Ind massacre in Va. 1622. Thelony had increased so fast, that in the year 1622, settlements were scattered, not only along the banks of James and York rivers, but began to extend to the Rappahannock, and even to the Potomac. In this year, the cup of prosperity, of which the colonists began to taste, was dashed from their lips.

In the year 1618, died Powhatan, who had remained faithful to the English, ever since the marriage of Pocahontas to Mr. Rolfe. Powhatan was succeeded, not only in his own dominions, but in his influence over all the neighboring tribes, by Opecancanough, a bold and cunning chief, as remarkable for his jealousy and hate of the

Who succeeded Powhatan?
In what year?

Whom did 'he exceedingly hate?, What stipulations did he renew! How long did he continue at peace with the colonists ?

new settlers, as for his qualifications to execute the vengeance, his resentments dictated. He renewed, however, the stipulations of Powhatan, and for about four years, the peace remained undisturbed. Rejoicing in prosperity, the colo nists neglected every precaution for safety. Unsuspicious of danger, they paid no attention to the machinations of the Indians. Like the peaceful inhabitants of a society, completely established, they were no longer soldiers, but citizens; and were so intent on what was subservient to the comfort or embellishment of civil life, that every martial exercise began to be laid aside. The Indians, whom they commonly employed as hunters, were furnished with fire arms, and taught to use them with dexterity. They were admitted at all times, freely into the habitations of the English, as harmless visitants were fed at their tables, and lodged in their chambers. During this state of free and friendly intercourse, the savages formed a conspiracy to cut off all the colonists, without distinction of age, sex or character. All the tribes in the neighborhood of the English, except those east of the Chesapeak, were successively gained over, and united in the plot; and the means of perpetrating it were concerted with amazing secrecy. To each tribe a station was assigned, and a particular work of destruction prescribed. So deep and dark was their dissimulation, that they were accustomed to borrow boats of the English, to cross the river, in order to concert and mature their execra

ble designs. The 22d of March was designated as the day of de

struction to all the whites. The better to disguise their intentions, they brought on the preceding evening, deer, turkeys and fish as presents. Even on the morning of the massacre, they came freely among the whites, behaving in their usual friendly manner, until the very instant of commencing the carnage. At mid-day, finding the whites perf secure, the savages rushed at one upon them in their different settlements, and indiscriminately murdered men, women and children. So sudden was the execution, that few perceived the weapons or the blows, that proved their death. Thus in one hour, and almost at the same moment, fell 347 persons, nearly a fourth part of the whole colony. But for two circumstances, the slaughter might have been almost universal. An Indian, named Chanco, had been domesticatedy a Mr. Pace. He is represente as having been converted to Christianity. The night preceding the massacre, this Indian was induced, probably by a sense of duty, to give information of the horrid plot, to Mr. Pace, who had been to him as a father. Mr. Pace instantly flew to Jamestown; and the alarm was given in season, to save that and

How many persons were slaughtered in a single hour?

What part of the whole colony? Who had warned the people of Jamestown of their danger?

Who had informed Mr. Pace ?
How long beforehand?

What was the consequence te Jamestown and some of the adja cent settlements ?

With what, were the survivors overwhelmed?

Where did they assemble for safety? What ensued?

What was the fate of some of the nearest tribes ?

From what dread, were the colony delivered?

several of the adjacent settlements In other districts, the colonists ran to their arms, and with desperate valor, repulsed the assailants.

Though the blow was thus prevented from descending with its full effect, it proved very grievous to an infant colony. In some settlements, not a single white man escaped. Many men of prime note, and among these several members of the council, were slain. The survivors, overwhelmed with grief, astonishment and terror, abandoned all their remote settlements, and assembled for safety, in Jamestown and its vicinity. Confined within narrow limits, they were less intent on schemes of industry, than on thoughts of revenge. Every man took arms. bloody war against the Indians ensued; and neither old nor young were spared. They hunted the Indians like wild beasts. Some of the nearest tribes were totally exterminated.

A

These deeds of death, which were considered as necessary acts of retaliation, were followed by some happy effects. The colony were delivered so entirely from dread of the Indians, that the settlements began again to extend and their industry to revive.

CHAPTER XXIV.

Winslow's second visit to Massasoit. Indian conspiracy.

What important news respecting Massasoit, was received at Plymouth in the spring of 1623 ? +

Whom did Gov. Bradford send to visit him?

What distinguished patriot accompanied him?

+ NOTE J.

Who was their guide?

What intelligence did they re. ceive in Conbatant's country?

What is that country now called? Swanzey.

In what state? Ms.

Who manifested very great an guish, when he heard Massasoit was dead?

