among the trees so went vp to see and here we and the Shallop lost sight one of another till night it being now about nine or ten a clocke so we light on a path but saw no house and followed a great way into the woods at length wee found where Corne had beene set but not that yeare anone we found a great burying place one part whereof was incompassed with a large Palazado like a Church-yard with yong spires foure or fiue yards long set as close one by another as they could two oâ— three foot in the ground within it was full of Graues some bigger and some lesse some were also paled about others had like an Indian-house made over them but not matted those Graues were more sumptuous then those at Corne-hill yet we digged none of them vp but onely viewed them and went our way without the Palazado were graues also but not so costly from this place we went and found more Corne ground but not of this yeare As we ranged we light on foure or fiue Indian-houses which had beene lately dwelt in but they were vncovered and had no matts about them els they were like those we found at Corne-hill but had not beene so lately dwelt in there was nothing left but two or three peeces of old matts a little sedge also a little further we found two Baskets full of parched Acorns hid in the ground which we supposed had beene Corne when we beganne to dig the same we cast earth thereon againe went our way All this while we saw no people wee went ranging vp and downe till the Sunne began to draw low and then we hasted out of the woods that we might come to our Shallop which when we were out of the woods we espied a great way off and call'd them to come vnto vs the which they did as soone as they could for it was not yet high water they were exceeding glad to see vs for they feared because they had not seene vs in so long a time thinking we would haue kept by the shore side so being both weary and faint for we had eaten nothing all that day we sell to make our Randevous and get â—ire wood which alwayes cost vs a great deale of labour by that time we had done our Shallop come to vs it was within night and we fed vpon such victualls as we had and betooke vs to our rest after we had set out our watch About midnight we heard a great and hideous cry and our Sentinell called Arme Arme. So we bestirred our selues and shot off a couple of Muskets and noyse ceased we concluded that it was a company of Wolues or Foxes for one told vs hee had heard such a noyse in New-found land About fiue a clocke in the morning wee began to be stirring and two or three which doubted whether their Peeces would goe off or no made tryall of them and shot them off but thought nothing at all after Prayer we prepared our selues for brek-fast and for a journey and it being now the twilight in the morning it was thought meet to carry the things downe to the Shallop some sayd it was not best to carry the Armour downe others sayd they would be readier two or three sayd they would not carry theirs till they went themselues but mistrusting nothing at all as it felâ— out the water not being high enough they layd the things downe vpon the shore came vp to brek fast Anone all vpon a sudden we heard a great strange cry which we knew to be the same voyces though they varied their notes one of our company being abroad came running in and cryed They are men Indians Indians and withall their arrowes came flying amongst vs our men ran out with all speed to recover their armes as by the good Providence of God they did In the meane time Captaine Miles Standish having a snaphance ready made a shot and after him another after they two had shot other two of vs were ready but he wisht vs not to shoot till we could take ayme for we knew not what need we should haue there were foure onely of vs which had their armes there readie and stood before the open side of our Baricado which was first assaulted they thought it best to defend it least the enemie should take it and our stuffe and so haue the more vantage against vs our care was no lesse for the Shallop but we hoped all the rest would defend it we called vnto them to know how it was with them and they answered Well Well every one and be of good courage wee heard three of their Peeces goe off and the rest called for a fire-brand to light their matches one tooke a log out of the fire on his shoulder and went and carried it vnto them which was thought did not a little discourage our enemies The cry of our enemies was dreadfull especially when our men ran out to recover their Armes their note was after this manner Woath woach ha ha hach woach our men were no sooner come to their Armes but the enemy was ready to assault them There was a lustie man and no whit lesse valiant who was thought to bee their Captaine stood behind a tree within halfe a musket shot of vs and there let his arrowes fly at vs hee was seene to shoote three arrowes which were all avoyded for he at whom the first arrow was aymed saw it and stooped downe and it flew over him the rest were avoyded also he stood three shots of a Musket at length one tooke as he sayd full ayme at him after which he gaue an extraordinary cry and away they went all wee followed them about a quarter of a mile but wee left sixe to keepe our Shallop for we were carefull of our businesse then wee shouted all together two severall times and shot off a couple of muskets and so returned this wee did that they might see wee were not afrayd of them nor discouraged Thus it pleased God to vanquish our Enemies and giue vs deliverance by their noyse we could not guesse that they were lesse then thirty or forty though some thought that they were many more yet in the darke of the morning wee could not so well discerne them among the trees as they could see vs by our fire side we tooke vp 18. of their arrowes which we haue sent to England by Master Ioâ—es some whereof were headed with brasse others with Harts horne others with Eagles clawes many more no doubt were shot for these we found were almost covered with leaues yet by the especiall providence of God none of them either hit or hurt vs though many came close by vs and on every side of vs and some coates which hung vp in our Baricado were shot through and through So after wee had given God thankes for our deliverance wee tooke our Shallop and went on our Iourney and called this place The first Encounter
