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

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Boston: 27.: June: 1689
Honor d Sir
The Governor and Councill haveing this day received a Letter from
Major Henchman of Chelmsford, that some Indians are come unto them,
who report that there is a gathering of some Indians in or about Penecooke
with designe of mischiefe to the English, amongst the said Indians is
one Hawkins [Hogkins or Kankamagus] is said to be a principle designer,
and that they have a particular designe against yourselfe and Mr. Peter
Coffin which the Councill thought it necessary presently to dispatch Advice
thereof to give you notice that you take care of yo r own Safeguard, they intending
endeavour to to betray you on a pretention of Trade. Please forthwith
to Signify import hereof to Mr. Coffin and others as you shall think
necessary, and Advise of what Information you may receive at any time of
the Indians motions.
By Order in Councill,
For Major Rich d Walden and Mr. Peter Coffin
or either of them at Cocheca with all
possible [haste]
Mass. Archives, Vol. 107, p. 144.
Isa: Addington, Sec'y.
The messengers made all possible speed for Dover, but were de-
tained at the Ferry at Newbury, and did not arrive until June 28th,
the day after the blow had fallen. On the evening of the 27th two
squaws applied at each of the garrison houses for permission to sleep
inside, as was often done, and two were admitted into each of the
o-arrisons, Walderne's, Heard's and Otis's, and were shown how to
unfasten the gates if they wished to go away during the n ght.
There was a report of a great number of Indians coming to trade
next day, and the sachem Wesandowit, who had taken supper at
the Major's, asked him pointedly, " Brother Waldron, what would
you do if the strange Indians should come ?" " I could assemble a
hundred men by lifting up my finger," replied the Major in careless
indifference. And thus all retired to rest ; no watch was placed and
no precautions taken.
After midnight the gates were opened by the squaws. The Indians
waiting outside rushed in and took possession without any
alarm and rushed into the Major's rooms. Aroused from sleep, the
old man sprang up, seized his sword, and despite his eighty years,
drove them before him through several rooms, but turning to secure
other arms, they sprang upon him from behind and struck him down
with a hatchet ; they bound him into his arm-chair and placed him
upon a long table ; they mocked him, and asked, "Who shall judge
Indians now ? " They compelled the family of the Major to prepare
them supper, after which they drew their knives, and slashed the
helpless old man across the breast, saying "I cross out my ac-
count." They then cut off his ears and nose and forced them into
his mouth, till at last, when fainting with the loss of blood he was
about to fall, one of them held his sword beneath him, upon which
falling he expired.