Miantunnommu with a great Traine arrived the same day that 411Anthony Dike departed hence with his sad tidings, and confirmeth with the most, the report of Anthony.

The Nanihiggonsicks are at present doubtfull of Realitie in all our promises: I haue alleadged the best Arguments I haue heard or could invent to perswade Realitie of purpose and speedie performance, as allso reasons of delay.

Miantunnummu and his best Councell here with him, haue requested me earnestly to make this proffer to you. The Pequts are scarce of provision and therefore (as vsually so now especially) they are in some numbers come downe to the sea side (and 2 Ilands by name Munnawtawkit and Manittuwond especially) to take sturgeon and other fish as allso to make new fields of Corne in case the English should destroy their fields at home.

Miantunnommu desires to goe himselfe with one Wequash the Pequt of whome I haue formerly writ here at present with him, in this pinnace here left by Anthony or any other that shall take him in at the Nanhiggonsick.

He will put in 40 or 50 or more as the vessell will stow.

He will put in Vitailes himselfe for his men. He will direct the Pinnace to the Places and in the Night land his men, despoile them of their Canowes, cut of the men he finds (the greatest number being women and children, which for the most of them he would cut of) as allso spoile their fields.

And this he proffers to doe without landing an English man with whome he will remaine aboord in English Cloths which he desires for himselfe.

John, a seaman aboord, calls the Iland Plum Iland and is very willing to goe on the designe and thincks as allso Miantunnommu doth, that if within 2 or 3 dayes they went forth they would be here againe within 4 or 5 or less.

Sir for my selfe I dare not advice: but if my thoughts be asked: I shall (with all due submission) say this.

It will at present wedge them in from any starting aside, vntill your forces shall follow.

If they speede it will weaken the Enemie and distresse them, being put by their hopes: as allso much enrage the Pequts for euer against them, a thing much desirable.

Beside the charge or danger of the English will be none vnles Miantunnommues Course Cloths and a large Coate for Wequash the Pequt guide a man of great vse. The most holy and only wise be pleased to smile vpon the face of the English that be his, (we haue all if euer Cause to examine our selues, our Errands and Worck) in the face of Jesus Christ:

While I write a Messenger is come to Miantunnommu from Neepemut reporting a farr greater slaughter then that Anthony brought word of and since the former a great number at the Plantacions and some persons are mencioned, but I will not name either, but hope and long to heare it countermanded.

In case that Anthony or other seamen can not be gotten suddenly, here is one with vs willing to make vp a third man (to the other 2 left with the pinnace) to carrie the vessell, though I iudge Anthony himselfe the fittest.

Sir, Miantunnommu desird me to giue you a hint that the 6 fathom of Beades which he gaue for the slaying of Audsah be repaid him and sent now if it may be. his warrs keepe him bare. Your Worships vnfaignedly respectiue

The latter end of the last week I gave notice to our neighbour princes of your intentions and preparations against the common enemy, the Pequts. At my first coming to them, Caunounicus (morosus aeque ac barbarus senex) was very sour, and accused the English and myself for sending the plague amongst them, and threatening to kill him especially.

Such tidings (it seems) were lately brought to his ears by some of his flatterers and our ill-willers. I discerned cause of bestirring myself, and staid the longer, and at last (through the mercy of the Most High) I not only sweetened his spirit, but possest him, that the plague and other sicknesses were alone in the hand of the one God, who made him and us, who being displeased with the English for lying, stealing, idleness and uncleanness, (the natives’ epidemical sins,) smote many thousands of us ourselves with general and late mortalities.

Miantunnomu kept his barbarous court lately at my house,2 and with him I have far better dealing. He takes some pleasure to visit me, and sent me word of his coming over again some eight days hence.

They pass not a week without some skirmishes, though hitherto little loss on either side. They were glad of your preparations, and in much conference with themselves and others, (fishing de industria for instructions from them,) I gathered these observations, which you may please (as cause may be) to consider and take notice of:

1. They conceive that to do execution to purpose on the Pequts, will require not two or three days and away, but a riding by it and following of the work to and again the space of three weeks or a month, that there be a falling off and a retreat, as if you were departed, and a falling on again within three or four days, when they are returned again to their houses securely from their flight.

2. That if any pinnaces come in ken, they presently prepare for flight, women and old men and children, to a swamp some three or four miles on the back of them, a marvellous great and secure swamp, which they called Ohomowauke, which signifies owl’s nest, and by another name, Cuppacommock, which signifies a refuge or hiding place, as I conceive.

3. That therefore Nayantaquit (which is Miantunnomue’s place of rendezvous) be thought on for the riding and retiring to of vessel or vessels, which place is faithful to the Nanhiggonticks and at present enmity with the Pequts.

4. They also conceive it easy for the English, that the provisions and munition first arrive at Aquednetick, called by us Rode-Island, at the Nanhiggontick’s mouth, and then a messenger may be despatched hither, and so to the bay, for the soldiers to march up by land to the vessels, who otherwise might spend long time about the cape and fill more vessels than needs.

5. That the assault would be in the night, when they are commonly more 414secure and at home, by which advantage the English, being armed, may enter the houses and do what execution they please.

6. That before the assault be given, an ambush be laid behind them, between them and the swamp, to prevent their flight, etc.

7. That to that purpose such guides as shall be best liked of be taken along to direct, especially two Pequts, viz. Wequash and Wuttackquiackommin, valiant men, especially the latter, who have lived these three or four years with the Nanhiggonticks, and know every pass and passage amongst them, who desire armour to enter their houses.

8. That it would be pleasing to all natives, that women and children be spared, etc.

9. That if there be any more land travel to Qunnihticutt, some course would also be taken with the Wunhowatuckoogs, who are confederates with and a refuge to the Pequts.

Sir, if any thing be sent to the princes, I find that Canounicus would gladly accept of a box of eight or ten pounds of sugar, and indeed he told me he would thank Mr. Governour for a box full.

Sir, you may please to take notice of a rude view, how the Pequts lie:

River Qunnihticut

——————

○ a fort of the Nayantaquit men, confederate with the Pequts. Mohiganic ————————

River.

Mis ○ tick, where is Mamoho, another chief sachim. ———— River.

Nayanta ○ quit, where is Wepiteammock and our friends. —————— River.

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Thus, with my best salutes to your worthy selves and loving friends with you, and daily cries to the Father of mercies for a merciful issue to all these enterprises, I rest Your worship’s unfeignedly respective