from hence we intended to haue sayled to the aforesayd theeuish Harbour if wee found no convenient Harbour by the way having the wind good we sayled all that day along the Coast about 15. leagues but saw neither River nor Creeke to put into after we had sayled an houre or two it began to snow and raine and to be bad weather about the midst of the afternoone the winde increased and the Seas began to be very rough and the hinges of the rudder broke so that we could steere no longer with it but two men with much adoe were same to serue with a couple of Oares the Seas were growne so great that we were much troubled and in great daunger and night grew on Anon Master Coppin bad vs be of good cheere he saw the Harbour as we drew neare the gale being stiffe and we bearing great sayle to get in split our Mast in 3. peices and were like to haue cast away our Shallop yet by Gods mercy recovering our selues wee had the floud with vs and struck into the Harbour Now he that thought that had beene the place was deceived it being a place where not any of vs had beene before and comming into the Harbour he that was our Pilot did beare vp North-ward which if we had continued wee had beene cast away yet still the Lord kept vs and we bare vp for an Iland before vs and recovering of that Iland being compassed about with many Rocks and darke night growing vpon vs it pleased the Divine providence that we fell vpon a place of sandy ground where our Shallop did ride safe and secure all that night and comming vpon a strange Iland kept our watch all night in the raine vpon that Iland and in the morning we marched about it found no Inhabitants at all and here wee made our Randevous all that day being Saturday 10. of December on the Sabboth day wee rested and on Munday we sounded the Harbour and found it a uery good Harbour for our shipping we marched also into the Land and found divers corne fields and little running brookes a place very good for scituation so we returned to our Ship againe with good newes to the rest of our people which did much comfort their hearts On the fifteenth day we waighed Anchor to goe to the place we had discovered and comming within two leagues of the Land we could not fetch the Harbour but were faine to put roome againe towards Cape Cod our course lying West and the wind was at North west but it pleased God that the next day being Saturday the 16. day the winde came faire and wee put to Sea againe and came safely into a safe Harbour and within halfe an houre the winde changed so as if we had beene letted but a little we had gone backe to Cape Cod. This Harbour is a Bay greater then Cape Cod compassed with a goodly Land and in the Bay 2. fine Ilands vninhabited wherein are nothing but wood Okes Pines Wal-nut Beech Sasifras Vines and other trees which wee know not This Bay is a most hopefull place innumerable store of fowle and excellent good and cannot but bee of fish in their seasons Skote Cod Turbot and Herring wee haue tasted of abundance of Musles the greatest best that ever we saw Crabs and Lobsters in their time infinite It is in fashion like a Cikle or Fish-hooke Munday the 13. day we went a land manned with the Maister of the Ship and 3. or 4. of the Saylers we marched along the coast in the woods some 7. or 8. mile but saw not an Indian nor an Indian house only we found where formerly had beene some Inhabitants and where they had planted their corne we found not any Navigable River but 4. or 5. small â—unning brookes of very sweet fresh water that all run into the Sea The Land for the crust of the earth is a spits depth excellent blacke mold and fat in some places 2. or 3. great Oakes but not very thicke Pines Wal-nuts Beech Ash Birch Hasell Holley Asp Sasifras in abundance Vines euery where Cherry trees Plum trees and many other which we know not many kinds of hearbes we found heere in Winter as Strawbery leaues innumerable Sorrell Yarow Caruell Brook-lime Liver-wort Water-cresses great store of Leekes and Onyons and an excellent strong kind of Flaxe and Hempe here is sand gravell and excellent clay no better in the Worlde excellent for pots and will wash like sope and great store of stone though somewhat soft and the best water that ever we drunke and the Brookes now begin to be full of fish that night many being weary with marching wee went abourd againe The next morning being Tuesday the 19. of December wee went againe to discover further some went on Land and some in the Shallop the Land we found as the former day we did and we found a Creeke and went vp three English myles a very pleasant river at full Sea a Barke of thirty tunne may goe vp but at low water scarce our Shallop could passe this place we had a great liking to plant in but that it was so farre from our fishing our principall profit and so incompassed with woods that we should bee in much danger of the Salvages and our number being so little and so much ground to cleare so as wee thought good to quit and cleare that place till we were of more strength some of vs hauing a good minde for safety to plant in the greater Ile wee crossed the Bay which there is fiue or sixe myles ouer and found the I le about a myle and a halfe or two myles about all wooded and no fresh water but 2. or 3. pits that we doubted of fresh water in Summer and so full of wood as we could hardly cleare so much as to serue vs for Corne besides wee iudged it colde for our Corne and some part very rockie yet diuers thought of it as a place defensible and of great securitie That night we returned againe a ship boord with resolution the next morning to setle on some of those places so in the morning after we had called on God for direction we came to this resolution to goe presently ashore againe and to take a better view of two places which wee thought most fitting for vs for we could not now take time for further search or consideration our victuals being much spent especially our Beere and it being now the 19. of December After our landing and viewing of the places so well as we could we came to a conclusion by most voyces to set on the maine Land on the first place on an high ground where there is a great deale of Land cleared and hath beene planted with Corne three or foure yeares agoe and there is a very sweet brooke runnes vnder the hill side and many delicate springs of as good water as can be drunke and where we may harbour our Shallops and Boates exceeding well and
â—bs and flowes Having here againe refreshed our selves we proceeded in our Iourney the weather being very hote for travell yet the Country so well watered that a man could scarce be drie but he should haue a spring at hand to coole his thirst beside smal Rivers in abundance But the Salvages will not willingly drinke but at a spring head When wee came to any small Brooke where no bridge was two of them desired to carry vs through of their owne accords also fearing wee were or would be weary offered to carry our peeces also if we would lay off any of our clothes we should haue them carried and as the one of them had found more speciall kindnesse from one of the Messengers and the other Salvage from the other so they shewed their thankefulnesse accordingly in affording vâ— all helpe and furtherance in the Iourney As we passed along we observed that there were few places by the River but had beene inhabited by reason whereof much ground was cleare saue of weedes which grewe higher then our heads There is much good Timber both Oake Wallnut-tree Firre Beech and exceeding great Chessnut-trees The Country in respect of the lying of it is both Champaniâ— and hilly like many places in England In some places it s very rockie both aboue ground and in it And though the Countrey bee wilde and over-growne with woods yet the trees stand not thicke but a man may well ride a horse amongst them Passing on at length one of the Company an Indian espied a man and â—old the rest of it we asked them if they feaâ—ed any they told vs that if they were Narrohigganset men they would not trust them whereat we called for our peeces and bid them not to feare for though they were twenty we two alone would not care for them but they hayling him hee prooved a friend and had onely two women with him their baskets were empty but