Concord,  Middlesex  co, MA   History Chapter 4

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transcribed by Janice Farnsworth  Farns10th@aol.com

 Chapter IV 
King Philip's War


p.46

We are now to record the events of a most interesting period in the history of New England,
remarkable for the occurence of the most distressing Indian war that ever desolated the
country. 

Though Concord suffered little in comparison with many other towns, yet the part her citi-
zens took in this war is deserving of particular notice.

At this time the number of warriors in the five nations of Indians in the immediate vicinity
of the English settlements, as has been noticed in the commencement of this history, was
estimated at about 1,800.  The whole number of English inhabitants in New England at 
120,000; and the effective military force of the four United Colonies at 16,000, of which
Massachusetts had nearly three-fourths.  She had twelve troops of cavalry of 60 men each.
The county of Middlesex then contained 17 incorporated towns:

Charlestown
Watertown
Medford
Cambridge
Concord
Sudbury
Woburn
Reading
Malden
Lancaster
Chelmsford
Billerica
Groton
Marlborough
Dunstable
Mendon 
Sherburne

Worcester County was not incorporated until 1731.

Concord then contained a foot and part of a horse company.

The former was organized in 1636, when Sergeant Simon Willard was appointed to exercise it.
He was appointed Captain in 1646 and promoted to be Major in 1654.  In 1662, the County
Court made the following appointments in this company:

Timothy Wheeler, Captain.
Joseph Wheeler, Lieut.
William Buss, Ensign
Richard Rice, Sergeant
Thomas Bateman, Sergeant
Thomas Wheeler, Sr., Sergeant
William Buttrick, Corporal
Samuel Stratten, Corporal
John Scotchford, Corporal

The Horse Company was organized October 13, 1669, embracing some soldiers in the adjoining
towns.

Thomas Wheeler was appointed 1st Captain.
Thomas Henchman, Lieutenant.
Henry Woodhouse, Quarter Master.  

This was the second and western horse company in the county and from it the present
Concord Light Infantry descended.

In 1654, an expedition had been undertaken by the United Colonies against Ninigret, 

p47

principal Sachem of the Naraganset Indians, when 250 foot and 40 horsemen were raised and
"sent forth under the Christian and most courageous Major Simon Willard of Concord as
commander-in-chief".  Several of the Concord troops accompanied him; and this was the first
time that our early settlers were engaged in a war.

At Wamesit (Lowell), Nashobah (easterly part of Littleton), Okommokamesit (Marlborough),
and several other places near the frontier, English settlements were incorporated Indian
towns, containing in 1676 about 500 inhabitants, including women and children, who had
ostensibly embraced Christianity, and were friendly to the whites.  At length jealousies
arose among the unfriendly Indians against these and against the English; and Philip, the
bold chief of the Wampanoags at Mount Hope, determined to destroy their infant settlements
and exterminate the inhabitants.  To aid him in this barbarous conspiracy, he endeavoured
to obtain the alliance of all the neighboring tribes; and in most instances he effected his
designs.

The government ordered that garrison-houses should be erected in the several towns, or that
dwelling-houses already built should be fortified, which were to serve as a kind of fortress
into which the inhabitants, by districts or companies, might collect at night, or in case of
an attack.  Houses were also erected for the accommodation of military watches, which were
maintained in each town to perform patrol duty, and forewarn the inhabitants of danger.

We have no other means than tradition to ascertain the number or situation of the garrison
houses in Concord.  The house now (1835) occupied by Dr. Hurd was originally one; another
stood near John Flint's; another near Meriam's corner; two others within the present limits
of Bedford; another near John Hosmer's; and another near Silas Holden's.  An Indian fort was
built near Nashobah Hill in Littleton, then in Concord.  These were not all.  The number
and situation varied, at different times, for the subsequent twenty years.

p.48

Though several acts of hostility had been committed in Plymouth Colony, the Nipmuck Indians
residing near the centre of the present limits of Worcester County, had not fully united with
Philip in his blood-thirsty designs of extermination.

And since some of these were Praying Indians, the government flattered themselves that they
might be reclaimed and enlisted permanently on their side.  Having professed friendship and
promised fidelity to the English, a mission was sent forth to meet these Indians at Quabaug
(Brookfield). 

Capt. Edward Hutchinson was commissioned to negotiate a treaty; and Capt. Thomas Wheeler of
Concord with 20 or 25 of his company, was ordered to go with him as a guard, and to assist
in the objects of the expedition.

Two sons of old Robin Petuhanit of Grafton - Sampson and Joseph and George Memecho, three
Christian Indians, accompanied them as guides and interpreters.  They marched from Cambridge
to Sudbury, July 28th, 1675; and arrived at Brookfield August 1st, when they found the 
Indians were assembled about ten miles distant.  Four messengers were sent to acquaint them
with the intentions of the English, but an alarm was raised, and the Indians assumed a war-
like attitude.  The messengers endeavored to convince the Sachems of their peaceful intent-
ions; and they promised to meet the English the next morning a short distance from Brook-
field.  They doubted whether to proceed; yet, being urged to go by the inhabitants of Brook-
field, they marched to the place assigned for holding the treaty.   Finding no Indians there,
the company continued their march, contrary to the advice of their guides, four or five miles
further near to a swamp, when they were suddenly attacked by 200 or 300 Indians.

