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

A SUFFICIENTLY
No. IV.
MAJOR THOMAS SAVAGE AND THE FORCES
UNDER HIM.
full and concise account of the family of Thomas
Savage may be found by consulting Savage's Genealogical
Dictionary. He was born in Taunton, Somerset Co., England,
son of William Savage. Came in the "Planter" to Boston, April,
1635, aged 27. Admitted freeman in May following, was an ori-
ginal member of the Artillery Company, and was chosen its captain
in 1651, and several times afterwards. He married Faith, daughter
of William and Ann Hutchinson, in 1637, and for sharing the views
of Ann and her brother-in-law, Rev. John Wheelwright, he was disarmed
by the Court, and joined with Coddington and others in the
purchase of Rhode Island, whither he removed in 1638, but returned
the same year. By his wife Faith he had seven children between
1638 and 1652. Faith died February 20, 1652, and the following
September he married Mary Symmes, daughter of Rev. Zechariah,
of Charlestown, by whom he had eleven more children. He was
almost constantly in public office, and was especially prominent in
all the military affairs of the town from 1651 onward. He was captain
of 2d Boston militia company from 1652 to his death in 1682.
It is the purpose of this article to give as fully as possible the
operations under Major Savage, and facts connected with this Mt.
Hope campaign, and the names of men serving with him not previously
mentioned, so that our account of the campaign may be considered
complete. Some details of the opening preparations are here given,
as being rather connected with the movements of the general force
than separate companies.
It will be remembered that the first actual attack of Philip was
upon those people of Swansey who lived nearest to him. An account
of this attack was sent to the Massachusetts Council by Gov.
Josiah Winslow of Marshfield. His letter is in Mass. Archives,
* vol. 67, page 202, dated June 21st, and says the attack was made
on the day before, and asks the Massachusetts Colony for aid only
in protecting them from the alliance of Philip with the Narraganset
and Xipmuck Indians, which tribes are within the jurisdiction of
Massachusetts ; says that if Plymouth can have " fair play " with
their own Indians he trusts they can take care of themselves. On
the same paper is a copy of the answer of the Council, assuring
him of immediate assistance, and that they will send messengers-
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