Can you mention some of the virtues, that Hobbamak ascribed to Massasoit?

meet, that as we had ever professed

sasoit.

Edward Winslow was born in Worcestershire, in 1594. He was one of the most distinguished and useful of the Plymouth Pilgrims. He was one of the 14, who coasted the bay of Cape Cod, and discovered the harbor of Plymouth. When Massasoit visited Plymouth, Winslow offered himself as a hostage while a conference was held, and a treaty formed, with that sachem. Twice he was sent by Governor Bradford, to visit Massa

soit; and for three years, he was governor. Probably, the most important business, that he ever performed, was that of his second mission to Pokanoket. This he discharged in March, 1623, in company with John Hambden, afterwards so illustrious by his opposition to the tyranny of Charles I. The following account is in the words of Winslow himself.

"News, came to Plymouth, that Massasoit was like to die, and that at the same time, there was a Dutch ship driven so high on the shore, before his dwelling, by stress of weather, that, till the tides increased, she could not be got off. Now, it being a commendable manner of the Indians, when any, especially of note, are dangerously sick, for all that profess friendship to them to visit them in their extremity; therefore it was thought

tain the same, by observing this their laudable custom; and the rather, because we desired to have some conference with the Dutch, not knowing, when we should have so fit an opportunity.

"To that end, myself having formerly been there, and understanding in some measure the Dutch tongue, the governor again laid this service on myself, and fitted me with some cordials to administer to him; having one Mr. John Hambden, a gentleman of London, who then wintered with us, and desired much to see the country, for my consort, and Hobbamak for our guide. So we set forward, and lodged the first night at Namasket, where we had friendly entertain

ment.

"The next day, about one of the clock, we came to a ferry in Conbatant's country, where, upon discharge of my piece, divers Indians came to us, from a house not far off. They told us that Massasoit was dead, and that day buried; and that the Dutch would be gone, before we could get thither, having hove off their ship already. This news struck us blank; but especially Hobbamak, who desired me to return with all speed. I told him, I would first think of it, considering now, that he being dead, Conbatant, or Corbitant, was the most likely to succeed him, and that we were not above three miles from

How did they ascertain, that Massasoit was not dead?

What rendered it difficult for them to enter Massasoit's house, when they arrived?

For what purpose, were the Indians there making a horrible noise?

Who, did they tell him, was come to see him?

Mattapuyst, his dwelling place. Although he were but a hollowhearted friend to us, I thought no time so fit as this, to enter into more friendly terms with him, and the rest of the sachems thereabouts; hoping, through the blessing of God, it would be a means in that unsettled state, to settle their affections towards us; and though it were somewhat dangerous, in respect of our personal safety, yet esteeming it the best means, leaving the event to God in his mercy, I resolved to put it in practice, if Mr. Hambden and Hobbamak durst attempt it with me, whom I found willing. So we went toward Mattapuyst.

"In the way, Hobbamak manifesting a troubled spirit, brake forth into these speeches, Neen womusu, Sagamus, Neen womasu, Sagamus, &c. 'My loving Sachem! My loving Sachem! many have I known, but never any like thee!' Then turning to me, he said, whilst I lived, I should never see his like among 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, in such measure, as he would not scorn the advice of mean men; and that he governed his men better with few strokes, than others did with many, truly loving where he loved; yea, he feared, we had not a faithful friend left among the Indians, shewing how often he restrained their malice. He continned a long speech, with such signs

In what state, did Winslow find him? Quite blind, and extremely sick.

With what success, did Mr. Winslow use means for the restoration of Massasoit's health? He was immediately better, and soon recovered.

For whom else, did Mr. Winslow use the same means?

of lamentation and unfeigned sorrow, as would have made the hardest heart relent.

"At length, we came to Mattapuyst, and went to the Sachem's place. Conbatant was not at home, but at Pokanokick, five or six miles off. The squaw sachem gave us friendly entertainment. Here we inquired again concerning Massasoit. They thought him dead; but knew no certainty. Whereupon, I hired one to go with all expedition to Pokanokick, that we might know the certainty thereof, and withal to acquaint Conbatant with our being there. About half an hour before sun-setting, the messenger returned, and told us, that he was not yet dead, though there was no hope, that we should find him living. Upon this, we were much revived, and set forward with all speed, though it was late within night, when we got thither. About two of the clock, that afternoon, the Dutchman had departed, so that, in that respect, our journey was frustrate.

"When we came thither, we found the house so full of men, as we could scarce get in, though they used their best diligence to make way for us. They were in the midst of their charms for him, making such a hellish noise, as distem pered us that were well, and therefore unlike to ease him that was sick. About him, were six or eight women, who chafed his arms and legs, to keep heat in him. When they had made an end of their charming, one told him, that