Eight were killed by the first fire and three wounded, among whom were Capt. Hutchinson and
Capt. Wheeler.   Capt. Wheeler had two horses shot under him and received a ball through his
body.  Seeing this, his son, whose arm was then fractured by a ball, dismounted and placed
his wounded father upon his own horse; and himself mounting another whose rider had been
killed, they both escaped.
                              The Two Grafton Indians 
Sampson was afterwards killed near Wachusett.  Joseph was taken and sold as a slave to go
to the West Indies.  His wife and two children, taken captive with him, were redeemed by 
Rev. Mr. Eliot; and she was employed two years after to teach a school among the Indians at
Concord.  She is represented as being a very sober Christian woman - Gookin's Manuscript.

p.49

The surviving English retreated to Brookfield and had scarcely entered the town, before it 
was set on fire in various places by the pursuing enemy.  All the house (twenty) were con-
sumed excepting one, in which the inhabitants and the company were gathered.  In this dis-
tressing situation, Capt. Wheeler appointed Lieut. Simon Davis of Concord and two others to
take the command, being disabled himself; and gave orders to Ephraim Curtis of Sudbury, and
Henry Young of Concord to proceed to Boston to give information of these lamentable occurr-
ences to the Council.  After two unsuccessful attempts to proceed, in which they were driven
back by the Indians and Henry Young was killed, Ephraim Curtis escaped.

On his arrival at Marlborough, he met Major Simon Willard and Capt. James Parker of Groton
with 46 men, who had been despatched to scout between Marlborough, Lancaster and Groton. On
hearing of the sufferings of the people at Brookfield, he altered his course and rushed on
immediately to their relief.

He arrived late in the evening of the 4th of August, just in time to save the lives of a
few of the English, who still survived; when the engagement was renewed with vigor. and
continued most of the night.  Towards the morning of the 5th, the Indians were compelled
to retreat.  They lost 80 men killed and wounded.  The inhabitants of Brookfield suffered
the total loss of their houses and property.  Twelve of the fifteen of the English fell in
this hard-fought battle, of whom Samuel Smeadly, Henry Young and some others belonged to
Concord.

footnote:

The assertion first published by Rev. Mr. Fiske, and by many writers since and recently
with additions to the author of the History of Plymouth Colony, in relation to the conduct
of Major Simon Willard at Brookfield, in August, 1675, is entirely destitute of truth.

He was in commission in February and March, 1676 and in a letter from the secretary of the
colony now before me, dated February 11, 1676, he was requested "to be in readiness if he
should have a full command over the forces to be sent forth from this colony."  He also
received, just before his death in April, the highest number of votes but two in the choice
of eighteen gentlemen for magistrates.  These honors would not have been conferred had the
other assertion, resting entirely on tradition, been true.



p.49 - continued

A part of the company remained there (Brookfield) on account of their wounds, nearly a 
month; the remainder came away about a fortnight after the battle.  "The 21st of October,
1675, was kept in Concord in Concord by Capt. Wheeler and those who returned with him, as 
a day of praise and thanksgiving to God for their remarkable and safe return, when the Rev.
Edmund Bulkeley preached a sermon to them from Psalm cxvi.12: 'What shall I render to the
Lord for all his benefits towards me?'"

A narrative of this expedition, written by Capt. Wheeler was published, from which the fore-
going facts are principally taken.  It was reprinted with notes, by John Farmer, Esq., in 
Vol. II of the New Hampshire Historical Collection from the original edition in the library
of the Essex Historical Society, where may also be found a copy of Mr. Bulkeley's Sermon
above alluded to.

[see also:
New England Historical & Genealogical Register
Vol	page	Town or Genre	County	State	Type	Span
38	395	Article	Wheeler's Defeat]

p.50

Though important services had been rendered to the country by the Praying Indians, yet such
a great and indiscriminate prejudice had arisen among the common people against all natives,
that the very name of Indian had become hateful.  Under these circumstances the government
passed an order, 30th August, 1675, to confine all the Praying Indians to five towns; and
none were allowed to go a mile from any town under forfeiture of their lives.

The same day, fifteen of the Christian Indians were unjustly seized at Marlborough and 
carried to Boston, bound neck to neck.  They were confined in prison nearly a month before
their trial, which resulted in their honorable acquittal.  This was done by a captain
without authority, but was a most unfortunate occurence for the company, and the cause of
much of the subsequent trouble.

The assertion of many writers, that these Indians were suspected of treachery, does not
appear true after reading Gookin's Manuscript's account of this affair - [Gookin's Manuscript.]

In October, 1675, the government ordered that the militia of Suffolk and Middlesex be "put
in a posture of war; and be ready to march at a minute's warning to prevent danger;" and
at the same time authority was given to Capt. Timothy Wheeler "to impress an able gunsmith
to repair to Concord to be resident there for the fixing up of arms from time to time during
the war for this and the towns adjacent." 

