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

10
Gapt. Henchman's Letter to the Governor.
Chelmsford Sept 27, '75 ["This was Mondavi
Hon d S<
In pursuance of my instructions ; I and my Lieut, met at Major Willard's'
° the last day of the week, 14 with the Captaines of the severall townes
directed to ; as well for the drawing of the Souldiers, as to advise with
them ; for the first they promise they shall be sent to chelmsford at an
hours warning and so will be ready here by that time I have provission for
them ; and that of absolue necessity for them will be powder shott biscake
cheese and raisons, large and warme Wast-coats and drawers tobaco, some
hatchets and a Chirurgion ; for the later the Major and rest of the officers
will advise to no other motion than about this and other towns ; but I understanding
the intent of the Ho d Council to be that I should march to Pennycooke
although not named in my instructions ; I think it need full to acquaint
your Hon rs there with, and desire your express there unto. I have
not farther at present but to subscribe
S r your Hon" humble Servant
(Mass. Archives, vol. 67, 269.) D. Henchman.
November 1, Capt. Henchman marched out of Boston towards
Hassanameset (Grafton) with a small body of men (20), and arrived
at Medfield at 3 P.M. on the same day. The next morning he
writes the Governor from that place.
Medfield Nov. 2 d 1675
Ho nd S r
My orders directing me to the several places and times that my souldiers
were to be ready at, Speded my march accordingly ; and reached
and had with me only
this place yesterday by three of the clock afternoon ;
20 men that marched from Boston with me— Since divers are come up, and
all that at present I am like to have by nine of the clock last night. Several
hear as well as myself have great thoughts how it fareth with Mendam,
having not heard since they sent to Boston, I am hasting to march this
morning but hoped if the men's refreshments had not given check to have
been gon by moon rising, I cannot see by acct taken before I draw out that
my number will amount to above 75, some sending short of
# what ordered
and 37 discharged by order. I have not any officer but a Sergeant from Roxbury
; some men and the armes of others not fit for service, notwithstanding
the strikt orders given by the Major. Our greatest danger (as I judged)
if the enemy designes upon us this clay, will be at a pass six miles from
hence ; the which I hope we shall look unto the Lord in the use of means
to avoid ; some being to returne home this morning I thought it meet to
give this acct. Begging your prayers for us I desire that all our supplications
may be accepted for the Country and the interest of our Lord Jesus
Christ therein ; and rest Hon d S r
Your humble Servant D. Henchman.
[This is in a P. S.]
When the Lord shall have brought us safe to Mendam I shall attend the
Major's orders there and wait for the recruits intended me.
13 Maj. W. was of Lancaster, but his house was in Groton, at what is now Ayer
Junction.
14 Saturday, September 25th.