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

12 of whom were detailed to Chelmsford garrison by him.) Capt.
Henchman received his instructions for future proceedings in a letter
from Gen. Daniel Denison, commander-in-chief of Massachusetts
Forces, given August 9th, 1675. Tins letter commanded him
in brief to return to his men left at Pocasset, to fetch them and the
" provisions and ammunision " off. He was to advertise the Plymouth
commander of this design, and if said commander wished him
to remain there, to await further orders from the Council ; otherwise
to turn over the fort to the care of the Plymouth forces, and march
his men to Boston and disband them until again called out by the
Council. In his march to Pocasset he was given authority to press
horses and guides, or require them of the various constables of the
towns passed, and on his return likewise. On his return he was to
draw off the Massachusetts " souldjers " at Woodcock's garrison,
and also at Mr. Hudson's house, unless he should deem it unsafe,
Hudson " being of our colony whom we are to take care of."
Plymouth colony preferred to take charge of the fort, and Capt.
Henchman brought his soldiers home to Boston as commanded.
Oct 5 1675
Richard Wood. 00 10 04
Edward Dickinson.
Jacob Bullard.
02 07 00
0118 06
Ephraim Wilier, Corp 1
02 05 00 Samuel Whitney. 01 18 06
Thomas May. 01 19 04 John Shattock. 01 02 00
Michael Bearstow. 00 10 04 Daniel Keniday. 01 17 08
Thomas Webb. 01 19 04
I am at loss to determine upon what occasion these soldiers in
the above list served. There was intensely bitter feeling about this
time in Boston as to the way captive Indians should be treated. The
intercession of the venerable John Eliot and the strenuous advocacy
of Capt. Gookin in their behalf, had created great animosity not
only against themselves but all who advised moderate measures.
Capt. Henchman seems to have been of the moderate party, and
was therefore somewhat unpopular with most of the soldiers, and
doubtless his apparent lack of success in the pursuit of Philip at Rehoboth
added to this feeling with the people. But the court sus-
tained and trusted him, and immediately reappointed him to service
over 100 men who met at Roxbury meeting-house, but refused to
march forth under his command, and demanded Capt. Oliver. The
council compromised the matter and sent them Capt. Lake, but they
arc not credited with any service under him. Capt. Henchman
seems to have been employed in August and September in regulating
affairs in some of the outlying towns, and these men perhaps
served as his patrol or guard. September 27th we find him at
Chelmsford garrison in command, as we see by the following letter
of that date.