"Committees of militia," somewhat resembling the committees of safety in the revolution of
1775, were appointed in the several towns.  The Hon. Peter Bulkeley was chairman of that
committee in Concord.  He and Joseph Dudley wer appointed in November to "attend the forces
that are now to go forth against the enemy, and to be ministers unto them."

About the last of November, the Nashobah Indians removed to Concord; and December 13th,
Major Simon Willard, the Rev. Mr. John Eliot, and Major Gookin, were appointed to order
their settlement.



About the last of November, (1675) the Nashobah Indians removed to Concord; and December 13th,
Major Simon Willard, the Rev. Mr. John Eliot, and Major Gookin, were appointed to order
their settlement.

p.51

They were placed under the care and superintendence of Mr. John Hoar, "the only man in 
Concord," says Gookin, "who was willing to do it."  He was compensated by being exempted
from impressment and taxation.  This man was very loving to them, and very diligent and
careful to promote their good, and to secure the English from any fear or danger by them."
[source: Gookin's Manuscript]

The excitement generally was so great, that the Natick Indians had been previously carried
to Deer Island for fear of being attacked by the English.  From this time depredations cont-
inued to be frequently committed by the unfriendly Indians on the frontier settlements; and
not-withstanding the precautions of the government, the friendly Indians occasionally suffer-
ed unjustly from the enmity of the whites.  Companies of soldiers were often sent for the
relief of these suffering towns, in which Concord was usually represented.

Soldiers often volunteered on these occasions.  When they could not be obtained in this
manner, they were impressed into service.  Precepts were issued by the committees of militia
in the several towns to the constable; and none were freed from his arbitrary will, except
by a special act of the government.  Nathaniel Pierce, with several others of Concord, were
pressed in September, 1675, went to Springfield, and continued in the service nearly a year,
till they were thus liberated.  Daniel Adams belonged to a party which went from Concord to
Groton when that town was destroyed.  He fired from Willard's garrison and killed an Indian.
It is impossible, however, to ascertain the names of all those who were engaged in this
bloody war; but it is said that nearly all the able-bodied men bore arms in defence of their
homes, at som time during this conflict.

On the first of February, 1676, the Indians burnt the house of Thomas Eames of Framingham
and £330. 12s. worth of property, and either killed or carried into captivity his wife and
nine children.  The next day orders were given to Major Simon Willard to raise a party of
troops to scour the country between Groton, Lancaster and Marlborough.  Similar orders were
given to Major Daniel Gookin in relation to the country between Marlborough and Medfield.
Intelligence was brought to Major Gookin, Feb 9th at 10 o'clock in the evening, by Job
Kettenanet, one of the Christian Indians who had been sent out as spies, that 400 of the
enemy were at Menemese and had already marched forth intending to burn Lancaster the next
day.  He immediately sent orders to Marlborough, Concord, and Lancaster, mustering forces
for the defence of Lancaster forthwith;

p.52

and 40 soldiers were collected and marched from Marlborough under Capt. Wadsworth by break
of day.  But notwithstanding they succeeded in getting possession of one of the garrisons,
they could not prevent the Indians from carrying their threats into execution.  Lancaster
then contained about 50 families, out of which the Indians killed and captured forty 
persons.  Among the latter were Mrs. Rowlandson and her children, the family of the minister.
By the bold and successful exertions of Mr. John Hoar of Concord, the connexion with Tom
Doublet and Peter Conaway, Christian Indians of Concord, they were subsequently redeemed
from captivity.  Hubbard says the Indians burnt a house and murdered three persons in
Concord on the 19th of February but who they were I know not.


                       Concord in King Philip's War
                 

p.52 - continued

About the 21st of February, says Gookin in the manuscript before quoted, "there befel 
another great trouble to the Christian Indians of Nashobah, who sojourned in Concord.
The Council had by several orders empowered a committee, who with consent of the select-
men of Concord, settled those Indians at that town, under the government and tuition of
Mr. John Hoar.  The number of those Indians was about 58, of all sorts, whereof were not
above 12 able men, the rest were women and children.

"These Indians lived very soberly and quietly and industriously, and were all unarmed,
neither could any of them be charged with any unfaithfulness to the English interest.
In pursuance of this settlement, Mr. Hoar had begun to build a large and convenient
work-house for the Indians near his own dwelling, which stood about the midst of the
town, and very nigh the town watch-house.  This house was made, not only to secure
those Indians under lock and key by night, but to imploy them and set them to work by
day, whereby they earned their own bread; and in an ordinary way with God's blessing,
woud have lived well in a short time.  

"But some of the inhabitants of the town, being influenced with a spirit of animosity
and distaste against all Indians, disrelished this settlement, and therefore privately
sent to a captain of the army (probably Captain Mosely), that quartered his company not
far off at the time, of whom they had experience that he would not be backward to put
in execution any thing that tended to distress the Praying Indians.

