for five Shillings apiece, being sent for Tokens into _England_; one good Skin will perfume a whole house full of Clothes, if it be right and good.

[Sidenote: Birds.]

The Birds both common and peculiar are thus recited.

_The Princely Eagle, and the soaring Hawk,
Whom in their unknown ways there’s none can chawk:
The Humbird for some Queens rich Cage more fit,
Than in the vacant Wilderness to sit.
The swift-wing’d Swallow sweeping to and fro,
As swift as Arrow from_ Tartarian _Bowe.
When as_ Aurora’s _Infant day new springs,
There th’morning mounting Lark her sweet lays sings.
The harmonious Thrush, swift Pigeon, Turtle-dove,
Who to her Mate doth ever constant prove:
The_ Turky-_Pheasant, Heath-cock, Partridge rare,
The Carrion-tearing Crow, and hurtful Stare,
The long-liv’d Raven, th’ominous Screech-Owl,
Who tells, as old Wives say, disasters foul.
The drowsie Madge that leaves her day-lov’d Nest,
And loves to rove, when Day-birds be at rest:
Th’Eel-murthering Hearn, and greedy Cormorant,
That near the Creeks in morish Marshes haunt.
The bellowing Bittern, with the long-leg’d Crane,
Presaging Winters hard, and dearth of Grain.
The Silver Swan that tunes her mournful breath,
To sing the Dirge of her approaching death.
The tattering Oldwives, and the cackling Geese,
The fearful Gull that shuns the murthering Peece.
The strong-wing’d Mallard, with the nimble Teal,
And ill-shape’t Loon, who his harsh Notes doth squeal.
There Widgins, Sheldrakes and Humilitees,
Snites, Doppers, Sea-Larks, in whole million flees._

Of these the _Humbird_, _Loon_, and _Humility_ are not to be pass’d by without particular observation.

[Sidenote: The _Humbird_.]

The _Humbird_ is one of the wonders of the Countrey, being no bigger than a Hornet, yet hath all the Dimensions of a Bird, as Bill, and Wings with Quills, Spider-like Legs, small Claws: for Colour, she is as glorious as the Rain-bow; as she flies, she makes a little humming noise like a Humble-bee, wherefore she is call’d the _Humbird_.

[Sidenote: The _Loon_.]

[Sidenote: The _Humility_, or _Simplicity_.]

The _Loon_ is an ill-shap’d thing like a Cormorant, but that he can neither go nor flie; he maketh a noise sometimes like Sowgelders Horn. The _Humilities_ or _Simplicities_ (as we may rather call them) are of two sorts, the biggest being as large as a green Plover; the other as big as Birds we call _Knots_ in _England_. Such is the simplicity of the smaller sorts of these Birds, that one may drive them on a heap like so many Sheep, and seeing a fit time shoot them; the living seeing the dead, settle themselves on the same place again, amongst which the Fowler discharges again: These Birds are to be had upon Sandy Brakes, at the latter end of Summer before the Geese come in.

[Sidenote: Fishes.]

No less Poetical a Bill of Fare is brought of the Fish on the Sea-Coasts, and in the Rivers of _New England_ in these subsequent Verses.

_The King of Waters, the Sea shouldering Whale,
The snuffing Grampus, with the Oily Seale,
The storm presaging Porpus, Herring-Hog,
Line-shearing Shark, the Catfish and Sea Dog,
The Scale-fenc’d Sturgeon, wry-mouth’d Hollibut,
The flounsing Salmon, Codfish, Greedigut:
Cole, Haddock, Hage, the Thornback, and the Scate,
Whose slimy outside makes him seld in date,
The stately Bass, old_ Neptune’s _fleeting Post,
That Tides it out and in from Sea to Coast.
Consorting Herrings, and the bonny Shad,
Big-belly’d Alewives, Mackrills richly clad
With Rainbow colours, Frostfish and the Smelt,
As good as ever Lady_ Gustus _felt.
The spotted Lamprons, Eels, the Lamperies,
That seek fresh Water-Brooks with_ Argus _Eyes,
These watery Villagers, with thousands more,
Do pass and repass near the Verdant Shore_.

Kinds of Shell-fish.

_The luscious Lobster, with the Crabfish raw,
The brinish Oyster, Muscle, Periwigge,
And Tortoise sought for by the_ Indian _Sqaw,
Which to the Flats dance many a Winters Jigge,
To dive for Cocles, and to dig for Clams,
Whereby her lazie Husbands guts she crams_.

[Sidenote: The _Seal_.]

To speak of the most unusual of these sorts of Fish; First the _Seal_, which is call’d the _Sea-Calf_, his Skin is good for divers uses, his Body being between Flesh and Fish, it is not very delectable to the Palate, or congruent with the Stomack; his Oil is very good to burn in Lamps, of which he affords a great deal.

[Sidenote: The _Shark_.]