History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

,
1675] KING Philip's war—raid on Northampton. 271
seph Baker, and Joseph Baker Jr., were at work in the
meadow, and that is all that is 'positively known concerning
the place or manner of their deaths. After the attack
on the men in Pynchon's Meadow, it is not probable that
two men and a boy would have ventured very far into the
meadows unprotected. In the same paragraph ^ which
notes the killing of these persons, it is stated that the In-
dians attempted to burn the mill, but it was so well defended
that they were unable to effect their purpose. This
mill was probably the one built in 1671, at Red Rocks. If
this was the mill attacked, it is quite probable that the
meadow in which the men were killed was the small one at
the upper or western end of "Paradise." They were probably
not very far from the mill, which it seems was well
guarded, and undoubtedly considered themselves within
hailing distance of succor, should the enemy appear. From
the fact that the Indians at once assaulted the mill, it may
be inferred that the men were killed very near it, being
discovered by the enemy while on their way to the attack.
The Persons Killed. Two of thcse last victims Were men prominent
in the settlement, and could not readily
be spared. Joseph Baker was the son of Edward Baker,
and lived on Elm Street. His home lot was on the opposite
side of the street from the lot originally granted to his
father, and comprised the property on both sides of what
is now Henshaw Avenue. Joseph Baker Jr., his son, was
a lad but ten years of age. Thomas Salmon was an origi-
nal settler, and had a home lot on Meeting House Hill,
which he sold in 1668.
Danger Everywhere. While the foe was tlius Constantly skulk-
The Savage Foe
on the Alert.
j^g about, the plantation was in a state of
, .
t^ tit
great excitement. Danger lurked on every
side. Men had been shot and scalped almost within sight
of their own doors, and the good-wife, when her husband
went forth to his daily toil, knew not that she should ever
again behold him living. Though the town swarmed with
soldiers, they were powerless to protect. No part of the
settlement was safe. Watching every opportunity, the en-
1 Rev. Mr. Williams' Historical Seimou.