"For this was the same man that had formerly without order, seized upon divers of the
Praying 

p.53

Indians at Marlborough, which brought much trouble and disquiet to the 
Indians, and was a great occasion of their defection.  This captain accordingly came to
Concord with a party of his men upon the Sabbath day, into the meeting-house, where the
people were convened in the worship of God.  And after the exercise was ended, he spake
openly to the congregation to this effect:  "that he understood, there were some heathen
in the town committed to one Hoar, which, he was informed, were a trouble and disquiet
to them; that if they desired it he would remove them to Boston."  To which speech of
his, most of the people were silent, except two or three that encouraged him, he took,
it seems, the silence of the rest for consent, and immediately after the assembly were
dismissed, he went with three or four files of men, and a hundred or two of the people
[with] men, women and children at their heels, and marched away to Mr. Hoar's house;
and there demanded of him to see the Indians under his care.  Hoar opened the door and
showed them to him and they were all numbered and found there.  The captain then said
to Mr. Hoar that he would have a corporal and soldiers to secure them; but Mr. Hoar
answered there was no need of that for they were already secured, and were committed
to him by order of the Council, and he would keep and secure them.

"But yet the captain left his corporal and soldiers there, who were abusive enough to
the poor Indians by ill language.  The next morning the captain came again to take the
Indians and send them to Boston.  But Mr. Hoar refused to deliver them unless he showed
an order of the Council; but the captain could show him none but his commission to kill 
and destroy the enemy.

"Mr. Hoar said these were friends and under order; but the captain would not be satis-
fied with his answer, but commanded his corporal forthwith to break open the door; and
take the Indians all away, which was done accordingly; and some of the soldiers plunder-
ed the poor creatures of their shirts, shoes, dishes, and such other things as they could
lay their hands upon, though the captain commanded them to the contrary.  They were all
brought to Charlestown with a guard of twenty men.  And the captain wrote a letter to the
General Court, then sitting, giving them an account of his action.  This thing was very
offensive to the Council that a private captain should, without commission or some express

p.54

order  do an act so contradictory to their former orders, and the governor and several
others spake of it at a conference with the deputies at the General Court, manifesting
their dissatisfaction at this great irregularity in setting up a military power in
opposition to the chief authority of the country."


       

             Abraham and Isaac Shepherd were killed by Indians,
                    Mary Shepherd taken into captivity.
           Lancaster & Groton families receive shelter at Concord.
p.54 - continued

"This thing was very offensive to the Council that a private captain should, without commission or some express order do an act so contradictory to their former orders, and the governor and several others spake of it at a conference with the deputies at the General Court, manifesting their dissatisfaction at this great irregularity in setting up a military power in opposition to the chief authority of the country, declaring of what evil consequ-
ence such a precedent was, instancing the evil effects of like practices in England in later
times, urging that due testimony might be borne against the same, by the whole court."

"The deputies seemed generally to agree to the reason of the magistrates in this matter yet,
notwithstanding, the captain who appeared in the Court shortly after upon another occasion,
met with no rebuke for this high irregularity and arbitrary action.

"To conclude this matter, those poor Indians, about 58 of them of all sorts, were sent down
to Deer Island, there to pass into the furnace of affliction with their brethren and countrymen.  But all their corn and other provision, sufficient to maintain them for six
months, was lost at Concord, and all their other necessaries, except what the soldiers had
plundered.  And the poor Indians got very little or nothing of what they lost, but it was
squandered away, lost by the removal of Mr. Hoar, and other means, so that they were nec-
essitated to live upon clams as others did, with some little corn provided at the charge of
the Honorable Corporation for the Indians, residing in London.  Besides, Mr. Hoar lost all
his building and other cost, which he had provided for the entertainment and employment of
those Indians, which was considerable."

It appears from a manuscript letter of Mr. Hoar in my possession, that the English were very
insolent to the Indians, and threatened to destroy them.  One of the Lancaster soldiers,
stationed at Concord, snapped his gun three times at one of them while standing at Mr. Hoar's door.  It is believed, however, that this prejudice existed rather among the soldiers
who had witnessed the horrid barbarities of the Indians in other places, and who did not
distinguish justly between the friends and enemies of the English, than among the citizens
generally.  By the influence of this class of men, the unfortunate occurrences detailed
above were brought about.

About the middle of February, Abraham and Isaac Shepherd were killed near Nashobah in
Concord village while threshing grain in their barn.

p.55

Apprehensive of danger, says tradition, they placed their sister Mary, a girl about fifteen
years old, on a hill a little distance off to watch and forewarn them of the approach of an
enemy.  She was, however, suddenly surprised and captured, and her brothers were slain.

She was carried captive into the Indian settlements but with great heroism made her escape.
While the Indians were asleep in the night, probably under the influence of spiritous
liquors, she seized a horse, which they had a few days before stolen at Lancaster, took a
saddle from under the head of her Indian keeper, mounted, swam across the Nashua river and
rode through the forest to her home.  [source: Hubbard.  Foster's Century Sermon, p. 25.]