they fetched water in their bottels so that we dranke with them and departed After we met another man with other two women which had beene at Randâ—vow by the salt water and their baskets were full of rosted Crab fishes and other dryed shell fish of which they gaue vs and wee eate and dranke with them and gaue each of the women a string of Beades and departed After wee came to a Towne of Massasoyts where we eat Oysters and other fish From thence we went to Packanokick but Massasoyt was not at home there we stayed he being senâ— for when newes was brought of his comming our guide Tisquantum requested that at our meeting wee would discharge our peeces but one of vs going about to charge his peece the women and children through feare to see him take vpp his peece ran away and could not bee pâ—cified till hee layd it downe againe who afterward were better informed by our Interpreter Massasoyt being come wee discharged our Peeces and saluted him who after their manner kindly well commed vs and tooke vs into his house and set vs downe by him where having delivered our foresayd Message and Presents and having put the Coat on his backe and the Chayne about his necke he was not a little proud to behold himselfe and his men also to see their King so brauely attyred For answere to our Message he told vs we were well-come and he would gladly continue that Peace and Friendship which was betweene him vs and for his men they should no more pester vs as they had done Also that he would send to Paomet and would helpe vs with Corne for seed according to our request This being done his men gathered neere to him to whom he turned himselfe and made a great Speech they sometime interposing and as it were confirming and applauding him in that he sayd The meaning whereof was as farre as we could learne thus Was not he Massasoyt Commander of the Countrey about them Was not such a Towne his and the people of it and should they not bring their skins vnto vs To which they answered they were his would be at peace with vs and bring their skins to vs. After this manner he named at least thirtie places and their answere was as aforesayd to every one so that as it was delightfull it was tedious vnto vs. This being ended he lighted Tobacco for vs and fell to discoursing of England of the Kings Maiestie marvayling that he would liue without a wife Also he talked of the French-men bidding vs not to suffer them to come to Narrohiganset for it was King IAMES his Countrey and he also was King IAMES his man Late it grew but victualls he offered none for indeed he had not any being he came so newly home So we desired to goe to rest he layd vs on the bed with himselfe and his wife they at the one end and we at the other it being onely plancks layd a foot from the ground and a thin Mat vpon them Two more of his chiefe men for want of roome pressed by and vpon vs so that we were worse weary of our lodging then of our iourney The next day being Thursday many of their Sachims or petty Governours came to see vs and many of their men also There they went to their manner of Games for skins and kniues There we challenged them to shoote with them for skins but they durst not onely they desired to see one of vs shoote at a marke who shooting with Haile-shot they wondred to see the marke so full of holes About one a clocke Massasoyt brought two fishes that he had shot they were like Bâ—â—ame but three times so bigge and better meate These being boyled there were at lest fortie looked for share in them the most eate of them This meale onely we had in two nights and a day and had not one of vs bought a Partridge we had taken our Iourney fasting Very importunate he was to haue vs stay with them longer But wee desired to keepe the Sabboth at home and feared we should either be light-headed for want of sleepe for what with had lodging the Savages barbarous singing for they vse to sing themselues asleepe lice and â—leas within doores and Muskeetoes without wee could hardly sleepe all the time of our being there we much fearing that if wee should stay any longer we should not be able to recover home for want of strength So that on the Fryday morning before Sun-rising we tooke ouâ— leaue and departed Massasoyt being both grieved and ashamed that he could no better entertaine vs and retaining Tisquantum to send from place to place to procure tâ—ucke for vs and appointing another called Tokamahamon in his place whom we had found faithfull before and after vpon all occasions At this towne of Massasoyts where we before eate wee were againe refreshed with a little fish and bought about a handfull of Meale of their parched Corne which was very precious at that time of the yeere and a small string of dryed shell-fish
RELATION OR Iournall of the beginning and proceedings of the English Plantation setled at Plimoth in NEW ENGLAND by certaine English Aduenturers both Merchants and others With their difficult passage their safe ariuall their ioyfull building of and comfortable planting themselues in the now well defended Towne of NEW PLIMOTH AS ALSO A RELATION OF FOVRE seuerall discoueries since made by some of the same English Planters there resident I. In a iourney to PVCKANOKICK the habitation of the Indians greatest King Massasoyt as also their message the answer and entertainment they had of him II. In a voyage made by ten of them to the Kingdome of Nawset to seeke a boy that had lost himselfe in the woods with such accidents as befell them in that voyage III. In their iourney to the Kingdome of Namaschet in defence of their greatest King Massasoyt against the Narrohiggonsets and to reuenge the supposed death of their Interpreter Tisquantum IIII. Their voyage to the Massachusets and their entertainment there With an answer to all such obiections as are any way made against the lawfulnesse of English plantations in those parts LONDON Printed for Iohn Bellamie and are to be sold at his shop at the two Greyhounds in Cornhill neere the Royall Exchange 1622. TO HIS MVCH REspected Friend Mr. I. P. GOod Friend As wee cannot but account it an extraordinary blessing of God in directing our course for these parts after we came out of our natiue countrey for that we had the happinesse to be possessed of the comforts we receiue by the benefit of one of the most pleasant most healthfull and most fruitfull parts of the world So must wee acknowledge the same blessing to bee multiplied vpon our whole company for that we obtained the honour to receiue allowance and approbation of our free possession and enioying thereof vnder the authority of those thrice honoured Persons the President and Counsell for the affaires of New-England by whose bounty and grace in that behalfe all of vs are tied to dedicate our best seruice vnto them as those vnder his Majestie that wee owe it vnto whose noble endeuours in these their actions the God of heauen and earth multiply to his glory and their owne eternall comforts As for this poore Relation I pray you to accept it as being writ by the seuerall Actors themselues after their plaine and rude manner therefore doubt nothing of the truth thereof if it be defectiue in any thing it is their ignorance that are better acquainted with planting then writing If it satisfie those that are well affected to the businesse it is all I care for Sure