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

No. XIV.
CLOSE OF THE NARRAGANSETT CAMPAIGN ;
" HUNGRY ; MARCH " CAPT. SAMUEL
AFTER
BROCKLEBANK AND HIS MEN.
THE
the battle at the Narragansett Fort, several weeks of
partial inactivity ensued, while both the English and the Indians
were seeking to recover somewhat from the severe blow each
hid received. The forces of Massachusetts and Plymouth remained
at Smith's garrison at Narragansett, while Major Treat with the
Connecticut regiment returned to Stonimjton about December
28th. 116
From various sources, the accounts of the most reliable historians
of the time, from contemporary letters and notices, we are able to
glean some few items indicating the situation of affairs at the seat of
war.
The Indians were greatly demoralized and evidently very solicitous
as to the immediate future action of our army, as they sent in a
delegation to the General on Thursday, December 23d, four days
after the fight, ostensibly to negotiate in regard to peace, but in reality,
doubtless, to ascertain the strength and intentions of the Eng-
lish. Some of the Indians had returned to their fort upon the re-
treat of the troops, and it is likely were able to rescue a part of their
provision's from the flames, but the main body was gathered into a
swamp some three miles distant, while those who had joined the
Narragansetts from neighboring tribes returned home. Mr. Dudley
wrote that Philip was seen by one of ours with a strong bodyguard
during or after the battle. If so he must have made a rapid
march between that and January 6th, upon which date Governor
Andros, of the New York Colony, writes to the Connecticut Governor
:
" This is to acquaint you that late last night I had intelligence that Philip
& 4 or 500 North Indians fighting men, were come within 40 or 50
miles of Albany northerly, where they talk of continuing this winter; that
Phi: is sick, and one Sahamoshuha the Comander in chief. Whereupon
I have despatched orders theither."
I have found no reliable proof that Philip or his Wampanoag war-
riors, as a body, had any part in the Narragansett fight, while there
1,6 In the treasurer's account with Connecticut colony there is a charge " For billiting 41
wounded men 7 clays," and as there is no other occasion on which so many were wounded,
it is fair to assume that the Connecticut forces did not retire before the 28th.