On the 15th of February, a party attacked Joseph Parker of Chelmsford with his friends, who
had been to visit Major Simon Willard.  The latter part of this month they burnt Medfield,
and killed 20 of the inhabitants; and on the 13th of March nearly all of Groton was reduced
to ashes.  Major Willard was engaged in this battle.*

footnote:

*Major Willard and his company remained there several days.  They were ordered on the 16th
if they had "issued that business of Groaten, at least done what you can, and no likelihood
of your reaching or engageing the enemy, that you with your forces thereabout keep so scout-
int or ranging towards Marlborough, as may seasonably give present relief and further pre-
vent what increase may be."  [Colony Files.]

A company from Concord, and another from Watertown were also there.  March 10th, says
Hubbard, a man going after hay was killed in Concord.

March 14th, the Council ordered "that the committees of militia of Concord and Sudbury
doe forthwith impress so many carts as may bee sufficient to bring off the goods and pro-
visions belonging to the people left at Lancaster, unto Concord or any other towne, they
desire to come unto; and for guarding the said carts it is ordered that Sargeant Lamson,
commander of the garrison soldiers at Lancaster, do send two files of soldiers to guard
the said carts up and down."  Besides the inhabitants of Lancaster, several of Groton and
other frontier towns resided in Concord till after the peace.  The proprietors of Groton
held a meeting here, December 12, 1677, when many of them bound themselves to rebuild their
town.  They commenced the next year.



Insert:
Rev. William Hubbard in his "Narrative of the Indian Wars" says: 

"2 Mar 1676
"They assaulted Groton (MA): The next day 
(overnight) Major Willard with seventy horse came into 
town: forty foot (soldiers) also came to their relief 
from Watertown, but the Indians were all fled having 
first burnt all the houses in town save four that were 
garrisoned, the meeting house being the 2nd house they 
fired. Soon after, Capt. Sill was sent with a small 
party of dragoons of eight files to fetch off the in- 
habitants of Groton, and what was left from the spoil 
of the enemy, having under his conduct sixty carts, be- 
ing in depth from front to rear above two miles, when a 
party of Indians lying in ambush at a place of eminent 
advantage fired upon the front and mortally wounded two 
of the first carriers, who both died the next night... 
Soon after, this village was deserted, and destroyed by 
the enemy, yet it was a special providence that though 
the carts were guarded with so slender a convoy, yet 
there was not any considerable loss sustained." 

Author's note: The 'next night', (in the narrative) 
is probably a misprint for 'fortnight', as the first 
attack when the settlers moved away, was two weeks after 
on March 17th. 

Source for Hubbard's Narrative, The Farnsworth Memorial
2nd Edition by R. Glen Nye, Printed Privately 1974.



The proprietors of Groton held a meeting here (Concord) , December 12, 1677, when many of 
them bound themselves to rebuild their town.  They commenced the next year.

p.55/56

The government of the colony, justly apprehensive of the dangerous condition of the frontier
towns, appointed a committee on the 15th of March, consisting of Capt. Hugh Mason of Water-
town, Jonathan Danforth of Cambridge, and Richard Lowdon, to consider the best means to be
provided for their safety.  After consulting "the several towns in the county of Middlesex
with reference to the best means for the preservation of our out-towns, remote houses and
farms," they submitted the following propositions, March 28th, which were approved.

"1. That the towns of Sudbury, Concord and Chelmsford be strengthened with forty men apiece,
    which said men are to be improved in scouting between town and town, who are to be
    commanded by men of prudence, courage, and interest in the said townes; and the parties
    in each towne are to ordered to keep together in some place commodious in the said towns
    and not in garrison houses: and these men to be upon the charge of the country.

"2. That for the security of Billerica there be a garrison of a number competent at Waymesett
    (Lowell), who may raise a thousand bushels of corn upon the land of the Indians in that
    place; and may be improved daily in scouting and ranging the woods between Waymesett and
    Andover, and on the west of Concord river on the east and north of Chelmsford, which will
    discover the enemy before he comes to the towns, and prevent lurking Indians about our
    towns.  Also they shall be in readiness to the succor of any of the three towns at any
    time when in distress; also shall be ready to joine with others to follow the enemy upon
    a sudden after their appearing.

"3. That such towns as Lancaster, Groton, and Marlborough that are forced to remove; and 
    have not some advantage of settlement in the Bay, be ordered to settle at the frontier
    towns that remain for their strengthening: and the people of the said towns to which
    they are appointed are to see to their accomodations in the said towns.

"4. That the said towns have their own men returned, that are abroad, and their men freed
    from impress during their present state.

"5. That there be appointed a select number of persons in each town of Middlesex, who are,
    upon any information of the distress of any town, forthwith to repair to the relief
    thereof; and that such information may be seasonable, the towns are to dispatch posts,
    each town to the next, till notice be conveyed over the whole country, if need be."

p.57

Another subject is embraced in the report from which the above is extracted.  The committee
were instructed to consider the propriety of erecting a "line of stockadoes or stone works"
across the county, to include Chelmsford, Concord, Sudbury and the other populous places;
but they deemed this inexpedient, on account of the length of way to be fortified; the diffi-
culty of crossing ponds and rivers, the peculiar season of the year and the scarcity of
laborers.  For these and several other reasons the project was abandoned.