I am the place we are in and the hopes that are apparent cannot but suffice any that will not desire more then enough neither is there want of ought among vs but company to enioy the blessings so plentifully bestowed vpon the inhabitants that are here While I was a writing this I had almost forgot that I had but the recommendation of the relation it selfe to your further consideration and therefore I will end without saying more saue that I shall alwaies rest From PLIMOTH in New-England Yours in the way of friendship R. G. To the Reader COurteous Reader be intreated to make a fauorable construction of my forwardnes in publishing these inseuing discourses the desire of carrying the Gospell of Christ into those forraigne parts amongst those people that as yet haue had no knowledge nor tast of God as also to procure vnto themselues and others a quiet and comfortable habytation weare amongst other things the inducements vnto these vndertakers of the then hopefull and now experimentally knowne good enterprice for plantation in New England to set afoote and prosecute the same though it fared with them as it is common to the most actions of this nature that the first attemps proue diffecult as the sequell more at large expresseth yet it hath pleased God eueÌ„ beyond our expectation in so short a time to giue hope of letting some of them see though some he hath taken out of this vale of teares some grounds of hope of the accomplishment of both those endes by them at first propounded And as my selfe then much desired and shortly hope to effect if the Lord will the putting to of my shoulder in this hopefull business and in the meane time these relations comming to my hand from my both known faithful friends on whose writings I do much rely I thought it not a misse to make them more generall hoping of a cheerefull proceeding both of Aduenturers and planters intreating that the example of the hon Virginia and Bermudas Companies incountering with so many distasters and that for diuers yeares together with an vnwearied resolution the good effects whereof are now eminent may preuaile as a spurre of preparation also touching this no lesse hopefull Country though yet an infant the extent coÌ„modities whereof are as yet not fully known after time wil vnfould more such as desire to take knowledge of things may in forme themselues by this insuing treatise and if they please also by such as haue bin there a first and second time my harry prayer to God is that the euent of this and all other honorable and honest vndertakings may be for the furtherance of the kingdome of Christ the inlarging of the bounds of our Soueraigne Lord King Iames the good and profit of those who either by purse or person or both are agents in the same so I take leaue and rest Thy friend G. MOVRT CERTAINE VSEFVL ADVERTISEMENTS SENT in a Letter written by a discreete friend vnto the Planters in New England at their first setting saile from Southhampton who earnestly desireth the prosperitie of that their new Plantation LOuing and Christian friends I doe heartily and in the Lord salute you all as being they with whom I am present in my best affection and most earnest longings after you though I be constrained for a while to be bodily absent from you I say constrained God knowing how willingly and much rather then otherwise I would haue haue borne my part with you in this first brunt were I not by strong necessitie held backe for the present Make account of me in the meane while as of a man deuided in my selfe with great paine and as naturall bonds set aside hauing my better part with you And though I doubt not but in your godly wisedomes you both foresee and resolue vpon that which concerneth your present state and condition both seuerally and ioyntly yet haâ—e I thought but my dutie to adde some further spurre of prouocation vnto them who run already if not because you need it yet because I owe it in loue and dutie And first as we are daily to renew our repentance with our God speciall for our sinnes knowne and generall for our vnknowne trespasses so doth the Lord call vs in a singular maner vpon occasions of such difficultie and danger as lieth vpon you to a
appearance of it much comforted vs especially seeing so goodly a Land and woodded to the brinke of the sea it caused vs to reioyce together and praise God that had giuen vs once againe to see land And thus wee made our course South South West purposing to goe to a Riuer ten leagues to the South of the Cape but at night the winde being conâ—rary we put round againe for the Bay of Cape Cod and vpon the 11. of Nouember we came to an anchor in the Bay which is a good harbour and pleasant Bay circled round except in the entrance which is about foure miles ouer from land to land compassed about to the very Sea with Okes Pines Iuniper Sassafras and other sweet wood it is a harbour wherein 1000. saile of Ships may safely ride there we relieued our selues with wood and water and refreshed our people while our shallop was fitted to coast the Bay to search for an habitation there was the greatest store of fowle that euer we saw Anâ—â—uery day we saw Whales playing hard by vs of which in that place if we had instruments meanes to take them we might haue made a very rich returne which to our great griefe we wanted Our master and his mate and otherâ— experienced in fishing professed we might haue made three or foure thousand pounds worth of Oyle they preferred it before Greenland Whale-â—ishing purpose the next winter to fish for Whale here for â—od we aâ—â—ayed but found none there is good store no doubt in their season Neither got we any â—iâ—h all the time we lay there but some few little ones on the shore We found great Mussles and very fat and full of Sea pearle but we could not eat them for they made vs all sicke that did eat as well saylers as passengers they caused to cast and seâ—ure bâ—t they were soone well againe The bay is so round circling that before we could come to anchor we went round all the points of the Compasse We could not come neere the shore by three quarters of an English mile because of shallow water which was a great preiudice to vs for our people going on shore were forced to wade a bow shoot or two in going aland which caused many to get colds and coughs for it was many times freezing cold weather This day before we came to harbour obseruing some not well affected to vnitie and concord but gaue some appearance of faction it was thought good there should be an association and agreement that we should combine together in one body and to submit to such government and governours as we should by common consent agree to make and chose and set our hands to this that followes word foâ— word IN the name of God Amen We whose names are vndeâ—written the loyall Subiects of our dread soveraigne Lord King IAMES by the grace of God of Great Britaine France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith c. Having vnder-taken for the glory of God and advancement of the Christian Faith and honour of our King and Countrey a Voyage to plant the first Colony in the Northerne parts of VIRGINIA doe by these presents solemnly mutually in the presence of God and one of another covenant and combine our selues together into a civill body politike for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid and by vertue hereof to enact constitute and frame such iust and equall Lawes Ordinances acts constitutions offices from time to time as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the generall good of the Colony vnto which we promise all due submission and obedience In witnesse whereof we haue here vnder subscribed our names Cape Cod 11. of November in the yeare of the raigne of our soveraigne Lord King IAMES of England France and Ireland 18. and of Scotland 54. Anno Domino 1620. The same day so soone as we could we set a-shore 15. or 16. men well armed with some to fetch wood for we had none left as also to see what the Land was and what Inhabitants they could meet with they found it to be a small neck of Land on this side where we lay is the Bay and the fâ—rther side the Sea the ground or earth sand hils much like the Downes in Holland but much better the crust of the earth a Spits depth excellent blacke earth all wooded with Okes Pines Sassafras Iuniper Birch Holly Vines some Ash Walnut the wood for the most part open and without vnderwood sit either to goe or ride in at night our people returned but found not any person nor habitation and laded their Boat with Iuniper which smelled very sweet strong and of which we burnt the most part of the time we lay there Munday the 13. of November we vnshipped our Shallop and drew her on land to mend and repaire her having bin forced to cut her downe in bestowing her betwixt the decks and she was much opened with the peoples lying in her which kept vs long there for it was 16. or 17. dayes before the Carpenter had finished her our people went on shore to refresh themselues and our women to wash as they had great need but whilest we lay thus still hoping our Shallop would be ready in fiue or sixe dayes at the furthest but our Carpenter made slow worke of it so that some of our people impatient of delay desired for our better furtherance to travaile by Land into the Countrey which was not without appearance of danger not having the Shallop with them nor meanes to carry provision but on their backes to see whether it might be fit for vs to seate in or no and the rather because as we sayled into the Harbour there seemed to be a river opening it selfe into the maine land the willingnes of the persons was liked but the thing it selfe in regard of the danger was rather permitted then approved and so with cautions directions and instructions sixteene men were set out with every man his Musket Sword and Corslet vnder the conduct of Captaine Miles Standish vnto whom was adioyned for counsell and advise William Bradford Stephen Hopkins and Edward Tilley Wednesday the 15. of November they were set a shore and when they had ordered themselues in the order of a single File and marched about the space of a myle by the Sea they espyed fiue or sixe people with a Dogge comming towards them who were Savages who when they saw them ran into the Wood and whilled the Dogge after them c. First they supposed them to be master Iones the Master and some of his men for they were a shore and knew of their comming but after they knew them to be Indians they marched after them into the Woods least other of the Indians should lie in Ambush but when the Indians saw our men following them they ran away with might and may â—e and our men turned out of the Wood after them for it was the way
they intended to goe but they could not come neare them They followed them that night about ten miles by the trace of their â—ootings and saw how they had come the same way they went and at a turning perceived how they râ—n vp an hill to see whether they followed them At length night came vpon them and they were constrained to take vp their lodging so they set forth three Sentinells and the rest some kindled a fire and others fetched wood and there held our Randevous that night In the morning so soone as we could see the trace we proceeded on our iourney had the tracke vntill we had compassed the head of a long creake and there they tooke into another wood and we after them supposing to finde some of their dwellings but we marched thorow boughes and bushes and vnder hills and vallies which tore our very Armour in peeces and yet could meete with none of them nor their houses nor finde any fresh water which we greatly desired and stood in need off for we brought neither Beere nor Water with vs and our victuals was onely Bisket and Holland cheese and a little Bottle of aquavite so as we were sore a thirst About ten a clocke we came into a deepe Valley full of brush wood-gaile and long grasse through which we found little paths or tracts and there we saw a Deere and found springs of fresh water of which we were heartily glad and sat vs downe and drunke our first New-England water with as much delight as euer we drunke drinke in all our liues When we had refreshed our selues we directed our course full South that we might come to the shore which within a short while after we did and there made a fire that they in the ship might see where wee were as we had direction and so marched on towards this supposed River and as we went in another valley we found a fine cleere Pond of fresh water being about a Musket shoâ— broad and twise as long there grew also many small vines and Foule and Deere haunted there there grew much Sasafras from thence we went on found much plaine ground about fiftie Acres fit for the Plow and some signes where the Indians had formerly planted their corne after this some thought it best for nearenesse of the river to goe downe and travaile on the Sea sands by which meanes some of our men were tyred and lagged behind so we stayed and gathered them vp and struck into the Land againe where we found a little path to certaine heapes of sand one whereof was covered with old Matts and had a woodden thing like a morter whelmed on the top of it and an earthen pot layd in a little hole at the end thereof we musing what it might be digged found a Bow and as we thought Arrowes but they were rotten We supposed there were many other things but because we deemed them graues we put in the Bow againe and made it vp as it was and left the rest vntouched because we thought it would be odious vnto them to ransacke their Sepulchers We went on further and found new stubble of which they had gotten Corne this yeare and many Wallnut trees full of Nuts and great store of Strawberries and some Vines passing thus a field or two which were not great we came to another which had also bin new gotten and there we found where an house had beene and foure or fiue old Plankes layed together also we found a great Ketle which had beene some Ships ketle and brought out of Europe there was also an heape of sand made like the former but it was newly done we might see how they had padled it with their hands which we digged vp and in it we found a little old Basket full of faire Indian Corne and digged further found a fine great new Basket full of very faire corne of this yeare with some 36. goodly eares of corne some yellow and some red and others mixt with blew which was a very goodly sight the Basket was round and narrow at the top it held about three or foure Bushels which was as much as two of vs could lift vp from the ground and was very handsomely and cunningly made But