1623. Partly to benefit Weston's starving people, and partly to provide for his own families, governor Bradford agreed to accompany them in the Swan, their own ship, on an expedition to Cape Cod, to procure corn from the natives. He afterwards went a second time, in company with Captain Standish in another shallop, after the Captain had recovered from sickness. These voyages were attended with the greatest hazard, by reason of violent storms; but they returned in safety, and brought a good supply of corn, which they divided equally between the two plantations. At Nauset the shallop was stranded in a storm; part of the corn and beans, of which they had 26 or 28 hogsheads, was stacked and covered with mats and left in charge of the Indians. The governor procuring a guide, travelled home on foot, receiving much respect from the natives by the way, and was weary with galled feet and disappointment. In this first voyage the governor took Squanto as an interpreter and pilot, but unfortunately he was seized with a mortal fever at Cape Cod, of which he soon died. This loss was severely felt, as his place could not be supplied.

Although on a former occasion his conduct was somewhat exceptionable, yet, as interpreter and pilot, the English always found him faithful and ready to devote himself to their service. A short time previous to his death, he requested governor Bradford to pray that he might go to the Englishman's God in heaven; and he bequeathed his little property to his English friends, as remembrances of his love.'

While

January. Captain Standish made frequent successful excursions during the winter, to traffic for corn and furs. his shallop lay in a creek at Nauset, an Indian stole from him some beads, scissors, and other trifles. Standish complained to the sachem, and threatened him and his people with punishment, unless they were restored. The next day, the sachem with a number of his men appeared to make satisfaction. First, by way of salutation, he thrust out his tongue to its full length, and drew it across the Captain's wrist and hand to his finger ends. Next, he attempted to bow the knee in imitation of the English, having been instructed by Squanto. All his men followed his example, but in so awkward a manner, that the English could scarce refrain from breaking out in open laughter. After this ceremony, he delivered back the stolen goods, assuring the captain that he had punished the thief. He then directed the women to make some bread for the company, and expressed his sorrow for the theft, and was glad to be reconciled,

February. Captain Standish, being on a visit to Mattachiest

(Barnstable) to purchase corn, the people freely supplied him, pretending to regard him with great friendship and respect. Several strangers also appeared, wishing only to see him and his company, but Standish saw reason to suspect that they were planning to kill him. He, therefore, ordered that part of his company should remain awake, and watch all night. It was not long before some beads were stolen. Standish, having but six men with him, ordered that all should leave the boat, and surround the house which contained the sachem and his people. He now assured them that as he would not offer the least injury to one of them, so he would receive none from any person, and demanded the stolen articles. The sachem, having directed the thief to go slily and put them into the boat, desired the Captain to search for them there; he, suspecting their knavery, sent a man who found the articles lying in plain sight on the boat's cuddy. These people now supplied him with corn enough to load his shallop. These spirited measures produced an admirable effect upon these faithless people, and kept them in constant fear.

March. On a visit to Manomet,* Captain Standish was apprehensive that the natives were plotting his destruction. Being some distance from his boat, with only two or three men, and the same number at the boat, he entered the house of Canancum, the sachem; soon after which, two of the Massachusetts Indians entered. The chief one, called Wattawamat, was a notable, insulting villain, who had formerly imbrued his hands in the blood of English and French, and had often boasted of his own valor, and derided the weakness of the English, especially, as he said, because they died crying, making sour faces, more like children than men. This fellow took a dagger from his neck, and presented it to the sachem, accompanied by a long speech, which the Captain could not understand, but which was of the following purport. The Massachusetts had concluded to destroy Weston's company, dare not attempt it, till they could gather strength enough to destroy the Plymouth people also, as they would never leave the death of their countrymen unrevenged, and they could not

but

* Manomet is the name of a creek, or river, which runs through the town of Sandwich into the upper part of Buzzard's Bay, formerly called Manomet Bay. Between this and Scusset Creek, is the place, which, for more than a century, has been thought of, as proper to be cut through, to form a communication by a navigable canal from Barnstable Bay to Buzzard's Bay. It is only six miles

across.

be safe unless both plantations were overthrown. To this end, they formerly had solicited this sachem, and also Iyanough at Mattachiest, and many others, to assist them; and now, since there was so fair an opportunity by the Captain's presence, it was best they should make sure of him and his company. The savages endeavored to persuade Standish to send for the remainder of the boat's crew, but he refused. At the same time there was a lusty Indian of Paomet (Truro) present, who had professed friendship for the English, especially for Standish. This savage was in confederacy with the rest, but was very artful in keeping up appearances, offering many presents, saying he was rich, and could afford to bestow such favors on his friends whom he loved. He also offered to carry some of his corn to the shallop, a kind of labor which he said he had never performed for any man in his life before. And that he might have a better opportunity to kill the Captain, he importuned him to lodge at his hut, but the weather was so excessively cold that he was unable to sleep, and kept about the fire. The Indian frequently inquired why he did not sleep as usual, and urged him to it, but he replied that he had no desire to rest. The next day, the Indian embarked with Standish, and urged him to accompany him to Paomet, promising to supply him with corn, which the Captain complied with, not in the least suspecting an evil design; but the boat was forced back by a contrary wind, and returned to Plymouth. Thus the savage in two attempts was providentially frustrated in his diabolical intentions.