It would indeed have been a work of no small magnitude to erect such a barrier as would have
been effectual against the incursion of savages.  A line of garrison houses was, however,
erected on the frontiers of all these towns; and it is probable that in fixing upon the 
location of the Christian Indian towns before the war, reference might have been had to the
safety of the English in case of danger.  They served, says Gookin, as a "wall of defence."


p.57
                                   1676

The month of April witnessed other horrible events to this county.  Having destroyed most
of the remote towns, the Indians looked to those remaining, and formed a determination to
destroy them also.

At this time they collected in great numbers, and approached nearest to Boston; and the
colonists were called upon to make the most vigorous defence.  On the 21st of April an
alarm was spread abroad that a large number of Indians, said to be 1,500, were about to
attack Sudbury [Gookin's Manuscript].  They had already burned several houses and the day
before killed Thomas Plympton, and a Mr. Boon and his son, returning from the west part of
the town, where the former had been to bring the two latter to a garrison-house.  A com-
pany from Watertown aided by several of the citizens, had attacked them on the east side
of Concord river; where a severe battle was fought and they were compelled to retreat 
across it.  At this time several of the citizens of Concord immediately went to their re-
lief.  Arriving near the garrison house of Walter Haynes, they observed several squaws, who,
as they drew near, danced, shouted, powwawed, and used every method to amuse and decoy them.

Eleven of the English pursued and attacked them, but

p.58

found themselves, too late, in an ambuscade, from which a large number of the Indians rushed
upon and attacked them with great fury.  Notwithstanding they made a bold resistance, it was
desperate, and ten of them were slain.  The others escaped to the garrison, where the neigh-
boring inhabitants had fled for security, which was bravely defended.  Of those who were
killed at this time belonging to Concord, I have been able to ascertain the names of five
only -

James Hosmer
Samuel Potter
John Barnes
Daniel Comy
Joseph Buttrick

Capt. Samuel Wadsworth of Milton was then at Marlborough, having been left there to strength-
en the frontiers on the return of the army from the interior.  Understanding the situation
of Sudbury, he marched with 32 soldiers to its relief.  Capt. Broclebank, whose quarters
had been at Marlborough, also accompanied him as a convoy to Boston, where he was intending
to go to communicate with the Council.  They marched in the night, and fell into an ambus-
cade early in the morning, when all but a few, who escaped to a mill, were slain.

These unfortunate soldiers were buried the next day, principally by a company of Christian
Indians, who had been organized and sent out the day before by direction of the English,
under Capt. Hunting of Charlestown.  Four dead Indians only were found.

It will be perceived that these statements differ somewhat from Hubbard and particularly
in the date.  He places it on the 18th while Gookin in the Manuscript from which I have
extracted, says it was the 21st.


Judge Sewall's Manuscript Journal says:

"Friday about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, April 21, 1676, Capt. Wadsworth and Capt.
Broclebank fall.  About 50 men slain 3 miles off Sudbury - the said town burnt - except
the garrison-houses."  The Middlesex Records, in speaking of the settlement of James Hosmer's
estate, have this expression:

"Being slayene in the engagement with the Indians at Sudbury on the 21st of the second
month [April] in the year 1676."  The order of the Council on the 22d of April affords
presumptive evidence that the unfortunate loss of the Concord party was on the same day,
though Hubbard does not positively assert it. 

The Roxbury Records say:  

"Samuel Gardner
John Roberts
Nathaniel Seaver
Thomas Hawley, Sen.
William Cheaver
Joseph Pepper
John Sharp
Thomas Hopkins
Lieut. Samuel Gardner

slain by the Indians at Sudbury under command of Samuel Wadsworth, April 27, 1676."

This was probably the day of entry, or a mistake for the 21st.


                                -1676-

p.59

From this time, which was more propitious to the Indians than any other, their success
gradually diminished.  This battle was the turning point.  The principal body of the
Indians, however, tarried in the vicinity of Groton, Lancaster and Marlborough, whence
they could easily make incursions to annoy the English.

On the 22d of April, the Council ordered 40 troopers out of Suffolk under the command of
Cornet Jacob Eliot; and the same number from Middlesex under Major Gookin, to march forth-
with to Sudbury to make discovery, whether, "the motion of the enemy be either toward Con-
cord or Medfield," by visiting the bounds of those towns, and scouting through the woods.
An atttack on Concord had been expected* and this was one of the effectual means which were
promptly taken to prevent it.

*Tradition has handed down the following anecdote.  A consultation among the Indian chiefs
took place about this time on the high lands in Stow, and as they cast their eyes toward
Sudbury and Concord, a question arose which they should attack first.  The decision was made
to attack Sudbury.  One of the principal chiefs said, "We no prosper, if we go to Concord -
the Great Spirit love that people - the evil spirit tell us not to go - they have a great
man there - he great pray!"  The Reverend Edward Bulkeley was then minister of the town, 
and his name and distinguished character were known even to the red men of the forest.