whilst wee were busie about these things we set our men Sentinell in a round ring all but two or three which digged vp the corne We were in suspence what to doe with it and the Ketle and at length after much consultation we concluded to take the Ketle and as much of the Corne as we could carry away with vs and when our Shallop came if we could find any of the people and come to parley with them we would giue them the Ketle againe and satisfie them for their Corne so wee tooke all the eares and put a good deale of the loose Corne in the Ketle for two men to bring away on a staffe besides they that could put any into their Pockets filled the same the rest wee buried againe for we were so laden with Armour that we could carry no more Not farre from this place we found the remainder of an old Fort or Palizado which as we conceiued had beene made by some Christians this was also hard by that place which we thought had beene â— river vnto which wee went and found it so to be deviding it selfe into two armes by an high banke standing right by the cut or mouth which came from the Sea that which was next vnto vs was the lesse the other arme was more then twise as big and not vnlike to be an harbour for ships but whether it be a fresh river or onely an indraught of the Sea we had no time to discover for wee had Commandement to be out but two dayes Here also we saw two Canoas the one on the one side the other on the other side wee could not beleeue it was a Canoa till we came neare it so we returned leauing the further discovery hereof to our Shallop and came that night backe againe to the fresh water pond and there we made our Randeâ—ous that night making a great fire and a Baricado to windward of vs and kept good watch with three Sentinells all night euery one standing when his turne came while fiue or sixe inches of Match was burning It proved a very rainie night In the morning we tooke our Ketle and sunke it in the pond and trimmed our Muskets for few of them would goe off because of the wett and so coasted the wood againe to come home in which we were shrewdly pus-led and lost our way as we wandred we came to a tree where a yong Spritt was bowed downe over a bow and some Acornes strewed vnder neath Stephen Hopkins sayd it had beene to catch some Deere so as we were looking at it William Bradford being in the Reare when he came looked also vpon it and as he went about it gaue a sodaine jerk vp and he was immediately caught by
the leg It was a very pretie devise made with a Rope of their owne making and having a noose as artificially made as any Roper in England can make and as like ours as can be which we brought away with vs. In the end wee got out of the Wood and were fallen about a myle too high aboue the creake where we saw three Bucks but we had rather haue had one of them Wee also did spring three couple of Partridges and as we came along by the creake wee saw great flockes of wild Geese and Dâ—ckes but they were very fearefull of vs. So we marched some while in the Woods some while on the sands and other while in the water vp to the knees till at length we came neare the Ship and then we shot off our Peeces and the long Boat came to fetch vs master Iones and master Caruer being on the shore with many of our people came to meete vs. And thus wee came both weary and well-come home and deliuered in our Corne into the store to be kept for seed for wee knew not how to come by any and therefore were very glad purposing so soone as we could meete with any of the Inhabitants of that place to make them large satisfaction This was our first Discovery whilst our Shallop was in repairing our people did make things as fitting as they could and time would in seeking out wood and heluing of â—ooles and sawing of Tymber to build a new Shallop but the discommodiousnes of the harbour did much hinder vs for we could neither goe to nor come from the shore but at high water which was much to our hinderance and hurt for oftentimes they waded to the midle of the thigh and oft to the knees to goe and come from land some did it necessarily and some for their owne pleasure but it brought to the most if not to all coughes and colds the weather prouing sodainly cold and stormie which afterward turned to the scurvey whereof many dyed When our Shallop was fit indeed before she was fully fitted for there was two dayes worke after bestowed on her there was appointed some 24 men of our owne and armed then to goe and make a more full discovery of the rivers before mentioned Master Iones was desirous to goe with vs and tooke such of his saylers as he thought vsefull for vs so as we were in all about 34. men wee made master Iones our Leader for we thought it best herein to gratifie his kindnes and forwardnes When we were set forth it proued rough weather and crosse windes so as we were constrained some in the Shallop and others in the long Boate to row to the neerest shore the wind would suffer them to goe vnto and then to wade out aboue the knees the wind was so strong as the Shallop could not keepe the water but was forced to harbour there that night but we marched sixe or seaven miles further and appointed the Shallop to come to vs as soone as they could It blowed and did snow all that day night and frose withall some of our people that are dead tooke the originall of their death here The next day about 11. a clocke our Shallop came to vs and wee shipped our selues and the wind being good we sayled to the river we formerly discovered which we named Cold Harbour to which when wee came we found it not Navigable for Ships yet we thought it might be a good harbour for Boats for it flowes there 1â— foote at high water We landed our men betweene the two creekes and marched some foure or fiue myles by the greater of them and the Shallop followed vs at length night grew on and our men were tired with marching vp and downe the steepe hills and deepe vallies which lay halfe a foot thicke with snow Master Iones vvearied with marching was desirous we should take vp our lodging though some of vs would haue marched further so we made there our Randevous for that night vnder a few Pine trees and as it fell out wee got three fat Geese and six Ducks to our Supper which we eate with Souldiers stomacks for we had eaten little all that day our resolution was next morning to goe vp to the head of this river for we supposed it would proue fresh water but in the morning our resolution held not because many liked not the hillinesse of the soyle and badnesse of the harbour so we turned towards the other creeke that wee might goe over and looke for the rest of the Corne that we left behind when we were here before when we came to the creeke we saw the Canow lie on the dry ground and a flocke of Geese in the river at which one made a shot and killed a couple of them and we lanched the Canow fetcht them and when we had done she carryed vs over by seaven or eight at once This done we marched to the place where we had the corne formerly which place we called Corne-hill and digged and found the rest of which we were very glad we also digged in a place little further off and found a Botle of oyle wee went to another place which we had seene before and digged and found more corne viz. two or three Baskets full of Indian Wheat and a bag of Beanes with