Soldiers in King Philip's war. Containing lists of the soldiers of ...

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from the vicinity of Hartford, and thirty of Uncas's Indians under
his son Joshua, who scouted with the other forces. The Nipmucks
could not be found, and it was afterward learned from the Indian
guide, George Memecho, captured by the Nipmucks in Wheeler's
fight, that on their retreat from Brookfield on August 5th, Philip,
with about forty warriors and many more women and children, had
met them in a swamp six miles beyond the battle ground, and by
presents to their Sachems and otherwise, had engaged them further
in his interest ; and all probably hastened away towards Northfield
and joined the Pocomptucks, and thence began to threaten the plan-
tations on the Connecticut River. After several days diligent
searching, on August 16th, Captain Lathrop's and Beers's companies,
the latter reinforced by twenty-six men from Capt. Mosely,
together with most of the Connecticut, Springfield and Indian forces,
marched towards Hadley and the neighboring towns, while Mosely
went towards Lancaster and Chelmsford. Major Willard remained
for several weeks at the garrison. Mr. Hubbard and Capt. Wheeler
make this statement, and further relate that he soon after went
up to Hadley on the service of the country. I think the visit to
Hadley was after August 24th, as on that date I find a letter from
Secretary Rawson to him, enclosing one to Major Pynchon, and ad-
vising him to ride up to Springfield and visit Major Pynchon " for
the encouragement of him and his people." The writer of the " Willard
Memoir " states that he was in command of the forces about
Hadley for some time in the absence of Major Pynchon, but I have
been unable to find any confirmation of this, unless it may be the
inference drawn from Hubbard, who states that when Major Willard
" returned back to his own place to order the affairs of his own regiment,
much needing his Presence," he left " the Forces about Had-
ley under the Command of the Major of that Regiment." The letter
above contained directions about the disposal of his forces, &c,
which would naturally take several weeks to accomplish, and although
the precise date of Major Willard's return from Brookfield
is not given, some inference may be drawn from circumstances noted
further on. Following is the list of those credited with service
under Major Willard, from August 23d to January 25th, 1675 :
August 23 d ,
Richard Keatts.
Sept 17
Thomas Hincher.
Sept 21 st
675
Jonathan Prescott.
John Divall.
Sept 28
James Parker, Capt.
James Knap, SergK
James Fisk.
Matthias Farnsworth