On the 26th, six cart-loads of provisions were sent by the government to Concord and John 
Flint was appointed commissary to take charge of them.  The commander-in-chief engaged to
be there the next day, making that his place of rendezvous.  The following original letter
addressed to Governor Leverett is deemed worthy of publication:

"Concord, April 29, 1676.
"Honored Sir.
"By reason that I had not a guide to go with me, it was yesterday in the forenoon ere I
reached this place, where I found a few men; but ere night, all the commanders and most of
the soldiers that yet appeare, were come up with the provision.  This day we rendezvoused
and find a great defect, an account of which is inclosed.  Upon receipt of the Hon. Major
General's letter, I have by advice of the commanders, as well for the ease of this town as
the securing of as many as we can at present, ordered Capt. Sill to Chelmsford, Capt.
Haughthorn to Billerica and Capt. Holbrook to abide here, 

p.60

and proportioned the horse accordingly; and am going myself to Chelmsford about some Indians
to be ready in order to what is in my instructions, and shall wait for further orders as
commander.  I have not yet taken any of our provision, supposing it to be for us when in
motion; but it is expected by the inhabitants that we should spend thereof.  I crave dir-
ections herein.  Some things is much wanting and desired by the captains to be sent for,
viz., flynts, tobacco, liquor, pipes.  There is but 29 that appeareth of my troop, and not
above 7 carbines among them.  I desire there may be a supply thereof; as also a saddle and 
case of pistols for myself; having here borrowed a saddle and left the tree (?) and skinn that was pressed for me.  Colours wanting also for the troop and one company and a trumpeter.

"Not any appearance of the 30 Norfolkmen.  It is desired that some more of the Indians may be sent to us, hearing them at Chelmsford are fortifying about a fishing place there.  A
chyrurgeon with medicaments is much expected, also a minister; the which I hope may be procured here.  All the commanders, officers and souldiers, express much cheerfullness and 
have hope that the defects will be be made up; that we may be in a better capacity to serve
the country.  I shall not further inlarge, but to begg your honors prayers for us.  

Remaining Sir your humble servant.

D. Henchman."



p.60

May 5th, [1676] the court addressed a letter to the Indians, requesting them to meet the English at Concord or Boston, to find out their wishes, and try to effect a peace.  Concord was now a distinguished military post, and the center of many of the operations against the enemy.

                            Some captives set free at Concord

"May 12th, goodwife Devens, and goodwife Kether, upon ransom being paid, came into Concord;
and upon the ransom presented, John Morse of Groton and Lieut. Carter of Lancaster were set
at liberty; and more without ransom, as goodman Emery, and his little boy."  [Rev. Mr.
Cobbet's letter in the Mather papers.]

The detachments of soldiers for the relief of the frontier towns were frequent and heavy
in May.  Early in that month 80 from the troops of Esses, Suffolk, and Middlesex, were
ordered to repair to Concord for the country service.  On the 20th, 270 garrison soldiers
from the same counties, were ordered to be stationed at the following "frontier towns for 
the better security of them from the incursions of the enemy." 

Concord 20
Sudbury 30
Chelmsford 20
Billerica 20
Andover 20
Haverhill 20
Bradford 10
Exeter 20
Medfield 30
Dedham 20
Milton 10
Braintree 15
Weymouth 15
Hingham 20

p.61

These soldiers were to be maintained at the cost of the several towns and to be under the
direction of the committees of militia.

Major Daniel Gookin succeeded Major Simon Willard after his death in April, in command of
the military forces in Middlesex; Thomas Clark was commander in Suffolk, and Daniel Denison
in Essex; all of whom were in Corcord, May 30th.   The following letter was addressed to
Gov. Leverett:

"Concord, June 2, 1676.

"Hon. Sir,

"I did hope with this to send up all the returns but have yet received only Captain Pool's,
here enclosed.  The Major General was even wearied out about them; and two captains beside
myself still labouring under the toile.  My lieutenant gave his, as he tells me, to the
Major General: the rest I shall dispatch.

"The reason of our stay here for two days, Mr. Clark who is now going to Boston will make
known, and what is now in hand, being the unanimous advice of a council of war, and hopefull.  Capt. Holbrook's return, received while writing, is also inclosed by -

Sir, Your Honor's humble servant,                    [signed]   D. Henchman."


Capt. Joseph Sill [this officer was afterwards sent to the eastward against the Indians.
[See Belknap, History of New Hampshire, vol. I, p.75.] commanded one of the companies which
were at Concord several months, and was frequently sent out on scouts.  His list was return-
ed with those stated in the above letter.

Letter from the Council to Capt. Henchman, dated June 10, 1676:

"Capt. Henchman,

"The bearer, John Hunter, with ten Indians was intended a scout for Concord, but through
his much importunity and our persuasion of his capacity and intention upon the service, he
is dispatched to the enemy, and in lieu of him and his party we send ten Indians to Concord,
for the scout service, and if possible to attempt something upon Philip.  In marching upward
with him are several sachems, but few fighting men, and having planted at Pacacheog and
Quabadge, they will scarce depart thence.  Deal kindly with Hunter and as much as may be,
satisfy him.  His spleen seems to be such against [King] Philip, that we are persuaded of
his resolution against him."

p.62

About this time Capt. Henchman and his company left Concord.   In a letter to the Council,
dated Marlborough, 11th June [1676], he says:

"Some Indian scouts sent out this day have brought in Captain Thom, his daughter, and two
children, being found about ten miles to the soudest [sic] of this place.  There was more of them,viz: two that were gone a fishing, so not lighted of.  This company with some others at 
other places, of which James Prenter [is he not the same who is mentioned by Thomas in his
History of Printing?] is one, did as they say leave the enemy by times in the spring with
an intent to come in to the English, but dare not for fear of our scouts.  These prisoners
say that many of the enemy hearing that there was like to be a treaty with Samuel did intend
to go in to him.  Mr. Scott also coming from Concord yesterday informs me, that one of the
old squaws there doth not question but that if she may have liberty to go to Samuel, he and
his company will come in to the English."