a good man of faire Wheat-eares whilst some of vs were digging vp this some others found another heape of Corne which they digged vp also so as we had in all about ten Bushels which will serve vs sufficiently for seed And sure it was Gods good providence that we found this Corne for els wee know not how we should haue done for we knew not how we should find or meete with any of the Indians except it be to doe vs a mischiefe Also we had neuer in all likelihood seene a graine of it if we had not made our first Iourney for the ground was now covered with snow and so hard frosen that we were faine with our Curtlaxes and short Swords to hew and carue the ground a foot deepe and then wrest it vp with leavers for we had forgot to bring other Tooles whilst we were in this imployment foule weather being towards Master Iones was earnest to goe abourd but sundry of vs desired to make further discovery and to find out the Indians habitations so we sent home with him our weakest people and some that were sicke and all the Corne and 18. of vs stayed still and lodged there that night and desired that the Shallop might returne to vs next day and bring vs some Mattocks and Spades with them The next morning we followed certaine beaten pathes and tracts of the Indians into the Woods supposing they would haue led vs into some Towne or houses after wee had gone a while we light vpon a very broad beaten path well nigh two foote broad then we lighted all our Matches and prepared our selues concluding wee were neare their dwellings but
in the end we found it to be onely a path made to driue Deere in when the Indians hunt as wee supposed when we had maâ—ched fiue or six myles into the Woods and could find no signes of any people we returned againe another way and as we came into the plaine ground wee found a place like a graue but it was much bigger and longer then any we had yet seene It was also covered with boords so as we mused what it should be and resolved to digge it vp where we found first a Matt and vnder that a fayre Bow and there another Matt and vnder that a boord about three quarters long finely carued and paynted with three tynes or broches on the top like a Crowne also betweene the Matts we found Boules Trayes Dishes and such like Trinkets at length we came to a faire new Matt and vnder that two Bundles the one bigger the other lesse we opened the greater and found in it a great quantitie of fine and perfect red Powder and in it the bones and skull of a man The skull had fine yellow haire still on it and some of the flesh vnconsumed there was bound vp with it a knife a pack-needle and two or three old iron things It was bound vp in a Saylers canvas Casacke and a payre of cloth breeches the red Powder was a kind of Embaulment and yeelded a strong but no offensiue smell It was as fine as any flower We opened the lesse bundle likewise and found of the same Powder in it and the bones and head of a little childe about the leggs and other parts of it was bound strings and bracelets of fine white Beads there was also by it a little Bow about three quarters long and some other odd knackes we brought sundry of the pretiest things away with vs and covered the Corps vp againe After this we digged in sundry like places but found no more Corne nor any things els but graues There was varietie of opinions amongst vs about the embalmed person some thought it was an Indian Lord and King others sayd the Indians haue all blacke hayre and never any was seene with browne or yellow hayre some thought it was a Christian of some speciall note which had dyed amongst them and they thus buried him to honour him others thought they had killed him and did it in triumph over him Whilest we were thus ranging and searching two of the Saylers which were newly come on the shore by chance espied two houses which had beene lately dwelt in but the people were gone They having their peeces and hearing no body entred the houses and tooke out some things and duâ—st not stay but came againe and told vs so some seaven or eight of vs went with them and found how we had gone within a slight shot of them before The houses were made with long yong Sapling trees bended and both ends stucke into the ground they were made round like vnto an Arbour and covered downe to the ground with thicke and well wrought matts and the doore was not over a yard high made of a matt to open the chimney was a wide open hole in the top for which they had a matt to cover it close when they pleased one might stand and goe vpright in them in the midst of them were foure little trunches knockt into the ground and small stickes laid over on which they hung their Pots and what they had to seeth round about the fire they lay on matts which are their beds The houses were double matted for as they were matted without so were they within with newer fairer matts In the houses we found wooden Boules Trayes Dishes Earthen Pots Hand baskets made of Crab shells wrought together also an English Paile or Bucket it wanted a bayle but it had two Iron eares there was also Baskets of sundry sorts biâ—ger and some lesser finer and some courser some were curiously wrought with blacke and white in pretie workes and sundry other of their houshold stuffe we found also two or three Deeres heads one whereof had bin newly killed for it was still fresh there was also a company of Deeres feete stuck vp in the houses Harts hornes and Eagles clawes and sundry such like things there was also two or three Baskets full of paâ—ched Acornes peeces of fish and a peece of a broyled Hering We found also a little silke grasse and a little Tobacco seed with some other seeds which wee knew not without was sundry bundles of Flags and Sedge Bâ—ll rushes and other stuffe to make matts there was thrust into an hollow tree two or three peeces of Venison but we thought it fitter for the Dogs then for vs some of the best things we tooke away with vs and left the houses standing still as they were so it growing towards night and the tyde almost spent we hasted with our things downe to the Shallop and got abourd that night intending to haue brought some Beades and other things to haue left in the houses in signe of Peace and that we meant to truk with them but it was not done by meanes of our hastie comming away from Cape Cod but so soone as we can meete conveniently with them we will giue them full satisfaction Thus much of our second Discovery Having thus discovered this place it was controversall amongst vs what to doe touching our aboad and setling there some thought it best for many reasons to abide there As first that there was a convenient harbour for Boates though not for Ships Secondly Good Corne ground readie to our hands as we saw by experience in the goodly corne it yeelded which would againe agree with the ground and be naturall seed for the same Thirdly Cape Cod was like to be a place of good fishing for we saw daily great Whales of the best kind for oyle and bone come close aboord our Ship and in fayre weather swim and play about vs there was once one when the Sun shone warme câ—me and lay aboue water as if she had beene dead for a good while together within halfe a Muâ—ket shot of the Ship at which two were prepared to shoote to see whether she would sâ—ir or no he that gaue fire first his Muâ—ket flew in peeces both stocke and barrell yet thankes be to God neither he nor any man els was hurt with it though many were there about but when the Whale saw her time she gaue a snuffe and away Fourthly the place was likely to be healthfull secure and deâ—ensible But the last and especiall reason was that now the heart of Wintâ—r and vnseasonable weather was come vpon vs so that we could not goe vpon coasting and discovery without danger of loosing men and Boat vpon which would follow the overthrow of all especially considering what variable windes and sodaine stormes doe there arise Also cold and wett lodging had so taynted our people for scarce any of vs were free from vehement coughs as if