March. Visit to Massasoit. Information being received that Massasoit was dangerously sick, and that a Dutch ship was stranded near his house, the governor sent Edward Winslow and John Hampden, with Hobomak, to visit him and minister to his comfort, as this act is not only commendable in itself, but is conformable to the prevailing custom among the natives in case of sickness. Mr. Hampden was a gentleman from London, says Winslow, who was spending the winter at Plymouth, and was desirous of seeing the country. Dr. Belknap supposes this to be the same person who distinguished himself by his opposition to the illegal and arbitrary demands of King Charles I.* [Biog. vol. ii. p. 229.] Winslow was

* 'When wandering about the woods of Pakanok, or along the banks of Taunton river, or sleeping in Indian huts, little did Hampden dream of the fate which awaited him. Little did he think that it was reserved for him to commence the overthrow of the British monarchy, and to shed his blood in the first daring attempt for a

acquainted with the Dutch language, and it was desirable to have a conference with them; he was, moreover, a warm friend of Massasoit, and he provided for the occasion some comfortable cordials, &c. The first night they lodged with their Indian friends at Namasket; the next day, about one o'clock, they came to a ferry in Corbitant's country, (Slade's ferry in Swansey) where they met with many Indians, who informed them that Massasoit was dead, and was that day to be buried, and that the Dutch ship would be off before they could arrive. This was unwelcome news, and Hobomak wished to return immediately to Plymouth. But Winslow, conceiving that Corbitant would probably succeed Massasoit, and that the distance was only three miles to his dwelling-place, (Mattapoiset), prevailed on Hampden and Hobomak to proceed, although the visit might be attended with danger, as Corbitant was considered to be unfriendly. Hobomak immediately began to manifest his great grief, exclaiming often on the way, Neen womasu sagimus, neen womasu sagimus, &c. My loving sachem, my loving sachem, many have I known, but never any like thee.' And turning to Mr. Winslow, he said, 'Whilst I live I shall never see his like amongst the Indians; he was no liar, he was not bloody and cruel, like other Indians. In anger and passion he was soon reclaimed; easy to be reconciled towards such as had offended him; ruled by reason, not scorning the advice of mean men; governing his men betterwith few strokes than others did with many, truly loving where he loved, and he feared that the English had not a faithful friend left among the Indians,' &c. In this strain of lamentation and sorrow he continued, till they arrived at Corbitant's house; but he being gone to visit Massasoit, the squaw sachem gave them a kind entertainment, and informed them that the

free constitution in England.'-Baylies, vol. i. p. 110.

We are not aware that such a visit by Hampden is mentioned by any British writer. We have never met with the memorial of John Hampden, by Lord Nugent,' but, from the notice of this work in the Edinburgh Review, we infer there was no knowledge of the fact of such a visit. At this period, (1620) he had not risen to distinction, but he was the father of a family, and a member of Parliament, and a total silence as to such a voyage, especially in epistolary correspondence, is a little difficult to be accounted for. It is a known fact, however, that Hampden had a partiality for the puritans, and was a warm friend to the New England Colonies, and it is cer tain also, that, at a subsequent period, he, with his relative, Oliver Cromwell, was actually on ship board, bound to New England, and was stopped by order of the royal government.

death of Massasoit was not certainly known, but supposed. Winslow hired an Indian to go with all expedition to Pokanoket and ascertain the fact, and inform Corbitant that they were at his house. News was soon brought that the king was not dead, though there was no hope that they would find him living. On their arrival, they found that the Dutch ship had sailed, and that Massasoit still breathed. His hut was filled and surrounded with people. The pawaws were in the diligent exercise of their incantations and charms for him, making a 'hellish noise,' terrifying both sick and well, and six or eight women were chafing his limbs. Massasoit was apparently expiring, his sight had wholly left him, but being told that his English friends had come to see him, he inquired who had come, and on being told Winslow, he desired to speak to him; on his approach he put forth his hand and said twice, though very feebly, keen Winsnow? Art thou Winslow? Yes. Then he doubled these words, matre neen wonekanet naimen Winsnow.' 'O Winslow, I shall never see you again.' Winslow then desired Hobomak to tell him, that the governor was grieved to learn that he was sick, and being unable to come himself, had sent him with some comfortable things for his relief, and gave him some conserve on the point of a knife. With much difficulty he got this through his teeth, and Massasoit swallowed a little, which he had not done for the last two days. Winslow next endeavored to cleanse his mouth, which was excessively loaded with filth, and his tongue so much swollen as to impede his. swallowing. He continued his kind attention to his patient, repeating his applications till all appearances were favorable, and he, within an hour, obtained some sleep.

Mr. Winslow now proposed to send a messenger to Plymouth for a further supply of such articles as he required; with which the chief was delighted, and soon despatched a messenger. In the mean time, Winslow made him some broth of corn meal, boiled with sassafras root and strawberry leaves, which he relished. He requested Winslow the next day to take his piece and kill him some fowl and make him some broth. The sachem derived great benefit from the kindness of Mr. Winslow, of which he and all his people were truly sensible, and for which they expressed their sincere gratitude. He exclaimed, now I see the English are my friends, and love me, and whilst I live I will never forget this kindness they have shown me. He earnestly desired that Winslow would visit the sick people in the town, and wash their mouths also, and give to each of them some of the same good things which he had given him. Winslow and Hampden, on taking their departure, received