There had been a company of 80 Christian Indians, friends of the English, who had acted as
spies, messengers, scouts and soldiers during the war, whose officers were:

Capt. Andrew Pittimee (one of the owners of Concord Village).
Quanahpohkit, alias James Rumney Marsh
John Magus
James Speen.

On the 1st of June [1676], they petitioned for the release of "Capt. Thom, his son,
Nehemiah, his wife and two children, John Uktuck, his wife and children, Waanum and her
child," who were prisoners of war.  The women and children were released, but the others
were executed.  "Capt. Thom," say the minutes of their trial, "was not only an instigator
to others, over whom he was made a captain, but also was actually present and an actor in
devastations of some of our plantations."

footnote:

Strict regard was paid to the rights of friendly Indians by the government.  On the 6th of
August, 1676, 3 squaws, and 3 children were killed while picking whortleberries on a hill
in Watertown, now Lincoln.  Two persons were executed for this murder.  "Sept. 21, 1671,
Stephen Gobble (Goble) of Concord was executed for the murder of Indians.  Three Indians
for firing Eame's house, and murder.  "The weather was cloudy and rawly cold though little or IIInno rain.  Mr. Mighil prayed.  Four others set on the gallows - two men and 2 impudent
women; one of which laughed at the gallows, as many testified."  "Sept. 26, 1676, Sagamore
Sam goes and Daniel Gobble (Goble) is drawn in a cart upon bed-clothes to execution.  One-
Eyed John, Maliompe, Sagamore of Quaboag, general at Lancaster, etc., Jethro, the father,
walked to the gallows.  One-Eyed John accuses Sagamore John to have fired the first gun at
Quaboag and killed Capt. Hutchinson."  [Sewall's Manuscript Journal.]



p.63

Companies were sent from this town towards the Connecticut River in pursuit of Philip; and
after traversing the country in various directions for nearly two months without finding him, they proceeded towards Rhode Island where, with the assistance of some other troops
who joined them, they killed and captured 150 Indians. [Hubbard.] These and other instances
of success encouraged the English, and calmed the fury of the savages.    After a year's 
absence Philip, reduced to a miserable condition, returned to his native place, near which
he was killed, August 12, 1676.  One of his own men, whom he had offended, and who had de-
serted to the English, shot him through the heart.  His death put an end to this most horrid
and distressing war.

About 3,000 warriors were combined for the destruction of New England, and the war terminated with their entire defeat, and almost total extinction.  About 600 of the English
inhabitants, the greatest part of whom were the flower and strength of the country, either
fell in battle or were murdered by the enemy.  Twelve or thirteen towns were destroyed and
about 600 houses burned. [Trumbell, vol. i, p. 350; Holmes's Annals of America, i. 384.]

A tax was made this year for the support of the war from which the following items are 
extracted [Colony Records.]

In consequence of the losses sustained by Concord and Sudbury, their taxes were abated,
Concord having £50 abated in May, 1676, and Sudbury £40.

Boston £300. 0s. 0d.
Charlestown £180. 0s. 0d.
Watertown £45. 0s. 0d.
Cambridge £42. 2s. 0d.
Concord £33. 19s. 1d.
Sudbury £20. 0s. 0d.
Lancaster £11. 16s. 0d.
Woburn £25. 16s. 0d.
Marlborough £17. 13s. 0d.
Chelmsford £14. 18s. 0d.
Billerica £14. 7s. 0d.
Groton £11. 10s. 0d.

p.64

On the 22d of January, 1677, the goverment made allowance to the people distressed by the
war in Massachusetts; and allotted to the selectmen of the several towns in proportion to 
their losses, out of the "*Irish Charity," in meal, oatmeal, wheat, malt at 18s per ball.
Butter, 6d. and cheese, 4d per pound."  In the list accompanying this order the following
towns appear [The whole list is published in the New Hampshire Collection, vol. iii. pp 102,
103.]

Town             Families   Persons   Amount     

Charlestown         29       102      £15. 6s.
Watertown           19        76      £11. 8s.
Cambridge           14        61      £9. 3s.
Concord             18        72      £10. 16s.
Sudbury             12        48      £7. 8s.
Woburn               8        43      £6. 9s.
Billerica            1         4      £0. 12s.
Boston             125       432      £66. 6.


* "Irish Charity" sent from Dublin in 1676 for sufferers from King Philip's War. 

End Chapter IV.  This full chapter will be sent, freely shared on request, as a Word Text