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Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 3

Roger Williams to John Winthrop1
Williams, Roger Wintrhop, John

1637-06-02

New Providence this 6th of this present weeke, toward midnight ca. June 2, 1637 Sir,

By John Throckmorton I was bold to advertize of the late mercifull Successe it hath pleased the Father of Mercies to vouchsafe to the first attempts of our Countrimen against these Barbarous.

After his departure toward you I went over to the Nanhiggonsick partly for Intelligence and partly to encourage the Nanhiggonsicks in case the sad newes of all their men and yours defeated were true.

I found the first newes of the Cutting of the whole Fort of the Pequts at Mistick to be certaine and vnquestionably true as I sent, with litle or no Variation, of which hereafter.

The Newes of the Cutting of 3 hundreth Nanhiggonsicks and all the English held still for Currant, and confirmed that they were opprest with multitudes their provision being spent and the English wanting powder and shot and the Nanhiggonsicks Arrowes.

I gaue the best reasons I could to perswade that they were all either gone togeather to Qunnihticut for provision or vpon some second assault vpon the other of the Pequt Forts.

As allso I was bold to promise (in Mr. Governours name) that allthough all these or more were cut of yet there should be fresh Supplies of the English who would never sheath their swords etc.

This 5th day past toward night I haue receaved tidings (blessed for euer be the Lord of Hosts) that the Nanhiggonsicks are all came safe home yesternight (at noone I came from thence) and brought word that the English were all safe but the first 3 slaine at the Fort with 2 of their owne.

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As allso that indeede they fought thrice that day of their first Victorie with no losse of their side and with the losse of 2 Pequts more.

That themselues and the English prepard next day after for their other Forts, found all fled, made themselues Lords of one in which both English and Nanhiggonsicks now keepe.

That Maumanadtuck one of their biggest with great Troops (as before he gaue out he could) is gone to Wunnashowatuckqut (the further Neepmucks.)

That Sasacous said he would to Long Iland, and thither is gone or hid in the Swampes but not a Pequt is to be found.

That Miantunnommu is come from Pequt to Nayantaquit and was resolved homeward to send out to Wunnashowatuckqut where the Enemie shelters and haue Forts.

Now Sir, considering the worck is effected (through the mercie of the most High) in these parts and that the Qunnihticut English togeather with Capt: Patrick and his are sufficient to mainteine what they haue gotten and pursue Sasacous in all his Motions thereabouts: I conceaved (with Submission) that it might saue the Countrey no small charge and hazard and losse timely to advertize and give Intelligence.

The Wunnashowatuckoogs and Pequts with them are about the distance from you that we are: on them I conceaue and vnderstand the Nanhiggonsicks next fall.

If you see Cause and grounds to make a Stop for a day or 2, if the Lord please, the 2nd day or 3d of the next weeke I hope to acquaint you with Miantunnomues and Caunonnicus their advice and desire, which it may be will be to meete his Companies at the hither Neepmucks and none to come this way, or some the one way and some the other This morning I goe over (if the Lord please) to consult with them, hoping to be at home (if possible) to morrow Evening and so to dispatch some Messenger the 2nd in the morning.

Sir, your late message to the Neepmucks (through the Lords mercy) hath wrought this Effect, that whereas they staggerd as nevters they brought this present weeke divers basketts of their Nokehick and Chesnuts to Canounicus towards his wars.

Sir I vnderstand that the Cause why the English hurt so many of the Nanhiggonsicks was want of signes or marcks You may please therefore to prouide some yellow or red for their heads: the Qunnihticut English had yellow but not enough.

Thus beseeching the God of Peace to be at Peace with vs, that all the fruit may be the taking away of our Sinn, (which if not remooved will vnstop worse vialls) to guid your Consultations and prosper your Expeditions to the 428prayse of his owne most holy name I rest Your Worships faythfull and affectionate in all civill bonds

Roger Williams
1.

W. 2. 97; 4 Collections , VI. 191–194; N.C. , VI. 27–30.