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COLONIAL HISTORY OF SOUTHPORT SWAMP
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ALEXANDER JOHNSTON SOUTHPORT SWAMP Colonial History of Pequot Swamp A Brief History of the Pequot War John Mason Narrative COLONIAL INDIAN ARCHIVES Sarah Day Woodward Winthrop’s Journal Johnson's
Wonder-Working Providence of Sions
Savior in New England History
of New England Patriarch To The
Indians Thomas Mayhew
1593-1662 THE INDIANS OF THE
HOUSATONIC AND NAUGATUCK
VALLEYS SAMUEL ORCUTT HISTORY OF THE OLD TOWN OF
STRATFORD Wm. Howard Wilcoxson Establishing Title to the Land FORREST MORGAN Lifestyles,
Government, Religion and War Indian Titles and
Mohegan Land Troubles Sowheag, Uncas, and Miantonomo THE HOUSATONIC CHARD POWERS SMITH The Promised Land ALEXANDER JOHNSTON Connecticut's Colonial & Continental Money |
The Great Swamp Fight
Our Council being called, and the question propounded. How should we proceed. Captain Patrick advised that we should cut down the swamp; there being many Indian hatchets taken, Captain Traske concurring with him; but was opposed by others: Then we must pallizado the swamp; which was also opposed: then they would have a hedge made like hose of Gotham; all which was judged by some almost impossible, and to no purpose, and that for several reasons, and therefore strongly opposed. But some others advised to force the swamp, having time enough, it being about three of the clock in the afternoon. But that being opposed, it was then propounded to draw up our men close to the swamp, which would have much lessened the circumference; and with all to fill up the open passages with bushes, that so we might them until morning, and then we might consider further about it. But neither of these would pass, so different were our apprehensions; which was very grievous o some of us, who concluded the Indians would make an escape in the night, as easily they might and did. We keeping at a great distance, what better could be expected Yet Captain Mason took order that the narrow in the swamp should be cut through which did much shorten our leaguer. It was resolutely performed by Sergeant Davis.
We being loth to destroy women and children, as also the Indians belonging to that place, whereupon Mr. Tho. Stanton a man well acquainted with Indian language and manners, offered his service to go into the swamp and treat with them. To which we were somewhat backward, by reason of some hazard and danger he might be exposed unto. But his importunity prevailed: who going to them, did in a short time return to us, with near two hundred old men, women and children; who delivered themselves to the mercy of the English. And so night drawing on, we beleaguered them as strongly as we could. About half an hour before day, the Indians that were in the swamp attempted to break through Captain Patricks quarters, but were beaten back several times, they making a great noise, as their manner is a such times, it sounded round about our leaguer: whereupon Captain Mason sent Sergeant Stares to inquire into the cause, and also to assist if need required; Capain Traske coming also in to their assistance: but the tumult growings to a very great heighth, we raised our siege, and marching up to the palace, at a turning of the swamp the Indians were forcing out upon us, but we sent them back by our small shot.
We waiting a little for a second attempt, the Indians in the mean time facing about pressed violently upon Captain Patrick, breaking through his quarters, and so escaped. They were about sixty or seventy as were informed. We afterwards searched the swamp, and found but few slain. The captives we took were about one hundred and eighty, whom we divided, intending to keep them as servants, but they could not endure that yoke; few of them continuing any considerable time with their masters.
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