HIM IT seemed good to the Company for many considerations to send some amongst them to Massasoyt the greatest Commander amongst the Savages bordering about vs partly to know where to find them if occasion served as also to see their strength discover the Country prevent abuses in their disorderly comming vnto vs make satisfaction for some conceived jniuries to be done on our parts and to continue the league of Peace and Friendship betweene them and vs. For these and the like ends it pleased the Governour to make choice of Steven Hopkins Edward Winsloâ— to goe vnto him and having a fit opportunitie by reason of a Savage called Tisquantum that could speake English comming vnto vs with all expedition provided a Horse-mans coat of red Cotton and laced with a slight lace for a present that both they and their message might be the more acceptable amongst them The Message was as followeth That forasmuch as his subiects came often and without feare vpon all occasions amongst vs so wee were now come vnto him and in witnesse of the loue and good will the English beare vnto him the Governour hath sent him a coat desiring that the Peace and Amitte that was betweene them and vs might be continued not that we feared them but because we intended not to iniure any desiring to liue peaceably and as with all men so especially with them our neerest neighbours But whereas his people came very often and very many together vnto vs bringing for the most part their wiues and children with them they were well come yet we being but strangers as yet at Patuxet alias New Plimmoth and not knowing how our Corne might prosper we could no longer giue them such entertainment as we had done and as we desired still to doe yet if he would be pleased to come himselfe or any speciall friend of his desired to see vs comming from him they should be wellcome and to the end wee might know them from others our Governour had sent him a copper Chayne desiring if any Messenger should come from him to vs we might know him by bringing it with him and hearken and giue credite to his Message accordingly Also requesting him that such as haue â—kinâ— should bring them to vs and that he would hinder the multitude from oppressing vs with them And whereas as our first arrivall at Paoâ—iâ—t called by vs Cape â—od we found there Corne buried in the ground and finding no inhabitants but some graues of dead now buryed tooke the Corne resolving if ever we could heare of any that had right thereunto to make satisfaction to the full for it yet since we vnderstand the owners thereof were fled for feare of vs our desire was either to pay them with the like quantitie of corne English meale or any other Commodities we had to pleasure them withall requesting him that some one of his men might signifie so much vnto them and wee would content him for his paines And last of all our Gouernour requested one favour of him which was that he would exchange some of their Corne for seede with us that we might make tryall which best agreed with the foyle where we liue With these presents and message we set forward the tenth Iune about 9. a clocke in the Morning our guide resolving that night to rest at Namasches a Towne vnder Massasoyt and conceived by vs to bee very neere because the Inhabitants flocked so thicke vpon every slight occasion amongst vs but wee found it to bee some fifteene English myles On the way we found some ten or twelue men women and children which had pestered vs till wee were wearie of them perceiving that as the manner of them all is where victuall is easiliest to be got there they liue especially in the Summer by reason whereof our â—ay affording many Lobsters they resort every spring tide thither now returned with vs to Namaschet Thither we came about 3. a clock after noone the Inhabitants entertaining vs with ioy in the best manner they could giving vs a kinde of bread called by them Maixium and the spawne of Shade which then they got in abundance in so much as they gaue vs spoones to eate them with these they boyled mustie Acorns but of the Shads we eate heartily After this they desired one of our men to shoote at a Crow complaining what damage they sustained in their Corne by them who shooting some fourescore off and killing they much admired it as other shots on other occasions After this Tisquantum told vs we should hardly in one day reach Pakanokick moving vs to goe some 8. myles further where we should finde more store and better victuals then there Being willing to hasten our Iourney we went and came thither at Sunne setting where we found many of the Namaschecks they so calling the men of Namaschet fishing vppon a Ware which they had made on a River which belonged to them where they caught abundance of Basse. These welcommed vs also gaue vs of their fish and we them of our victuals not doubting but wâ— should haue enough where ere we came There we lodged in the open fieldes for houses they had none though they spent the most of the Summer there The head of this River is reported to bee not farre from the place of our abode vpon it are and haue beene many Townes it being a good length The ground 〈◊〉 good on both sides it being for the most part cleered Thousands of men have lived there which dyed in a great plague not long since and pitty it was and is to â—ee so many goodly fieldes so well seated without men to dresse and manure the same Vppon this River dwelleth Massasoyt It commeth into the Sea at the Narrohiganset Bay where the French men so much vse A shipp may goe many myles vp it as the Salvages report and a shallop to the head of it but so farre as wee saw wee are sure a Shallop may But to returne to our Iourney The next morning wee brake our fast tooke our leaue and departed being then accompanied with some sixe Salvages having gone about sixe myles by the Riverside at a knowne shole place it beeing low water they spake to vs to put off our breeches for wee must wade thorow Heere let me not forget the vallour and courrage of some of the Salvageâ— on the opposite side of the river for there were remaining aliue only 2. men both aged especially the one being aboue threescore These two espying a company of men entring the River ran very swiftly low in the grasse to meete vs at the banck where with shâ—ll voyces and great courage standing charged vppon vs with their bowes they demaunded what we were supposing vs to be enemies and thinking to take advantage on vs in the water but seeing we were friends they welcommed vs with such foode as they had and we bestowed a small bracelet of Beades on them Thus farre wee are sure the â—ide